Can you believe it? It’s already the end of August and here we our putting out our September events schedule.

Summer has been a long hot one and frankly, we’re a bit happy to see it on its way out. Since we’ve been kept real busy with all the long days of fixing/talking/dreaming about bikes and riding, we decided that this month we will keep our events on the light side.

Expect the FNR to continue on its usual schedule as well as a couple other special occasions including a party celebrating our 4^th anniversary! More importantly we’d like to remind you that we’ll be using September to catch our breath in anticipation of a bunch of other cool stuff we’ve got in the dockets for October.

We don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves so check out the below schedule for more details.

 September 9 FNR

September 13 Maintenance Workshop

Thanks again to all the folks who came out for our last workshop at the onset of August about Preventative Maintenance. It was great to see so many flavours of cyclist (commuters, cycle tourists, roadies, and recreational cyclists) all interested in keeping their machines in tip top operating condition.

Now that we’ve passed on some invaluable knowledge about how to diagnose and identify some common issues, our September workshop will give you a chance to actually get some grease under your finger nails. We’ll be discussing drive-trains and gearing specifically this time around, including showing participants how to make all the relevant adjustments.

Stay tuned over the coming months for more workshops. Based on your feedback so far future workshops will certainly include more tire and tube changing and patching, wheel building and truing, as well as how to safely and securely pack your bike for travel.

September 16 Full Moon Ride

Just another fortnight to go! Join Peter and the gang for a wonderful moonlit cruise around town. Open to anyone interested and sets out from Tianfu Square. Stay tuned for more details.

September 23 FNR

September 30 Four Year Anniversary Party

Jacob and Larry absolutely cannot believe it’s imminently coming up on 4 full years Natooke has been serving the cycling community here in Chengdu. A lot has changed and evolved, certainly for the better, since way back in 2012. As you prepare to enjoy Golden Week definitely come by and celebrate with us. We have enticing deals planned so roll on by an celebrate with us!

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If you’ve found yourself in the subway getting away from the sweltering heat these past few days you may have notice something peculiar on the metro TV. Natooke Chengdu featuring our Source Cycles bamboo bicycle. Bamboo has been attracting lots of attention lately in global media for all of its amazing uses in architecture, crafts, fabrics, and more. We were paid a visit by Chengdu Metro Media to learn more about how great bamboo is as a bicycle frame material.

As the exclusive dealer of Source Cycles bamboo bicycles in Chengdu, we were happy to accommodate and share all that we could about benefits of bamboo bicycles. If you didn’t get a chance to see it, take the subway to Line 3’s Yiguanmiao Metro then mosey over to the shop. We’ll tell you all about the benefits of bamboo, how great it feels to ride a frame made of grass, and we’ll likely insist you test ride one. Read more

It’s no secret that this week is shaping up to be likely the largest of all FNR’s we’ve ever had the good fortune to host. As summer is breathing it’s last hot breath, everyone seems to be eager to embrace the dwindling summer days with their warm and vibrant nights.

It’s a time of transition for a lot of folks and it’s usually in these times that we see huge groups of friends show up to ride. So when JingA approached us to collaborate and host an FNR with a special added summer vibe, we couldn’t resist. So here’s what you can expect.

We’ll start out the shop as usual. Show up early because we’ll not only have our own ice-cold Asahi on tap, but a couple special kegs including JingA’s Koji Berry Red Ale and Mandarin Wheat. Refreshing. At only ¥30 per for some of China’s finest craft beer, you can’t complain.

Once the ride wraps up we’ll find ourselves at [find the name of the bar] in [the name of the area] where we’ll have full access to the same party in a rad space. Hang out, chat bikes, drink beers and celebrate the end of summer with us. Read more

You may remember last summer when we put together a fleet of rental bikes for Bike China. They made for a great ride and have kept Bike China’s clients happily pedaling along. Some of our friends in Chengdu here have had the good fortune of riding them on some of our countryside rides.

Being in Chengdu, surrounded by an endless array of world-class roads and scenery we’re no strangers to touring. So we weren’t surprised with Escape Adventures, a New Zealand touring company that guides tours all over the world asked us to give their bikes a full refurbish in time for this season’s tour.

They wanted to take their stock Avanti hybrid touring bikes and have them outfitted with complete Deore groupsets, given a proper overhaul and most importantly given a fresh coat of paint befitting the company’s style. Orange with the updated logos and markings of Escape Adventures.

It took a bit of elbow grease and little bit of magic, but the end result is twelve striking good-as-new bikes. Eye-catching and clean they’ve had all the right bits updated for another dozen seasons of introducing groups of eager riders to Western Sichuan. Read more

A couple of weeks ago we hosted a free bicycle maintenance workshop wherein we had the chance to share with our friends a few basic tips and pointers on how to keep your bike running smooth.

The course was a cursory look at how to diagnose problems with your bike: what that sound means, where it’s coming from, what the issue is and how to fix it. Bikes may seem a little overwhelming but with a bit of know-how and some elbow grease you can sort out most anything.

Afterward we opened up the conversation to a little friendly Q and A where we fielded more specific questions about folks personal bikes and even took the opportunity to problem shoot a few of them on the spot.

If you’re looking for a little bit more independence on the bike, the security of knowing you can sort out any of those odd problems you might encounter out on the road, then keep checking for when we’ll be hosting our next maintenance workshop. We’ll also be sure to include details as to what you might expect to learn.

Our workshops are bi-lingual so whichever language you’re comfortable speaking, we’ve got you covered (if you speak Chinese or English, that is…).

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Anyone who’s ever come along for the Friday Night Ride knows it’s no secret. Beer plays as an important part in the activity as the people and the bikes. It’s the perfect lubricant for socializing and creating stimulating conversation.

So when the Beijing-based JingA brewery recently approached us and asked if we would be up for doing a tap takeover we were more than excited. We’re fans of beer, but quality craft brew is a whole other level of awesome. How could we miss the opportunity to introduce to our friends a few new tasty beers to enjoy along with the ride?

Not only will we be offering pints of JingA’s “Mandarin Wheat” and “Koji Red Ale” for ¥30, but we’ll be taking the show on the road. With the ride ending up at The Craft Project, a super rad little space located in Shui Jing Tang, next to Lan Kwai Fong. We’ll have full control of the space where you can expect the same awesome beers on tap. No need to worry about locking up as we’ll be able to bring all our bikes inside!

More exciting is that this next FNR we’ll be working with our buddies in the Big Ten Small Business Salon. What’s this mean? Natooke is an active participant in an events exchange that works to introduce like-minded businesses with other cool companies in Chengdu and sample activities they organize to support their community. In short, expect a whole slew of new faces along for the ride to experience the kind of fun our crew gets into.

We take fun pretty damn seriously and if ever we were fun forecasters we’re confident there’s a 100% chance of a good time. Be sure not to miss this iteration of the FNR, because not every chance do the factors necessary harmonize for such an incredibly fun occasion.

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Think about a woman in your life who’s influenced you in a positive way. It’s not that tough. You may have thought about your mom or a friend or a mentor who’s guided you in becoming the person you are. For us here at Natooke we can’t help but be constantly reminded of the primary reason we’re in business, Ines Brunn. Known across the world  for her incredible gymnastic feats on the bike, we more closely know her as the inspiration for everything that has allowed Natooke to become what it has here in Chengdu: the events, the memories, the community and the future of cycling in this city.

But now there’s a couple new kids on the block. Gong Jinjie and Zhong Tianshi have taken gold for olympic track cycling. The importance of this is significant in that not only is it a first for China, but they easily beat the boys to the accomplishment. Having set a world record in the preceding races, Gong Jinjie and Zhong Tianshi narrowly beat out the Russian team in the final race, sealing the deal.

This comes as vindication after Gong, as well as her London 2012 teammate, Guo Shuang were eliminated from receiving gold over in their final race. In Gong’s words, “We are like old warriors who have kept fighting.” Gold at last.

We’re hopeful in seeing this as some greater sign that the future for women and cycling in China is looking real bright. It’s something, having also been directed inspired by amazing women that we’re planning to more actively support. So in the coming weeks keep your eyes peeled for an opportunity to partake in a little spirited activity. Women only. Because we feel that the sort of hard work demonstrated by people such as Gong Jinjie and Zhong Tianshi deserves it’s own just reward. Read more

As a renowned bike specialist, Natooke is now providing a chance for visitors to cycle the Hutongs throughout our newly introduced guided tours. Our bike tours aim to reflect our passion for quality and authenticity. As a custom bike shop our tours have been crafted in a manner that caters for every individual taste, as your Hutong Tour can be customized to meet your desires and interests.

Our Olympic Park and 798 Art District Tour explores the legacy of the Beijing 2008 Olympics through visits to the Bird’s Nest, Water Cube, Olympic Torch and Olympic Forest, before visiting the 798 District for lunch and an afternoon. Lasting five hours and led by a professional, English-speaking guide, the tour will include a city bike rental, helmet, lock, bottled water and an anti-pollution mask. Key sights and attractions include:

• Bird’s Nest
• Water Cube
• Olympic Torch
• Olympic Forest
• 798 Art District Galleries
• 798 Art District Cafes

For more information, contact freda@natooke.com.

This coming Wednesday, August 17 we’ll be hosting this month’s movie night. August 17 also coincides with the Chinese Spirit Festival. In the spirit of the holiday, we’ll be showing “Spirited Away” from the esteemed director Hayao Miyazaki.

The story follows a sullen young girl as her family makes a move to the suburbs. Quickly it dives into a strange world of mystery, excitement and adventure as the young girl meets a whole array of new friends. A fantastic coming-of-age story, this visually luscious animated film shows that through hard work, compassion and friendship you can overcome any challenge.

Starting at 8 p.m. we’ll be showing the film at Natooke. Show up early to save a seat!

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Two weeks seem to have come and gone in the blink of an eye. Happy to announce that in fact, yes, this week there is a Friday Night Ride. Don’t miss out on your choice to join in on what’s likely the coolest tour of town.

As usual, expect to listen to some solid tunes, chat with some solid people and have a solid good time. Swing by before 8:00 p.m. and enjoy a happy hour ¥20 pint of Asahi. Take the edge off this summer heat! Read more