I thought it would be nice to bring back the themes – but only if they come organically. Here are some cool shots of bikes at rail yards. This week’s theme will be “catching the train”.

I hope you enjoy this set and check back each week to see what shots get picked. Be sure to check out the Flickr page to see all the awesome bike shots shared by our extremely talented contributors.

"Brompton by the Tracks" © The Prudent Cyclist

The Prudent Cyclist - Website: Prudent Cyclist

"IMG_2889_HDR" © RLEVANS

RLEVANS

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© All images are subject to Flickr Copyright Rules.

By submitting images to the Suburban Assault Flickr group, you are allowing the limited, non-profit, non-commercial usage of your images, as described by the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License, for non-commercial use on this non-commercial blog. In return you will receive FULL photo credit and links to your Flickr Photostream.

We stopped by the Dallas Bicycle Cafe last Sunday. I had a blueberry muffin and White Rock Trail Latte, which was really good.

I’ll do a full review, once I’ve visited a few times. For now, click here to see some pics.

It’s finally happening. Dallas is starting to become a bike friendly city. Not only are we beginning to see bike friendly businesses, but also places that are actually built for cyclists. Dallas Bicycle Cafe is now one of those destinations. Parked close to both the White Rock Creek Trail and the DART White Rock Station, this place will be a great hub for cyclists and commuters. Here’s there information:

Dallas Bicycle Cafe
Addresss: 7510 E. Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75214
Phone: Not Available Yet
Website: http://www.DallasBicycleCafe.com Not Up Yet
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BicycleCafeDallas
Hours: 
Tue – Thu: 6:00 am-10:00 pm
Fri – Sat: 6:00 am-12:00 am
Sun: 6:00 am-10:00 pm
Description: Health Food, Green Nutrition, Coffee, Tea, Beer, Wine, Bicycle Storage Lockers, Changing Room. @White Rock Lake

For more information, check out this post over at BikingInDallas.

No theme this week – just some fantastic photography.

I hope you enjoy this set and check back each week to see what shots get picked. Be sure to check out the Flickr page to see all the awesome bike shots shared by our extremely talented contributors.

"Single Speed" © Photofarrell

Photofarrell - Website: Scott O’Farrell Photography

© Soeiro Santos

Soeiro Santos - Website: Simply….Ride!

"DSCN4405" © acme59

acme59

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© All images are subject to Flickr Copyright Rules.

By submitting images to the Suburban Assault Flickr group, you are allowing the limited, non-profit, non-commercial usage of your images, as described by the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License, for non-commercial use on this non-commercial blog. In return you will receive FULL photo credit and links to your Flickr Photostream.

I’ve been needing a new u-lock. My cheap-o lock u-lock from college was showing some serious wear and tear, and I was down to just one key – which happened to be the old, easy to pick, barrel kind. As a temp fix, I picked up a simple cable lock. It did the job, but as we all know, could easily be compromised by some cable cutters. It was basically used to keep the honest folks, honest.

Of course, there are lots of great products on the market from companies like Kryptonite, OnGuard, etc. I was going to pick one up for this year, until I saw the Blackburn locks featured in Bicycling magazine. To me, Blackburn is known for their air pumps, cyclometers, tools and trainers – I never expected a bike lock in their lineup. I was intrigued by their hexagonal shackle concept – so I picked up a Sing Sing from Amazon.

Here are the specs from their site:
• Hexagonal 14mm alloy steel shackle with anti-scratch liner
• Maximum resistance to cutting and leverage attacks
• 12 tons of cut-strength
• Bump-proof, pick-proof dual-bolt lock mechanism
• Three laser-cut keys with key replacement program
• Mounting bracket included
• $2500 Theft replacement guarantee
• 159mm x 76mm
• Security Rating: 10

The hexagonal shape of the shackle is a pretty cool concept. It prevents the it from spinning, effectively doubling its resistance to cutting and leverage attacks. The pick-proof dual mechanism engages the shackle at both ends, also adding to the security.

I got a good, first impression of the Sing Sing. It’s feel heavy and substantial, with a pretty good build quality. My only complaint would be is that the plastic cladding around the base doesn’t feel as substantial as some of the competitors out there. However, the cladding does do a good job at keeping my bike free from scratches.

It comes with a bike attachment, but  Sing Sing is just the right size to just toss in my bag. The trade off is, that it’s heavier than my cable lock – a compromise I have to make to have more security. The inside space of the lock has just enough room to lock my frame and one wheel (removed) – depending on what I’m locking it to. The Blackburn locks do come larger sizes like the San Quentin, Leavenworth and Folsom (yes, all prison names – those clever marketing guys) for those who need the space.

Overall, I’m pretty pleased with the Blackburn Sing Sing. Is it actually better than any other u-lock out there? That’s a question I hope I never have to answer. The $2,500 Theft Replacement Guarantee, does add to my confidence. The suggested retail is $69. You can find it a lot less if you shop around like I did.

Like with a lot of cool bike things that I learn about, I found out about this on Urban Velo. Young bike rider, Ryan Stamerro, will be riding his bike across country this summer. Sure, there’s really nothing special about that. Folks do cross-country bike rides all the time (it’s one of my personal bucket list items). What makes Ryan’s trip a bit different is that he’s going to do it on a fixed gear bike. The entire trip is also meant to bring awareness to Half United.

He’ll also be recording his ride with 35mm photography and through his blog, One Country, One Gear. It sounds like a great challenge and adventure, and I wish him a safe journey.

If you are interested in following his journey and would like to help him get started, click here to see his Kickstarter page.

No theme this week – just some fantastic photography.

I hope you enjoy this set and check back each week to see what shots get picked. Be sure to check out the Flickr page to see all the awesome bike shots shared by our extremely talented contributors.

"winter cycle chic" © Simply Bike

Simply Bike - Website: Simply Bike

"Tweed Run NovC 2011 (11)" © Funny Cyclist

Funny Cyclist

© rperks1

rperks1 - Website: Ocean Air Cycles

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© All images are subject to Flickr Copyright Rules.

By submitting images to the Suburban Assault Flickr group, you are allowing the limited, non-profit, non-commercial usage of your images, as described by the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License, for non-commercial use on this non-commercial blog. In return you will receive FULL photo credit and links to your Flickr Photostream.

A fellow cyclist has fallen and needs your help. From their Facebook page:

We are working on a fundraiser for our fellow cyclist Misty “Liberty Kat” who was seriously injured on a group ride recently. She sustained broken bones and even a fracture in her neck among other things–she was wearing a helmet or the damage might have been worse. We’re happy to report that Liberty is out of the ICU where she was Care Flighted and she seems to be recovering quite well with the help all of your positive thoughts and well wishes. 

The fundraiser is January 29th at the AMAZING Fitzgerald Loft at 2814 Canton in Deep Ellum. We are SO LUCKY to have generous people like Sean & Karen Kohler Fitzgerald in our community, so please make sure you thank them for their hospitality when you meet them

Your donation of $10 at the door gets live entertainment and FREE BEER which is being donated by the kind folks at Franconia Brewery!

Raffle tickets will be sold for our long list of AWESOME prizes (see comments section for details). Prize values are $20-$600!

If you own a business or have connections to anyone who may be interested in donating cash or items for raffle/auction at the event, please contact either Toni Youngblood or Susan Reeves ASAP. 

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO DONATE $ DIRECTLY TO LIBERTY

Every little bit counts – even $5 or $10. These donations my not pay for all of her bills, but will help her get back on her feet.

Date: Sunday, January 29, 2012
Time: 1:00pm until 6:00pm
Location: Fitzgerald Loft at 2814 Canton in Deep Ellum
Cover: $10 Donation at the door (FREE beer) – Raffle tickets will also be sold.

For some reason, I always miss this event. This year, I’m going to do my best to make it out to the 5th Annual Great Southwest Bike Swap Meet. This is a one-day event where bicycle shops, frame builders and independent bike geeks can buy, sell, trade and show bicycle stuff. Sounds like a perfect way to spend a Sunday.

Date: Sunday, March 4, 2012
Time: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Location: RESOURCE CONNECTION OF TARRANT COUNTY
1100 Circle Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76119-8111

The Resource Connection of Tarrant County Campus is located on the south side of Fort Worth, off of I-20 and Campus Drive (Exit 439), One exit east of the I-20/I-35W interchange, north of I-20.

The event will be in building 2300 on the north side of the campus. The entrance and exit will be on the northwest corner of the building and will be clearly marked.

Admission: FREE to the public

RAFFLE PRIZES: Raffle tickets will be on sale for $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00. Drawings will be held every half-hour for raffle prizes to those present, with a grand prize set of Mavic wheels to be drawn at the close of the show. Must be present to win raffle prizes.

For more information call Rick at Colonel’s Bicycles (817) 924-1333.

No theme this week – just some fantastic photography.

I hope you enjoy this set and check back each week to see what shots get picked. Be sure to check out the Flickr page to see all the awesome bike shots shared by our extremely talented contributors.

"$1 Records" © Georgie_grrl

Georgie_grrl

© pianococtail

pianococtail - Website: http://www.bicivilizados.org

IMG_1297 © hector.acuna

hector.acuna - Website: Hector Acuna’s Website

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© All images are subject to Flickr Copyright Rules.

By submitting images to the Suburban Assault Flickr group, you are allowing the limited, non-profit, non-commercial usage of your images, as described by the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License, for non-commercial use on this non-commercial blog. In return you will receive FULL photo credit and links to your Flickr Photostream.