Archive for July, 2009

What Makes a Rear Bicycle Basket

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009 at 1:16 pm

The rear bicycle basket has been around in one version or another since the 19th century. The first model was created in 1885 and was driven by chains. It doesn't however differ significantly from our modern day version. It was developed in Europe and has since spread to every corner of the earth. In certain countries, such as China and the Netherlands, it is one of the primary modes of transportation. In other countries, such as the United States and those throughout Europe, it remains a mode of enjoyment, exercise and travel. It is also used in official capacities such as police and security. As environmental, financial and space concerns abound, the bicycle is building more popularity as a mode of transportation. Each year, more and more people realize the joys and simplicity that riding a bicycle can offer. As this increase in riders occurs, there is a movement to learn more about the mechanics of a bicycle. This allows people to better understand their ride and make more educated decisions about purchasing bicycles and accessories.

Bicycles are made up of seven essential parts, not counting optional accessories. These parts or systems are: the frame, wheels, brakes, steering, seating, drivetrain, and suspension. The frame is generally made in a diamond shape consisting of two triangles. The first triangle consists of the front section of the bike, the second triangle is the seating and rear bicycle basket section of the bike. The wheels are made of metal and are covered in a rubber tire. Depending on what type of terrain you will travel, the size and constitution of the tire may vary. The steering consists of the handlebars and control the direction of the bicycle. The seating can also vary depending on whether you are more concerned with comfort or with speed. The suspension system performs the same job as that in a car. It is intended to make the ride smoother and more pleasant by absorbing the shock of the road. The drive train is comprised of the pedals. As you turn the pedals, they rotate crank arms and drive the chain to make the rear wheel rotate. The brakes are hand operated and serve to stop or slow the bicycle. Depending on the bike, they have one of three types of brake systems. They are: rim, hub or disc brakes. There are many accessories that exist for modern bicycles. Some of these include kick stands to hold the bicycle upright while it is stationary, headlights for riding at night, baskets to hold items from water bottles to groceries, mud guards to prevent kicking up mud as you ride, etc.

With it's ever increasing popularity, we can expect to see the rear bicycle basket market explode with new products and ideas. As technology improves, we will once again see changes in the design and implementation of bicycles. Lighter, faster bicycles will emerge as will a whole host of new accessories for the new and experienced riders. It is exciting to know that at every moment we are on the verge of a revolution!

New Cycling Bicycle handlebar bag Bike front basket
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US $.99

NEW BICYCLE BIKE WILLOW WICKER BASKET CLASSIC Style
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WALD BICYCLE FRONT BASKET nice condition
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SCHWINN BREEZE TYPHOON RACER BIKE BICYCLE RACKBASKET
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US $25.00

Portable Bicycle Bike Handle Bar Basket Pet carrier new
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US $.99

vintage schwinn bicycle rear carrier saddle baskets
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US $9.99

The Bicycle Baskets in Japan

Sunday, July 19th, 2009 at 2:43 am

Comments (22)

One of the first things that foreigners arriving in Japan are often surprised by are the vast number of bicycle baskets that can be seen careening through the city streets and sidewalks. Almost everyone, from grandmothers to well dressed businessmen on their way to the office use a “jitensha” ( bicycle) as a form of mainstream transportation. Whether employed for picking up the children from preschool, pedaling to the nearest train station, or commuting to work or university, the bicycle has become an integral part of Japanese society. Even the police, who can often be seen making nightly rounds on bicycle baskets, prefer them in regard to navigating the narrow network of streets that comprise most Japanese cities and towns. The two wheelers are indeed everywhere, and to such an extent that huge parking areas near most shopping centers and railway stations are dedicated solely to accommodating bicycles.

Despite their convenience and appeal as a cheap form of transportation, they are also a major annoyance and possible physical threat to those riders and pedestrians who fail to learn the rules of the road. Those rules being: that there are no rules of the road. In theory bicycle baskets by law are to be ridden only on city streets and not sidewalks, except when signs indicate otherwise. In reality however this regulation is entirely ignored by everyone. More times than I care to remember I've found myself

jumping out of the way of some over zealous cyclist who decided the path of least resistance would be to run directly over me. Or felt the sudden swoosh of air touch my arm as a crazed biker appearing out of nowhere like some invisible phantom in the night sped manically by from behind as I leisurely sauntered home.

In spite of these pitfalls the bicycle in Japan for better or worse is here to stay, and as the saying goes, “if you can't beat em join em”. For those of you who are considering purchasing one upon arriving you'll be pleased to know they're quite inexpensive, the average cost running around 10,000 yen , and used bicycle baskets are available for even less. The most common bicycles for everyday use are typically one speed models with steel frames which include a kickstand, generator lights, fenders, caliper front brake and disk rear brake, and a steel mesh basket which is attached to the handle bars for carrying groceries and other items.