There is alarming news from Portland Or. Apparently there is some group that is going to stage a naked bicycle ride. Please remind me to never buy a used Bicycle from Portland!!!
Haha, that reminds me of one 4th of July in Coronado, CA, decades ago, when three surfers rode their bikes around town while totally naked. That town gets crowded on July 4th too, I'm talking about half a million people in a square-mile grid, lol. Folks were shocked to see those knucklehaids cruising around in their birthday suits... I would've been better off with three good-looking women, lol. Oh, well, this happened lonnnnng ago, long before all the political & societal BS we see today. In retrospect, it seems kinda harmless... I think they were just drunk and stoned, and did it on a dare, lol. Things were different in those days...
This is nothing new to those not into cycling and its social aspects, and they are unaware that it has existed for decades, most notably in "Critical Mass" events, and some specifically touted as "Critical Ass".
Regarding buying a used bike (more importantly a used saddle); if you think a think layer of cotton or lycra acts as a micobial barrier to bodily fluids then you are greatly mistaken; especially when dealing with leather and any open pore materials. You should properly cleanse used saddles (even your own) on a regular basis with an antibacterial/antifungal product before using, and routinely thereafter. For leather and other natural materials, it helps prevent deterioration aside from preventing any medical related issues. Cleaning your butt and clothing is only part of the process.
Of course I use old saddles all the time without issue after decades of who knows how many butts they've supported; but only if properly treated. Luckily, for most people that leave their bikes out in the weather, UV "C" band sunrays kill microbes and fungal spores when given adequate time and exposure (but it also deteriorates both natural and synthetic materials); why we use UV light generators to sanitize OR's on a daily basis (ask your hospital if they do the same!).
(10-04-2025, 04:22 PM)rydabent Wrote: There is alarming news from Portland Or. Apparently there is some group that is going to stage a naked bicycle ride. Please remind me to never buy a used Bicycle from Portland!!!
I'd be checking the seat extra carefully on any used bike from Portland now!