Bike parts vending machines - an idea whose time has come

Ever been riding through the city and gotten a blowout, or lost a brake shoe? Of course, we all have. Now a quick and easy solution may be on the horizon -- Trek Stop, a vending machine for bicycle parts and accessories that is being test-marketed in Madison, Wisconsin. In addition to tubes and other small parts, the machine sells maps, energy bars and other necessities for cyclists. The prototype is located in front of Machinery Row Bicycles, and if successful the machines could become available in other cities as well. Original article and a couple of photos are at Bicycle Design, a fine cycling blog. Another photo is here.