Comments on: Ideas Wanted For Holiday Gift Lists

By: Fritz

Fritz — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:46:11 +0000

Thanks Frank. I fixed the World Bicycle Relief link for you. When I talked with them before, they told me the bicycles are actually manufactured in India because the parts of Africa they work with simply have no bicycle manufacturing ability at all.

By: justfrank

justfrank — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:26:06 +0000

Maybe I’m a little late, but I compiled all these charitable organizations on our blog last fall at Interbike. Some of your readers may find them useful (http://www.chicagobikeblog.com/2007/09/its-not-about-t.html). I like http://www.worldbicyclerelief.org, where for $109 you can sponsor standardized bicycles (rather than recycled ones), that in some cases can be manufactured locally, and are easy to maintain and repair.

By: Fritz

Fritz — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:25:41 +0000

Thanks for the inspired gift idea, Kevin. The Bike Africa people I’ve talked with running similar programs tell me they can import heavy duty bikes into Africa from India for about US$100, so I imagine their must be matching grants and in-kind donations involved also.

By: Kim

Kim — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 23:26:40 +0000

@Ari-
If you’re going to get music for your bike, go big or go home! http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/29/nyregion/29bikes.html?em&ex=1196485200&en=550b4bb6466acb1c&ei=5070

Certainly not for weight weenies or rims with less than 200 spokes.

By: Quinn

Quinn — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 18:32:37 +0000

I wonder if we can just donate a bike?

By: Kevin

Kevin — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 18:17:06 +0000

UNICEF will provide a bicycle to health care workers in poor countries for use as transportation. The donation is $40 (where do they get a bike at that price?) The web site is http://inspiredgifts.unicefusa.org/. Click on Immunizations.

By: Knuckles

Knuckles — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 18:04:24 +0000

Color me boring, but gift cards to REI are right up my alley this year. I’ve got a plan in the back of my brain to ride the C&O/Allegheny trails from DC to Pittsburgh next summer, and I would need a whole new load of gear that I don’t currently have. I am also jonesing for an SS commuter style bike (San Jose, Pompino, etc.) maybe in the spring when bonuses get paid and some possible IRS refunds, and REI would help with the pedals, seat bag, and other sundries.

However, if there are any benevolent rich folks out there who want to make my year, a Ritchey Breakaway would certainly be put to good use with the European travel I’ll be doing next summer!

By: Ari

Ari — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 17:35:57 +0000

It’s no longer on my list, but maybe you’d like it on yours: the iHome iH85b audio speaker for bicycles. I just posted a detailed review. Take a look:
http://blog.greaterbayshell.com/2007/11/15/next-review-ihome-ih85b-ipod-speaker-for-bicycles/

By: Mike Myers

Mike Myers — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 03:00:18 +0000

I bought my first wool jersey last year. I’d always bought into the “newest and greatest” synthetic materials. Boy, was I wrong. A good wool jersey replaces two layers of synthetics, and doesn’t have to be washed after every wearing. Now I have four Portland Cyclewear jerseys and a Fox wool jersey—and I told my girlfriend and family more wool. A short sleeve wool jersey and a pair of arm warmers is pretty much all I need where I am in Florida—and sometimes a shell. Wool should be part of every cyclist’s wardrobe, IMHO.

By: Fritz

Fritz — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:37:28 +0000

Books are on my list, primarily Bob Mioske’s new book on cycling and the law and Lennard Zinn’s bike maintenance books.

Clothing’s always nice, I suppose, though cyclists tend to be pretty picky about their riding clothes.

For those who are so inclined, I have my eye on the Bike Friday Tikit. I tried it last weekend and I’m in love!