From time to time we like to host mechanics workshops where you can learn a thing or two about how to keep your biking running smooth.  Having done it a few times, we’ve also got a pretty good handle on the three easiest things to keep your bike running right.  Most simply, there’s three things to check.

1)   Tighten everything up.  Make sure nothing is loose on your bike.  Usually to do this all you need is a set of hexagonal wrenches.  Pick up a bicycle mutli-tool and you’ll have everything covered. Make sure the nuts and bolts on your bike are tightened up nicely.  If you hear any rattling or groaning that means that likely something’s loose.  Don’t expect these sounds to just go away!  If you can’t figure it out take it to a pro.

2)   Lubricate any moving part.  Bikes are pretty simple but it has a lot of little moving parts.  Pick up a basic bottle of bicycle lubricant (don’t use any old oil or grease) and use it on any bit that isn’t stationary: your chain, derailleurs, brakes, and even inside the housing of your bikes cables!  Lube insures everything moves smoothly and can make a bike that feels sluggish and rough ride easy and quiet. Read more

It’s only for special occasion that we get on the horn early for the Friday Night Ride, but next Friday is going to be especially fun.

We’ll announce the specifics next week, but mark your calendars now and be certain not to miss out because the FNR Green Theme is going to be a spectacular mash-up of good fun. Read more

We love taking care of bikes. See, a bike is something that if you give it regular maintenance and make sure to keep it running smooth will be sure to be useful forever.

A problem is that in modern consumer culture, the idea of fixing stuff is becoming stranger and stranger. For instance if you have a fancy bike, phone or car it’s easy to assume the average person doesn’t have the know-how to repair it. Besides, pushing the sale of a brand new thing is usually much easier.

But it’s not very sustainable. If you pay the price for something nice, you should be able to keep it around for a long time, right? That’s our motto. As bikes have gotten more and more complicated they often seem too high-tech to fix. This is not so.

Take for example a nice carbon frame. They ride great, but if you damage the frame it’s done for. Or is it? Well, carbon bicycle frames are actually repairable. Depending on the damage to a frame it can easily be a relatively quick fix. That frame you crashed out once that has a crack in the seat tube? We can fix it. Read more

The weather’s gradually getting nicer.  Flowers are popping open everywhere.  And lately it seems like the sun is making its appearance more regular.  As such we’re itching to ride more regularly so each FNR is a much welcome opportunity to do so.

Even more exciting, the laoban’s back in town.  Off of a fresh rotation back home to the States, Larry will be at the helm, steering the party through the streets.  Show up and celebrate with us! Read more

We’ve got a wide selection of frames available that are well-suited for either single speed or internally geared builds.

From now through the first week of March we’ll be offering 30% off of select in-stock frame sets.  Frames suitable in size for anyone from 160cm to 180cm.

Looking to get your own bike and start exploring the city?  There couldn’t be a cheaper time to do it!  Now’s the time to get that new build on a budget.

It’s best to take care of your bike regularly.  If you ride often, the more consistently you check over your bike and keep up with maintenance, the longer your equipment will last.

Here’s a few tips on things you can check often to keep your bike in prime condition:

1)  Pump your tires up.  It helps to check your tire pressure before each ride.  Making sure you’re not losing air or that your tires are fully pumped will making riding easier and less problematic.

2)  Check your brakes.  Make sure they’re grabbing your wheels effectively enough to stop you.

3)  Lube your chain.  Keeping your chain well-oiled will help your ride feel much smoother and effortless.

4)  Make sure all the nuts and bolts on your bike are good and tight.  Things loosen up over time which can put you in dangerous situations so make sure nothing on your bike is coming loose. Read more

Slated for June the Cross China Race starts in Shanghai and wraps up in our beloved Chengdu. With 4 checkpoints stretched across the length of China (including one final awesome homegrown checkpoint) the race covers roughly 3500 kilometers and more than enough climbing to match.

This is bound to be one awesome race. Of course, with the race concluding in Chengdu we have the high honor of receiving racers across the finish line. If you’re interested in racing go to crosschinarace.cc to sign up for the newsletter to receive updates.

Registration should be announced in the next coming weeks and with limited slots it’s a good idea to keep up to date if you’re serious about joining! Read more

Another two weeks gone.  Another two weeks closer to warmer weather.  We don’t want spoil it but this Friday is looking like it’s going to be pretty pleasant out.

Expect the same old fun with some fresh faces, or just look forward to catching up with some old FNR friends you’ve missed over the winter.  Same time, same place! Read more

Look at this bike.  It’s yellow, like Spring flowers.  The point?  The weather’s getting warmer and there’s never a better time to get a bike than now.

Sure, you could do what everyone else does and wait until the weather is nice, but we’ll walk you through the benefits of getting a bike now and not later.

1. It’s easier to get a deal. Bike shops are not a bastion of activity in the winter.  Most people fit into the category of fair-weather friends.  This means that when the temperature drops, people stop taking interest in outdoor activities. With a long couple of quiet months behind us, we’re eager to please and get more people on bikes.

2. No one else is doing it.  Sure, Summer’s a few months away and Spring is hardly here but you’re going to want to take full advantage of it.  Waiting to get a bike until then means you’re going to be joining everyone else that had the exact idea because, ohmygod!  it’s warm out!  Warmer months are coming regardless so why not plan for it now? Read more

Join us this Saturday for a rip around town.  After a long holiday I’m sure your legs are itching to get moving.

Meet up at Natooke at 7:00pm to set out.  We’ll likely do about 20-30 kilometers depending on how turned around we get.  Expect an intermediate pace (not FNR slow nor hardcore ride fast).

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