New Official Sponsor: Cardio Trek Sports Trainer

The Bicycle Mechanic has a new Official Sponsor, replacing the old sponsor (Gears Bike Shop). The new sponsor is Cardio Trek, a local sports trainer / personal trainer. Cardio Trek is best known for teaching archery lessons.

	Cardio Trek Sports Trainer	East York, Toronto, ON Email: cardiotrek@gmail.com Hours: Tues-Thurs 10-5:30, Sat-Sun 10-3:30
Cardio Trek is best known for teaching archery lessons.

Bike to Work Week, Yada Yada, Meaningless or Worth Trying?

Bike to Work Week is a "community event" in cities like Toronto and Vancouver (and doubtlessly others) that is called a "community event" because they are not sure what else to call it.

To me a community event is something where you go outside and socialize with other people - which means talking to them!

However Bike to Work Week doesn't really much socializing. Unless you count the confused coworkers who go "Huh? Did your car break down or something?"

At which point you have to explain "Oh, it is bike to work week. I am going to do this all week."

And they say "Oh. Okay. Whatever."

And then by Thursday you have given up on the whole bicycling to work thing because you have to pick the kids up after work from soccer practice and you realize that bicycling to work isn't always practical for your lifestyle.

At which point your co-workers make fun of you. "Oh, I guess you changed your mind about bicycling to work eh?"

And you mumble something about your kids and soccer practice.

So here is the thing...

The whole "Bike to Work Week" thing is designed to get people to at least TRY bicycling to work, to see if it is something that works for them. If it is convenient enough / enjoyable enough, some people may decide to start bicycling to work every day.

Depending on the type of work you do however, bicycling to work just isn't convenient. eg. Construction or landscaping, you will want a truck to be able to carry around tools, building materials, plants, etc.

On the other hand if your job is working at a graphic design firm, and the heaviest things you carry to work is your water bottle and your laptop, then perhaps cycling to work actually makes sense for you.

For example, my brother-in-law bicycles to his law office regularly (depending on the weather, time of year). He carries a brief case with his laptop and legal papers in a rack on the back of the bicycle. (A rack I helped him install.)

So for him bicycling to work makes sense part of the year. Other times of the year he might be more concerned about those precious legal documents and decide taking the TTC bus/subway makes more sense, as does staying warm.

So Bike to Work Week serves a single purpose - to get people who have the option, ability and the type of job where they could potentially bicycle to work to give it a shot and see if they like it.

It is NOT a community event. No matter if cities try to push the idea by offering free drinks, snacks, etc at "Celebration Stations" like the city of Vancouver is currently doing.

The people who show up at these Celebration Stations drink the free drink, eat the free food, and then they leave. They don't usually stick around and socialize.

Most of them will be people who fall into the following categories:

• They already bicycle to work.
• They are outside for a recreational ride.
• They are currently conducting an errand.

The percentage of people who are actually bicycling to work for the first time will be very low. So really this "community event" is mostly for people who already ride their bikes to work, ride for recreational reasons, or just like running errands on their bicycle.

When I lived downtown I used to bicycle around doing errands constantly. I also rode my bicycle to work regularly during the warmer months.

Now that I live in Leaside (basically uptown suburbia) I really only ride my bicycles (I currently have 11) these days for recreational purposes. I don't ride them to work any more because I have too much things to carry, and I don't use my bicycle for errands any more because if I am running an errand I am either: Close enough to walk there, or far enough that the wife and I take the car.

And in the near future, with a baby on the way, I will be barely working at all and on diaper duty instead. Maybe then I will get a sidecar or trailer to carry the baby in and I might be outside running errands with the bicycle+sidecar.

Or maybe I will just take the stroller. We shall see.

In related news, I am browsing options with respect to sidecars or trailers suitable for babies.

MEC looking to hire bicycle mechanics for Victoria, B.C.

MEC is looking to hire a couple new bicycle mechanics for their shop in Victoria, B.C. They are looking for bicycle mechanics with training and have good attention to detail.

Job Posting Link
https://trr.tbe.taleo.net/trr01/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=MEC1&cws=1&rid=1720

If you have any questions regarding the position you can direct them to:

Patrick Humer
Product Team Leader (Cycling, Packs)
250.386.2667 / Patrick.Humer@mec.ca

MEC
Victoria Store
1450 Government Street
Victoria, BC Canada V8W 1Z2
mec.ca

Bicycle Polishes and what they're used for

There are various kinds of bicycle polishes available, each serving a specific purpose in maintaining and enhancing the appearance of bicycles. Here are some common types of bicycle polishes and why people use them:

1. Metal Polish:

   • Metal polishes are designed to clean and restore the shine of metal components on bicycles, such as the frame, handlebars, stem, crankset, and spokes.
   • They help remove oxidation, tarnish, and minor scratches from metal surfaces, leaving them looking polished and protected.
   • Metal polishes can improve the aesthetic appeal of a bike, making it look well-maintained and cared for.

2. Paint Polish and Protectant:

   • Paint polishes and protectants are used to clean, shine, and protect the painted surfaces of the bicycle frame.
   • They remove dirt, grime, and light surface imperfections, restoring the paint's luster and depth.
   • These products often provide a protective layer that helps repel dust, water, and UV rays, reducing the risk of fading, discoloration, and corrosion.
   • Paint polishes and protectants can help prolong the life of the bike's paint job and keep it looking vibrant.

3. Plastic and Rubber Polish:

   • Plastic and rubber polishes are specifically formulated to clean, shine, and rejuvenate plastic and rubber components on bicycles, such as handlebar grips, saddle, fenders, and protective covers.
   • They help restore the original color, gloss, and flexibility of these components, which can be affected by exposure to sunlight and weather conditions.
   • By keeping plastic and rubber parts in good condition, these polishes can improve the overall appearance of the bike and enhance its longevity.

4. Rim Polish:

   • Rim polishes are designed to clean and restore the appearance of bicycle rims, whether they are made of aluminum, steel, or carbon fiber.
   • They help remove brake pad residue, dirt, and grime from the rim's braking surface, improving braking performance and maintaining a consistent contact surface.
   • Rim polishes can also enhance the shine and luster of rims, giving them a polished and well-maintained look.

5. Chrome Polish:

   • Chrome polishes are specifically formulated to clean, shine, and protect chrome-plated components, such as handlebars, stems, forks, or other decorative parts.
   • They remove dirt, fingerprints, and surface imperfections from chrome surfaces, restoring their mirror-like finish.
   • Chrome polishes also provide a protective layer that helps prevent oxidation and corrosion, keeping the chrome parts looking pristine.

People use these different kinds of bicycle polishes to maintain the visual appeal of their bicycles, restore shine to various components, and protect against damage caused by environmental factors. Regular cleaning and polishing not only make the bike look more attractive but also help preserve the integrity and longevity of its various parts, ultimately contributing to a better riding experience and higher resale value.

Ways to Store your Bicycle

Need a way to store your bicycle indoors within your house or apartment that reduces how much space it takes up / makes your bicycle fit the decor? Here are 13 ways to store your bicycle(s) so they take up less space and makes them look very stylish.

Bicycle Mount Cellphone Holder

Earlier today I went for a ride around Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto and the surrounding area. With me I took my cellphone and decided to try out a new accessory:

Taotronics Bicycle Mount Cellphone Holder...

Which I purchased via Sunvalleytek Canada / via Amazon.ca. They also make cellphone mounts for cars and a variety of other devices. The name of the device on Amazon is really long, apparently because Taotronics is trying to squeeze as many keywords into the title as they can.

They also sent me a follow-up email to make sure I received the package in the mail, and some additional information:

Dear Charles,

We’re sending this email to check in and make sure that your order arrived and is working well for you.

Just so you know, the bicycle phone mount are covered with a 1-year warranty which can be extended by another 6-month if you register the product online with warranty card included in item package.

If you have any problems or questions about our product, please respond to this email and we will do our best to resolve your issue within 24 hours.

Below are some tips before you install the phone mount to your bike.

1.Do not ride for long time on road with too many bumps which is not good for your phone and also the mount. Put a piece of cloth to the handlebar before you try to install the clamp to the bicycle which could prevent the clamp getting loose after a period time of riding.

2.If you are not able to fix the clamp to your bicycle handle bar, please check the below picture.

3. If the cradle which holds the phone comes off from the clamp which is fixed to the handle bar, please try to put the cradle into the clamp oppositely to have a try.

Finally, we hope that you will be willing to leave an honest review of our product on Amazon. User reviews are vital to our research and development, and having your input will enable us to continue making a product that you enjoy using.

Thank you again for choosing TaoTronics. We are committed to providing you quality products and top notch customer service, and hope to serve you for years to come.

Best regards,

Ella

So yes, a review. But I shall be posting it here, not on Amazon.

Review Note #1.

The most important part of any product is that it needs to work. This product works. So that is a success right there.

Review Note #2.

I managed to purchase this bicycle accessory on sale. $13.99. Regularly priced at $29.99. So huzzah. I got a deal. Sucks to be the people who have to pay full price.

Review Note #3.

The stretchy rubber device did not completely fit my Samsung Galaxy S6 (plus case), height wise. It had no problem fitting width wise, but it was too short to go over the top of my phone, over the back of the mount, and over the corners of the bottom of the phone. So instead I simply placed it over the top of the phone and then jury rigged it to the side clamps, thus ensuring that my phone wouldn't bounce out while riding over bumps. (I also double checked how tight it was

A smaller phone would not have had this problem, but I managed to get it to work.

However if I were to give the manufacturer a piece of advice, I recommend including two of those stretchy rubber devices in the packaging, that are two different sizes. At present they do give the purchaser two of them, but they are both the same size. A larger version of the stretchy rubber thingy that fits taller/larger phones would be handy.

The Stretchy Rubber Thingy, Horizontal

Review Note #4.

Build quality and usability. It was well designed and well built. I have no qualms about the quality of the materials. It was very easy to use and install. Takes less than a minute to attach to a bicycle, even less to remove it. (Which unfortunately means thieves might grab it. I decided to remove it from my bicycle after I was done cycling today, which means the next time I intend to use this accessory, it will at least be easy to use.)

Review Note #5.

I like how when you press the side button the side clamps slowly go outwards, releasing your phone in a nice, slow and orderly manner. It was so cool I showed the wife. Oooooooo!

Overall I give this product 4 stars out of 5. If they included a larger rubber thingy that fits larger phones it would be 5 stars.

SAFETY NOTE

Don't play on your phone while cycling. Avoid the urge to press buttons. If you have to do something on your phone, slow down and stop, go to the sidewalk and do what you need to do.

Distracted Cycling Kills Cyclists.

Troubleshooting Bicycle Seat Posts

Here is a list of common issues that can occur with seat posts on a bicycle and some troubleshooting steps to help you fix them:

1. Seat Post Slipping:

   • Problem: The seat post keeps sliding down, even when properly tightened.
   • Troubleshooting and Fix:
     • Ensure that the seat post is clean and free from dirt or grease.
     • Apply carbon fiber assembly paste or a specialized seat post grip compound to increase friction between the seat post and the frame.
     • Check if the seat post clamp is tightened sufficiently. Use a torque wrench to apply the recommended torque.
     • If the issue persists, consider using a seat post collar with a larger diameter or a different design that provides better clamping force.

2. Seat Post Stuck or Seized:

   • Problem: The seat post is stuck inside the frame and cannot be adjusted or removed.
   • Troubleshooting and Fix:
     • Apply a penetrating lubricant to the junction between the seat post and the frame. Let it sit for some time to loosen any corrosion or debris.
     • Gently tap the seat post from the bottom with a rubber mallet or a block of wood while supporting the frame to dislodge it.
     • If the seat post is still stuck, seek assistance from a professional bicycle mechanic who can use specialized tools or techniques to remove it without causing damage.

3. Excessive Squeaking or Creaking:

   • Problem: The seat post produces annoying squeaking or creaking noises during rides.
   • Troubleshooting and Fix:
     • Remove the seat post from the frame and clean both the seat post and the seat tube thoroughly.
     • Apply a thin layer of carbon fiber assembly paste, grease, or anti-seize compound to the seat post before reinstalling it.
     • Ensure that all bolts and clamps associated with the seat post are tightened to the manufacturer's recommended torque settings.
     • If the noise persists, inspect the saddle rails, saddle clamp, or other components for potential sources of the noise.

4. Seat Post Damage or Cracking:

   • Problem: The seat post is visibly damaged, cracked, or showing signs of structural weakness.
   • Troubleshooting and Fix:
     • If the seat post is made of carbon fiber and shows signs of damage or cracking, it is strongly advised to replace it immediately, as riding with a compromised carbon fiber seat post can be dangerous.
     • For metal seat posts, inspect the damage carefully. If the damage is minor and does not affect the structural integrity, you may be able to continue using it. However, it's best to consult a professional bicycle mechanic for evaluation and advice.
     • If the seat post is severely damaged, it should be replaced with a new one that matches the specifications of your bicycle.

Remember, proper maintenance and regular inspection of your seat post can help prevent issues and ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience. If you are uncertain about performing any repairs or encounter significant damage, it is recommended to seek assistance from a professional bicycle mechanic.