{"id":251847,"date":"2026-07-07T11:38:42","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T11:38:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/07\/freds-rush-in-where-angels-fear-to-treadle\/"},"modified":"2026-07-07T11:38:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T11:38:42","slug":"freds-rush-in-where-angels-fear-to-treadle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/07\/freds-rush-in-where-angels-fear-to-treadle\/","title":{"rendered":"Freds Rush In Where Angels Fear To Treadle"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Further to <a href=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2026\/07\/06\/long-hard-road\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">yesterday\u2019s post<\/a>, once I start poking around in the past I can\u2019t stop, and <a href=\"https:\/\/timesmachine.nytimes.com\/browser\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">as I was perusing old articles<\/a> I began to wonder about the origins of the e-bike.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The new Bosch eBike ABS City - Relax in the city\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RF34Z95-Nco?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Well, the earliest mention I found was from November 12th, 1882, though that was an e-trike:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And more interesting than the \u201celectro-motor\u201d was the adorable term \u201ctreadles\u201d for pedals:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"432\" height=\"121\" data-attachment-id=\"43952\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2026\/07\/07\/freds-rush-in-where-angels-fear-to-treadle\/screenshot-2026-07-06-135303\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-135303.png?fit=432%2C121&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"432,121\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Screenshot 2026-07-06 135303\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-135303.png?fit=432%2C121&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-135303.png?resize=432%2C121&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43952\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-135303.png?w=432&amp;ssl=1 432w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-135303.png?resize=300%2C84&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So I asked the AI to do this:<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Gadsen flag but with slogan \u201cDon\u2019t Treadle On Me\u201d and image of a bicycle pedal instead of a snake<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But I wound up with this:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"736\" data-attachment-id=\"43972\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/bike-snob-nyc-6a4bf2f82185a\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/bike-snob-nyc-6a4bf2f82185a.png?fit=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1024,1024\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Bicycle Pedal with Gadsden Flag Design\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;The image shows a close-up view of a bicycle pedal adorned with a yellow plate displaying the coiled rattlesnake and the words &amp;#8220;DON&amp;#8217;T TREAD ON ME,&amp;#8221; symbols from the Gadsden flag. The pedal is attached to a metallic bike crank and is set against a background of an outdoor alley with brick walls and a blurred car. The bike frame is a dull silver color, and the pedal combines black and yellow elements that stand out vividly in the image. The overall setting conveys an urban atmosphere with a focus on the detailed design of the pedal.&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Close-up of a bike pedal featuring a yellow Gadsden flag emblem with the phrase &amp;#8220;DON&amp;#8217;T TREAD ON ME&amp;#8221;&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/bike-snob-nyc-6a4bf2f82185a.png?fit=736%2C736&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/bike-snob-nyc-6a4bf2f82185a.png?resize=736%2C736&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Bicycle pedal with yellow Gadsden flag design and text 'DON'T TREAD ON ME'\" class=\"wp-image-43972\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/bike-snob-nyc-6a4bf2f82185a.png?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/bike-snob-nyc-6a4bf2f82185a.png?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/bike-snob-nyc-6a4bf2f82185a.png?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/bike-snob-nyc-6a4bf2f82185a.png?resize=768%2C768&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/bike-snob-nyc-6a4bf2f82185a.png?resize=600%2C600&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I guess that will have to do.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anyway, clearly the idea had treadles, because by January 5th, 1896, inventor and fixie edit godfather Thomas Edison was all over it:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Edison Fixed Gear Freestyle\" width=\"696\" height=\"522\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oG5qtYRw8fk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He too felt the tricycle was the ideal application for an electric motor:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"651\" height=\"581\" data-attachment-id=\"43956\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2026\/07\/07\/freds-rush-in-where-angels-fear-to-treadle\/screenshot-2026-07-06-140108\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140108.png?fit=651%2C581&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"651,581\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Screenshot 2026-07-06 140108\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140108.png?fit=651%2C581&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140108.png?resize=651%2C581&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43956\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140108.png?w=651&amp;ssl=1 651w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140108.png?resize=300%2C268&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140108.png?resize=600%2C535&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 651px) 100vw, 651px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s because it wasn\u2019t practical to electrify a safety bicycle:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"291\" data-attachment-id=\"43954\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2026\/07\/07\/freds-rush-in-where-angels-fear-to-treadle\/screenshot-2026-07-06-135840\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-135840.png?fit=852%2C337&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"852,337\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Screenshot 2026-07-06 135840\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-135840.png?fit=736%2C291&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-135840.png?resize=736%2C291&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43954\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-135840.png?w=852&amp;ssl=1 852w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-135840.png?resize=300%2C119&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-135840.png?resize=768%2C304&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-135840.png?resize=600%2C237&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Which, according to him, was \u201cvery nearly perfect:\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"225\" data-attachment-id=\"43965\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2026\/07\/07\/freds-rush-in-where-angels-fear-to-treadle\/screenshot-2026-07-06-140714\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140714.png?fit=923%2C282&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"923,282\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Screenshot 2026-07-06 140714\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140714.png?fit=736%2C225&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140714.png?resize=736%2C225&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43965\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140714.png?w=923&amp;ssl=1 923w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140714.png?resize=300%2C92&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140714.png?resize=768%2C235&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140714.png?resize=600%2C183&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Balderdash!<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The man would not have lasted five minutes at Specialized.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anyway, he did eventually build an electric tricycle in 1889, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehenryford.org\/collections\/explore\/artifact\/171687?AssetId=THF88891\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here it is<\/a>:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"409\" data-attachment-id=\"43977\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2026\/07\/07\/freds-rush-in-where-angels-fear-to-treadle\/screenshot-2026-07-06-143556\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-143556.png?fit=1157%2C643&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1157,643\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Screenshot 2026-07-06 143556\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-143556.png?fit=736%2C409&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-143556.png?resize=736%2C409&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43977\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-143556.png?resize=1024%2C569&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-143556.png?resize=300%2C167&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-143556.png?resize=768%2C427&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-143556.png?resize=600%2C333&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-143556.png?w=1157&amp;ssl=1 1157w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Though arguably it\u2019s more automobile than bicycle.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regardless, the Edison story also ran alongside this useful advice for winter bicycle storage:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"683\" data-attachment-id=\"43967\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2026\/07\/07\/freds-rush-in-where-angels-fear-to-treadle\/screenshot-2026-07-06-140800\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140800.png?fit=762%2C707&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"762,707\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Screenshot 2026-07-06 140800\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140800.png?fit=736%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140800.png?resize=736%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43967\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140800.png?w=762&amp;ssl=1 762w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140800.png?resize=300%2C278&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140800.png?resize=600%2C557&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both of which were apparently part of a special cycling supplement:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"71\" data-attachment-id=\"43958\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2026\/07\/07\/freds-rush-in-where-angels-fear-to-treadle\/screenshot-2026-07-06-140343\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140343.png?fit=1146%2C111&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1146,111\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Screenshot 2026-07-06 140343\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140343.png?fit=736%2C71&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140343.png?resize=736%2C71&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43958\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140343.png?resize=1024%2C99&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140343.png?resize=300%2C29&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140343.png?resize=768%2C74&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140343.png?resize=600%2C58&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140343.png?w=1146&amp;ssl=1 1146w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, that\u2019s how popular cycling was at the time:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"90\" data-attachment-id=\"43959\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2026\/07\/07\/freds-rush-in-where-angels-fear-to-treadle\/screenshot-2026-07-06-140422\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140422.png?fit=1147%2C140&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1147,140\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Screenshot 2026-07-06 140422\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140422.png?fit=736%2C90&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140422.png?resize=736%2C90&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43959\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140422.png?resize=1024%2C125&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140422.png?resize=300%2C37&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140422.png?resize=768%2C94&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140422.png?resize=600%2C73&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140422.png?w=1147&amp;ssl=1 1147w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today what remains of the newspaper industry courts the automobile industry, but back then it was bike companies:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"454\" data-attachment-id=\"43961\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2026\/07\/07\/freds-rush-in-where-angels-fear-to-treadle\/screenshot-2026-07-06-140516\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140516.png?fit=1130%2C697&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1130,697\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Screenshot 2026-07-06 140516\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140516.png?fit=736%2C454&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140516.png?resize=736%2C454&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43961\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140516.png?resize=1024%2C632&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140516.png?resize=300%2C185&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140516.png?resize=768%2C474&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140516.png?resize=600%2C370&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140516.png?w=1130&amp;ssl=1 1130w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And these two ads ran opposite each other:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"308\" data-attachment-id=\"43963\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2026\/07\/07\/freds-rush-in-where-angels-fear-to-treadle\/screenshot-2026-07-06-140607\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140607.png?fit=1131%2C473&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1131,473\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Screenshot 2026-07-06 140607\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140607.png?fit=736%2C308&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140607.png?resize=736%2C308&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43963\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140607.png?resize=1024%2C428&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140607.png?resize=300%2C125&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140607.png?resize=768%2C321&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140607.png?resize=600%2C251&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-140607.png?w=1131&amp;ssl=1 1131w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s a Liberty from around this time:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"680\" height=\"408\" data-attachment-id=\"43969\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2026\/07\/07\/freds-rush-in-where-angels-fear-to-treadle\/636765454_2431648787290938_8535622232394374937_n\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/636765454_2431648787290938_8535622232394374937_n.jpg?fit=680%2C408&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"680,408\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"636765454_2431648787290938_8535622232394374937_n\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/636765454_2431648787290938_8535622232394374937_n.jpg?fit=680%2C408&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/636765454_2431648787290938_8535622232394374937_n.jpg?resize=680%2C408&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43969\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/636765454_2431648787290938_8535622232394374937_n.jpg?w=680&amp;ssl=1 680w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/636765454_2431648787290938_8535622232394374937_n.jpg?resize=300%2C180&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/636765454_2431648787290938_8535622232394374937_n.jpg?resize=600%2C360&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By golly, Edison was right!  Apart from the rod brake that baby\u2019s perfect.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Still, we\u2019ve come a long way since then, for not only can you get an electrified safety bicycle that would probably have impressed even Thomas Edison, but soon you\u2019ll be able to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/roadshow\/news\/can-wearing-hypershell-exoskeleton-bike-replace-e-bike-i-tested-both\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">choose between than or riding a regular bike while wearing an exoskeleton<\/a>:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"405\" data-attachment-id=\"43948\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2026\/07\/07\/freds-rush-in-where-angels-fear-to-treadle\/screenshot-2026-07-06-134703\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-134703.png?fit=1631%2C897&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1631,897\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Screenshot 2026-07-06 134703\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-134703.png?fit=736%2C405&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-134703.png?resize=736%2C405&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43948\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-134703.png?resize=1024%2C563&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-134703.png?resize=300%2C165&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-134703.png?resize=768%2C422&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-134703.png?resize=1536%2C845&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-134703.png?resize=1200%2C660&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-134703.png?resize=1400%2C770&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-134703.png?resize=600%2C330&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-134703.png?w=1631&amp;ssl=1 1631w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-134703.png?w=1472&amp;ssl=1 1472w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In his case, results were mixed:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"590\" data-attachment-id=\"43945\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2026\/07\/07\/freds-rush-in-where-angels-fear-to-treadle\/screenshot-2026-07-06-134345\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-134345.png?fit=1095%2C878&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1095,878\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Screenshot 2026-07-06 134345\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-134345.png?fit=736%2C590&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-134345.png?resize=736%2C590&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43945\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-134345.png?resize=1024%2C821&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-134345.png?resize=300%2C241&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-134345.png?resize=768%2C616&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-134345.png?resize=600%2C481&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Screenshot-2026-07-06-134345.png?w=1095&amp;ssl=1 1095w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Though an exoskeleton could breathe new life into that old Colnago you haven\u2019t ridden in 20 years:<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>What seems clear is that, regardless of metrics or training, if you\u2019re not an athlete and you want to bike more, an e-bike will be the path of least resistance. But if you\u2019re a former cyclist with a great bike and want to get back into it, the Hypershell X Ultra S might be a good option. It can help you when you need it and get you back out on the bike.<\/em><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It could also do the same thing for your marriage, because nothing says \u201cdate night\u201d like lighting a candle, opening a bottle of wine, and gently whispering the words, \u201cHoney, I\u2019m putting the exoskeleton in Hyper mode\u201d into your spouse\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, speaking of riding fast and aging, after watching the following video I\u2019m afraid I must express an old guy opinion:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Central Park Bike Wreck Caused by dog not on leash - 6-25-26\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7qMXL_2xuCA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019m certainly sorry riders were hurt, and yes, dog owners can be infuriating. (Most dog owners handle their dogs about as well as most people on expensive bicycles handle their bikes.)  However, unless it\u2019s a sanctioned race and there are marshals stationed along the course, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s reasonable or responsible to ride in a paceline in Central Park. Yes, maybe 20 or 30 years ago when the parks were less crowded you could, but in post-Bloomberg New York where they\u2019re teeming with people and their pets from dawn to dusk and beyond, it\u2019s simply not reasonable for a group like this to expect to be able to ride laps in the park on racing bicycles at speed. Even if they were following the letter of the law and doing everything right (which I doubt they were, because there\u2019s no way they were stopping at the crosswalks, sorry), they\u2019re simply going too fast to account for the sorts of things that happen in busy places where people are recreating, as this video shows. (And yes, dogs should be on leases, but there are designated off-leash hours in Central Park, and judging from the video\u2019s description that\u2019s when this crash occurred.) Certainly any time I\u2019ve found myself in Central Park on a bike in the last 10 or so years it\u2019s been pretty obvious to me that the era when you could go there and expect to ride briskly without bothering anybody or risking serious injury to them or to yourself is long gone.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I mean sure, <a href=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2022\/04\/07\/april-showers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">I still go there once in awhile<\/a>:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"736\" height=\"981\" data-attachment-id=\"9605\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2022\/04\/07\/april-showers\/img_2059-1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/IMG_2059-1.jpg?fit=3024%2C4032&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3024,4032\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_2059-1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/IMG_2059-1.jpg?fit=736%2C981&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/IMG_2059-1.jpg?resize=736%2C981&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9605\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/IMG_2059-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/IMG_2059-1.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/IMG_2059-1.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/IMG_2059-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/IMG_2059-1.jpg?resize=900%2C1200&amp;ssl=1 900w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/IMG_2059-1.jpg?resize=600%2C800&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/IMG_2059-1.jpg?resize=300%2C400&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/IMG_2059-1.jpg?resize=150%2C200&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/IMG_2059-1.jpg?resize=1200%2C1600&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/IMG_2059-1.jpg?resize=1400%2C1867&amp;ssl=1 1400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/IMG_2059-1.jpg?w=1472&amp;ssl=1 1472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bikesnobnyc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/IMG_2059-1.jpg?w=2208&amp;ssl=1 2208w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But I can assure you I\u2019m not riding fast, and it kind of astounds me that other people are.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bikesnobnyc.com\/2026\/07\/07\/freds-rush-in-where-angels-fear-to-treadle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Further to yesterday\u2019s post, once I start poking around in the past I can\u2019t stop, and as I was perusing old articles I began to wonder about the origins of the e-bike. Well, the earliest mention I found was from November 12th, 1882, though that was an e-trike: And more interesting than the \u201celectro-motor\u201d was [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":251850,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6804],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-251847","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cycling"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/251847","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=251847"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/251847\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/251850"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=251847"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=251847"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=251847"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}