the GAMOH King Carrier

This past summer (after eyeing Globe's Live bicycle) I felt the need for a front rack upgrade... and went for the GAMOH by Minoura.  Actually, we ended up with two of them (for two different bikes). Having used the GAMOH for a few months now here is a review and warning*:

FABULOUSNESS...
The rack is large (measuring at 18"x12.5"x4.25") and somewhat intimidating bumper - perfect for maneuvering NYC streets. The framing is super strong chromoly steel tubing with a powder coating that has yet to chip, dent, or show any wear. A good urban carry-all with a weight limit of 40lbs - while Ben's Cycles recommends no more then 25lbs. It is shallow enough so you can strap on all sorts of oddly shaped items. I had initially been looking for a large cargo rack which did not connect to the handlebars. The GAMOH's three point attachment (to the fork eyelets and fork crown/front breaks) makes for a nice and clean look. And how I adore the wood ♥ paneling (though since I most often lock up my commuter outdoors it didn't take long before I cleaned off the boards and applied a few new coats of Tung Oil). Though this really to be expected maintenance. And, indeed, that little cut out in the front is a bottle opener.

NOT SO FABULOUS...
This baby weighs in at 5+ lbs/2550 grams - which adds up when you commute on a steel beater though not a deal breaker for me in this instance. The biggest issues I have had is with the top mounting bracket* which connects to your front brake. Firstly, the rack comes with two steel brackets (which you are intended to just use the one which works for you) - well NEITHER were angled to accommodate the two bikes which meant the bracket had to be jury rigged and bent to fit:

via Rivendell

So all as good and dandy until riding down a decent hill - after using it for a month - I suddenly glanced down and watched my bags which were strapped to the rack move in front/away from me  ending up with them scrapping along the concrete ***THE BRACKET HAD BROKEN IN HALF*** yeah, pretty dangerous (could have actually been a catapulting situation). Naturally you could tell yourself "you totally just created that weak spot by bending it!"and while true the real issue is the quality of steel used for the bracket is just not adequate. Perhaps I was overloading - thought I do tend to use a bungee cord attached the frame and loop it around the stem - similar the Rivendell's advice:

via Rivendell

I recently spotted a fellow commuter with the same GAMOH and it turns out he had the same issue with neither bracket fitting and after trying a some self bending options went to a hardware store and bought and customized a totally new (stronger) steel connector. I knew I wasn't alone.

As mentioned above there ARE some great features with the rack but hope you find this post is helpful. And here's my carrier with bungee cords in FULL effect...

a dusting

Tuesday's commute.

leather toe clip love

 

Classic & fabulous. Leather covered toe clips to protect those lovely shoes you have on. 

DOT + MTA's bikable ads

On my way over the Manhattan Bridge last Thursday morning I encountered this gaggle of cyclists gathering together outfitted with bikes + mini billboards (on nice little trailers). Turns out the DOT and MTA teamed up and hired this media company to bring their message to the streets.

Cute campaign but it leaves me wondering if motorists paid attention and read the signs - since as a cyclist in NYC more often then not I feel invisible. I think the billboards would be super great if they were targeting pedestrians with slogans like:

COST ANALYSIS:
I saved $89 in subway fare biking to work this month / $1,068 this year

-- though you wouldn't find the MTA helping to fund that one.

win a....

Cyloc Bicycle Storage by entering Apartment Therapy's holiday giveaway >>> details here. Entries close December 9, 2010 at 12:29pm ET. Depending on the space you live in (i.e. lots of wall space, columns, or space b/w windows like above) - this design may be an option for you. It come in a few colours -- and the black version is made of 100% recycled post-industrial plastic! Do like the little cubbyhole for lights, gloves, and such.

Oh, and speaking of indoor bike storage - I never posted about how great Knife & Saw's Bike Shelf is. I have a hard time resisting anything that combines my love for bikes and wood - and even though it has made its rounds on the internet I am posting these photos none the less... enjoy!

Thanks for the reminder, Mitch!

winter booties

The freezing temps in NYC this week got me digging in my closet for my winter booties. I love these -- water proof + wind proof shoe covers with reflective detailing. I used to just use them with my SIDI road bike shoes -- and then one day it dawned on me that they already had the heel cut out AND fit perrrfectly over my favorite heels I wear riding to work!

This version by Sugoi has high-visibility yellow grip material on the heel + toe along with reflective piping on the zippers...

3RD WARD HANDMADE HOLIDAY SALE + DARGELOS

Saturday, December 4th (TOMORROW!) from 12-6pm the member-based art and design center, 3rd Ward, is hosting their 4 annual HANDMADE HOLIDAY CRAFT SALE at 195 Morgan Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Browse/Shop/Eat + check out workshops in DIY printmaking, flocking, sewing and also make your own electronic holiday card.

Among the many vendors... DARGELOS will be there selling their cycling gear including the fabulous Trans//Porter bag. It combines the accessibility of a tote bag and the portability of a backpack with the simple adjustment of the straps... FUN STUFF!