Comments for The Shifting Gears Blog

Comment on Framebuilding Update by Clifford

Clifford — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 14:48:07 +0000

Hi Chris,
Thanks for the note!
I’m assuming you’re referring to the rules on the framebuilding fixture?
If so, they’re actually designed by my teacher, Doug Fattic, and laser-etched at a machine shop near his house. The numbers are offset to start at certain points relative to the design of a bicycle, rather than starting at zero.
I imagine any machine shop would be able to put one of them together if you just brought your idea, and it wouldn’t be too much money. It’s just a matter of getting a 1/4″ thick stainless steel bar slotted down the middle and laser etched as a ruler.
Good luck!
Clifford

Comment on Framebuilding Update by Chris D

Chris D — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:59:10 +0000

Hello mate, very impressed by your project! Just wondering on a related note of making your own stuff, where you can buy those metal rules with the slits in?

I am actually looking to make my own musical instrument and think one of those could come in handy. Are they just called slitted metal rules or something similar?

Cheers
Chris

Comment on Week Three: Visits and New (sort of) Bike! by Clifford

Clifford — Tue, 25 May 2010 19:11:52 +0000

Hey Karen, thanks for the link!
The bamboo bikes are a really neat idea. Someone with more money than me in Peterborough should buy one and show it off!

Comment on Week Three: Visits and New (sort of) Bike! by Karen

Karen — Tue, 25 May 2010 18:56:34 +0000

Just read your blog, which reminded me of a CBC story I heard recently about bamboo bikes. Check it out:
http://www.cbc.ca/spark/2010/03/spark-107-march-28-30-2010/

Comment on Bicycle Framebuilding Course by The Shifting Gears Blog · Week Three: Visits and New (sort of) Bike!

The Shifting Gears Blog · Week Three: Visits and New (sort of) Bike! — Tue, 18 May 2010 18:52:36 +0000

[...] other news, you may remember my bicycle framebuilding adventure from a few months back. Recap: in addition to being really keen on sustainable transportation in [...]

Comment on Photos over the week by Clifford

Clifford — Fri, 14 May 2010 13:41:13 +0000

Good point, Michael.
The current language is targeting one mode of trail use.
I imagine it’s a bit of leftover (or ongoing) stigma that exists towards the “scofflaw cyclist“. I think the way we make rules can sometimes reinforce scapegoats, instead of empowering people. I.e., in the current trail signage situation, it’s likely that people who aren’t on bikes are inclined to view those on bikes with a closer eye to their behaviour as it relates to the rules. Whereas a more tempered, inclusive approach to trail behaviour in general would empower all modes.
Thanks for the note,
Clifford.

Comment on Photos over the week by Micheal

Micheal — Thu, 13 May 2010 20:20:08 +0000

I’m going to have to place a small complaint regarding the trail head signs. I assume those are the ones with “Rules” on them. It seems to me that those rules are very anti-cyclist and provide absolutely no guidelines for pedestrians or pet owners. I would have liked to see something more along the lines of:

“Be aware of other trail users”
“Keep right except to pass”
“Keep control of your pet while on the trails”

instead of:

“Don’t speed” with no speed limit
“Ring bell or warn when passing”
“Pass on the left”

At least the former three address all trail users instead of allowing anyone on foot to do what they want and leaving the cyclists to try to navigate the mess.