Two Bicycle Mechanic Job Postings, SASK and B.C.

So today we have two job postings:

The Grey Owl Centre in Saskatchewan is looking for a bicycle mechanic.

Address: 904 Waskesiu Drive, Waskesiu Lake, SK S0J 2Y0
Phone: (306) 715-7401 or 1-306-683-9510
Email: info@greyowlcenter.com

"Imagine working full-time or part-time in beautiful Waskesiu, Prince Albert National
Park in Saskatchewan, Canada. Home of Author, Conservationist, and Public Speaker
Archibald Belaney (Grey Owl). Our peak season is May through September although year round positions are also available.

Added Perks:
Gym Membership
Use of : canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards SUP, quadracycles, mountain
bikes, fat bikes and much more.
Our business is known for it's positive vibe, great customer service and customer
loyalty. We look forward to hearing from you."

And Russ Hays bike shop in Victoria B.C. is also looking for a bicycle mechanic.

Address: 650 Hillside Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 1Z2
Phone: (250) 384-4722

GearHeads in Petawawa Ontario looking to hire a bicycle mechanic

The new owners of the GearHeads bike shop in Petawawa Ontario are looking for a well-trained bicycle mechanic to work for them.

 

Anyone who is well-qualified should contact the owners: 

GearHeads Bike Shop

3067 Petawawa Blvd

Petawawa Ontario

(613) 687-4624

On the plus side the Petawawa River is quite scenic. Dogs optional.

 

Recyclistas in Vancouver looking to hire a bicycle mechanic

One of the bicycle mechanics at Recyclistas in Vancouver is moving to Ottawa soon, so the bike shop is looking for a bike mechanic to work full time to replace her starting in May 2018. Anyone who is interested should apply to http://recyclistas.ca

Vintage Cycle Shop in Vancouver seeking Bicycle Mechanic

There is a vintage cycle shop in Vancouver called "Rocket Retro e-cycles" that is looking to hire a bicycle mechanic.

Anyone interested in the job should phone Al Canale at 604-727-6114.

Below is an email from Al Canale:

"We are half way through our build in converting the warehouse. The name is Rocket Retro e-cycles. Our location is 2212 Clark Drive in Vancouver.

While our focus is e-cycles, all the bikes come with fairly standard components when it comes to brakes, wheels, frames and some with standard shimano gearing but with the addition of electric motors, controller, battery and throttles which are all basically plug and play. It would be great to find someone who has e-bike experience but I know this is a combination that is still somewhat of a rarity in the business at this time. I would be prepared to provide further education on the electronics component so if I could find the right mechanic, I would invest in the further education for this area of expertise.

The bikes we will be carrying to give some idea:

• www.otocycles.com
• www.ruff-cycles.com/ruffian/
• www.italjet.com

and we will also do custom builds in-house with hand-crafted frames

Thanks again,

Al "

Gearheads looking to hire a bicycle mechanic in Pembroke

JOB POSTING - November 7th 2017.

A shop named Gearheads in the Petawawa area of Ontario is looking to hire a trained bicycle mechanic.

Gearheads
3067 Petawawa Blvd, Petawawa, ON K8H 1X9
(613) 687-4624
Contact Mark Johnson via mark@gearheads.ca

The location is north west of Ottawa and just east of Algonquin Park, so it is a great location for anyone who loves exploring the great outdoors.

Gearheads has already hired one bicycle mechanic from the Quadra Bike School and is looking for another mechanic with similar training.

Troubleshooting Bicycles Nuts

I cannot believe I have to spell this out, but sometimes it is necessary. (While writing this I have made an effort to not make any puns... But if you want you can read some of the sentences below and then just add the words "in bed" or "That's what she said!" after certain phrases...)

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

1. Loose Nuts:

   • Problem: Nuts can become loose due to vibrations or insufficient tightening, which can cause components to shift or detach.
   • Troubleshooting and Fix:
     • Regularly check and tighten nuts using the appropriate tools (e.g., wrenches).
     • Use a torque wrench to ensure that nuts are tightened to the manufacturer's recommended torque specifications.
     • Consider using thread-locking compounds or self-locking nuts for critical components like axles or handlebar stems to prevent them from coming loose.

2. Stripped Nuts:

   • Problem: Over-tightening or using incorrect tools can strip the threads on nuts, making them difficult to remove or causing them to lose grip.
   • Troubleshooting and Fix:
     • Attempt to use a larger-sized wrench or pliers to get a better grip on the nut and carefully turn it counterclockwise to remove it.
     • If the nut is severely stripped, you may need to use specialized tools like nut splitters or grips designed for removing damaged nuts.
     • Replace the stripped nut with a new one of the appropriate size and thread type.

3. Rusty Nuts:

   • Problem: Exposure to moisture and lack of proper maintenance can cause nuts to rust, leading to difficulty in turning or loosening them.
   • Troubleshooting and Fix:
     • Apply a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) to the rusted nuts and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the rust.
     • Use a wire brush or abrasive material to gently scrub away rust from the surface of the nut.
     • If the rust is severe and the nut is not salvageable, replace it with a new one.

4. Cross-threaded Nuts:

   • Problem: Cross-threading occurs when a nut is improperly aligned with the corresponding bolt or stud, resulting in damaged threads and difficulty in turning or tightening.
   • Troubleshooting and Fix:
     • If you suspect cross-threading, stop turning the nut immediately to avoid further damage.
     • Back out the nut carefully, realign it with the threads, and try rethreading it by hand before using tools.
     • If the threads are damaged or the nut still won't properly engage, replace the nut and, if necessary, seek professional help to repair any damaged threads.

5. Missing or Incorrect Nuts:

   • Problem: Nuts can sometimes get lost or be replaced with incorrect ones during maintenance or repairs.
   • Troubleshooting and Fix:
     • Identify the correct size and type of nut needed by referring to the bike's user manual or consulting a professional bike shop.
     • Obtain the appropriate replacement nut and ensure it matches the thread pitch and size of the original.
     • Carefully thread the new nut onto the bolt or stud and tighten it securely.

Remember, if you are unsure about troubleshooting or fixing issues with nuts on your bicycle, it is recommended to seek assistance from a professional bicycle mechanic to ensure the proper resolution of the problem and to maintain the safety and functionality of your bike... in bed.

That's what she said!

Hypermiling and Cycling

Hypermiling is a term commonly used for driving cars (in an effort to save fuel costs by wasting less energy braking), but it is also sometimes used by cyclists.

In terms of cycling, your goal is to save effort and lower the total number of pedaling rotations that you do. (Or on an electric bicycle - save electricity.)

Hypermiling Tips for Cyclists

1. If you are getting closer to a stop sign, cease pedaling and try to time it so you glide to a stop right near the stop sign - with little or no braking required if possible.
2. Going downhill? Cease pedaling and get into a more aerodynamic position.
3. On a flat surface? Only pedal once in a rare moment in order to maintain forward momentum.
4. Whenever possible try to use a more aerodynamic position.
5. Try to time green lights so you can pass through intersections on greens.
6. Try to choose gear combinations that allow you to maximize distance and momentum vs the amount of energy expended pedaling.

Personal Thoughts on Hypermiling

I like to Hypermile sometimes. Mostly for me it means if I see a stop sign up ahead, I stop cycling and use the minimum effort required to roll to a stop close to the stop sign without needing to use the brakes, if possible. Hypermiling is slower obviously, but it is also more relaxing. I get to coast downhills quite a bit and just "ride and chill".

One time years ago I managed to cycle from my old apartment to the Eaton's Centre, a distance of 2.4 km, and only pedaled a full rotation 17 times. Thanks to the destination being downhill, I was able to get from my apartment to the mall with almost no effort at all. Coasted down Jarvis and Yonge most of the way.

The beauty of hypermiling is that it allows you to follow all the traffic signs / laws, while simultaneously relaxing and chilling.

Going so slowly (except on the downhill parts) you also get more time to focus on riding safely. On a downhill you really want to avoid braking and allow yourself to gain as much speed and momentum as possible while doing no pedaling whatsoever.

In theory if there was no stop signs or street lights I could have done it in less than 17 rotations. Maybe 15. But whatever. Still an amazingly low number of pedaling to travel 2.4 km.