As 2010 comes to an end, I have finally put together a FAQ page. No juicy revelations here; just literally some frequently asked questions that could benefit from being compiled into a single post. Perhaps this will provide some blizzard reading for those stuck indoors!
Skip to questions about...
i. the blog itself
ii. my cycling experience
iii. my bicycles
iv. bicycle advice
vi. sponsorship, review policies
vii. bicycle photography
viii. personal stuff
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I. General questions about the blog
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What made you interested in the topic?
I am generally interested in design: I like to know about the history of objects and the relationship between form and function. What is interesting to me about classic bicycles, is the intriguing harmony between their aesthetics and their functionality. As for cycling in itself - I feel that it parallels the general turn my life has taken in the past few years, and I am interested in exploring that connection. I have written a little about that here.
Is Lovely Bicycle a "women's blog"?
That's difficult to say. I do not presume a female audience. But by virtue of being female myself, my experiences and views are biased towards the female perspective and I do not make attempts to correct that bias. Based on the comments and emails I receive, I believe the gender ratio of my readers is about 50/50.
How many visitors does Lovely Bicycle receive?
The website currently receives 1,800 visits per day on average. The greatest number of visitors is from North America (67%), followed by Europe (22%).
Do you answer emails from readers?
What advice do you have for someone who wants to start a bicycle blog?
If your approach is goal-oriented from the start, it probably won't work. Just write about what interests you. More on that here.
Do you accept donations for Lovely Bicycle?
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II. Questions About My Cycling Experience
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When Did You Start Cycling?
I rode a bike as a child and as a teenager, and you can read about that here. I then stopped at age 17 and did not start again until Spring 2009, at age 30.
How much cycling do you do now?
What is the longest ride you have taken so far?
The longest ride so far has been a metric century (64 miles). I had hoped to complete a true century (100 miles) over the past summer, but got sick and it did not work out.
What do you wear while cycling?
When I cycle for transportation, I wear my regular clothes, which tend to include skirts. When I ride a roadbike, I will wear something sporty - usually leggings and a long-sleeve tee. Here is a true-to-life illustration of both.
Do you cycle when it's very hot and humid out?
Yes, and you can read about that here.
How did you develop your transportation cycling skills?
Slowly and gradually, thanks to a comfortable upright bicycle and everyday experience. I always stayed within my comfort zone, and that zone gradually began to expand. There is no shortcut that I know of, to feeling comfortable cycling in traffic for transportation.
How did you develop your road cycling skills?
In the first instance, a stable bicycle with "touring geometry" was immensely helpful to me. I also raised the drop bars quite high initially, and then gradually lowered them as I got used to them. At a later stage, I found riding fixed gear to be useful in picking up roadbike handling skills.
When was the first time you rode a roadbike with drop bars?
The actual first time I tried was in the summer of 2009, but I ultimately could not do it and gave up after much disappointment. The first successful time was in the spring of 2010, on my Rivendell.
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How many bicycles do you own?
I currently have 7, not counting a couple of "projects" that are not technically mine. You can read about my current and past bicycles here.
Why so many?
I am interested in learning about bicycles - including comparing different geometries, different methods of construction, different aesthetic traditions, and different ride qualities. The only way to do that really, is via personal experience.
Why did you sell your beautiful Pashley?
The Pashley Princess worked well for me when I was a beginner. But as my cycling skills improved, I found the bicycle to be less responsive than I would have liked, especially on hills. However, I still maintain that it is a beautiful and extremely well-made machine.
How does your Gazelle handle compared to the Pashley?
Despite being a bit heavier and larger, I find my Gazelle to be faster to accelerate than the Pashley, and somewhat easier on hills. However, keep in mind that my Gazelle is a 15-year-old "A-Touren" model, and not a current production Gazelle.
What about the Bella Ciao?
The Bella Ciao bicycle is fast and climbs hills easier than any other upright bike I have tried (the Abici is in close 2nd place, and the Retrovelo in 3rd). But it is simply in a different category from Dutch bikes and English Roadsters, so it is like comparing apples and oranges. I have a detailed write-up about different kinds of upright bikes here.
What happened to the vintage Raleigh DL-1?
It is still here! It lives in our photo studio (in a town 14 miles away) and is my "studio bike". I am very busy when I am there and don't have time to take photos for the blog, but I will try to feature it more.
Why a custom Royal H. mixte rather than a Rivendell Betty Foy?
You can read about that here.
Of the bicycles you own, which is your favourite?
What bike shops can you recommend in the Boston area?
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Are you pro-VC (vehicular cycling) or pro-Infrastructure (bike lanes/ protected paths)?
Do you follow vehicular road rules when cycling in traffic?
Definitely.
What are your views on bicycle lights and high-visibility wear?
I think that good bicycle lighting is essential, and I define "good lighting" as steady (non-flashing) lights attached to the bicycle directly and not to moving parts such as helmets or bags. I am neutral regarding high-vis wear and see it is a matter of personal choice. For the most part, I agree with the views expressed on Portlandize regarding this issue.
What are your views on bicycle helmets?
I am pro-choice. My personal views are for the most part in agreement with those expressed on Portlandize (see here and here). I will not engage in helmet debates on Lovely Bicycle.
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VI. Questions About Sponsorship and Reviews....................................................................................................
Why did Lovely Bicycle become a sponsored website?
Please read about that here. It was a difficult decision, but ultimately I am pleased with how things have turned out.
How do I know which businesses sponsor you?
All businesses that sponsor Lovely Bicycle display a banner on the right margin of this website under "Sponsors". There are no other sponsors, and no paid advertising material appears on any other part of this website.
How do you deal with bias and potential conflict of interest?
Please read about that here.
On what basis do you select sponsors?
On the basis of liking the products/ services they offer. I have declined sponsorship offers from businesses whose products and services I do not wish to advertise.
You've mentioned collaborative projects with the bicycle industry. How will you get compensated for your involvement?
I will get paid as a consultant/designer. I do not work on commission.
How much post-processing do you do, and using what program?
My post-processing is minimal and I use Gimp. Usually the work is limited to image cropping and colour adjustment, when necessary.
Are some of your photos already in use by the bicycle industry?
Yes. You might spot photos that have been taken by us in use by Zimbale, Bella Ciao, Red Barn Design, Flying Pigeon LA, Vienna Active Tours, and Royal H. Cycles.
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What kind of cats do you have?
They are Norwegian Forest Cats, possibly with a touch of Ragdoll. One is brown and white, the other is all brown. They are sisters. You can see pictures here.
Do your friends and family read Lovely Bicycle?
Mostly no. Only the Co-Habitant and my house-mate in Vienna know about it.
Skip to questions about...
i. the blog itself
ii. my cycling experience
iii. my bicycles
iv. bicycle advice
vi. sponsorship, review policies
vii. bicycle photography
viii. personal stuff
....................................................................................................
I. General questions about the blog
....................................................................................................
What is the message of Lovely Bicycle?
I don't think there is a specific message. I am interested in classic bicycles and in various aspects of the cycling experience. But I would not call that a message, more like a theme. The post on "Functionality, Comfort, and Aesthetics" explains some of my views pretty well, as does the post on why I think bicycles are not like vacuum cleaners.
I don't think there is a specific message. I am interested in classic bicycles and in various aspects of the cycling experience. But I would not call that a message, more like a theme. The post on "Functionality, Comfort, and Aesthetics" explains some of my views pretty well, as does the post on why I think bicycles are not like vacuum cleaners.
What made you interested in the topic?
I am generally interested in design: I like to know about the history of objects and the relationship between form and function. What is interesting to me about classic bicycles, is the intriguing harmony between their aesthetics and their functionality. As for cycling in itself - I feel that it parallels the general turn my life has taken in the past few years, and I am interested in exploring that connection. I have written a little about that here.
How and why did you start Lovely Bicycle?
You can read all about that here.
Is Lovely Bicycle a "women's blog"?
That's difficult to say. I do not presume a female audience. But by virtue of being female myself, my experiences and views are biased towards the female perspective and I do not make attempts to correct that bias. Based on the comments and emails I receive, I believe the gender ratio of my readers is about 50/50.
How long does it take you to write a Lovely Bicycle post?
An average post takes about an hour.
How many visitors does Lovely Bicycle receive?
The website currently receives 1,800 visits per day on average. The greatest number of visitors is from North America (67%), followed by Europe (22%).
Do you answer emails from readers?
Yes, but sometimes there is a backlog and it takes me a while to reply. My contact information is listed here.
Do you publish press releases and announcements?
Normally, no.
Will there be a Lovely Bicycle Facebook page or Twitter account?
Who in the cycling world inspires you?
Sheldon Brown.
What is your policy on moderating comments?
As stated here, I approve all comments other than spam, slander, inflammatory remarks, or blatant rudeness. Over 99% of my comments that aren't spam get approved.
What are your long-term plans for Lovely Bicycle?
They are more or less to carry on in the same direction. I do not have plans to expand Lovely Bicycle beyond the weblog format.
Will there be a Lovely Bicycle Facebook page or Twitter account?
I doubt it. I don't enjoy those forms of media and have no time to keep up with them.
What is your favourite cycling blog?
It is a 3-way tie between Let's Go Ride a Bike, EcoVelo and BikeSnobNYC. I also read the Yehuda Moon comic.
Who in the cycling world inspires you?
Sheldon Brown.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to start a bicycle blog?
If your approach is goal-oriented from the start, it probably won't work. Just write about what interests you. More on that here.
Do you accept donations for Lovely Bicycle?
While I do not solicit donations from readers, I accept and appreciate them when offered - as long as they are appropriate and pose no conflict of interest.
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II. Questions About My Cycling Experience
....................................................................................................
When Did You Start Cycling?
I rode a bike as a child and as a teenager, and you can read about that here. I then stopped at age 17 and did not start again until Spring 2009, at age 30.
I cycle for transportation daily, unless I am too sick or the weather is dangerously bad. These trips typically total 3-10 miles per day. I also ride a roadbike recreationally whenever I can, but the frequency of that depends on the time of year and how busy I am.
Do you drive or own a car?
I don't drive, but I share a car with the Co-Habitant. You can read about that here.
Do you drive or own a car?
I don't drive, but I share a car with the Co-Habitant. You can read about that here.
What is the longest ride you have taken so far?
The longest ride so far has been a metric century (64 miles). I had hoped to complete a true century (100 miles) over the past summer, but got sick and it did not work out.
What do you wear while cycling?
When I cycle for transportation, I wear my regular clothes, which tend to include skirts. When I ride a roadbike, I will wear something sporty - usually leggings and a long-sleeve tee. Here is a true-to-life illustration of both.
Do you cycle in high heels?
No, I don't feel comfortable doing that. But I have nothing against others wearing heels while cycling. More on that here.
Do you cycle in the winter?
Yes. Here are my posts about winter cycling.
Do you cycle when it's very hot and humid out?
Yes, and you can read about that here.
How did you develop your transportation cycling skills?
Slowly and gradually, thanks to a comfortable upright bicycle and everyday experience. I always stayed within my comfort zone, and that zone gradually began to expand. There is no shortcut that I know of, to feeling comfortable cycling in traffic for transportation.
How did you develop your road cycling skills?
In the first instance, a stable bicycle with "touring geometry" was immensely helpful to me. I also raised the drop bars quite high initially, and then gradually lowered them as I got used to them. At a later stage, I found riding fixed gear to be useful in picking up roadbike handling skills.
When was the first time you rode a roadbike with drop bars?
The actual first time I tried was in the summer of 2009, but I ultimately could not do it and gave up after much disappointment. The first successful time was in the spring of 2010, on my Rivendell.
How do you care for your bicycles?
Shamefully, I don't. They are all filthy, though the rain does wash them occasionally.
Do you do your own maintenance work, component installations and assembly?
Usually no. The Co-Habitant loves that sort of thing, so why deprive him? (More about this here.)
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How many bicycles do you own?
I currently have 7, not counting a couple of "projects" that are not technically mine. You can read about my current and past bicycles here.
Why so many?
I am interested in learning about bicycles - including comparing different geometries, different methods of construction, different aesthetic traditions, and different ride qualities. The only way to do that really, is via personal experience.
Why did you sell your beautiful Pashley?
The Pashley Princess worked well for me when I was a beginner. But as my cycling skills improved, I found the bicycle to be less responsive than I would have liked, especially on hills. However, I still maintain that it is a beautiful and extremely well-made machine.
How does your Gazelle handle compared to the Pashley?
Despite being a bit heavier and larger, I find my Gazelle to be faster to accelerate than the Pashley, and somewhat easier on hills. However, keep in mind that my Gazelle is a 15-year-old "A-Touren" model, and not a current production Gazelle.
What about the Bella Ciao?
The Bella Ciao bicycle is fast and climbs hills easier than any other upright bike I have tried (the Abici is in close 2nd place, and the Retrovelo in 3rd). But it is simply in a different category from Dutch bikes and English Roadsters, so it is like comparing apples and oranges. I have a detailed write-up about different kinds of upright bikes here.
What happened to the vintage Raleigh DL-1?
It is still here! It lives in our photo studio (in a town 14 miles away) and is my "studio bike". I am very busy when I am there and don't have time to take photos for the blog, but I will try to feature it more.
Why a custom Royal H. mixte rather than a Rivendell Betty Foy?
You can read about that here.
Of the bicycles you own, which is your favourite?
Can't really answer that! I am painfully attached to most of the ones I own now, and they have different purposes.
Okay, but "burning building and you can only save 1 bike"?
My Royal H. mixte then. But let's hope it doesn't come to that!
What bicycles would you like to try next?
I would really like to experience "low trail geometry" - preferably on an original French randonneur or a modern (but classic) equivalent.
If you had an unlimited budget, what is your dream bicycle?
I am not experienced enough yet to have a "dream bicycle". Ask me in 1-2 years!
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What bicycle do you recommend for commuting?
There is no one manufacturer or model that I can recommend. But I do suggest certain features, which are described in detail here. Keep in mind that my suggestions are for those who have similar priorities as I do; they are not for everyone.
What bicycle would you recommend that can "do it all"?
I would be very careful about that. See here for more.
Internally geared hub or derailleur?
Only you can decide. I prefer internally geared hubs for transportation, since they do not require maintenance. I prefer derailleurs for long-distance hilly touring, since they allow a wider range of gears.
How many speeds are best on an internally geared hub?
There is no magic number; you need to experiment and determine that for yourself. I prefer 3-speeds, with a classic trigger shifter.
Do I really need dress guards and a chaincase for commuting?
That depends entirely on you. Here is more on that.
What bike would you recommend for commuting, on a $500 budget?
A good, refurbished vintage 3-speed. Nobody wants to hear that, as a new bike is easier to buy. But if you want my honest opinion, go for the vintage 3-speed. If you absolutely must have a new bike for under $500, I like the lady's KHS Manhattan Green better than others I've tried.
What bike would you recommend for commuting, on a $1,000 budget?
As of now, I am honestly not sure what to suggest. Perhaps a Gazelle 3-speed, or an Abici, if you are okay with the welded seat cluster on the former or with the unicrown fork on the latter.
What bike would you recommend for commuting, on a $1,500 budget?
A Bella Ciao, or a Retrovelo Klara.
What touring bicycle would you recommend?
A Rivendell. I am drinking the kool-aid and it tastes good.
What bike shops can you recommend in the Boston area?
I consider Harris Cyclery in West Newton, MA to be the best bike shop in the area - as defined by product availability, staff knowledgeability, and quality of service. Harris Cyclery became a sponsor of Lovely Bicycle in October 2010, but I have been writing positive things about them well before that time. I also like Cambridge Bicyles and the Wheelworks.
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....................................................................................................Are you pro-VC (vehicular cycling) or pro-Infrastructure (bike lanes/ protected paths)?
Not to be wishy-washy about it, but I think that either could work and either could fail, depending on the context.
Do you follow vehicular road rules when cycling in traffic?
Definitely.
What are your thoughts on bike share programs?
I am conflicted on this one. Although bike share programs sound like a fantastic idea on the surface, I feel that they often involve a great deal of wastefulness. I think Mike Flanigan explains this nicely here.
What are your views on bicycle lights and high-visibility wear?
I think that good bicycle lighting is essential, and I define "good lighting" as steady (non-flashing) lights attached to the bicycle directly and not to moving parts such as helmets or bags. I am neutral regarding high-vis wear and see it is a matter of personal choice. For the most part, I agree with the views expressed on Portlandize regarding this issue.
What are your views on bicycle helmets?
I am pro-choice. My personal views are for the most part in agreement with those expressed on Portlandize (see here and here). I will not engage in helmet debates on Lovely Bicycle.
Are you involved in cycling advocacy or activism?
I try to avoid any kind of "isms".
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VI. Questions About Sponsorship and Reviews
Why did Lovely Bicycle become a sponsored website?
Please read about that here. It was a difficult decision, but ultimately I am pleased with how things have turned out.
How do I know which businesses sponsor you?
All businesses that sponsor Lovely Bicycle display a banner on the right margin of this website under "Sponsors". There are no other sponsors, and no paid advertising material appears on any other part of this website.
How do you deal with bias and potential conflict of interest?
Please read about that here.
On what basis do you select sponsors?
On the basis of liking the products/ services they offer. I have declined sponsorship offers from businesses whose products and services I do not wish to advertise.
You've mentioned collaborative projects with the bicycle industry. How will you get compensated for your involvement?
I will get paid as a consultant/designer. I do not work on commission.
Do you participate in affiliate marketing?
I do not participate in affiliate marketing of any kind, including per-click ads or text-embedded links.
How do I know when your bicycle test ride reports and product reviews are prompted by the industry?
Most of my test ride reports and product reviews are my own idea. When this is not the case, I will mention that a product was sent to me for review, or that I was requested to try the product. These disclosures will appear in the first paragraph of the review. If a product was sent to me for free, I will likewise mention this in the first paragraph of the review. I do not accept payment for product reviews.
As a manufacturer, how do I advertise on your website, or get you to review my product?
Please contact me, and I will send you detailed information about my advertising rates and product review policies.
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VII. Questions About Photography
How do I know when your bicycle test ride reports and product reviews are prompted by the industry?
Most of my test ride reports and product reviews are my own idea. When this is not the case, I will mention that a product was sent to me for review, or that I was requested to try the product. These disclosures will appear in the first paragraph of the review. If a product was sent to me for free, I will likewise mention this in the first paragraph of the review. I do not accept payment for product reviews.
As a manufacturer, how do I advertise on your website, or get you to review my product?
Please contact me, and I will send you detailed information about my advertising rates and product review policies.
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VII. Questions About Photography
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How often do you take bicycle pictures?
Typically, about twice a week. I don't do it in a "daily photo journal" sort of way; the majority of my cycling activity goes undocumented.
You write about cycling in traffic, but I rarely see pictures of that.
I don't feel safe taking pictures, or being photographed, while actually cycling in traffic. Most pictures where you see me cycling are staged on a quiet street or in a park.
Are you and the Co-Habitant professional photographers?
Most of the pictures on Lovely Bicycle are taken casually and do not reflect our professional work - but yes. If you are interested in our work, please get in touch.
What camera(s) do you use on the blog?
In posts prior to December 2009, pictures were taken with an old Nikon CoolPix point-and-shoot camera. In posts starting December 2009, most pictures were taken either with a Panasonic Lumix LX3 compact, or with a Nikon D-90 DSLR. You can also have a look at my flickr account; camera info is listed there for each image.
How much post-processing do you do, and using what program?
My post-processing is minimal and I use Gimp. Usually the work is limited to image cropping and colour adjustment, when necessary.
Do you have any tips for taking good bike photos?
Everyone's idea of "good bike photos" is different. I will try to write a post about my approach soon. In the meantime, here is an excellent post on this topic from ecovelo.
May I use your images in my blog or website?
You are welcome to use my images for non-commercial purposes, if in doing so you credit Lovely Bicycle and provide a link to this weblog. Unless credit is given otherwise, all images on this site are © 2011 Lovely Bicycle.
How can I get access to hi-res versions of your images?
Hi-res versions of most images are available for sale. Please get in touch if you are interested in purchasing a specific image.
May I use your images for commercial purposes?
To use my images for commercial purposes, you must purchase them. If you are interested, please contact me to discuss terms.
Are some of your photos already in use by the bicycle industry?
Yes. You might spot photos that have been taken by us in use by Zimbale, Bella Ciao, Red Barn Design, Flying Pigeon LA, Vienna Active Tours, and Royal H. Cycles.
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Where are you from?
I grew up partly in Europe and partly in New England, USA. You have to know me personally to get more than that out of me.
Who is the "Co-Habitant"? Is he a boyfriend? husband?
We are married, but the word "husband" makes me think of animal husbandry...
What is your educational background?
I have a doctorate in Psychology, postgraduate training in Neuroscience, and a degree in International Relations. I am also an Art School dropout.
How old are you?
I am 31 years old.
What do you do for a living?
I consider myself primarily an artist (painting, photography, performance), with a dayjob in academia and consulting. I have been gradually cutting down on the dayjob and focusing on the art. So far, so good.
What is your height and weight?
A legitimate question as it pertains to cycling, so I am fine answering: I am 5'7" and my weight is usually around 125lb.
Is your hair straight or curly? It always looks different in pictures.
It is curly, but sometimes I straighten it.
What kind of cats do you have?
They are Norwegian Forest Cats, possibly with a touch of Ragdoll. One is brown and white, the other is all brown. They are sisters. You can see pictures here.
Do your friends and family read Lovely Bicycle?
Mostly no. Only the Co-Habitant and my house-mate in Vienna know about it.
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Well, I think that is enough for now! I will link to this page on the main sidebar and and will continue to expand it over time. Thank you, everybody, for reading Lovely Bicycle!
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