Author Archives: 16incheswestofpeoria

About 16incheswestofpeoria

Former bicycle mechanic, current peruser of books, feeder of birds.

Wolf Tooth Pack Wrench – ultralight 1″ hex and bottom bracket wrench

Posted on February 14, 2019

If you work on your own bicycles, you know the allure of purpose-built bicycle tools. The right tool simplifies the job, whether it’s a spoke wrench shaped to fit the hand as well as the nipple, or a threaded-headset wrench … Continue reading →

Posted in maintenance, tools | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

You may be about to pass a fixed-gear bicycle if…

Posted on December 17, 2018

A Campy peanut-butter wrench. One of the oldest tools I own, hanging from the seat bag of the only bike I’d use it on. That’s because the wheels of this Bianchi Pista are secured by nuts, not quick releases. So … Continue reading →

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A chicken’s tale

Posted on July 31, 2018

Why do we ask ourselves why the chicken crossed the road? To get to the punch line in a hurry. It may also be a way to explore the human condition without the human. Why did the chicken cross the … Continue reading →

Posted in Report from the road | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Banner Day for Advertising

Posted on July 1, 2018

According to experts, the average American is exposed to 4,000 ads per day. But let’s face it: There’s not a lot of rigor to that estimate. Some say the number is closer to 5,000. Others say 10,000. The truth? The … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Off topic | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Yuskauskas, still nice, now Peter from Brompton

Posted on May 6, 2018

I finally met Peter Yuskauskas, a tall and enthusiastic folding bike promoter, back in February 2018 at the Chicagoland Area Bicycle Dealers Association (CABDA) Expo in Schaumburg, Illinois. When I wrote about Peter from NYCeWheels in 2011, he worked for … Continue reading →

Posted in Brompton, Business, People | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Day 30. 30 Days of Biking

Posted on April 30, 2018

Are you a spectator or a participant? Spectators watch the action. Participants are the action. Before you say participant, because that’s what people who ride bicycles are, participants in their own movement through time and space, consider what the two … Continue reading →

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Day 29. 30 Days of Biking

Posted on April 29, 2018

Looking for good advice on how to ride a bicycle? Start with this list. Always stop to: Clean your tires Remove your jacket Drink coffee Drink water from a garden hose, even a really long one Help turtles cross the … Continue reading →

Posted in #30daysofbiking, Report from the road | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment