killing streets and wicked glass
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Snowy midwest
Posts: 5,391
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
killing streets and wicked glass
Heeeeeyyyy…
About a year ago, I changed careers and homes. That has me riding a whole new route on my commute.
What once was a super-glide ride through tree-lined wonderland has turned into an assault trip through the worst parts of our city. Just yesterday my ride was stopped by yellow tape and a barricade of police cars due to a shoot-out at the a tattoo parlor in a residential area (conveniently located on the killing”est” street in the city.
ANYWAY, one of the daily challenges is glass. Glass Glass GLASS! My God, there is a lot of broken glass. I call this side of town the ‘glass fields’. For about three miles, the roads and sidewalks glitter with the litter. I just shudder as I weave my way around the most threatening shards.
So here is the deal; I notice that with very little exception that the glass is from broken beer and liquor bottles. In this town, the broken beer bottle of choice is Corona.
Yes, I was also surprised that the instrument of insult would not be broken pickle jars or picante jars or maybe even ketchup bottles. No, man, the glass is nearly always from beer bottles that were apparently thrown out of cars or windows. Two days ago, in front of one particular apartment, about a dozen beer bottles were smashed all over the street making it impossible to pass without riding over the glass. It is a coincidence that the apartment was adjacent to the ‘shooter’s” tattoo shop mentioned above.
Has anyone else noticed this phenomenon? Is it just my town that pre-grinds recycle-able glass on the local streets? Is it only my town that prefers to break beer bottles instead of other glass?
What to do, what to do?
About a year ago, I changed careers and homes. That has me riding a whole new route on my commute.
What once was a super-glide ride through tree-lined wonderland has turned into an assault trip through the worst parts of our city. Just yesterday my ride was stopped by yellow tape and a barricade of police cars due to a shoot-out at the a tattoo parlor in a residential area (conveniently located on the killing”est” street in the city.
ANYWAY, one of the daily challenges is glass. Glass Glass GLASS! My God, there is a lot of broken glass. I call this side of town the ‘glass fields’. For about three miles, the roads and sidewalks glitter with the litter. I just shudder as I weave my way around the most threatening shards.
So here is the deal; I notice that with very little exception that the glass is from broken beer and liquor bottles. In this town, the broken beer bottle of choice is Corona.
Yes, I was also surprised that the instrument of insult would not be broken pickle jars or picante jars or maybe even ketchup bottles. No, man, the glass is nearly always from beer bottles that were apparently thrown out of cars or windows. Two days ago, in front of one particular apartment, about a dozen beer bottles were smashed all over the street making it impossible to pass without riding over the glass. It is a coincidence that the apartment was adjacent to the ‘shooter’s” tattoo shop mentioned above.
Has anyone else noticed this phenomenon? Is it just my town that pre-grinds recycle-able glass on the local streets? Is it only my town that prefers to break beer bottles instead of other glass?
What to do, what to do?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Allentown, PA
Posts: 204
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I ride accross town through the heart of the city also and yes many of our citizens use the "bike lane" for their re-cycle bin. this spring I bought a Trek 820 Steel mountain bike to handle the city debris and so far the only flat I had was when I switched to one of my beloved 3 speed bikes. The 2" trail tires take the hazards better than the road tires (I get a better work out also!).
#3
Chairman of the Bored
Join Date: May 2004
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Posts: 5,825
Bikes: 2004 Raleigh Talus, 2001 Motobecane Vent Noir (Custom build for heavy riders)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Yeah i ride through that kind of crap all teh time. I'm not kidding about kevlar lined "puncture resistant" tires and tire liners with thorn resistant tubes....add slime if your really worried. Your tires will be basically glass-proof if you take those measures.
Sometimes losing a few mph is worth the peace of mind knowing you have an extremely slim chance of busting a flat at a very bad area.
Sometimes losing a few mph is worth the peace of mind knowing you have an extremely slim chance of busting a flat at a very bad area.
#4
Mr. Cellophane
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 3,037
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm with Catatonic:
My Rx for mean streets:
1. Thorn-resistant tubes. Performance has them for 700x23-26, and Quality offers them in 28-32 and 35-43.
2. Tuffy tire liners.
3. Specialized Infinity Armadillos for 32mm and up or Avocet Cross II-K(evlar) for 28 and up.
In New Orleans the preponderance of broken glass seems to be Miller Lite and Bud Light bottles. Guess there's just no accounting for taste.
My Rx for mean streets:
1. Thorn-resistant tubes. Performance has them for 700x23-26, and Quality offers them in 28-32 and 35-43.
2. Tuffy tire liners.
3. Specialized Infinity Armadillos for 32mm and up or Avocet Cross II-K(evlar) for 28 and up.
In New Orleans the preponderance of broken glass seems to be Miller Lite and Bud Light bottles. Guess there's just no accounting for taste.
__________________
If it ain't broke, mess with it anyway!
If it ain't broke, mess with it anyway!
#5
Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 3
Bikes: Bernie Mikkelsen 10-speed, GT track bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have had Conti gatorskins on both of my bikes for over a year - no flats, and I ride through some rough stuff. Kind of pricy though. Michelin just came out with kevlar belted tires for cheaper.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 566
Bikes: Vision R40 - recumbent, Gunnar Crosshairs
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Where does everyone buy their Specialized Armadillos, and what are you paying for them (650's, if possible)?
#7
I drink your MILKSHAKE
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Posts: 15,061
Bikes: 2003 Specialized Rockhopper FSR Comp, 1999 Specialized Hardrock Comp FS, 1971 Schwinn Varsity
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by Seanholio
Where does everyone buy their Specialized Armadillos, and what are you paying for them (650's, if possible)?
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Arizona, USA
Posts: 2,601
Bikes: Mercier Corvus (commuter), Fila Taos (MTB), Trek 660(Got frame for free and put my LeMans Centurian components on it)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I just picked up some Armadillos for 20$ (on sale) at the local Supergo. I find my 23c Armadillos do just fine and I ride through a lot of glass. It isn't limited to town around here though, the highways are lined with it and so are the sidewalks. Corona seems to be pretty popular here as well. Why don't they bottle beer in plastic bottles? Does it affect the taste or something?
__________________
Sunrise saturday,
I was biking the backroads,
lost in the moment.
Sunrise saturday,
I was biking the backroads,
lost in the moment.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Soviet of Oregon or Pensacola FL
Posts: 5,342
Bikes: Still have a few left!
Mentioned: 48 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 467 Post(s)
Liked 532 Times
in
267 Posts
I notice the same thing Mike & Corona seems to be the brew of choice for whoever keeps taking down my Bush 04 signs, lots of cleanup to do even in this "tolerant" town. At least some of the empties end up on the grass instead of broken all over the street & sidewalk.
#10
Sumanitu taka owaci
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 8,945
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Gosh, Mike!
I've seen plenty of glass (our beer-glass-shard-of-choice is Icehouse, being only 99 cents for a 22-oz bottle,) but there's enough traffic where I ride to clean it off.
(Isn't there a better route than through the rough parts of town?)
Hang in there, I feel for ya
I've seen plenty of glass (our beer-glass-shard-of-choice is Icehouse, being only 99 cents for a 22-oz bottle,) but there's enough traffic where I ride to clean it off.
(Isn't there a better route than through the rough parts of town?)
Hang in there, I feel for ya
__________________
No worries
No worries
Last edited by LittleBigMan; 07-20-04 at 07:44 PM.
#11
You need a new bike
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,433
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
I ride across a long bridge over a lake near my house quite often. The bridge has a separate bike lane that is often confused by motorists for the drive-by glass recycling center. Armadillo tires are required.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Green Bay, WI
Posts: 488
Bikes: Kona Dr Dew, Lemond Le Alp, Mongoss NX-7, Trek T200 Tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I agree Mike, in seven years of riding in this town I've never seen glass as bad as its been this year. Although, most of what I see comes from recycling activities. On the north end of my commute its the recycling truck that leaves all the glass. I think the glass bin gets too full. Every place the truck stops it leaves a little pile of busted glass on the road. The other bad spot is that scrap yard across from Amax. The busted glass seems to shake out of all the flattened cars being brought in for recycling as they cross the four sets of rail tracks right in front of the place. I've flatted there 3 times this year. Nothing like getting to spend extra time in the fine Amax fumes while fixing a flat. I can't imagine what the east side is like where you ride.
__________________
The moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends towards justice. M.L.King
The moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends towards justice. M.L.King
#13
Every lane is a bike lane
Originally Posted by mike
Has anyone else noticed this phenomenon? Is it just my town that pre-grinds recycle-able glass on the local streets? Is it only my town that prefers to break beer bottles instead of other glass?
What to do, what to do?
What to do, what to do?
__________________
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.
#14
Enjoy
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Seattle metro
Posts: 6,165
Bikes: Trek 5200
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Chris L
What do I recommend? Geax tyres! No flats for me in over 15,000km now, on the one set.
#15
Every lane is a bike lane
Originally Posted by vrkelley
Ultra cool. Which size and type Geax do you use? Or are they all flat resistant?
__________________
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.
#16
I drink your MILKSHAKE
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Posts: 15,061
Bikes: 2003 Specialized Rockhopper FSR Comp, 1999 Specialized Hardrock Comp FS, 1971 Schwinn Varsity
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by Chris L
I've got 26x1.9" on at the moment. Geax "Evolution" I think (although I'll confirm that next time I'm on). I bought them for my tour of Tasmania last year because I was planning to ride a few dirt roads down there (and they still see a few up here, too). I've kept them because of Queensland's notorious "goat track" roads. The thing is, they're not showing that much visible wear either. I'm expecting to get at least another 5,000km out of the current set, possibly even 10,000.
Is this the tire? Geax is an excellent brand in my never so humble opinion. Seeing as it's the MTB division of Vittoria how could it not be.
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Snowy midwest
Posts: 5,391
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by ollo_ollo
I notice the same thing Mike & Corona seems to be the brew of choice for whoever keeps taking down my Bush 04 signs, lots of cleanup to do even in this "tolerant" town. At least some of the empties end up on the grass instead of broken all over the street & sidewalk.
HOWEVER, today, the street in front of the killing tattoo shop (mentioned above) was powdered with several pint size Gordon's Gin bottles. At least we know that the East side folks are getting enjoying a mixed diet.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 566
Bikes: Vision R40 - recumbent, Gunnar Crosshairs
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Paul L.
I just picked up some Armadillos for 20$ (on sale) at the local Supergo.
Originally Posted by Paul L.
Why don't they bottle beer in plastic bottles? Does it affect the taste or something?
Now, cheap beers should be in plastic, as the taste is less important, and those beers are the ones most commonly found pro-ground on the roadways.
#19
Chairman of the Bored
Join Date: May 2004
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Posts: 5,825
Bikes: 2004 Raleigh Talus, 2001 Motobecane Vent Noir (Custom build for heavy riders)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I disagree here, I find plastic bottles to be horrible for anyhting, but i do think all cheap beers should go to cans. Cans do have a plastic liner in them that is somewhat taste neutral....maybe they could do that to plastic bottles as well.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 566
Bikes: Vision R40 - recumbent, Gunnar Crosshairs
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by catatonic
I disagree here, I find plastic bottles to be horrible for anyhting, but i do think all cheap beers should go to cans. Cans do have a plastic liner in them that is somewhat taste neutral....maybe they could do that to plastic bottles as well.
#21
Every lane is a bike lane
Originally Posted by Raiyn
Is this the tire? Geax is an excellent brand in my never so humble opinion. Seeing as it's the MTB division of Vittoria how could it not be.
__________________
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Syracuse, NY
Posts: 122
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Is using an old inner tube as a tire liner a viable option to spending more money on specialized items? I don't have a propnderence of glass to deal with, just the occassional bottle during my route, and I ride MtB tires too. My first flat in 1 and 1/2 years commuting was yesterday, and it wasn't from glass, I think I hit a curb too hard with my rear and it blew the tire out, is that possible?
#23
Senior Member
the hood rats from around my pool like to throw 40s into our pool. I dont know how many times I have had to clean up broken glass from one of those bottles from our baby pool. I wold prefer that they break heiniken or something brown glassed so that we can see it on the pool bottom, but no, its clear glass. I hate that crap.
its not that much of a problem around our streets though. heh, watch me get a flat today. knock on wood.
its not that much of a problem around our streets though. heh, watch me get a flat today. knock on wood.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 1,096
Bikes: IRO Model 19, Surly Crosscheck, 1989 Arnie Nashbar, Cannondale CAADX, Niner Air 9
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have a similar problem as Supcom-the 14th street bridge pedestrian/bike lane seems to be the worst part of my commute for broken glass. In fact, the majority of my ride on the MV trail is usually completely glass free the same is largely true for the streets of DC. However, the bridge is littered with broken beer bottles and small shards of glass who's origin is unknown. I just upgraded to a bike with 700 series tires and am worried about flats so I play high speed dodge 'em as I cross the Potomac. I have to say that in my 14 months of commuting I've suffered only one flat and it was a result of a sliver of metal not glass. I'm thinking of switching to Armidillos as I believe I can run a higher pressure as well as have increased flat protection.