About Juliette at Hub and Bespoke

Ride in comfort; arrive in style

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  I'd like to make a donation to an organization that will advocate to support better bicycle infrastructure in Seattle. Which is the best org?

  1 0 Yes to Lilting Missive. AND don't forget Bicycle Alliance of Washington. They have done great work in the area too. http://www.bicyclealliance.org/ Juliette at Hub and Bespoke answered in Bicycles 10 months ago Answer, comment & read 5 more answers »

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  Where on the web can I find a good map of the entire bike trail between Shoreline and Everett?

  2 0 Did you already look here? http://www.kingcounty.gov/transportation/kcdot/roads/bicycling.aspx http://www.commtrans.org/FAQs/BikeMaps.cfm Shoreline and Everett are in two different counties, so I am not sure you'll find a map on line with these two locales on one map. Juliette at Hub and Bespoke answered in Bicycles 10 months ago Answer, comment & read 3 more answers »

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  What is the "change the oil every 3,000 miles" equivalent for proper bike maintenance?

  1 0 Caveat: the answers that follow are from a rider who is not mechanically inclined (interested) on fixing her own bike. The one thing I do do is what JAT recommended. A clean, lubed chain saves you money down the road and worth getting comfortable with. The rest of it is handled by my local bike shop. You asked a few other questions that I wanted to encourage you not to worry so much about (unlike for a car): -- Tires - depending on the type of riding don't need replacement very often. They protecting your inner tube and providing comfort and traction to the road. Unlike a car, you really know when you need to replace (splits, tears, worn thin which is visible). Keep them inflated. If you are a big guy too low pressure can lead to flats (tube gets pinched). -- Brakes - as with tires you can tell when they are not doing what they need to do for you. You don't want metal rubbing metal. All stuff easy to see and even hear are not quite right. Given you aptitude and interest in things mechanical, I must recommend the classes at BikeWorks http://www.bikeworks.org/adult_def.php. Set your mind at ease and have fun! Juliette at Hub and Bespoke answered in Bicycles 11 months ago Answer, comment & read 4 more answers »

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  What are the top 3 tips for riding a bike in the city, if you're new to this whole "biking" deal?

  5 0 Good advice from everyone! You can see we all really want to encourage you to get out there. Reiterating what's been said: •Assume no one can see you – in spite of the increase in bicycle riders cars are still not used to seeing cyclists. Even if you have the right of way, make sure to have eye contact before taking it. This may slow you down occasionally, but worth it! •Be predictable – signal turns, hold your path (not weaving in and out of from parked cars). Remember, if there’s not enough room for you and a car to pass you, you have the right to take the full lane until you feel that it is safe. •Be visible – lights and reflectors on your bike and helmet. Can’t have too many, I say. And about the spandex: we find a touch of the stuff in your regular clothes does make the riding more comfortable. Anecdotally I have found wearing normal street clothes helps in getting a little more space from cars. I think drivers see someone who looks just like them, not a rock-star athlete, and want to help out. Oh, and a smile is one of your biggest assets when trying to share the road with cars. Juliette at Hub and Bespoke answered in Bicycles 11 months ago Answer, comment & read 10 more answers »

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  How often should I replace my helmet?

  2 0 To answer your first question regarding helmet replacement I will refer you to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute's website where they answer this question in, I believe, and evenhanded way. http://www.bhsi.org/replace.htm BHSI describes themselves as "an all-volunteer program funded at less than $12,000 per year exclusively by consumer donations, most of them very small. We do not accept funding from any helmet manufacturer or industry group." Regarding disposal of a dead helmet, other than creative repurposing that you might come up with sadly I believe the shock-absorbing styrofoam and plastic covering are landfill material. Surely you can re-use the strapping and clip for something, right!? Juliette at Hub and Bespoke answered in Bicycles 11 months ago Answer, comment & read 4 more answers »

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