The new Sport Utility Vehicle in the US (Specialzied Langster/Burley Nomad Trailer)

Since the sinking US Dollar (USD) is causing a bull commodities market and driving the price of oil to record levels on a daily basis the new SUV is going to be as pictured above. Of course there is a story behind this rig and it is worth reading even if you are not a bike freak.



As much as I would like to have a new Honda Ridgeline I am thinking of putting together a similar setup instead and getting a couple more years out of my 1999 Infiniti G20. Unfortunately I cannot stomach the idea of turning my 2007 Langster into a commuter. Maybe I can get a 2008 Langster Seattle (pictured below) to pull the Burley Nomad. Add a set of Shimano PD-M324 Pedals and the total estimated cost of the errand runner is $1175. Based on the current cost of fuel in New Jersey it would take about 1 year to recover the initial investment. If I use my 10 year old Trek 880 my payback time will be much less. Although I would not be nearly as excited.

One of the problems that exists with going in this direction is that the US suburbs are were planned around relatively inexpensive energy costs and heavy use of the automobile. Using my area (Holmdel/Middletown, New Jersey) as an example it would be easy from a distance perspective to run to Target, A&P, Best Buy and Barnes & Noble. Any of these places are not more than 2 to 3 miles from my house. On the weekends I am at A&P at least 3 times each day.


Specialized Bikes sent me an email this week informing me that it is Bike to Work Week. With energy prices at an all time high this just makes sense. Even if you are not convinced that Global Warming is real it is obvious that reducing the amount carbon in the air we breath is a good idea. Maybe it should be expanded to Bike to the Grocery Store week as well.

I want to head over the Peddler to look at the 52 Tarmac they have on the showroom floor. Maybe I will look at getting a Burley Nomad as well. I just have to convince myself to spend the gas money to drive there.