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I've had mine for over a year, and I haven't cleaned it. It doesn't really hold dirt, since it's almost all rubber, aside from the dense foam material in the back of the bumper (I have the platinum). That said, I probably should give it a clean, just so that when I place things in my trunk, it won't get dirty from contact with the bb; but since the bb itself is black, I don't notice the dirt.

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Not by just being attached and if the car is parked. Conceivably, if you have a lot of dirt buildup on the underside (the side that contacts against your bumper), and you decide to drive with it on...then whatever wind/driving conditions that cause your bb to flap up and down could result in grit rubbing against your paint. This is similar to logic for why many people don't use car bras on the front of their cars (dirt gets under the bra and rubs against the paint and the bra).

Other strategies like Grovepath's link, and using tow hitches also work, but those only cover a "head-on" hit. It won't help if the person is pulling out/in, and their corner contacts against your corner (hence the earlier tip about shifting your bumper way toward the street side).

Hope this helps.

As someone who parks his car in a garage, I own one, and use it for the frequent occasions that I drive out into Manhattan.

I'd recommend the 'platinum' version of the bumper bully, b/c it does come with some foam padding. Ignoring most of the nay-sayers on this thread, the bumper bully does it's work, which is to prevent paint damage to your bumper. It takes no effort to tuck it back into your trunk w/o moving the straps, and lays flat while inside the trunk (i.e., does not take up any space). I chose it over other brands (e.g. bumper defender), b/c it actually seems to hold it's shape while on the bumper, instead of sagging. However, I wouldn't keep it deployed while driving, b/c that would cause abrasive damage to your bumper.

Another tip...when using it (and any other bumper guard), even though it doesn't cover the whole rear area, you realize you can reduce your area of impact by shifting it to cover the area further from the curb.

Excellent pictures!! Thanks so much for sharing. The weather was excellent--thank goodness no PM showers.

I uploaded some movies of the Grove Street Bike guys showing off their BMX tricks.

http://www.efriendz.com/Events/Jersey ... 233_ASVtp#877263095_VDj9k

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I find myself having to dismount when I cut through the Hoboken train terminal.

Does anyone know a way to get to the Hoboken waterfront without going through the Hoboken train terminal? It's not that bad on a bike, but you can't rollerblade inside the train station--plus the act of taking off skates for that 30 second walk through the station is kinda ridiculous.

I tried asking the station attendants, but they were clueless. One actually suggested I go through the garbage dumpster area, but there's signs marking that place as off limits.

I have the iBert and find it very easy to use. It is centered behind the handlebars and in front of the seat...which is very good for the bike's center of balance. Also, being able to watch my almost-2-year old while biking is a plus.

Here's some caveats to consider about the iBert:

1) If you're tall...your knees will slide across the bottom of the iBert as you pedal. You can reduce this by riding at appropriate seat height...but newbie bikers might not feel comfortable riding at a high seat height where they can't flat foot the ground. Otherwise...you can ride with your knees kinda out sideways. At 5'6", I don't have any problems.

2) On my mtn bike (specialized hard rock), I had to buy a spacer to raise the handlebar stem. Without it, it was hard to slide my toddler's foot under the handlebar w/o taking off his shoes.

No matter what type of seat you get...make sure you have a helmet that fits your kid.

I'm still trying to find some caviar, specifically salmon roe. Wandered around the various aisles of MW a few times but wasn't able to locate it.

Things would be set for me if they sell that...oh and some bottled birch root beer! (A&P doesn't have the birch variety)

Thanks for the update. Explains why police were inside apartments asking for pictures of male residents (to try and i.d.)

Anyone know what's happening at James Monroe? Police were in some apartments. From NWA forum, someone mentioned a possible suicide (jumping off terrace, possibly).

Now if only everyone had one of these...