Stay tuned to this page for updates pertaining to CETMA related business.
Go
here
for regular and random bike thoughts and pictures.
August 29, 2008
For the curious:
Tips, orders, and inquiries from the following shops, ALL since the price
change.
If you live near any of these bike shops, this is your place to get CETMAracks.
Have a better suggestion? Submit it HERE.
Thank you to everyone for your input!
In case you didn't know, prices for all CETMAracks purchased through this
site went up yesterday.
To be clear:
CETMAracks can be purchased for 40% less at your favorite bike shop.
Again...
If you want to save 40% on a CETMArack, go to your local bike shop and buy
one there. If your local bike shop doesn't yet carry them,
let me know.
Check the Dealers page to find the
closest shop to you.
August 12, 2008
I've received some thoughtful emails relating to the price changes
recently
announced here. I'll post a few quotes below, but from now on the public
discussion
shall be continued at the CETMAracks blog, located
HERE.
Thank you to everyone for your input.
"...you might consider adding a distance clause. For
example, if your mailing address is x miles from
the nearest dealer you get the bike store price. I'm 122 miles from the nearest
dealer."
-San Diego, California
"I read your 8/8 post about "your dilemma" and, frankly, I
don't understand what the dilemma exactly is.
It sounds to me like you have a couple local bike shop owners who are really
putting the screws to
you to boost their bottom line...I don't know what your revenue is nor where it
comes from, but I
imagine a good chunk of it comes from dealers and that you're not prepared to
stand up to them
at the risk of losing that revenue stream."
-Austin, Texas
"I'm in Cincinnati and don't know a store to get one of your racks. $100 bucks
seems like a fair price;
$140, even with the awesome pictures of your wife on the site, would be pushing
my budget.
Maybe have different prices based on a rough geography of where your stores are,
or refuse to ship locally?
It's a tough question. Maybe have a really long lag time between the order and
ship date to discourage people
from ordering? I'd find some economics grad students, buy some pizzas and beers
and see what they think.
They eat this shit up."
-Cincinnati, Ohio
"Hi Lane,...I work at a great bike shop in Austin Texas. I would like to see
about selling your racks in the shop.
I really dig your attitude toward bike shops. Thanks. Please send me your
wholesale info. Thanks"
-Austin, Texas
August 8, 2008
Friends, we need to talk. I've got a dilemma on my hands that's been
slowly snowballing,
unbeknownst to me, for three years. This dilemma needs to be remedied
right now.
It has to do with the way I conduct business on this website and its
undermining effect
on bike shop owners who wish to carry CETMAracks.
If you've got any business sense (or common sense for that matter), you can
understand
how shops that carry CETMAracks essentially compete with this website.
Since we both offer the same product at the same price, this presents a conflict
to customers
who must choose between supporting their local bike shop and directly supporting
the manufacturer of the product they like.
If you were a shop owner, what incentive would you have to carry CETMAracks
if you knew your customers could simply come to this site and buy them directly
from me? Would you bother to buy them from me, or feel like it's a waste
of time
and money? Would you feel a little annoyed? I wouldn't blame
you.
In the past, this sort of thing never occurred to me. Recently, though,
I've had a couple
very honest and enlightening conversations with shop owners regarding this
conflict,
and it's propelled me to reconfigure the way I operate.
Ideally, shop owners need to have real incentive to carry CETMAracks. They
need to make money, too.
They need to know that their business won't be undermined by this site, and at
the same time,
people not near any CETMArack dealers must have a way to obtain them.
So...
Beginning August 22, 2008:
-CETMArack prices on this website will increase 40%.
-Bike shop orders will be given top priority and will ship immediately.
-Free shipping for all US bike shop orders.
I'd love to hear your feedback regarding this. Whether you're a
customer, potential customer,
shop owner, fisherman, soldier, Spaniard, DJ, or pervert, feel free to tell me
what you
think about these changes. I'm all ears.
email: Lane (@) cetmaracks.com
July 29, 2008
I made a cargo bike. It's a prototype. I plan to build another
with disc brakes,
an internal hub, and a lighter box with removable lid.
I don't own a car, so this bike is absolutely indispensable to me.
I've carried over 200 pounds in it with no problems. The geometry
and handling is perfect. It's comfortable, easy to ride, and more
useful than I would have ever imagined.
I carry groceries home from the market, steel from my supplier in town,
my wife to and from work, shipments to UPS, and garage sale treasures from all
over,
ALL which have been very difficult to manage on a CETMArack alone.
This thing is great. I don't know why there aren't more in the US.
July 27, 2008
All CETMArack shipments this week will accompany vegan, organic peanut butter
cookies,
courtesy of my wife, Cara.
July 17, 2008
More vegan, organic edibles courtesy of Cara. Cayenne
Chocolate-Hazelnut!
These will go into this week's CETMArack shipments.
July 2, 2008
Here's a shot of the first batch of home made treats to be included
in this week's rack shipments.
These edible, organic, vegan, and
nutritious treats are brought
to you by my wife, Cara, who thoroughly enjoys contributing in this way.
Read the post below.
Email her at cara(at)cetmaracks.com for recipies.
June 14, 2008
I would like to introduce you to someone.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is my wife, Cara.
I know.
You may have seen pictures of her throughout this site,
and now I feel it's time for an official introduction. Cara certainly deserves
it.
Cara is incredible. She's the queen of grace. The angel of poise,
tact, and brilliance.
The city of Eugene recently voted her "Sexiest
Bartender in Eugene".
Annie Hardy from the L.A. band Giant Drag
called her the Vegan Martha Stewart.
I call her the love of my life.
In 2006, when I organized a benefit to raise money for injured
San Francisco bike messengers, Cara spent the entire preceding week preparing
an astonishing array of free food for everyone. For this event, Cara
single-handedly
provided:
-Five pizzas. FIVE. each different, all from scratch.
-A huge pile of handmade taquitos.
-Guacamole,
salsa, and chips, ALL made from scratch.
-Sixty handmade samosas with mint sauce and chutney, also made from scratch.
-Hummus and pita.
-Potato chips.
-A vegetable platter.
-Cupcakes. Lots of cupcakes.
Cara has a knack for turning everything she touches into something wonderful.
She's got laser-like-focus and devotion like you've never, ever seen before,
and beginning this week she plans to aim some of it toward you, my friends.
Cara has decided to help me with certain aspects of the CETMAracks biz.
She'll be communicating with your favorite bike shops and seeing to it that
CETMAracks are available where they're wanted. She'll also be helping me
design
and create the first batch of new canvas basket/rack things.
Yesterday, Cara told me she'd like to start including free home-made cookies
and vegan goodies with rack shipments.
Watch out, people. Cara's on board. Things are going to get
exciting around here.
CARA!
The extremely rare white 5-rail pictured below is not for sale.
Feel free to email Cara at: cara(at)cetmaracks.com
June 3, 2008
Despite my new-year resolution
to slow down, take it easy, and pace myself,
I am now busier than ever. From out of the blue,
CETMAracks orders have gone
through the ceiling, with no slowing in sight. Gee, I wonder if it has anything to do with gas prices?...
For those waiting for racks, please, PLEASE accept my apologies for the wait.
I'm doing what I can to get every rack delivered in a timely manner,
and aim to be completely caught up by the end of June.
That said...
If you'd like an ETA (going to
CMWCXVI?), don't hesitate to contact me
via email or phone. I don't mind. I try to answer every email within
a day or two.
If you haven't received a response from a previously sent email,
it may have been sent to my bulk folder. Resend.
April 2, 2008
For the first time in like, forever, CETMAracks is no longer a one-man
operation.
As of last week, I've had a friend helping me produce CETMAracks. His
name is Erik,
and he helps me cut steel, drill holes, grind, finish, and all the rest.
March 20, 2008
Last week I inadvertently
deleted three years-worth
of CETMAracks pictures,
art, and design files
from my computer.
Every digital image, each
priceless piece of original art.
Gone. ALL of it. It hurts.
CETMAracks is startin' from scratch.
February 24, 2008
CETMArack condoms!!
Just kidding. They're the new instruction/philosophy booklets.
One included with each rack. I made 'em.
Stickers and t-shirts are in the works.
February 3, 2008
CETMAracks has a new phone number. It's (541) 515-3936.
January 2, 2008
I've begun making a series of changes around here. Some of these
changes
may affect you. Some may not.
Firstly, I've quit my day job. For those that care, these last
few months have been
incredibly busy, and my job was simply getting in the way. Now I'm making
racks
full-time with no other daytime obligations.
I still work a nighttime job, though, which fits nicely.
To celebrate the end of a tumultuous '07, my wife and I flew to Chicago
for a week-long vacation. I grew up there, so it was a fine way to
spend a warm,
nostalgic, relaxing Christmas. We're now back and totally refreshed.
Online rack prices will be going up (probably early March).
Suggested retail prices will not. So if you want a CETMArack,
the cheapest place to find it will be your friendly neighborhood, locally owned
shop.
Ask them if they carry CETMAracks, or tell me if you want CETMAracks available
at your favorite shop by emailing me
here.
I'm working on a new rack. I don't want to say too much, but it
will involve
canvas and be a basket-type thing. That's probably too much.
Happy New Year to all of you. Thank you sincerely to everyone for all
of your
input, encouragement, and support. I wouldn't do it without you.
And for the owner of the bike above...hang in there.
December 17, 2007
Powder-coated CETMAracks with removable fences are here.
November 18, 2007
Stop the press!!
Okay, folks. Introducing the removable fence I've been talking about
for three damn months. The rack you see here is uncoated.
I'll get some better pics up when this one gets a proper finish.
Price not yet determined.
November 15, 2007
Don't tell anyone, but I'm considering raising the prices of all racks sold
through this website so that bike shops don't have to compete with me.
Opinions?
Email me your thoughts.
November 14, 2007
5-rail and 7-rail CETMAracks are now available with an optional 2-inch fence.
The fence costs an extra $40.
I've added a "FENCES" page to this
site. You've already noticed, I'm sure. You're smart.
November 13, 2007
About a week ago I moved the CETMArack headquarters.
Here is the new mailing address:
CETMAracks
2260 Kincaid Street
Eugene, Oregon 97405
October 13, 2007
Here's a picture of the new 7-rail fence rack with a near-chrome powder-coat
finish.
The platform measures twelve by seventeen, and the fence is two inches high.
Want one?
Contact me. Stay tuned for a fence-rail
page coming soon.
September 29, 2007
In one month I'll yet again be moving the CETMAracks headquarters.
If all goes well, this new workspace will exist a mere four steps from my home.
It will be the largest shop I've ever operated, and should provide
adequate space for a permanent shipping area, silkscreen station, and
storage for completed racks for immediate shipping.
September 17, 2007
So my email account broke or something.
For the last two weeks or so, I haven't received certain emails. It seems
to be working fine now, but if you recently sent me an email and I didn't
respond, it's not because I'm a dick, I just didn't get your message.
Please resend any important emails. Sorry for any inconvenience.
September 12, 2007
Something wonderful happened yesterday. After three months of
being perpetually behind schedule, I was finally able to ship racks to
nearly every last waiting customer. There are a couple more
that need to go out, but as of now, I'm caught up. This is a big deal.
I recently moved into a larger shop, bought some new equipment,
and streamlined production. Two new racks are in the works, and I'll be
unveiling the newest 7-rail in a day or two.
New powder-coat colors will be available, too.
Also, stay tuned for a "SALE PAGE", where you'll find cosmetically
irregular racks, odd-ball
prototypes, and other things not found on the existing site.
August 7, 2007
The rack pictured here is a prototype.
The real McCoy will most likely be five or six inches
wider and have a removable fence. Removable.
If you recently sent in a pic for the gallery, sit tight. I'll be adding
new pictures very soon.
July 18, 2007
So...
Here's the freshly powder-coated 3-rail.
7 x 12 inches. 1 lb., 7oz (without hardware)
No mas.
July 16, 2007
New 3-rails are being powder-coated tomorrow. Price not yet determined.
If you'd like a 3-rail, contact me. I'm only making a handful of these,
and the next batch won't be ready for a while.
Four are already spoken for.
July 7, 2007
New developments:
-Powder-coated 5-rails are flying out the yurt.
-3-rail MINIS are right around the corner.
-New powder-coat colors soon available.
-Discounted "cosmetically irregular" 5-rails are for sale, if you contact me.
Check back tomorrow for updates
June 20, 2007
If you recently ordered a 6-rail but would rather have a curvy new 5-rail
instead,
contact me.
I aim to please.
June 17, 2007
There's a new CETMArack in town, and it's made the 6-rail and 4-rail
obsolete. I'm happy to introduce the 5-rail CETMArack. It measures
the same as the 6-rail, and is built with Cro-Mo 4130 tubing like the 4-rail.
They're $80.
June 13, 2007
All CETMAracks are now shipped via UPS, because I prefer their service.
If you'd like your rack shipped via US Postal Service, let me know. No
big deal.
May 23, 2007
The 07 NACCC trophies were finished and shipped to SF yesterday.
May 21, 2007
Look at these maniacs:
May 11, 2007
Powder-coated 6-rails are sold out.
The last three of the powder-coated 6-rails were sold yesterday. I'll be
starting
a new batch soon, and a handful of these will also be powder-coated.
If you'd like to reserve one of these indestructible beauties, contact me
ASAP.
I highly recommend it, as this new batch won't last long.
April 26, 2007
I had a small batch of CETMAracks sandblasted and powder-coated today.
The finish is called "ink black" and is EXTREMELY tough. This powder-coating
is bonded to the rack with an electrical charge and then cooked at 400 degrees
in a huge walk-in oven that would scare the bejezzus out of you.
The look of these racks is stunning. They have the appearance of being wet
and are completely smooth. As you hold one in your hands, you say to yourself,
"Hey, this is REALLY something! I like this!!"
This powder-coating costs twenty dollars and is worth every penny.
April 24, 2007
Do you want powder-coated CETMAracks? Let me know because
I'm thinking of including it as an add option. Seriously, Y or N?
1. CETMAracks are now made in Eugene, OR.
2. 4-rail prices have gone up.
3. There's a mole living under the shed.
Newly added to the growing list of US CETMArack retailers:
Bicycle Revolutions
712 S. 4th St.
Philadelphia, PA
19147
February 16 2007
The cro-mo 4-rail is here. Tell your friends.
February 7 2007
ALL racks have been shipped. If you're waiting on racks or trophies, call me
at 415 373-8458.
Go see Children of Men.
January 27 2007
WHAT?!?
In two months I move the CETMArack
project to Eugene, Oregon.
If you live in or near Eugene, get in touch. I want to talk to you.
December 2 2006
All CETMAracks ordered this week have been shipped. Delivery takes 2-3 days
in
the United States, and 7-10 days for you Canadian types.
If your rack does not arrive promptly don't hesitate to contact me because I'm
your friend.
Lane (415) 373-8458
October 29 2006
After nearly three months of gentle prodding and nudging of the local messenger
folk
and cycling public at large,
the whole dang thing is done.
The bike sale benefit is done and done.
Saturday's event was a genuine success on many levels. Dozens of people happily
donated
their unwanted bike junk,
while others looking for useful parts simultaneously bought them.
Delicious (and
free) homemade food and beer was consumed,
and ALL proceeds will go
to The Broken Bones Fund, which, if you don't know by
now, is a fund that helps
injured messengers
with medical bills and whatnot.
I distinctly recall nearly a dozen generous people handing over extra bills
(along with
their cash for things they were buying),
as an added donation to this Broken Bones Fund.
My indefatigable wife, Cara, spent a solid week preparing five pizzas, nearly a
hundred
handmade taquitos, guacamole,
salsa, and chips, sixty handmade samosas with
mint sauce and chutney (made from
scratch), hummus and pita, potato chips,
a vegetable platter, and a heaping pile of cupcakes.
A few devoted friends came out early to help with initial arranging and set-up,
and to those people I owe a huge thanks.
If it weren't for them, I would have been REALLY lost, while trying to
single-handedly set-up,
post signs, exchange money,
answer questions, and eat. To the people who donated,
purchased, contributed,
and showed up early to help, thanks, sincerely.
And of course, thanks to Cara, who contributed real blood, sweat, and tears,
(none of which made its way into the food, I assure you!)
behind the scenes
and unwavering, as always.
When I got home, I pulled an enormous wad of green bills from my pocket.
I
started counting the twenties, tens, fives, and ones.
The total came to a weird number,
which you superstitious people can attach your
own meaning to. I don't.
$999. Eh.
That is all. Thanks, everyone!
October 28 2006 12:47am
The bike sale benefit is happening in ten hours. I should be sleeping.
785 Treat (at 21st St.)
10am-5pm (be early)
October 13 Two-Thousand and six
Please donate your unwanted bike parts!
In a couple weeks the SF Bike Messenger Association is hosting a huuuggge bike
swap
to benefit the Broken Bones Fund, a really cool non-profit entity that helps
injured messengers
with medical bills and whatnot.
We're asking kind people everywhere to dig around and perhaps donate ANY
unwanted used bike parts
or paraphernalia (cycling shoes, accessories, clothing, etc.). All donations
will be sold at this bike swap,
and the proceeds will go directly to the Broken Bones Fund. It's not only an
easy way to contribute
to a good cause, but an effective means of unloading all the useless
bike-related crap
you've been amassing since Reagan was president.
Food will be served to the clever people with the foresight to show up early,
and there's
been rumor of others barbecuing and deep-frying some turkeys. My wife is
doing much of the cooking, so it's guaranteed to be great. Beer? Maybe.
The SFBMA bike swap is happening on October 28, the weekend before Halloween.
Stay tuned for location. It's in the Mission District.
This event is public.
Do it. The sooner, the better. I'll even pick it up! Call me at 415 373-8458.
October 7 2006
I made a bunch of these. Each one is slightly different.
They measure 4 by 5 inches and are welded to a metal plate for displaying.
They're coated with a clear lacquer finish, and have four of those little felt
pads under
each corner to keep your Ikea tabletop from getting scuffed up.
Bring one to work and put it on your desk to proclaim your devotion to the
two-wheelin' life.
When co-workers ask you to explain the secret to your superior physical
condition,
point to it and say, "I ride one of THOSE"!
Twenty bucks each, or two for thirty. Buy two!
Shipping's free and prompt. I aim to please.
SOLD OUT. NEVER-MIND.
October 1 2006
SFBMA Bike Swap flyers. Read them and donate!
Then come to the swap and score!
October 2006
CETMA conceived and built these trophies for the 2005 Quake City Rumble.
