tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267224089554889479.post712835584987083127..comments2024-02-03T23:48:14.712-08:00Comments on The Trailer Park Cyclist : Walmart Bicycles and Ethical SalvationTim Joe Comstockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05351911607475089105noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267224089554889479.post-79029455988537379442018-08-24T02:09:58.837-07:002018-08-24T02:09:58.837-07:00I continue disclosing to myself that I needn't...I continue disclosing to myself that I needn't bother with another <a href="https://hellobicycle.com.sg/" rel="nofollow">Best Bicycle Shop</a>, yet the Hellobicycle is simply so cool.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01898168836031105335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267224089554889479.post-30625629881015707342012-11-15T05:22:48.685-08:002012-11-15T05:22:48.685-08:00Volkscycle! Yes! That is exactly what I mean, De...Volkscycle! Yes! That is exactly what I mean, Dee! It should also bear a Schwinn Headbadge, I think...<br /><br />I'm not done on this subject.<br /><br />tjTim Joe Comstockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05351911607475089105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267224089554889479.post-23917744561816894232012-11-15T00:54:49.988-08:002012-11-15T00:54:49.988-08:00Volkscycle! A few days ago someone from Kmart call...Volkscycle! A few days ago someone from Kmart called me looking for a bike mechanic to assemble bikes in the lead up to Christmas in Cairns. You would like Cairns, really...Deehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12707182204683657771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267224089554889479.post-6502151063927520132012-11-09T13:45:06.303-08:002012-11-09T13:45:06.303-08:00Hugh! thanks for dropping by. It is like a visit ...Hugh! thanks for dropping by. It is like a visit from royalty. As I re-read my post, I realize that I didn't make clear what I meant by "educate the masses." I have yet another rant coming up where I will try again. The work needed to get one of these bikes halfway right isn't brain surgery. Even the tools are pretty cheap. I'm talking about guys like yourself paying a visit to local school shop classes for a little two day bicycle tutorial. Judi and Domenic are conducting inner city bike repair clinics but that isn't what I'm thinking. In fact, I don't know what I am thinking. I am on the trail of a universal utility cycle to get people started and to get them on reliable bicycles. Just after I posted this manifesto I went over to Fat Cyclist and his World Bike Relief initiative and it made something click in my head. But I hear clicks in my head all the time and this will probably blow over.<br /><br />Tombstone, huh? When they film the Trailer Park Cyclist Movie Kurt Russel would be perfect. Or Jeff Bridges. But if I was any Kurt Russel Character it would have to be Captain Ron. Thanks again for coming by, Your Highness.<br /><br />tjTim Joe Comstockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05351911607475089105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267224089554889479.post-79053821437416144582012-11-09T07:05:00.655-08:002012-11-09T07:05:00.655-08:00Hey TJ
I can't help but be reminded of One of ...Hey TJ<br />I can't help but be reminded of One of my many favorite lines from the movie Tombstone. And I am probably misquoting here..<br /><br />That's what I love about Wyatt, He can talk himself into anything!<br /><br />Now a quote from one of MY favorite writers. <br /><br />"They sell these bikes pretty dang cheap. A lot of kids (and overweight parents) would otherwise not get bicycles for Christmas this year if those cheap-ass bikes were not available"<br /><br /> One little problem with your vision of Christmas morning and shiny new bicycles. The average American has no idea how to repair yet alone reassemble their (or their kids) bicycles.<br /> I am sure these bikes falling apart under these kids as they attempt to ride them Christmas morning will bring much joy to both them and their parents. Not to mention the elation they will feel at the LBS when they find out how much it will cost to rebuild them. Only after the the tech has reminded them what a foolish purchase they made in the first place.<br /> Having said that. After getting my first good look at the 29er Beach Cruiser... All I can say is Wow! That really is one Bad A$$ looking bike! I completely understand why you purchased it. As to how long it will last, I think that remains to be seen. Maybe you could keep a journal "for say two years" about you wally bike experience.<br /> Great post as always. Cheers<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Hughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12986498277947032639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267224089554889479.post-14806776709284716912012-11-08T05:46:59.350-08:002012-11-08T05:46:59.350-08:00That's very nice of you, Dee. I was at Fat Cy...That's very nice of you, Dee. I was at Fat Cyclist looking at his Zambia Project in cooperation with World Bike Relief. I was thinking that there are plenty of communities in the U.S. (and all the world over) that could benefit from such a helping hand.<br /><br />I honestly believe that there is not one single person within the entire Walmart Corporate structure who "gets" bicycles. That should be fixable enough. I'll bet BSNYC could get their attention. <br /><br />tjTim Joe Comstockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05351911607475089105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267224089554889479.post-50448852964448062712012-11-08T02:52:02.885-08:002012-11-08T02:52:02.885-08:00Thanks so much TJ for this hopeful post. We get a ...Thanks so much TJ for this hopeful post. We get a lot of cheap, bad bikes in the JCU bike shed, and I always truly believed that any bike has the potential to be a good bike, and do a job for people who need a cheap ride. I am sending this post to my volunteers, because it is inspirational. I think those people in China making those bikes honestly believe they are doing good, and with our help they are. You totally rock, thanks. Deehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12707182204683657771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267224089554889479.post-38895848390267030152012-11-07T14:56:05.904-08:002012-11-07T14:56:05.904-08:00No nobleness here with me either....with the day t...No nobleness here with me either....with the day to day grind of working to keep kids in school at CSU there is not much more time for nobleness after a quick lunchtime ride (weather permitting!)<br /><br />If I had 21 BILLION! in the bank like others......I would set up a big assed shop to help people with car repairs, and good tradesmen that would be on call to help people with financial trouble with home emergencies like roof leaks, furnace trouble, plumbing problems, etc,etc. I could find a corner for a good bike mechanic too! I would pay the people real well so you would attract the best workforce and I would hit up corporations and my other rich buddies to underwrite the cost of materials to keep the shops going.<br />But no freeloaders! Only if you show you can't pay would the service be available!<br />What a dream huh! betcha I could make 21 billion last the rest of my life!!<br />But I would still go ride my bike!!<br /><br />In fact I dream this sort of stuff up while I'm riding my bike!Jim Bangshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11618333090634257257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267224089554889479.post-39589235592116411812012-11-06T17:37:57.232-08:002012-11-06T17:37:57.232-08:00Thanks so much for the kind words, Jim. Yeah, whi...Thanks so much for the kind words, Jim. Yeah, while Mitt is getting tough with China, Walmart will be getting tough with me. Part of the trouble with the OX was bearings, which is a sub-assembly and not REALLY the misguided assembler's fault. But it is a cryin' shame all the same. There used to be a big barn out by the airport where this old guy would help kids and homeless guys get their bikes straightened out. That's all gone now. Too many good things are gone around here as our once quiet seaside village has more and more become yet another Orlando playground.<br /><br />I would be a far more noble person if I tried to do something about it but I will probably just ride my bike. As always, thanks for coming by.<br /><br />tjTim Joe Comstockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05351911607475089105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267224089554889479.post-64113552385572612082012-11-06T15:38:27.214-08:002012-11-06T15:38:27.214-08:00Wow! There was a lot to digest there in this post ...Wow! There was a lot to digest there in this post but it was quite entertaining reading! In our small town hiding away from reality, we don't have a Wally world or even a Target. It is about a 45 minute drive down the canyon to indulge oneself in the vastness that is walmart. As for the ethics of shopping there....I can't answer that. Too vast to think about. You have blown me away thinking about Mitt and Walton kids. When is all the money, just enough?<br /><br />Our business is simple enough, take care of the customer with products that are an excellent value. The giant companies such as Walmart/Home Depot are just exchanging dollars. They really don't care that much about any individual customer. Your excellent idea of a store location to assemble and repair bikes so the walmart customer gets a operable bike for the kid to ride Christmas, or any morning is something out of a fantasy novel. Harry Potter will be fixing those bikes! Maybe you could set up somewhere in their parking lot. I'm sure it would be a fun deal until walmart security goons descended on you with Mitt style justice!<br /><br />Continued enjoyment to you on the OX29! Ride it with that big cheshire grin on your face knowing that with a little investment of bike mechanics on your part you have a great ride for a great deal!!Jim Bangshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11618333090634257257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267224089554889479.post-6552361725030272872012-11-06T12:19:10.284-08:002012-11-06T12:19:10.284-08:00That's pretty good, Ryan. Those bikes come pr...That's pretty good, Ryan. Those bikes come pre-diassembled anyway. All ya gotta do is give them a good shake.<br /><br />My Old Guru Walt the Homeless Janitor Retired Airplane Mechanic always seemed to have a kid's Wally bike in the stand. I'm pretty sure he was fixing them for free, too.<br /><br />It is a sad situation and one that would seem unneccesary. Sigh. Oh well, thanks for coming by and I'll see ya at Hugh's. if I ain't kicked out.<br /><br />tjTim Joe Comstockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05351911607475089105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267224089554889479.post-82777713101073377972012-11-06T09:54:23.841-08:002012-11-06T09:54:23.841-08:00Yeah a new Tim Joe POST! Always a good way to sta...Yeah a new Tim Joe POST! Always a good way to start the day. Brother you are going to have to start paying Hugh royalties LOL. A literary treat and a "makes ya think" all at once. Since we both know that there is no F-ing way that Walmart will do as you suggest because it might shave half-pennies off their bottom line, I humbly suggest you start "Tim Joe's Walmart bike Re-Assembly" All you need is a few dis assembly elves (paid in beer) a big ol' tub of grease and the tools and work stand you already have. You could hand out fliers to the Proles as they leave Wally world with their BSO's;<br /><br />SOME REASSEMBLY REQUIRED<br /><br />"When your bike falls apart, don't lose heart, Ol' Tim Joe will reattach that part" <br /><br />Keep on rolling on those big ol 29ers Velo Brother.<br /><br />RyanRoadieRyanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15900109046198641775noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267224089554889479.post-91722177548341160102012-11-06T09:43:58.859-08:002012-11-06T09:43:58.859-08:00Bill, I remember the three whores from "McCab...Bill, I remember the three whores from "McCabe and Mrs. Millar": Shirley, Peace and Charity.<br /><br />Oddly enough, I had my hand on a copy of that Seymour Hersh book at the library last week, but put it back. So now maybe I'll go get it and give it a read.<br /><br />I just got back from voting myself. Now I am off for a ride in some surprise afternoon sunshine. It was supposed to rain today.<br /><br />As always, thanks for stopping by the Park.<br /><br />tjTim Joe Comstockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05351911607475089105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267224089554889479.post-66173787328726582082012-11-06T09:36:16.426-08:002012-11-06T09:36:16.426-08:00Nick, that's funny. Walmart has so little res...Nick, that's funny. Walmart has so little respect for their customers that they don't even bother with polishing the copy for the on-line ad. I didn't even notice it, I am so accustomed to reading moronic writing on the webs.<br /><br />The bike is, indeed, laterally slack and vertically complacent.<br /><br />But thanks for coming by and thanks for saying something nice about my new bicycle and its fork.<br /><br />tj<br /><br />Tim Joe Comstockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05351911607475089105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267224089554889479.post-41774652538830389062012-11-06T04:42:50.797-08:002012-11-06T04:42:50.797-08:00Tim Joe,
Reading Walmart Bicycles and Ethical Sal...Tim Joe,<br /><br />Reading Walmart Bicycles and Ethical Salvation at 4 A.M. this morning was as much of a pick me up as today's first morning mug of Joe. <br /><br />The Brains of the Outfit and I stopped shopping at Wally World about a decade ago, because we figured that Sam's kids already had enough money to last them for a while. It doesn't help their case with us that their local outposts helped to deep six some other businesses, now sorely missed. This is not to say that I disagree with your scholarly treatise on Ethics. You have summed it up rather neatly.<br /><br />You close with the specific mention of avarice, a word I much enjoy seeing in print. Years ago, I decided that the Seven Deadly Sins would be better names for human spawn that say, the virtues. Who would not get a thrill out of saying, "Have you seen this picture of the twins? Here they are on the slide at the park. Aren’t little Avarice and Lust darling? Oh, and here's one of their baby brother, Gluttony!" Way back when at I.U. there was a friend and co-worker of mine whose parents had saddled her with the name Charity. She was bright and funny, but more than most people I knew in those days, she looked out for number one...is there something (maybe backwards) in a name?<br /><br />Hmmm..."rich and ruthless Dems also (but they were cuter and that whole family is dead now, more or less.)" By coincidence, I am about two thirds of the way through Seymour Hersh's, The Dark Side of Camelot. What a feast of venality! A fun read if ever there was one. It was published in 1997, but I catch on kinda slow sometimes.<br /><br />Yes, everyone should get a bike for Christmas. It would make this a happier planet, and slow down gasoline sales and bike thefts, at least for a day or two.<br /><br />It is now election day, so, as we say here in Vigo County, "Vote early, and vote often!"<br /><br />Continue to enjoy the Ox29!<br /><br />Bill Hopp, The Anonymous Hoosier <br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267224089554889479.post-91040164429831455252012-11-05T17:59:20.746-08:002012-11-05T17:59:20.746-08:00Whoa! I just read the description of your new bik...Whoa! I just read the description of your new bike on the Walmart website. Even the text is from China. The good new is that "The fork is made of high tensile steel and offers more flexibility and stays strong on rough ride."<br /><br />I'm not even sure that you can buy 96 spokes in your LBS for less than the price of the Ox. Good find. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267224089554889479.post-82682668397725399152012-11-05T17:48:49.577-08:002012-11-05T17:48:49.577-08:00I propose a drinking game: A healthy sip of your ...I propose a drinking game: A healthy sip of your favorite malt beverage every time Mitt Romney says China. That guy cracks me up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267224089554889479.post-3929252094144049562012-11-05T12:00:51.136-08:002012-11-05T12:00:51.136-08:00Brian, they make the same bike in a seven speed, t...Brian, they make the same bike in a seven speed, thus multiplying the opportunities for malfunction. I thought about getting that one but I really just wanted a neighborhood bike and a beach wagon. Coaster brakes are weird, though.<br /><br />Riding this thing is fun as hell, I gotta tell ya. I was cycle-salooning with my buddy Corky Saturday and his nice old trek MTB looked like a kiddie bike parked next to mine.<br /><br />I usually stay clear of political stuff but I was trying to wrap my head around what it means to be worth 21 Billion with a B. I realize there are rich and ruthless Dems also (but they were cuter and that whole family is dead now, more or less.)<br /><br />But yeah, let's see a GLOBAL initiative on the part of Walmart to put ONE MILLION KIDS worlwide on sturdy and reliable Walmart bicycles. I know you are being facetious about Mitt and Jim but if they did that (and they certainly have the dough) I might shift my political leanings. I won't be holding my breath, though.<br /><br />tjTim Joe Comstockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05351911607475089105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3267224089554889479.post-86938548811835608932012-11-05T09:44:59.207-08:002012-11-05T09:44:59.207-08:00TJ
The picture of the kid sitting on Jesus' la...TJ<br />The picture of the kid sitting on Jesus' lap, asking for Christmas presents reminds me, oddly, of a neighbor's sign. It depicts Santa delivering a Baby Jesus. All he needs is an Easter Bunny hopping around near a cross and he'd be set.<br /><br />I totally understand the multi-level ethics you're discussing here. I don't have an answer myself. I tend to get all cranky when Hoss starts talking about all the manu jobs that have shipped overseas, and then goes to buy all his crap from Hop Sing at Wally World. They don't get it at all. Never will because they don't want to pay a penny more than they absolutely have to. (Even those that can afford to do so.)<br />I realize that some can't but do they really need 4 flat screen TVs, an iPad, and a smart phone?<br /><br />I'm with you. If we could get them all on a bike, and it reduces the obesity here, thus reducing the long term health care costs, then maybe the ends justify the means. Let's get Mitt and Jim on that!<br /><br />You have me thinking about one of those big tired suckers but then I think about our hills and I get over it. :) If only I lived at the shore.....<br /><br />Your pal,<br />Brian in VABrian in VAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02923999291735012309noreply@blogger.com