How to make a $5000 lint trap

That company that makes bike frames out of bamboo is now promoting the equally dubious idea of aftermarket couplings for your carbon frame. The problem with sawing through carbon, as just about anyone who's tried it with the wrong sort of tools can tell you, is that it occasionally turns stiff, sound tubes into mushy, useless tubes--something like a carbon-fiber lint sock for your clothes washer.

Anyway, this story brings to mind a widespread rumor that we need some confirmation on: Word is that even if your bike fits into a standard suitcase, the airlines are peeking into all bags, and they'll still charge you the bike transport.

True? If so, it's a massive affront and a moral outrage. We're checking into it...
(By the way: LOVE that Ritchey folding bike, have you grokked it?)

Now THAT'S bike porn: Paris Hilton tearing up the Cali dirt

The only Paris Hilton we're interested in is a hotel in France, but still. Couldn't help but notice that the outlaw biker who goes by that name remains at large in Hollywood, and she rides an awesome Stumpjumper FSR.

Really, though, just three things you need to know about this cyclist that you can gleen without ever reading a word of the Enquirer, by just looking at this photo:

No helmet, granny gear, cellphone in hand.

Not sure where she found this dicey doubletrack in Hollywood, but judging from the destruction that normally follows in her wake, it could be anywhere along Sunset Boulevard.