Surly Big Dummy Cargo Bike - Load it up and Ride!

Welcome to the wonderful world of hauling stuff on your bike.

Here at Warm Planet Bikes, we love to see people ditching their car and loading up their cargo bike. If you come in to the store, we can help you find the best option for you.

For tons more information see Surly's page: Getting the Most From Your Big Dummy

Looking for something with a little more juice? Check out the Yuba elMundo (Electric Bike)

 "Like all our frames, it’s made of steel and sports lots of little touches that you’ve come to love in a Surly, like clearance for bigger tires and common component sizing. Figure on being able to carry about 200 pounds (90kg) of cargo. The load weight, and how it’s loaded, will affect the handling somewhat. Also, plan on using gears, especially as cargo weight increases. This may seem obvious, but as you get comfy with it you’ll use your full range of gears as never before.

The parts kit is good quality, and suitable to loaded as well as unloaded riding. It’s got a 3x9 drivetrain, Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes, Shimano Deore hubs, derailleurs and shifters and 26 x 2.1˝ Continental Town & Country tires. We’ve outfitted it with our own Surly bags, deck and rails kit…everything you need for the majority of stuff you might carry, like groceries, shovels, bags of charcoal or mulch, guitars, lamps, mannequins, whatever. Bags, deck and rails are all designed to improve on previous offerings and work together to make sure your stuff is transported with safety and stability.


The beauty of the Longtail standard is that it is an open design, meaning you can find other stuff to fit the system. Xtracycle in particular makes a lot of great stuff to expand what you can haul and how you can haul it, and many people have manufactured their own plug-in pieces when their needs outstripped what was available. Get creative, and get hauling." — Surlybikes.com

Warm Planet Bicycles
1098A Market St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 974-6440
www.warmplanetbikes.com
info@warmplanetbikes.com

"Simply Put, This Bike is A Blast!" New Tern Eclipse X20

The Ninja Pirate— The 2014 Tern Eclipse X20.

This would be the bicycle I gravitate toward the most. The wheels, the simplest way to dramatically improve the performance of any bike are in my opinion, flawless.  American Classic hubs are top notch, have been around for years and spin as if friction free.  Laced into them are .....  With forged bladed spokes these wheels are super light, super strong, and super easy to get rolling in a hurry!




The cockpit of the Eclipse X20 is simple and comfortable.  Perched atop the Physis handlepost, which is 3D forged making it practically bomb proof, is a flat Kinetic doulbe butted handlebar Ergon GS2 grips which are as comfortable as they are handsome.





Riding this bike really brings to mind "The joy is in the journey, regardless of destination".  For me, riding a bike is a mix of life's pleasures and the Eclipse taps into the part of me that is still 12 years old riding around the farm on my trusty BMX bike.  This bike takes me there and more.  As it's just as much fun but decidedly lighter and as cutting edge as a ceramic knife.  I promise you, if you ride this bike, you will love it.  If not, then you might be crazy.

Warm Planet Bicycles
1098A Market St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 974-6440
www.warmplanetbikes.com
info@warmplanetbikes.com

3 Items That Will Improve Your Ride In SF

Photo Credit: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

 

All Bikes in San Francisco Need A Few Items That Aren't Part of the Bicycle.

 

1. Knog Blinder Road Headlight

I use this light for it's dual beam design which can be used with one light blinking and the other static. As a daily commuter it's paramount to have a blinking light. It's my belief that static lights are less noticeable than a bright blinking one. The blinder allows for this and also has a program for bright static beams for those few parts of town that are lowly lit such as Townsend St. or Golden Gate Park. Another great feature of this light is that it's USB rechargeable




2. Axiom Streamliner Rear Rack

After trying many racks over the course of my cycling life I have found the Streamliner to be the best for my uses. Rather than stack items on top of a rack or a basket, I am more inclined to use side mounted paniers and the Streamliner accommodates this method of carry best. It has a very narrow top, so narrow in fact that stacking anything on top of it is nearly impossible. It uses less material, making it lighter and keeps it within the lines of my bicycle. I love this rack!




3. Ortlieb Vario Backpack Pannier

Waterproof and with the ability to be converted into a pannier, it is simply the finest and most useful pack I've owned. It's strong and incredibly durable, making it a great value. It's design is based on functionality. For example, the structure allowing the bag to be used solely as a backpack is completely removable. There are no shoulder straps to tuck in anywhere, you simply detach the unit with it's quick release system, hang, the now pannier, on your rack and off you go! It's designed very deep. In fact, when stuffed full of "stuff" you may not even need to close the top. I discovered this design feature by accident after overloading it on a trip to the farmers market and being forced to ride home with bunches of kale and red chard sticking out the top of the bag like a bouquet of roses. Since first trying it on, I've used nothing else.




Warm Planet Bikes

1098A Market St.
San Francisco, CA 94102

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Hearing A Weird Noise When You Ride? Here Are 23 Solutions

Photo Credit: dabble.co

Got a Pinch Flat? Creaky Crankset? We Have Some Great Solutions For Common Issues

1. You fixed a puncture, and the new tube keeps going flat

If the holes in the tube are in the bottom, the rim strip may be out of position, allowing the tube to get cut by the spokes. If they're on top, there may be some small sharp object stuck in the tire. Find it by running your fingers lightly around the inside of the tire, then remove it.

2. A remounted tire won't sit right on the rim

Let the air out, wiggle the bad spot around, reinflate to about 30 psi, and roll the bad spot into place with your hands. By pushing the tire in toward the middle of the rim you will be able to see if any of the tube is poking out. When the tube is fully inside the tire, inflate as normal.

3. A patch won't stick to the glue on the tube

Apply more glue and let it dry completely, about five minutes (DO NOT BLOW ON THE GLUE) When you apply the patch, avoid touching its sticky side with your fingers.

4. A creaking sound from the wheels

A spoke may have loosened. If tension is uniform, the sound might be caused by a slight motion of the spokes against each other where they cross. Lightly lube this junction, wiping off the excess.

5. A creaking sound when you pedal

Tighten the crankarm bolts. If the arm still creaks, remove it, apply a trace of grease to the spindle, and reinstall the arm.

6. The large chainring flexes, and the chain rubs against the front derailleur cage.

Check for loose chainring bolts

7. You have removed the chainrings to clean the crankset, but now the front derailleur doesn't shift right. 

You may have installed a chainring backward. Remove the rings and put them on correctly. Usually, the crankarm bolts fit into indentations on the chainrings. Sight from above too, to make sure there's even spacing between the rings.

8. While trying to remove or adjust a crankarm you stripped the threads- Now you can't remove it

Ride your bike around the block a few times. The crankarm will loosen and you'll be able to pull it off.

9. Shifter housing rubs the frame, wearing a spot in the frame

Put clear tape beneath the housings where they rub.

10. Noisy sloppy shifting can't be remedied by rear derailleur adjustment

The cassette lockring might be loose, allowing the cogs to move slightly and rattle around on the hub. You need a special tool to tighten the lockring fully, but you can spin it tight enough with your fingers to ride safely home or to a stop.

11. The cog cassette is getting rusty

A little rust won't damage the cogs quickly, so it's not a major concern. Usually, using a little more lube will prevent additional rust, and riding will cause the chain to wear away the rust while you're pedaling.

12. In certain gears, pedaling cause loud skipping

There may be debris between the cogs. If you can see mud, grass, leaves, twigs, or any sort of foreign matter trapped between cogs, dig it out. It's probably keeping the chain from settling all the way down onto the cog to achieve a proper mesh. If there's no debris, a cog is probably worn out. Most often this is a sign that the chain and cassette will have to be replaced.

13. Front derailleur won't shift precisely to a chainring

Check that the cage is parallel to the chainrings (when viewed from above), and loosen and reposition the derailleur if necessary. If it's parallel, you probably need to adjust the high- and low-limit screws, best done by a shop or experienced amateur mechanic.

14. The rear derailleur makes a constant squeaking noise

The pulleys are dry and need lubrication. Drip some light lube on the sides, then wipe off the excess.

15. Braking feels mushy, even though the pads aren't worn out

The cable probably stretched. Dial out the brake-adjuster barrel (found either on the caliper or on the housing closer to the lever) by turning it counterclockwise until the pads are close enough to the rim to make the braking action feel as tight as you want.

16. Braking feels grabby

You probably have a ding or dent in the rim. This hits the pad every revolution, causing the unnerving situation. Bring your bike into Bumstead's. We'll fix it for you.

17. One pad drags against the rim or stays significantly closer to the rim than the other

Before messing with the brakes, open the quick-release on the wheel, recenter the wheel in the frame and see if that fixes the problem. (This is the most common solution.) If the wheel is centered but a pad still rubs, you need to recenter the brake. On most modern brakesets this is done by turning a small adjustment screw found somewhere on the side or top of the caliper. (There may be one screw on each side, as well.) Turn the screw or screws in small increments, watching to see how this affects the pad position. If you center the brake and the wheel, and a pad still drags on the rim, it probably wore unevenly from being misadjusted; sand the pads flat and recenter everything. 

18. With each pedal stroke you hear a click coming from the saddle

The pedal may have loosened. Tighten it.

19. Squealing Brakes

Wipe the rim to remove any oil or cleaning reside. If this doesn't work, scuff the pads with sandpaper or a file. Still noisy? The pads need to be loosened, then toed in; an adjustment that makes the front portion touch the rim before the back- an easy fix for a shop, a tortuous process for a first timer.

20. Creaking Saddle

Dip a tiny amount of oil around the rails where they enter the saddle, and into the clamp where it grips the rails. Heritage purists take note: Leather saddles sometimes creak the same way that fine leather shoes can. There's not much you can do about this.

21. You can never remember which way to turn the pedals

Treat the right-side pedal normally — righty-tighty, lefty-loosey. The left side pedal has reverse threads (to keep it from unscrewing during pedaling). If that's confusing, just remember this simple phrase: Back off. This can remind you that, with the wrench engaged above the pedal, you ALWAYS turn toward the back of the bike to remove the pedal. 

22. You installed a pedal into the wrong crankarm - The left pedal into the right arm or vice versa

You can remove the pedal, but the crankarm will have to be replaced; its threads are softer than the pedal's and are now stripped out. ALWAYS check the pedals before installing. There is usually an R for right or an L for left stamped onto the axle. 

23. You pulled apart your headset to regrease it, and now the headset feels tight no matter how you adjust it

The bearing retainers are probably in upside down.

We are a Full-Service Shop — Have Repairs Done With Us

Repair Flat Tire	$15
Adjust Brake	$20
Adjust Derailleur	$20
Basic Tune-Up	$60
True Wheel	$20
Replace Brake Pads	$20

 Warm Planet Bikes

1098A Market St.
San Francisco, CA 94102

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Not All Folding Bikes Are Created Equal - Bike Friday's Pocket Companion | Warm Planet Bikes

The Bike Friday Pocket Companion Gets It Done For Less

The Pocket Companion offers you all the basic elements of a Bike Friday at their most affordable price point.

The Pocket Companion is designed with a chrome-moly steel frame to give riders a comfortable, relaxed position without sacrificing handling.

As with all Bike Friday folding bikes, fit is key to ride performance. The Pocket Companion comes in three sizes (52 cm, 56 cm, 60 cm) to fit individuals from about 4-foot-6 to 6-foot-4 (1.3m to 1.9m).
 
 See another bike from Bike Friday: Just The Tikit

The bike's telescoping EasyPack seat mast to travel by car, plane or boat. When folded, it is compact and easy to store; making it easy to get on to the train, the trunk of your car or a cab, even on the bus!

The Pocket Companion has parts group for a 24-speed. W/sealed hubs, aluminum rims, touring hybrid tires, in your choice of our standard colors (Flag Red, Cream Soda Blue, Ink Black and Green Gear Green) to match your frame. 

As far as ride quality- Bike Friday bikes practically ride the same as your average road bike. It may not be as fast uphill or when coasting but it is light, comfortable, and just plain fun to ride.

Stop by Warm Planet Bikes today to see all the great folding and cargo bikes we have from Bike Friday, Dahon, Montague, and Tern. 

Warm Planet Bikes
1098a Market St.
San Francisco, CA, 94102
(415) 974-6440
www.warmplanetbikes.com

Current Bike Too Cumbersome and Bulky? The Dahon Curve D3 Has Your Solution

Stylish, Compact and Smooth, The Curve D3 Fits In To Most Places — and Budgets

The Curve comes fully loaded for commuting in the city. It comes with fenders in the front and the back, mudflaps for keeping your clothes, bags and gear clean. It also comes with a rack and bungee cord strap on the back. A bit smaller than other models, but it is extremely adjustable. The seat post and handlebar adjust to accommodate riders from about 4'6" to 6'2".


Also take a look at our previous post about the Dahon D7 - Warm Planet's Top-Selling folding bike.

 Folding this bike is a breeze via three main hinges. The first is at the middle of the handlebars, the second is at the junction of the handlebar and the frame, and the third is just past the middle of the frame near the seat post. Once you have folded and locked those into place, the telescopic seat post fits all the way down close to the frame, and the pedals fold in for an ultra sleek and convenient method of carrying and transporting your bike.



The Curve D3 is especially small and compact when compared to some of the 20" models, resulting from its 16" wheels. Great if you need to take the train or BART or if you just don't have much space in your home or office for your bike.

Comes with Shwalbe Big Apple tires — wide balloon tires that absorb lots of shock and are lined with a tough Kevlar lining, making the bike virtually flat proof.

Its simple 3-speed shifting is intuitive, covering a range that is more tha sufficient for city riding. Bright red in color, the Curve is definitely visible to the surrounding traffic AND to the throng of infatuated onlookers.

Comes in White Too!

From Dahon.com: Customers rave about the stylish and delightfully smooth handling of the Curve D3, one of our most popular bikes. It's the perfect bike for an easy commute or as a secondary mode of transportation stashed in a car. With its impressively small folded package, it's easy to take two for a weekend getaway!

Come in to Warm Planet Bicycles today to see the Curve D3 as well as many more great folding bikes from DAHON, Bike Friday, Montague, and Tern.




Warm Planet Bikes
1098a Market St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 974-6440
www.warmplanetbikes.com

TECH SPECS:

Speeds: 3
Gear Inches: 43"/56"/80"
Distance (Seat Post To Handlebar): Min: 580mm (22.6") Max: 620mm (24.2)
Distance (Saddle To Pedal): Min: 680mm (26.5")  Max: 945mm (37")
Folded Size: 34 x 67 x 64 cm (13.3" x 26.1" x 25")
Weight: 11.5 kg (25.4 lbs)
Folding Time: 15 seconds
Suggested Rider Height: 4'6" - 6'2"
Max Rider Weight: 220 lbs.
Frame: 16", Custom-drawn Sonus tubing, forged Lattice hinge, ViseGrip folding latch, integrated tube
Fork: Integrated, patented Fusion technology
HandlePost: Radius Telescope adjustable, patented Fusion technology, forged aluminum, patented InSide lock
Handlebar: 6061-T6 aluminum, Flat bar
Headset: Dahon Fusion, Zero stack, cartridge bearings
Grips: BioLogic Ergo
Saddle: BioLogic Como
Seat Post: BioLogic Zorin PostPump
Brakes: Promax V, aluminum, linear spring
Brake Lever: Promax V, aluminum bracket/aluminum lever
Cables and Housing Sis: Pearl silver housing, slick cables
Front Hub: Dahon Mini, aluminum, sealed
Rear Hub: SRAM 3 speed hub, freewheel
Spokes: 18/8 stainless steel, brass nipples
Rims: Aluminum, silver anodized
Tires: Schwalbe Big Apple, 16 x2.0", 75 psi, Kevlar puncture protection, Reflex sidewall
Shifters: SRAM Twist

Warm Planet Has It. XtraCycle EdgeRunner Cargo Bike

XtraCycle EdgeRunner Cargo Bike at Warm Planet San Francisco

A Cargo Bike just makes sense in San Francisco

There have been so many different methods devised for carrying kids on your bike.  They all just seem to lack something.  Stability, safety, freedom for the passengers.  All that is solved with the ExtrCycle Edgerunner cargo bike.  But the great options for usability certainly don't end there.

The possibilities seem endless with the multiple accessories that you can add to the bike to make it super versatile. Take the side car.  Think about the ways you could use that!  How about to bring home a small TREE!

 But just in case, you also spied a few additional plants or maybe a bag of mulch, you don't want to make a second trip.  Try a cargo bag that you can use with or without the side car.

   If you'd like to see the details of the Edgerunner in action.  Check out this short video.  You'll find other videos that give even more details about the use of your amazing cargo bikes.