An architect friend of mine has asked me for local cyclists opinions on runnel designs that they like. A near-in Pgh. suburb has asked him to include runnels on four sets of public stairs he is putting in for a few projects his company is doing.
He is aware of the steps on Louisa street in Oakland, and has looked around at various posts from Seattle and other cities, but he wants to know what Pittsburgh cyclists think.
Any comments, pictures or links would be appreciated.
marko82
2016-11-22 14:37:35
Here's an idea: If they're doing four, install four different styles. Give us a year to check them out and compare ease of use, and that will help us guide the installation of the next set.
stuinmccandless
2016-11-22 17:51:05
I would tend to agree with @Stu's suggestion: There's not enough of those things around here for most people to have formed a strong opinion. On the other hand each installation will have its own peculiarities so I'm not sure whether the outcome would be as informative as it could be.
But why not post the 4 designs and get some initial feedback? Most of us have run into runnels (so to speak) at one point or another. For starters, there's ones of steel and there's concrete ones.
ahlir
2016-11-22 18:41:59
Runnel on Walnut St stairs to Riverfront Park, Cincinnati. Very nice. (Click to see the full picture. Fix the web site. grrrr.)
https://flic.kr/p/PwBuWg
paulheckbert
2016-11-23 09:03:24
A +1 on the Cincinnati runnels that Paul mentioned. Very subtle and classy.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/68912815@N04/EqG2aF
chrishent
2016-11-23 09:13:23
I drink too much beer....and coffee to use 'em.
durishange
2016-11-23 12:15:13
@durishange, I hear you.
But I think most of the people on this thread are focused on being able to get up stairs without having to hoist their bike. The downwards runneling is a nice bonus, especially if you don't have full suspension.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U93ieq0LZvY
Pro tip: on the descents, stick to coffee.
ahlir
2016-11-23 19:23:36
Some of those Chileans should visit the Southside Slopes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFuSjk7jv_M
paulheckbert
2016-11-23 20:18:54
