Critics are shaking their heads over the city’s decision to give on-street bike lanes top priority as part of the snow and ice clearing program.
About 10 km of on-street bike paths previously under a Priority 2 designation for snow and ice removal will now be Priority 1.
Under the plan, a total of 27 km on-street bike lanes will become part of the road maintenance department’s first priorities this winter.
I only cycle outdoors late spring through fall, so for me personally this is not a concern. What I do do in the winter is "Tabata" intervals on my Cycleops trainer 3 times a week. And after 6 months of Tabata intervals I literally fly up hills with not a lot of effort. I highly recommend them. Brutal though, you'll feel nauseous when you first start them.
When do bike shops start to unload bikes at clearance again?
I am in calgary for the weekend, then returning to London where my new Brodie Circuit was stolen, but I have realized that I value a bike too much and need to look into another purchase again
i would think that some shops are likely looking at starting to try and sell off stock now. I'd imagine that between now and before christmas sales slow down a bit.
I'd say go into a shop and see what is there that fits your budget, if you see something that is a little more, see if they will deal.
You will have factor in getting it back to London. might be better to buy it in London. You will obviously want to get an above average lock.
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If I do not come back avenge my death
How do you guys value the different component groups? I'm looking at 4 bike models with a U-lock included. Unlike with computer components, I am not very versed in what to look at and what the real improvements are when you go with different levels of components. Even if you know of any good reading material to learn how to compare parts.
The bikes I am looking with a U-lock and tax included for are:
2012 Norco VFR 4 for $440
2012 Brodie Bolt for $460
2012 Kona Dew City for $472
2012 Kona Dew for $512
These are for bikes at a London, ON, shop in which the manager has offered to reduced the costs a lot because he was in the lab with me at school when my Brodie Circuit got stolen.
Not much of a cost spread between the four bikes. My thought is, which bike do you like best? At this price point the components aren't going to make a huge difference. The most important thing with these groups is to never cross chain - I.e be pushing the small ring on the front and rear, or the big in the front and rear. This puts lots of strain on the drive train. Given your climate make sure you perform main thence and use the right mix of lube.
Given you had one bike stolen, it might make the most sense to go with the cheapest option for now in case this one gets stolen as well.
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If I do not come back avenge my death
I just wanted to say that cyclists seem to be the most awesomest people.
I have just taken up biking again a few months back and am just learning the ropes. When I was 12 I would have my dad take care of the bike.. I can't do that at 40. So today I was out and made a rookie mistake ... Forgot to pack my repair kit and spare tube. And sure enough, today is when I hit a nail. I was far from home, and even an hours walk to work. Well, work seemed closest so I figured I'd lock the bike up there and rescue it tomorrow. On my walk there I ran into a Cycling enthusiast who asked if I had far to go. I said I wasn't too too far. He then:
- offered me one of his spare tubes
- understanding that I was new to cycling, walked me through changing the tube
- ensured that the bike was in 100% working order
- absolutely REFUSED any payment for doing all this
You know, it's when stuff like this happens, it makes me think that maybe, just maybe, there is some good humanity. Or maybe this type of kindness is just found with cyclists. Either way it brightened my day.
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When I first started commuting the same thing happened to me. Luckily I had all the parts and tools I needed but three cyclists still stopped to make sure I was ok before they kept going.
Now - when I see someone on the side of the road/path I make sure they have everything they need. Gotta pay it forward!
My only suggestion is, if you wind up buying a light that requires batteries, buy rechargeable a, and charge them nightly. I would consider going with the $100 units, but that being said I believe MEC has a generous return policy, so you could buy one and try it for a few days.
There are numerous other sites out there, but MeC usually sells quality stuff.
If you buy a unit with a high/low setting that should be enough.
__________________
If I do not come back avenge my death
I just wanted to say that cyclists seem to be the most awesomest people.
I have just taken up biking again a few months back and am just learning the ropes. When I was 12 I would have my dad take care of the bike.. I can't do that at 40. So today I was out and made a rookie mistake ... Forgot to pack my repair kit and spare tube. And sure enough, today is when I hit a nail. I was far from home, and even an hours walk to work. Well, work seemed closest so I figured I'd lock the bike up there and rescue it tomorrow. On my walk there I ran into a Cycling enthusiast who asked if I had far to go. I said I wasn't too too far. He then:
- offered me one of his spare tubes
- understanding that I was new to cycling, walked me through changing the tube
- ensured that the bike was in 100% working order
- absolutely REFUSED any payment for doing all this
You know, it's when stuff like this happens, it makes me think that maybe, just maybe, there is some good humanity. Or maybe this type of kindness is just found with cyclists. Either way it brightened my day.
Had this happen to me and the lady that helped out always carries additional tubes because the same had happened to her. Instead of payment, she only requested that I purchase additional tubes and help others. Done and done!
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Looks to be the best bang for your buck of the (many) Diamondbacks they've got listed right now. Steel frame, carbon fork, and full 105 set-up is good value at that price.
I'd be curious about the weight of the frame - I notice they list it as only 2 pounds heavier than the all-carbon version, but I suppose it's a pretty slim machine all around.
I don't think you could go wrong with this purchase for non-competitive road riding, and see no advantage to stepping up to the ultegra or full carbon equivalents unless you're planning to race people. Plus you'll need to save some cash for pedals.
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I have heard Jensons USA is hit and miss with outrageous shipping costs and getting hit with duties/customs etc. Chain Reactions may or may not be a better option in this regard. REI and Backcountry.com also have some closeouts this time of year but again the shipping/customs/duties negates much of the deal. Then if you have to return it or want local service etc.
I have gotten some great deals from CR in the past that slipped past duties and was free shipping though. Just not sure on a bike as it was for more shipable items.
So today I was out and made a rookie mistake ... Forgot to pack my repair kit and spare tube. And sure enough, today is when I hit a nail. I was far from home, and even an hours walk to work. Well, work seemed closest so I figured I'd lock the bike up there and rescue it tomorrow. On my walk there I ran into a Cycling enthusiast who asked if I had far to go. I said I wasn't too too far. He then:
