County deputies going ecomobile

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department wants to join the bicycle age in high-priced style, with an order for six “high quality fully assembled police patrol bicycles with lighting systems, gear bag rack, gear bag and kickstand,” according to a December 3 request for quotation to police-biker providers. Sizes specified include one medium, four large, and another extra-large, say the specifications, which call for the top-dollar “Shimano Deore-XT Rapid Fire, 10 speed w/optical gear display (or equal).” Shimano gear or equivalent is also requested for rims, chains, and derailleurs. “Going uphill, or looking for a more aggressive ride?” asks Shimano’s website. “Don’t worry. The gears maximize traction while our wheel set delivers toughness, reliability and all-out speed. You’ll be blown away by how easy it is to shift with our specially designed side swing derailleur.” The Japanese multinational bike, fishing gear, and canoe-maker touts its climate-change credentials as a founder of the Global Alliance for Ecomobility. The sheriff’s request also seeks Utah-made Bushwacker bicycle trunk bags “with ‘SHERIFF’ decal. ‘SHERIFF’ lettering shall be a minimum of two inches high.” A “digital patrol” light set is to include a lithium-ion battery powered “headlight on one side with a low, medium and high beam. The other side of the headlight has flashing red/blue pursuit lights.”