I love bikes. They're pretty, they're sexy, they're an excellent way to get around, and they're good exercise to boot. They're cheaper than cars, are easier to maintain, and well, especially around the Bay Area, which is heaven for cyclists, how could anyone not be a cyclist?!
When traveling or touring by bike, people are always nice to you. It makes up for being male --- I rarely get discounts or special privileges, but being on a bike, people smile at me, offer to take me out to lunch in exchange for stories, and give me discounts in motels. I've had people give me rides to places, offer me advice unsolicited, block traffic for me, and so forth. Touring by bike is wonderful!
What bikes do I like? All kinds. But my favorite is the Bridgestone brand, now known as the Rivendell. That's why I run the internet-bob mailing list. Join by clicking here. I own 3 or 4 bikes, and one of these days I'll get pictures of them taken and scan them in. But in the mean-time, I'm too busy riding to take pictures of 'em! I like road bikes the best, since they're fast and can do lots of off-road stuff. But I like all kinds of bikes, and own a road bike, a mountain bike, and am getting a hybrid.
People seem to think that cycling is dangerous when on the road. But it isn't. In fact, here's an article I wrote about that. What's dangerous is riding a bike that isn't fit for you, or not knowing how to ride. Here's something else I wrote which might be useful, if you want to get into cycling but don't quite know how. I also have a Java-powered gear-inch calculator.
Finally, just for laughs, here's a description of my favorite bike shop.
Yak about bikes. Click here.