Slowly I turn, step by step, inch by inch...

I often quote this famous ditty from the Three Stooges to describe my progress at remodeling. Many customers have commented on the way the shop is shaping up. they are too kind! The phrase sums up my progress. I hope that customers are not turned off by the unfinished look; it is a bicycle shop after all. However, I hope to have it looking pretty spiffy by April. It's a challenge to get it all done on a limited budget. I hope to position the shop for a profitable and respectable opening summer season.

Oh, and if you would like to see the original "Niagara Falls" routine just go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yJBhzMWJCc&feature=related ; it's a hoot. There are also links to Abbott and Costello routines of "Slowly I turn..."

Lauterman Trail Chili Ski (or Snowshoe) - In

A great crowd enjoyed the 2010 Chili Ski-In. The Chili was great and the trails were fast!

Proper Wheel Quick Release Use

I often run into repairs of bikes that have WAY overly tight quick release levers. Of course, I run into loose ones too, however, too tight are the norm. Some tips on properly securing a quick release...

• With a light grease, lube the locking lever where it meets the locking bushing. A dry quick release will often feel tighter than it is.
  

• Now, turn the lever or nut end until you feel a little tension against the locking bushings and the hub. Tighten or back off the tension until the quick release lever is parallel with the hub axle (as shown in the photo).

• Center the tire/wheel in the fork or frame and close the quick release lever so that it is lined up with the fork, chainstay or seat stay. The lever should be parallel with the fork or stays, not over them.
• It may seem more loose than it should be, however, this lever and cam system is designed to hold and stay put in this position with this amount of tension. Do not overtighten or damage to the hub bearings may result.

Another Jim Langley Article on Bicycle Fit

Yeah, Jim is one of my favorite authors on the subject of bikes! I often refer to him as he has an entertaining way to get across a point.

Take a look at his article on Bicycle Fit and Comfort.

http://www.jimlangley.net/crank/bikefitchart.html

The "WE CAN'T MOVE" SALE

The good news is that we have a renter in the front office; hopefully for the long term. And even better news for customers is all bikes in stock will remain at off-season prices until April to make room. We are hoping to get some much needed remodeling and finishing done in the next few months, however, we literally can't move since losing about 1/2 of our floor space in December. Please tell your friends and neighbors that it is a great time to make a bicycle purchase. All new bike prices are $100 off normal in-season rates. That adds up to huge savings. Check pricing list on the door or request a copy via email and then check http://www.jamisbikes.com/ for specs. If we don't have what you're looking for we may be able to get it at great prices. Some 2008 and 2009 bikes are still available at the Jamis warehouses in NJ, FL and CA.

Ride for Red 2009

The week leading up to this years Ride for Red consisted of rain and cool temps which limited the interest in the ride. It was no less fun for the four of us that enjoyed a nice, cool 35 mile ride from Niagara to Pembine via Ctys O & OO. From Pembine we rode to Timm's Lake for a drink and snack provided by Kathleen Peterson ( and Lance of course). We were joined by two American Red Cross Volunteers that delivered the goodies to our rest stops for the day. I hope you can join us next year. It is a worthwhile cause; raising funds for the local office of the American Red Cross in Iron Mountain which serves Dickinson, Florence and NE Marinette Counties. Thank goes out to those that contributed and rode and a few that contributed knowing they would not be able to make it. Tim

BikeWorks in the future

Most of our BikeWorks' friends have heard about the bridge closing in January - September 2011. BikeWorks will continue to serve our customers through this tough situation and looks forward to the much needed road project to be finished. Please pass the word that BikeWorks and other Niagara businesses appreciate your patronage! Plans to cope include reducing inventory levels and possibly renting space in Iron Mountain for the summer.