In a short time, BicycleSPACE has created a large following of happy cyclists. We value the community that has grown here and are excited to continue to offer the most rides and social events of any shop in DC.

Stay tuned for much more to come!

We decided to lend a friend of the shop, Fred Rednor, a Linus Gaston 5 for the weekend to see how he liked it.  He was kind enough to put together his impressions which can be read below.  Thanks, Fred!  We're glad you had a good time with it!

Just so there are no misconceptions, there’s something I need to say at the outset. Gaston is a bicycle and our relationship was strictly platonic. Make no mistake though, I really did enjoy the sixty-odd miles I spent riding on the Gaston 5 from Linus Bikes. For a high performance town bike, the feel and appearance of the Gaston seemed close to perfect.

Your first question might be what kind of a name for a bicycle is Gaston? In this case it makes perfect sense. Using modern parts, Linus has produced a bike whose appearance is reminiscent of the machines ridden by old time racers like Lucien Petit-Breton and Maurice Garin. Hence the French name with the old fashioned sound. The “5” (or should we say “cinque”?) comes from the multi speed Sturmey-Archer hub with 5 gear ratios.

By the way, the gear ratios in this hub cover a truly wide range, so there’s a nice climbing gear on the low end. For the gear freaks out there, it works out to 36 gear inches and I used it to ride up some of DC’s steeper hills. That would be Tilden Street from Rock Creek up to Connecticut Avenue, and Ross Drive in Rock Creek Park. My ride home also included the steepest part of Glebe Road in Arlington, coming off of Chain Bridge. I won’t say it was no sweat, because I expect to perspire on that sort of ride. But the Gaston’s small gear is low enough to make any of these hills rideable.

Fifth gear equates to a reasonably high 92 gear inches. In fact, it’s pretty close to the gear ratio Petit-Breton used on his hour record ride in 1905. That might seem like an arcane bit of trivia. What it means though, is you get a truly useable high gear; tall enough to build up real speed, yet not so high that it would destroy the knees of a normal human.

If you enjoy charting gear ratios, you will discover that to achieve the same range of ratios with a derailleur - and a single chainring crankset – you would need to run a 13-by-34 freewheel mated to a 44 tooth ring at the front. That’s not an impossible combination, but it would not have the clean, retro appearance of the Sturmey-Archer setup. Plus, it would be more difficult to mount a chain guard if you wanted to use one for riding in wet weather.

Now, much of the bike’s retro appearance is due to the handlebars and quill type stem. I must admit it took a bit of tinkering to get them adjusted for maximum comfort. But once done it was worth it, as in the end I found a nice all-around position. During a few extended sprints, I was using the very front of the bars. This made me wonder if Linus shouldn’t offer the bike with moustache bars – and guidonnet style brake levers – as an option. This would provide a more forward riding position for those who need it, as well as maximum retro styling.

Even though I’ve ridden all sorts of bicycles, the wheels and tires were still something of a revelation. I expected the tires to feel too spongy when inflated to the recommended pressure of 50 PSI. Instead, they were nicely balanced; firm enough for high speed riding on asphalt, while still absorbing shock and vibration on loose surfaces. Of course these aren’t mountain bike tires, but they were excellent on the dirt surface of the C&O Canal Tow Path. Plus, the whole rim-tire combination looks just beautiful. Well, they look beautiful to a guy like me with retro bicycling sensibilities.

I do have one small complaint about this bike: the bell. Although the brass dome looks lovely, the striker spring is much too weak. So small bumps and vibrations cause the bell to ring continually and automatically, regardless of whether or not you want it to do so. It’s also the only piece on the bike of questionable durability. Luckily, it silenced itself by self destructing somewhere on the Canal Tow Path. If you happen to find the bell’s brass dome, it’s yours. The crew at BicycleSPACE is already resigned to its loss.

By Fred Rednor

On Sunday, January 22nd, we had the pleasure of hosting a group of about 15 people from VeloDCity, a local meetup.com cycling group for a class instructed by their energetic leader, Gregg Adams.  Gregg's "Indoor Training and Planning" class offered the participants a wealth of tips about stationary trainers and rollers as well as training techniques and programs.  Gregg answered all kinds of questions about ways to get a workout in when you can't or don't want to go outside. 

Gregg's enthusiasm really shined through!  We applaud his efforts to organize such thoughtful and rewarding events.  If you are interested in joining a committed group of cyclists and want to learn more about participating in their numerous events and unique rides check out VeloDCity's site. 

We are looking forward to hosting another upcoming event for this group next month when  members do a presentation on Bicycle Touring on February 22nd.

Starting Thursday, January 26th we will be hosting a series of classes instructed by Granetta Coleman of Hoopernatural.   You will be treated to old-school hoopla hooping with a modern twist.  In these Mixed-Level drop-in classes you can get a cardio and core workout and beat the Winter Blues.  Learn the foundational moves of hooping (waist hooping, hip hooping, walking while hooping).  Then we will advance to moves like arm hooping and chest hooping.  In class you will use an adult sized, weighted hoop that makes it easy to learn.  Bring water and your own hoop if you have one.  Hoops will also be available for you to use during class.  Class is suggested donation based, and any proceeds will go to non-profits which are doing good things for cycling in DC.

Classes start just after 7pm and last about an hour. 

One year and a half ago, BicycleSPACE opened in the dynamic neighborhood of Mount Vernon Triangle with the mission of growing bike culture in the District's urban core.  We set our sights on transforming a run-down truck repair depot, which had incredible potential to service bicycle riders due to its industrial character and large open space.  Abruptly, fast changing economic realities caught up to us, and soon after settling into the area our building was sold and slated for demolition to make room for additional residents.  Disappointing, sure--but in the face of this foreboding omen, we remained resolute to make our mark on the city and we began searching for a new location that could enable a continuous connection with the incredibly supportive downtown community. 

Having swiftly become "the most liked bike shop in DC," we were offered numerous intriguing options.  Though smaller than our original space and some of the places we looked at, our new location at 1019 7th Street NW, will allow us to build on what we had started on I Street.  Situated just north of New York Avenue and within a few short blocks of our original space, it has exciting possibilities.

Formerly having been both an art gallery and hardware store, and anchoring a traditional retail corridor, it now occupies a lively spot next to the Passenger bar and the coming Living Social headquarters.  The most apparent feature from the sidewalk is the large bay window, which will challenge us to enrich the streetscape with interesting displays.  Upon entry, there is a sense of lived-in charm and a warm, comfortable feel which will complement our selection of bicycles and accessories.  In the back, there is a connection to the Warehouse Theatre, a venue with ample space to accommodate community events like those for which we have become known.  We will continue to host the most group rides of any bicycle shop in the city as well as other free activities.

Our service area will retain its ample capacity and enable our knowledgeable mechanics to continue to provide swift, high-quality repair work.  We will also have plenty of space to continue to stock and display the most useful and desirable bicycles and accessories for the local market.

Lastly, our choice allows us to be clear of the construction that is scheduled to be taking place in almost every corner of the Mount Vernon Triangle.  As the dust settles and the streetscape improves, we will select a permanent home--back in the Triangle.  Our neighborhood is changing rapidly and we are committed to grow with it and be a driving force for a positive culture shift as more and more people choose to get around with the utility and style of a stately bicycle. 

We had wanted to do a one-year anniversary party, then a Thanksgiving party, and then a Holiday Season party, but there was so much going on, what with the Cupcake Caper, the Tweed Ride, and Santarchy Bike Rally and all, that we couldn't pull it together.  But many of you have spoken up, and we have realized that we can't put it off any longer.

So, this Saturday night, the 21st, from 7-9pm, you're cordially invited to a chic shindig at our shop.  Everyone is welcome to drop by and bring a friend.  There will be light fare and wine, and you'll get to meet the group which took the District and the nation by storm-- the wonderful women of Black Women Bike DC.

At the party, we'll also announce our new location and have our stylish bikes and accsesories on display.

We'll need to know how many people to expect to finalize the food and drink orders, so please register and join us for what may be our best blockbuster bicycle blowout before our building gets blown up to build brilliant brand new stylish apartments.*

See you soon!

*This sentence was brought to you by the letter B

BicycleSPACE was proud to help plan and organize the DC Tweed Ride once again this year along with our friends from Dandies and Quaintrelles.