PDX Bikers, a Twofer!

June 10, 2009 2:08 PM

Portland OR Bike Questions herein:

Daughter has just relocated to Hawthorne in SE. She wants her bike up there, so,

1. What is a good bike shop were I can get her fitted with a new helmet? (She's still on my insurance, after all.) Bonus points for SE, but if there is a shop over and above REI in selection and knowledge, so much the better.

2. In Portland, or any big city, what is the current state of the art in a bike lock(s)?

Thanks in advance.

posted by Danf to sports, hobbies, & recreation (15 comments total)

2. The Kryptonite Evolution seems like it might be the sweet spot between weight, convenience and security, these days. Get the smallest one that will fit her bike.
posted by box at 2:17 PM on June 10

1. Rivercity Bicycles

They have a huge selection, knowledgeable staff, they're locally owned, they throw tons of support at the cycling community, employees stay there forever, free coffee on weekends, and it's a straight shot for your daughter to get there (right before Morrison crosses the bridge)

Other shops reasonably close are:
Veloce (Hawthorne)
Bike Gallery (Hollywood District or Downtown)
Veloshop (Downtown)

2. U locks are still king. They make them small enough for a back pocket or large enough for multiple bikes. All of that bic-pen unlocking madness has been resolved. I have an Onguard. But as stated ablove, the Kryptonite Evolution locks are good as well.
posted by monkeystronghold at 2:23 PM on June 10 [1 favorite]

1. Dunno about local shops, but I always encourage people to visit bike co-ops.
posted by box at 2:24 PM on June 10

box's answer to 2 is pretty good, but if her bike has quick-release wheels, she might want to use two U-locks (both wheels + the frame should be locked to a bike rack or a post). She can also use a cable instead of a second U-lock, though cables can be cut pretty easily. If pairing with a cable, the U-lock should go through the rear wheel and the frame, and the cable should go through the front wheel and attach to the U-lock.

You might want to get her a copy of Urban Bikers' Tricks & Tips, which has tons of good information about biking safely in the city.
posted by smich at 2:35 PM on June 10

Instead of two locks, bolt-on axles are another option.

Oh, and here's Sheldon Brown on locking strategies.
posted by box at 2:39 PM on June 10

Seconding River City.
posted by rabbitrabbit at 2:44 PM on June 10

Yes, Rivercity is a great bike shop. However, I encourage people to use co-ops, such as the Community Bike Center or City Bikes. City Bikes - on SE Ankeny - is a great place with extremely awesome and helpful staff.

Gotta have the krypto u-lock. Hawthorne, depending on how close-in she is, is bike central of pdx, and she'll probably be ok with just the one. If you wanna be safe, get two, esp if she has quick release tires and plans on leaving her bike late at night downtown, etc.

Also, never, ever leave your lights on your bike when you leave it locked outside.

Happy biking!
posted by Lutoslawski at 3:21 PM on June 10 [1 favorite]

It seems like a U-Lock (not giving her mine) and a 10 mm cable is a good combo. A U-Lock and "NYC" chain seem like it's overkill.

I have always U-Locked my rear wheel AND seat-tube but one site up there in the thread says that just U-locking the rear wheel is enough, given the geometry of bikes. Hmmm.

Thanks for the replies, thus far!
posted by Danf at 3:30 PM on June 10

I don't remember the name of it offhand but there's a little bike shop on the corner of 20th and Hawthorne. Clever Cycles is also in that area, a bit further down Hawthorne towards downtown.

As for locks, Portland's not too terribly unsafe, bike-security wise; a krypto u-lock as linked above should be sufficient. In less-lit areas, maybe take the front wheel off and lock it with the back wheel/frame, and also as mentioned take off lights, cycle computers, etc.
posted by pdb at 3:30 PM on June 10

pdb, you are thinking of Coventry Cycles .
posted by dragstroke at 3:53 PM on June 10

Oh--'the smallest one that will fit her bike' refers mostly to the size of the wheels. The U part must be able to fit around the rim/tire. My hipster fixie pals all have Mini-sized ones (good choice--lighter, less room for prying tools, and it might kinda-sorta fit in your back jeans pocket). But I like trail riding, and so, because some of my bikes have huge tires, I've got a bigger lock.
posted by box at 3:59 PM on June 10

Simple solutions go further than any beefy lock will and all locks are only deterrents/keeping honest people honest.

Some tips I can add
First learn how to properly lock your bike, second adding a chain to your saddle/seat, third ditch the quick release and get nuts, fourth park next to other bikes that are not locked as well.

Cables are garbage and only should be used to secure the wheel you are not locking with your U-lock. Chains from the hardware store can be cut easy.


For the helmet, It's as simple as going to any major bike shop (River City, Bike n Hike, etc..) and trying on lots of helmets. Don't be afraid to look goofy trying on 20 or so until you find the right one.
posted by wcfields at 4:24 PM on June 10

Y'all don't like the Bike Gallery? I think I've had more luck there with helpful salespeople than River City. They have one in the Hollywood neighborhood and Woodstock neighborhood on the East side and a downtown location near the library. There's also the Recyclery off Hawthorne by the Lucky Lab.

But, really, any bike shop will have helmets and good locks and good advice for locking your bike up.
posted by amanda at 4:58 PM on June 10

I volunteer at the bike farm, a Portland bike collective. We have low cost helmets available ($10 I think).
posted by tallus at 5:14 PM on June 10 [1 favorite]

Going to have to throw my hat in for Veloce. Nice dudes, relatively decent prices on excellent gear, right on Hawthorne, and most importantly, they don't give you a hassle for not knowing your bike inside and out. Very legit.

I would shy away from River City just that attitude can be kind of prevalent(not always, just in some of their employees). Their prices aren't bad, but you'll get a much more personal touch from a smaller shop like Veloce, and they'll shoot straight with you.
posted by furnace.heart at 8:10 PM on June 11