The BikeBike Blog

2012 New Bike Brands

2012-01-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

2012 is shaping up to be an exciting year for us - we've made it past the dreaded first 2 years as a new business, we've met and beat our projections (thank you!), and we are diving into a new part of the bicycle industry - touring bikes!

As well of offering a full selection of touring bikes and products, we are also diving deeper into the world of classic city bikes with 2 new brands - one brand new, the other over 100 years old.

First, the brand new brand - Bobbin Bicycles.

Bobbin Bicycles was created by a retail shop in London UK of the same name. Here is what they are all about, in their own words -

"Bobbin reinvents romantic notions of traditional upright bicycles and makes them relevant to modern life. We’re interested in recapturing the magic and excitement we all felt from riding our first bike. Bobbin bicycles have personalities (and sometimes even names) of their own. The idea that cycling doesn’t have to be sporty is very important to us. Buying a Bobbin means you can arrive at a meeting, an art gallery or a date on time and in style. Our bikes are beautiful, romantic machines. They have useful design features like mudguards, covered chains, hub gears and carrier racks. On them, you can wear your everyday clothes, carry your shopping, portfolio and dog whilst looking effortlessly chic and unflustered. At Bobbin we believe that bicycles are magical contraptions, charged with the power to transform a journey into an adventure. If you daydream about cutting gracefully and effortlessly through the cityscape then follow us... ...we'll show you the way."

The full range of Bobbin's bikes are expected instore in March.

Next up is one of the oldest bicycle brands on the planet - Royal Dutch Gazelle.

Gazelle is the original Dutch bike brand and is known worldwide for producing bicycles that last a lifetime. Attention to detail is one of the hallmarks of Gazelle, as well as fantastic durability and maximum comfort for daily cycling use. The range of product available from Gazelle is vast, everything from the coolest kids bikes ever right on through to MTBs - for our purposes we will be stocking just the Tour Populaire (8-speed) in both stepthrough and classic frames as well as the Tour Basic (3-speed) in stepthrough.

Quite possibly the last city bike you'll ever need!

Finally, we are branching out from upright city bikes into some of the most practical bikes available - touring bikes. Speedy like a road bike but with a more upright position, bikes that are incredible for carrying gear or simply a weeks worth of groceries, and perfect for commuting during the workweek and adventuring in the countryside on the weekends - the swiss army knife of the bike world.

Brodie's range of cromoly touring bikes are already in stock with Salsa's range of touring bikes arriving this week. We will have a complete collection of pannier options from Ortlieb and Arkel arriving in March as well as plenty of rack options from Toba, Salsa, Surly, and Old Man Mountain.

2012 may be the year that the world ends for some people, but for us it is the year when we really get going!

Ride your bike - live the adventure and happy 2012 to you!

Thank You Calgary!

2011-12-24T09:34:00.000-08:00

As we approach the end of our second year in operation Nadia, Uncle Joe, and myself would like to thank each and every one of you - our customers and friends, for supporting us in our quest to create and establish our happy little bike store on the prairie. We feel truly blessed.

2012 is shaping up to be an incredible year for bike riding in Calgary - the new $24 million comprehensive bicycle strategy has been funded, bringing much needed infrastructure to the downtown primarily, Cyclepalooza will be happening again bigger and better, and of course, more people will be choosing to cycle more often making our beautiful city a more enjoyable place to live and work.

There has never been a better time to ride a bike in Calgary and it is only going to get better. Bravo Calgary!

See you all in 2012. Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Sean, Nadia, Uncle Joe

Tweed Run(ning) At Its Best

2011-12-02T13:16:00.000-08:00

A Manifesto For Living Life To The Fullest

2011-11-14T12:21:00.000-08:00

Everyone from 8 to 80 Years Rides in Holland

2011-10-21T05:53:00.001-07:00

Red Dresses, Yellow Bobbins, and Ice Cream

2011-10-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

Bobbin Bicycles from FourthFloor on Vimeo.

Call to Action! BikeCalgary AGM October 13th

2011-10-12T06:36:00.000-07:00

Hey Folks!

Calgary's biggest and bestest bike advocacy group - Bike Calgary - is holding its AGM tomorrow (October 13) and everyone with an interest in commuter/utility cycling is invited. Elections will be held for a new Board of Directors as well as a few surprises.

You do not need to have any experience to be on the BoD - just a desire to see more and better bicycle infrastructure in Calgary and a willingness to volunteer some of your spare time in that pursuit.

IMO - we in Calgary are in a very unique and exciting position with regards to bicycling - a new bike friendly Mayor, a newly passed comprehensive bike strategy, new bike lanes popping up, and plenty of media coverage of all of these exciting developments.

Now is the time to devote some of your energy to pushing the bicycle agenda forward - get involved! Come to the AGM, meet other bicycle people, and find out what your city's bike advocacy group has planned for the coming year.

See you there?

"A Day's Messing" Short Film

2011-10-11T05:47:00.000-07:00

Brilliant little film, worthy of your time.

A Day's Messing from Jeff Seal on Vimeo.

New 10 St NW Bikelanes - Traffic Chaos or Hot Air?

2011-10-07T07:10:00.000-07:00


A cyclist heading south on 10 St NW new bikelane. Photo Credit - Calgary Herald

The City of Calgary sprung a surprise on everyone this week with the installation of a pilot project bike lane on 10 St NW, running from 5 Ave NW all the way up to Confederation Park and beyond.

With this new project, they have instantly created one of the best bike routes in the city because it actually connects to something - the downtown core to the central NW via the Kensington/Sunnyside neighbourhoods and passing right beside SAIT/ACAD. People who live in this area now have a safe, connected route where none existed before. Thank you City of Calgary!

On the flipside, the City has also created an awful lot of animosity and negative press by the way this project happened - essentially out of thin air, with no warning, and no consultations with communities along its route. As I understand it, 10 St NW was slated to be repaved this fall and this route has been "on the books" for close to a decade. If the new bike lanes were painted now it would save a lot of money because the roadway would not need to be repaved next spring.

Fair enough.

But some notice would have been a good idea to help educate motorists and journalists on the full scope of the project. Instead, local reporting seemed to focus on the "traffic snarls" and chaos with no mention of the full scope of the project and the reasoning behind it. The city should have sent out information to the media on how this was being implemented so the story would be less about bikes vs. cars and more about the creation of a neccessay cycle link and implementation of the Comprehensive Cycling Strategy which was passed in the spring. Let's remember that 59% of Calgarians also said they would cycle more if they felt safer.

The reality is that traffic has not actually been horribly affected - but based on the news stories in local papers you'd think that people were having to get out of their cars and push them down 10 St NW. Even The Mayor is not impressed.

Funny thing though, there have been exactly ZERO traffic reports on the snarls and chaos on 10 St NW since the lanes went in - no radio mentions, no mentions on Twitter using the #yyctraffic hashtag - nothing but crickets...

So, here is my advice to the City - please, please, please get a communication strategy sorted with regards to upcoming cycle infrastructure installations - press releases to media detailing the full scope and schedule of projects would be a good start.

Coming to BikeBike in 2012 -Touring Bikes and Accessories

2011-10-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

One of the founding missions of BikeBike is to provide everyday transportation options for our customers and, to date, those everyday options offered by us have been primarily city bikes - which is to say, a more sit-up style and posture on the bike characterized by the classic "dutch" style bike.

201 Salsa Vaya 3, the ultimate road tourer?

However, if you live a good distance from your place of work, or need to bring more stuff with you, or want just one bike to use for both commuting to work, recreational/charity rides, and grand fondos on the weekends, you may want a different bike - perhaps something more efficient than a pure city bike but still comfortable - and this is where touring bikes are an perfect option.

"But it looks like a road racing bike". Well, perhaps so to the untrained eye but there are a few significant differences between a performance road bicycle (think Lance Armstrong and lycra) and a road touring bicycle. Here are a couple key differences -

1. Touring bikes tend to have much higher handlebars relative to the height of the saddle - meaning, you can sit up taller on a touring bike offering all day comfort.
2. The wheelbase of a touring bike is longer than a racing bike allowing for use of wide tires and fenders, but most importantly, a long wheel base can help the bike have a more stable manner, especially when loaded with panniers/gear/work stuff/groceries.
3. Touring bikes place an emphasis on durability, serviceability, and flexibilty over lightweight, stiffness, and performance found on road bikes used in racing.

Brodie Elan, to work during the week, across Canada in the summer!

Wikipedia has some good background on touring bikes and the different types of touring that people do.

"A touring bicycle is a bicycle designed or modified to handle bicycle touring. To make the bikes sufficiently robust, comfortable and capable of carrying heavy loads, special features may include a long wheelbase (for ride comfort and to avoid pedal-to-luggage conflicts), frame materials that favor flexibility over rigidity (for ride comfort), heavy duty wheels (for load capacity), and multiple mounting points (for luggage racks, fenders, and bottle cages)".

Morning at Ghost Lake, getting set to ride back to Calgary

Our initial product offering is as follows, with expected deliveries early in 2012 -

Bicycles - Brodie's amazingly comfortable Elan, Argus, and Circuit and Salsa's Vaya, Fargo, and Casseroll - oh yes, we cannot forget about Brompton folding bikes!
Racks - Salsa, Old Man Mountain, Surly
Panniers - Ortlieb, Arkel, and Brooks England
(other products too)

A word about frame materials - the general consensus is that the best material for touring bikes is steel due to its very comfotable ride qualities, affordability, durability, and serviceability. Steel is one of the best materials for making a bicycle frame because it dampens vibration better than aluminum, it is relatively inexpensive to buy, it has an incredibly long fatigue life, and it is repairable in the event of breakage. We have chosen to offer only steel touring bikes this season - with Brodie, Salsa, and Brompton all having long heritage of using steel for many of its bikes.

A quick mention about touring on a Brompton - click this for a sweet little video showing Russ Roca and his gal touring on Bromptons and this for a report from one of the folks at Clever Cycle in Portland. I would also mention a British fellow who came through the shop this past summer riding across Canada on a Brompton M6R!

We cannot wait for 2012 and all the cool new products coming to the shop! Whether you are touring to the supermarket, out to Banff, or around the world, make sure you come check out Southern Alberta's best selection of touring bikes and accessories.

If you need more information on anything mentioned give us a call or send us an email - we'd love to chat.

BikeCalgary.org's Urban Cycling Skills Courses

2011-09-23T18:28:00.000-07:00

Are you wanting to ride more often but are afraid to? Do you still ride on the sidewalk? What about you, yes you, the "seasoned" cyclist - aka road warrior - who is comfortable riding on the roads?

Well, all of you will probably learn a few strategies and tips to make on-street cycling safer if you take BikeCalgary's new One Day Urban Cycling Skills Course. Here are a few words direct from BikeCalgary's site -

"Would you like access to Calgary's complete transportation grid every day of the year? Do you want to be able to treat most every street in the city as a bike route, and not have to wait for the City to build dedicated bike infrastructure? You don't have to be a lycra-clad roadie to ride your bike to work. In fact, you don't have to be an athlete at all. We believe anyone can quickly learn to bike competently and confidently on our roads, and we offer a fun and effective way to do so. Modeled after the rigorous CAN-BIKE courses, and taught by CAN-BIKE accredited instructors with decades of bike-commuting experience, our one-day urban cycling skills course will increase your comfort levels and confidence when navigating all sorts of streets—from quiet residential avenues to the busiest streets of downtown Calgary."

Courses are currently running on a monthy basis, from now until November. Check BikeCalgary's main page for dates and registration info.

www.bikecalgary.org

Respect on the Roads

2011-09-18T09:18:00.000-07:00

I had an interesting conversation with a fellow at the shop yesterday that I have to share - mostly because his attitude about cyclists on the roads bothered me for the rest of the day.

It started like this -

Man - Why do cyclists ride in the middle of the lane on 4 St SW?
Me - Well, first, because cyclists are allowed to use the full lane under the HTA, and second, because the lanes are narrow on that road making it unsafe for a car to pass a cyclist in the same lane.
Man - Why don't they instead ride on 2 St SW, there is a bike lane over there.
Me - My guess is many don't ride there because that road doesn't take them where they need to go. 2 St does not go into the core, 4 St does.
Man - Why do cyclists always insist on riding past all the stopped cars at lights? When they do that I get very frustrated because I have to repass them again and again and it slows down traffic.
Me - Well, sir, that is one of the advantages of cycling is that you can filter past long rows of cars in heavy traffic. Do you get frustrated when repassing the same cars in traffic?
Man - But when cyclists do that they slow down traffic.
Me - Bikes do not slow down traffic sir, traffic slows down traffic.
Man - Bikers need to show more respect, by doing that they disrespect drivers and that makes us frustrated and angry. (A female customer in the shop is quietly listening to our conversation and at this point she starts to bristle...)
Me - Sir, if you want to talk about respect I think you need to realize that when a cyclist "disrespects" you all that can happen is that you get upset. When a driver "disrespects" a cyclist they can potentially kill them or seriously injure them, depending on what they do. There is a big difference.
Man - (starting to visually upset that I am confronting him) Well, I think that cyclists need to ride more safely. It's dangerous out there, that's why I drive to work instead of cycling.
Me - You know, if you cycled to work more often you would help make the streets safer for everyone, drivers too. You would also have a better understanding of what it's like for cyclists and perhaps have more empathy for your fellow citizens who cycle.
Man - I don't think so.
Me - Exactly.

(Then he leaves the shop with his wife, who I have to say, was supporting my arguements)

After he left, a female customer who was listening to the exchange pipes up that she wanted to jump on him at his "respect" comments - "He should have seen the so-called respect I was given yesterday by a driver who squeezed me off the road."

Normally I try to avoid those sorts of conversations with customers that are in the shop because I do not want them to feel uncomfortable about our shop but part of me is wondering if that's a good idea. That part of me feels that those sorts of attitudes need to be confronted head on with the hope that perhaps I can help them have a different perspective on cyclists.

This fellows attitude seems to be very common here in Calgary and I am loathe to let it go unchallenged.

Have you had a similar conversation with a non-cyclist lately? Do you avoid challenging these kinds of attitudes or face them head on?

Interbike Baby!

2011-09-12T06:51:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again, tradeshow season!

For those of us in the bicycle industry, September is kind of like Christmas for kids - new things, surprises, and good times with your friends.

We'll do our best to take lots of pictures of products we like and hopefully post them later next week.

Till then, here is a little taste of what we are heading down to -

BikeBike's "Bike To School Sale" Starts Next Week!

2011-08-26T12:56:00.000-07:00

Howdy Folks!

We've had such a crazy year that we thought it'd be a good idea to turn up the crazy to 11!

So, beginning at 10am on Friday September 2, everything in the store is on sale. Yup pardner, everything!

But wait! There's more! If you "Share" the videos on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, etc you will be entered to win awesome prizes, including a prize pack from Brooks valued at $350! Click on the "Vimeo" button on the sidebar to see the videos or you can click this as well.

Start spreading the news and hope to see y'all down here at BikeBike's "Bike To School" Sale.

Introducing Bobbin Bicycles!

2011-08-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to offer our style concious customers a brand new bike line straight from England - say hello to Bobbin!

There are three models available - the Birdie 3-speed for $649, Birdie 5-speed for $749, and the Vintage 5-speed with drum brakes for $849. Now in stock and waiting to be loved up by you!

In the new year we will also have 2 mens models - the mens Vintage and the Daytripper - and a super cute mini bike reminicent of the non-folding version Raleigh Twenty called the Bobbin Shopper, image below.

Brooks England's New Jacket - The Criterion

2011-08-18T14:11:00.001-07:00

Brompton's New Cycling Jacket - The Oratory

2011-08-03T13:46:00.001-07:00

Found Things

2011-07-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

Poor fella. And yes, his eyes have been plucked out.

LINUS Cycle Chic

2011-07-21T11:29:00.000-07:00

Calgary Cycle Chic

2011-07-17T17:46:00.000-07:00

Cr. Gian-Carlo Carra and his brand new Velorbis Scrap Deluxe.

Metro News Calgary also ran a story on his decision to start cycling more - link here.

Calgary Cycle Chic

2011-07-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

Kristi of Riyoko Urban Bike Wear with her vintage Raleigh

More Euro-Goodness Enroute To BikeBike!

2011-07-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

We love European city bikes and have 3 new brands enroute to us as we speak - Pilen, Velorbis, and Christiania.

Christiania Cargobike

Pilen Lyx Stepthrough

Velorbis Student Balloon

We are only bringing in a few of these bikes this first time around to check them out. If they pass "the test" we will look add bringing in more models and colours as we go forward - including those stunning Velorbis leather satchels!

We expect to see the bikes instore sometime this week - pop by the shop closer to the weekend and hopefully they'll be ready for test rides.

Calgary Cycle Chic

2011-07-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

Kristin, and her lovely LINUS Mixte 8.

Civia Halsted First Impressions

2011-06-04T07:43:00.000-07:00

Peace, dood.

We have had the new Civia Halsted cycletruck-style cargo bike in the shop for a couple weeks now and have a handful of rides on it as well, with very positive impressions so far.

First, here are some words from Civia directly -

"Civia’s take on the traditional cycle truck is designed for every-day hauling. Featuring a frame-mounted front rack with a sturdy base made from recycled dumpster plastic, Halsted’s versatile design lets you carry up to 50 pounds of awkward objects like soccer balls, pizza boxes or a few bags of soil for the garden. Delivering an extremely balanced and comfortable ride, its 20” front wheel lowers the load’s center of gravity, while a 26” rear adds speed and stability. Halsted’s compact wheelbase allows tight maneuvering in urban spaces".

Here are the specs -

4130 steel frame and fork
26" rear wheel, 20" front wheel
Frame mounted front rack
Recycled HDPE rack deck made in Minnesota
Civia semi-horizontal dropouts
Fender and rack bosses on frame and fork
Canti-bosses on frame, disc brake tabs on fork
Ring-lock bosses on frame
Civia custom-designed kickstand plate
Stainless steel headtube badge
Civia stainless steel seatpost clamp

The Halsted is basically a fresh take on the "deli bike" or "butcher's bike" which were used, as their names perhaps suggest, as delivery bikes for bakers, butchers, and general delivery men back in the day.

One of the reasons why we like this bike so much is that it offers people who are interested in a utility bike a new option that is much smaller and lighter than most of the cargo bikes currently on the market and allows those who have limited storage space or apartment dwellers a complete utility solution. All you have to do is look at the photo above to see how versatile this bike can be - kid on the back, junk in the front - with the possibility of carrying 2 kids and junk if needed!

Of ride characteristics - in a word, nimble. Riding the Halsted is a real treat! Here are some thoughts -

lighter overall weight (when compared to other cargo bikes) and a 9-speed gear range means faster acceleration, easy hill climbing, and top speed aplenty.
a longer cockpit area makes the bike feel very similar to a standard mountain bike and makes out-of-the-saddle climbing easy.
low overall weight makes carrying the bike up stairs possible (again, comparing to cargo bikes)
when loaded with cargo (and perhaps a child) the bike is stable and confidence inspiring, with a maximum load on the front flatdeck of about 50lbs or so.
semi-stephrough toptube design makes getting on/off easy.

If you are curious about this affordable utility option, pop in to the shop sometime and take it for a test ride. Affordable cargo bike utility has never been in such easy reach for the masses!

City of Calgary Comprehensive Cycling Strategy Release

2011-05-31T10:29:00.000-07:00

Ok folks, now is your chance to get involved with what could be the biggest thing to happen to cycling in Calgary since the decision to build the pathway network all those decades ago. Calgary City Council will be presented with a new cycling strategy that aims (we hope) to make the roads safer to cycle on, make finding your way around the city easier, and help establish cycling as a legitimate transportation option in our car-crazed metropolis. More info can be found in a previous post here.

All the information you need is below - so read on - and please take a few minutes toget involved any way you can.

Watch for the release of the City of Calgary’s new Comprehensive Cycling Strategy. It will be available for public review starting on Friday, June 10th and will go to the City’s Standing Committee on Land Use, Planning and Transportation for public comment on Wednesday, June 15th. CivicCamp will be holding the following workshops.

CivicCamp Public Information Sessions and Workshops - 7:00 pm, Monday, June 13th

There are four locations where you can participate:

Room 342, Earth Sciences Building, University of Calgary
Rosscarrock Community Hall, 4411 10 Ave SW
Old YMCA, 223 12 Ave SW
Forest Lawn Library, 4807 8 Avenue SE

CivicCamp will be holding public meetings for those interested in the City’s new comprehensive cycling strategy. Learn more about the strategy and offer your feedback about what does or doesn’t work for you.

CivicCampers and cycling enthusiasts will be on hand to walk you through the strategy, answer your questions (where we can) and guide a discussion to solicit your input. Information will be collected from the meetings and brought forward to the Standing Committee on Land Use, Planning and Transportation.

For more information, please visit http://www.civiccamp.org/paving-the-way/

If you want to comment directly and publicly to Council members about the strategy, please plan to attend the Special Planning Committee on Land Use, Planning and Transportation.

Standing Policy Committee on Land Use, Planning and Transportation

9:30 am, Wednesday, June 15th

Location and Agenda to be Announced

Check this link on the City web site for the agenda and the location. Appearing in person before the LPT committee makes a powerful statement but if you can’t attend, be sure to write/email/tweet your Alderman beforehand to give your feedback.

Junk in 'da Trunk!

2011-05-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

We love hauling all manner of cargo by bike and one of the more affordable and versatile options is to use a trailer. Trailers are great for a few reasons - you can use your existing bike without major modifications, they are a lot less expensive than a purpose made cargo bike, and they generally attach/detach quickly making them easy to use just when you need them.

On the flipside, here are a few of the challenges sometimes presented by trailers - the added length can make tight spaces and maneuverability a challenge, the added weight of the trailer to your existing bike will change the way your bike handles, and curbs/bollards/posts all need to be navigated with extra care, being sure not to clip them with the wheels on the trailer.

We stock 3 cargo trailer models, all perfect for use in the city - the Topeak Journey $450, Burley's award winning Travoy $419, and the Croozer Cargo $225.

First up is the Journey, Topeak's take on the single wheel trailer. Single wheel trailers are popular with those that like touring and mountainbiking as the trailer tracks right behind the bike and make singletrack trails easy to navigate and only has one wheel making it more efficient over the long haul. The attachment system needs a quick release rear wheel for attachment and uses an innovative mechanism to prevent the trailer from coming loose during use. A review of this trailer can be found here.


Travoy with included bag.

Travoy as a golf cart.

Next up is Burley's award winning trailer design - Travoy. The Travoy fills a gap in the trailer market for the bike commuter with a convenient and secure way to carry your stuff to work, including a change of office clothes, a laptop, 60lbs. of groceries on the way home - or even for golfing! A friend of mine bought one so he can load his golf bag onto it, cycle to the course, unhook the trailer - and voila! - golf cart! A review can be found here.

Last up is the Croozer Cargo trailer, our most affordable trailer. This trailer is pretty basic but perfectly suitable as a grocery getter, recycling runner, or garden centre hauler. The unit is pretty simple to use and will attach to virtually any bike out there, including bikes with internally geared hubs(needs an adapter), full-suspension MTB's, and road bikes. It comes with an easily attached cover and folds flat for storage. User reviews can be found here.

Here in Calgary, virtually every community is within a couple kilometres of a grocery store and easily cycled to. Why not consider using one to reduce your automobile use for simple tasks? You'll enjoy the bike ride, get fitter, save money, and avoid the inevitable parking lot chaos.

Safer Bike Lane Opportunity Missed?

2011-05-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

While out riding today I came across a new painted bike lane on 66 Ave SW and was saddened to see that people (yet again) have been placed between the travel lane and the parking lane on a road that could very easily have had a treatment like this...

Portland Unveils Downtown Cycle Track from Mayor Sam Adams on Vimeo.

Instead, we have this...

Click on image for a bigger version

Hey City of Calgary, this could be fixed pretty easily and quickly, and be a great example of putting cyclists from 8 yrs old to 80 yrs old first and perhaps showing how easily this type of safe bike infrastructure can be installed.

Here is another short video showcasing the concept.

What do you think?

Mia Birk is coming to Calgary!

2011-05-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

Mia Birk is one of the foremost transportation planners in North America and we are excited to find out that she is coming to Calgary May 12th for a book reading and to meet with City of Calgary officials. Here are some details about the event...

Joyride: An Evening with Portland author and cycling advocate Mia Birk

7:00 pm, Thursday, May 12th

John Dutton Theatre at the Calgary Central Library.

Co-presented by CivicCamp and the Calgary Public Library, in partnership with First Calgary Financial and with the support of Clifton Associates, Mistri, Sustainable Calgary and Thrive.

Mia Birk’s new book Joyride: Pedaling Toward a Healthier Planet tells the dramatic and enlightening behind-the-scenes story of how a group of determined visionaries transformed Portland into a cycling mecca and inspired the nation. Through a panoply of hilarious and poignant stories, Birk takes readers on a 20-year roller coaster journey of global and local discovery and education, while bringing into sharp focus some of the planet’s most pressing and hotly debated energy and transportation issues, policies, shortcomings, and solutions. See the Youtube trailer here.

Register for this free event.

Mia Birk is President at Alta Planning + Design, with 20 years experience in sustainable transportation focused on pedestrian, bicycle, trail, and greenway planning, design and implementation.

Babboe City Cargobike First Impressions

2011-04-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

Babboe was created in 2007 in The Netherlands by 3 folks who saw the need for a more affordable, yet durable cargo bike. Their first offering was the 3-wheeled "Big" with the bakfiets style "City" as their latest offering.

First up is a quick review of the City with a review of the Big coming in a few weeks time. Lets start at the front of the bike...

- Oversized, glavanized steel frame with oversized and galvanized steel fork offering a tough chassis that should last for many years of hard use
- braking provided by a Shimano roller brake for years of maintenance free, all weather stopping power
- battery powered LED lighting. Although we prefer dynamo lighting whenever possible, the light on the City is bright enough and keeps the costs down

The cargo box on the City is one of its finest features and one of the nicest we've seen
- German made, marine grade Birch to handle many years outdoors
- multiple panels are replaceable in the event of damage and held togther with stainless steel hardware
- rounded box design is a real treat preventing ouchies from corners and more comfort for your children
- foot holes on the bottom of the box allow for easy entry for the children
- 2 sets of safety harnesses for the kiddies, with an additional seat available for larger families
- rain cover available
- 100kg weight capacity

The bike itself is shipped in 3 separate boxes allowing for much cheaper freight, but more importantly, better packaging and a bike that arrives to you in great condition. This photo shows how the front half connects to the back with the beautiful kickstand visable too. Stainless steel hardware holds everything togther. One of the things I love about this bike is the kickstand. You can deploy it from either side of the bike (no latch), does not rattle at all, and is spring loaded making it easy to use even with a full load on board.

Moving towards the rear of the bike...
- full coverage fenders front and back keep you clean
- full chaincase keeps your clothes clean
- Rustbuster chain standard
- battery powered taillight with integrated reflector
- drivetrain supplied by Shimano's ubiquitous Nexus 7-speed workhorse
- low gear range makes hills a breeze even on this heavy bike
- braking power is the same as the front, Shimano roller brake
- integrated ABUS wheel lock
- rack mounts (if you decide you want a rear rack)

<- The Babboe City in its natural habitat.

The bike has a remarkably light handling feel, especially considering its length and weight. As with most bakfiets-style bikes, it actually feels better with weight in the box and is quite easy to ride once you've figured it out.

The seat tube angle on the bike is very relaxed offering a wide range of people the ability to ride this bike - everyone from 5' to 6'+ will find the bike comfortable to ride and easy to handle. The handlebars are also height adjustable making it easy to find the perfect riding position for most people.

Riding the Babboe City is easy and comfortable even though is is over 6' long. The steering feels light and responsive even with a couple of kids onboard and the gear range is low enough that most people should be able to handle most terrain found in the city. One thing I really like about this bike is how low the back of the cargo box is - allowing for out-of-the-saddle pedaling on hills - nice!

Cargo bikes are a real alternative to the second (or third) car and offer families an amazing way to get out togther and explore your community, grocery shop, picnics - your imagination is the only thing limiting the possibilities of these amazing machines.

Test rides are available.

Beautiful Bicycle Giveaway!

2011-04-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

We are hosting a contest with the organizers of Calgary's Bike To Work Day to give away this beautiful LINUS Mixte 3-speed. You want to win it, right?


Sporty Chic! The LINUS Mixte 3

Entering the contest is easy. Here are the details...

- snap a photo of yourself riding to work and post it on Twitter mentioning @Bike2WorkDayYYC and @BikeBikeYYC.
- If you are not of the Twitter persuasion, post your picture on Bike To Work Day's Facebook page or our own BikeBike Facebook page
- Maximum 5 photos per person
- The lucky winner will be drawn on Bike To Work Day and contacted by the ride organizers

During the week leading up to Bike To Work Day on Friday May 6, Breakfast Television will be talking about various aspect of cycling in Calgary - including a bicycle style segment on Monday May 2 at 7:52am hosted by us!

Bike Rentals!

2011-04-21T06:19:00.001-07:00

Bike Rental Rates and Information

Batavus BuB 3-Speed City Bike
Day $30
Overnight $45
Weekly (5 Days) $120
Rentals include a great lock, and if desired, a helmet too.


Batavus BuB

BoxBikes/CargoBikes

Bicycles for riding with family, moving bigger loads, or simply for fun. Call us for availability.
Day $50
Overnight $75
Weekly (5 Days) $150
Rentals include a great lock, and if desired, a helmet(s) too.

Call 403-457-2453 for more information or to book your rental.

Cyclepalooza!

2011-04-10T18:27:00.000-07:00


www.cyclepalooza.ca

WOW!

I am completely blown away by Calgary area cyclists yet again. A bunch of us met on a cold February day just 2 months ago and within that short period of time we are here, launching a bike festival like nothing Calgary has ever seen before.

10 days of events for all types of people - part of me thinks that Calgary may never be the same after this first year. Lets hope!

For those of you reading this who are not familiar with what the festival is all about, check this out to get the skinny. For those of you who like to organize things - check out the organizers information here. Organizing an event does not need to be a big production - set a date, invite your friends, and go ride your bike! It's that easy.

We've already added 2 events to the festival - how are you contributing?

World's Finest Folding Bikes Are Here!

2011-04-05T07:01:00.000-07:00

We finally received our first batch of Brompton's and last week in between snow storms I took our demo bike out for an hour and a half test ride to see what all the "fuss" was about.

What do I mean by "fuss"? Well, Brompton owners absolutely love their bikes and have such passion for their little bikes that it's hard not to be drawn in by it. These owners use these bikes for everything under the sun - daily commuting, travelling, touring, and even racing. Brompton's are well suited to all of these endeavours for a number of reasons - super small dimensions when folded (easy to carry on a train or bus), light weight, available luggage, travel cases, and rack options, and models available with super fast tires and gearing.

Read more »

Are We On The Cusp Of A Cycling Renaissance In Calgary?

2011-04-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of chatter in recent months about The City of Calgary's Comprehensive Cycling Strategy and whether we might finally see some progress towards getting safe, onstreet cycling infrastructure built here.

Am I dreaming in technicolour? I don't think so.

Read more »

New at BikeBike - LINUS Bikes!

2011-03-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

LINUS Bikes have finally arrived at the shop and we are thrilled to be able to bring these beautiful bikes to Calgary. Currently we have all the models in stock with the exception of the Gaston/Dover - those bikes and the accessories will arrive later this spring.

If you are in the market for a stylish and affordable city bike, do yourself a favour and check out LINUS bikes.

From their website - "...LINUS… a simple, affordable, elegant bike for riding around and doing stuff."

LINUS Roadster - available as a singlespeed/coaster brake, 3-speed IGH, and 8-speed IGH.

The British Invasion is on at BikeBike!

2011-03-08T14:53:00.000-08:00

Pashley's iconic Guv'Nor pathway racer.

Pashley's enduring designs and impeccably styled bicycles are finally here, including the Brittania's, Princess Sovereign's, and Classic Sovereign for men. City cycles fit for the King and/or Queen of every home!

My Commute Home

2011-02-28T09:21:00.000-08:00

I treated myself to a GoPro camera with the intention of documenting my own cycling as well as bike events in our fine city. Here is the first edit.

The commute normally takes about 20 minutes, however I edited it down and sped it up to keep it short.

Just Me and My Bike

2011-02-23T06:29:00.000-08:00

These kids have it right, what more can you say?

Radical!

2011-02-13T19:16:00.001-08:00

Oh man, what I would have done to have one of these when I was a kid.

Come to think of it, I want one right now! I think it would be awesome on my cargobike.

Gonna Ride My Bike Until I Get Home!

2011-02-11T08:05:00.000-08:00

Love this song!

BikeBike Welcomes Mission Workshop

2011-02-10T14:25:00.000-08:00

First, some video fun featuring their gorgeous backpack, the Vandal -

San Francisco Halloween Keg Ride from Mission Workshop on Vimeo.

MW was created by the same fellas that started Chrome way back the tha' day, however their backpacks and messenger bag designs are totally new and offer many more features than most messenger style bags and traditional backpacks - including totally waterproof and roll-top closures.

Our first order consists of the Vandal and Rambler backpacks, as well as the Rummy messenger bag. MW also has SPD-compatible footwear and beautiful jackets available.

The sun is out! Go pedal!

Bikes For Humanity - Calgary Chapter

2011-02-09T07:34:00.000-08:00

Calgary has its own chapter of Bicycles For Humanity and we are very proud to be a supporter of this incredible program that is changing lives in Africa everyday.

There is that old saying - "Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you can feed him forever". This same principle is being applied by B4H volunteers in Africa with amazing success!

Here is a video showing the great work being done and how bikes are transforming people's lives for the better.

Where on Earth is MY Bike? from Bicycles for Humanity- TBAY on Vimeo.

We are a designated dropoff point for old bikes, parts, and tools, so, please, before you toss a bike in the garbage, consider bring it to us and we'll make sure B4H Calgary gets it.

Bicycles = Insulation

2011-02-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

Unless you have been living under a rock in the woods, you have no doubt heard the term "peak oil" mentioned in the media or perhaps in conversation amongst some of your oil/gas business friends.

For an explanation of the term, check out Wikipedia's page.
Read more »

Bike Sculptures by Bob van der Wege

2011-02-04T12:25:00.000-08:00

We love bike art of all kinds and Bob van der Wege's bike art is incredible!

Bob and his wife Sherri recently moved here from Austin, TX and they are hosting an open house to celebrate their arrival in Calgary and to showcase his brilliant scupturework. Here are the deets -

Sunday February 13 2-6pm, 2615 2 Ave NW. If you would like more information about the event, email rjvanderwege@yahoo.com or call 403-803-8167

Winter In Calgary

2011-02-02T13:04:00.000-08:00

One of the many amazing natural areas within Calgary's city limits. The Elbow River is right below and the front range of the Rocky Mountains can be seen way off in the distance.

I frequently take the long way to work so I can ride through this beautiful slice of Calgary.

Car-Free Living - One Year On

2011-01-31T11:00:00.000-08:00

Our family has just past the one year mark of carfree living and I thought an update on how our life has changed was due. Overall, I feel like I am more content with my life than I was when motoring was what I did for a living (sales rep), I feel like I have less stress in my daily life, and I am more relaxed about life in general. To help me keep this post from turning into an ADHD back and forth ramble from topic to topic, I've broken down my experiences into a few key categories. Read more »

Bar Fight!

2011-01-27T08:09:00.000-08:00


A small sample of the various city handlebars we stock.

Ah, the lowly handlebar, how we often overlook thee. Too often we forget about you and under estimate the power you wield over our comfort. An afterthought for many - not surprising when so many people are always proselytizing about this gearing system, that frame material, or what brand of bike you are attached too. Pfft! - how important is that stuff anyway (kidding of course but trying to make a small point)!

All of which is a shame because you - the unheralded handlebar - can enable both a blissful or heinous cycling experience depending on your shape, sweep, and rise.

K - enough of that :)

Seriously now, the choice of handlebar is critical for a comfortable bike ride and a pleasant cycling experience. Unfortunately, most MTB type bikes and traditional hybrid bikes come with traditional riser style MTB bars or worse yet, straight bars. While these styles of handlebars are great for the demands of offroad or aggressive riding, they leave much to be desired in the realm of comfort. Sure, they'll work just fine for many people but if you are not comfortable on your current bicycle, changing your handlebar can be a quick, easy, and inexpensive fix.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain, neck pain, or wrist pains, you might be a candidate for a different style of handlebar - the traditional swept back city handlebar. There are multitudes of options in city bars with various sweep angles, rise heights, and grip area lengths - too many to get deep into here, but all helpful in offering more relaxed shoulder, neck, and wrist angles which can help reduce the pain associated with the more aggressive positions on most MTB and hybrid bikes.

There is no perfect city handlebar that will work for everyone so, if you are considering changing it up, the best thing to do is to bring your bike to the shop and we'll have a look at you on your bike and help you decide on the right handlebar upgrade. Also, make sure you click through to EcoVelo's assorted articles on city handlebars as they get quite in depth into the various designs on the market - most of which we stock.

Only 6 more weeks till spring!

Roadkill

2011-01-24T12:22:00.000-08:00

New Cycling Strategy for Calgary

2011-01-21T11:37:00.000-08:00

The City of Calgary is working on our city's first ever comprehensive cycling strategy and part of that strategy was to do some research on Calgarians attitudes towards cycling in our city in the form of a telephone survey and an online survey. The results are in and Calgarians have spoken - the majority want more bike lanes and safer cycling facilities.

In this case, the old saying "build it and they will come" couldn't be more true! Here are a few interesting tidbits from the online survey;

- 64% said they do not feel safe cycling in traffic
- 26% said they are currently bike commuting to work/school
- 74% would like to cycle for transportation more often
- 79% want more bike lanes and 79% want physically separated lanes
- 69% want more motorist education about cyclists

The telephone survey is in many ways a better gauge of general attitudes towards cycling than the online survey as most of the online survey respondants identified as a cyclist. Here are some interesting tidbits from the telephone survey;

- 59% said they would like to cycle more often
- 72% are interested in cycling for transportation
- 6% ride everyday (60,000 people everyday!)
- 80% feel unsafe riding in traffic (ouch!)
- 50% want to cycle more for transportation

Overall, the results seem pretty obvious - Calgarians would ride more if they felt safer, Calgarians want to cycle for transportation more often, and there are a lot of cyclists who are currently riding everyday.

So, giddy-up Calgary City Council - the ball is in your court!

If You Rode Your Bike You'd Be Home By Now

2011-01-19T13:57:00.000-08:00

The City of Calgary has closed a major roadway for at least a month for sewer upgrades causing crazy traffic backups heading into the downtown during rush hour.

Want a way around the gong show? Ride your bike! More specifically, drive to one of Calgary's Park-n-Bike locations, drop off your car, get on your bike, and pedal past all the traffic on the beautiful river pathways all the way into downtown. Voila! No grinding, irritating traffic. Workout done. Head cleared and ready for a relaxing evening at home.

One of Calgary's expressways at the end of the morning rush.

I'll be adding more photos as they come available.

D.I.Y. Snow Clearing of Vital Commuting Link

2011-01-17T14:27:00.000-08:00

Here in Calgary we are very fortunate to have a city that clears many kilometres of pathways during the winter, making bike commuting a year 'round option for those who live close to the cleared sections and want to continue to cycle.

Sadly, there are vital links in the pathway system that the city cannot (or will not for various reason) clear snow from. One of these sections is shown below in the map. It links the Bow River MUP near the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary to the MUP heading south towards Lynnwood and Riverbend. Basically, it is the only connection available from the south heading towards downtown that is direct, safe, and efficient.

View DIY Shoveling Section in a larger map

A few of the cyclists that winter bike commute from the south end of the city have been struggling with getting through here this winter and decided to take matters into their own hands after repeated requests to the city to clear it. Here is a link to the story on our local bike advocacy forum, Bike Calgary. Armed with a handful of people sporting shovels - including local Alderman Gian-Carlo Carra, and one snowblower, these DIY'ers had the pathway cleared (right down to the asphalt in places) in a few hours - all in -20c conditions and a nasty wind making the wind chills even colder. Here is more info from the organizer "Oggie" -

"What follows is a 'brief' outline of our activities. I think this weekend was the fourth time the pathway has been shovelled this winter; first time was in late November. Most time we shovel 2+ kms of path. It varies depending on how much path Roads crews clear; they've been good this winter so most times we just shovel from the wooden trestle to the Walker house. Most of the volunteers are from BikeCalgary. A few are pathway users we've run into while shovelling and decided to help us once we explained what we were doing. We've shovelled the equivalent of 10 km of path, though it is probably more because of repeated passes of the same section. This weekend was the first time we had the use of a snow blower, which made the job much easier. We've used 80 kilograms of ice melter so far this winter, primarily on the wooden trestle and icy sections. I've gone through one shovel already.

Response from pathway users, cyclists/joggers/walkers, has been very positive. One thing I've noticed is that I'm seeing more cyclists using the path as the winter progresses, usually it is the reverse. I think word is slowly getting out that the path is being maintained this winter and more cyclist are using the path and cycling this winter. I hope the City eventually gets the hint and starts maintaining the path but we're prepared to keep at it until spring. Alderman Carra has obviously been very supportive and is actively trying to get Parks to clear the path from Inglewood to Glenmore."

Bravo fellas!

A note to the City of Calgary - come on folks, why are average citizens doing your job for you? This section should be included in the pathway clearing plan so that people in Lynwood, Ogden, Riverbend, Douglas Glen, and points south can continue to use bikes all winter. Our opinion is that the MUP should be cleared all the way down to Fish Creek Park so that people can use the pathways for transportation all season long.

After all, every bike on the MUP's is one less car on the road, right?

*** UPDATE ***

I just received a message from Ald. Carra that this section will now be plowed by parks effective immediately on a Priority 2 basis and will be reviewed at the end of the season as to whether they will continue. Great job to all involved!

Calgary's Own Version of Pedalpalooza?

2011-01-14T07:53:00.000-08:00

Hey Calgary, lets get organized and create a week of bike events in June, ok? Edmonton does it. Portland does it. Vancouver does it. Even Peterborough Ontario has a winter bike week. We are wondering, why does't Calgary have a week of bike fun? What's the hangup?

June is Bike Month in Canada and the perfect time to be out riding bikes. Summer is just around the corner at this time and people are pulling their bikes out of winter storage and hitting the streets and pathways. Everyone is pumped for a summer of bike fun - what better time is there to bring attention to the fun that riding bikes is and the transformative power of the bicycle on our society.

Not sure what kind of bike events to organize? My suggestion is to check out some of the events that are organized by the cities highlighted above for some inspiration. Clinics, night rides, food-focused rides, mountain bike rides in the city - the options are only limited by your imagination.

So, wudduya say? Will you organize some bike fun of some kind?

Let us know what you think - is Calgary ready? Spread the word and lets turn up the volume on bike fun in Calgary!

*** UPDATE ***

The first meeting of interested parties is scheduled for this Thursday February 3 at 630pm at BikeBike. The aim of the meeting is to flesh out some go forward strategies and get the plaaning process rolling.

See you there?

Dynamo Lighting Upgrades

2011-01-13T17:43:00.000-08:00

Dynamo lighting (aka generator lights) has come a long way since the days of those annoying little units that rub on the side of your tire making a lot of noise and sadly not producing much useful light. Certainly you can still get those "bottle" type generators but nowadays the better option is to use a hub powered dynamo and LED light. Totally silent, super bright, much more efficient, no batteries ever - and in this case, a "standlight" which keeps the light on for a few minutes when you stop. Progress. Ya gotta love it!

Tired of spending oodles of cash on batteries that never last that long? Had enough of thieves stealing your light off your bike? We have the solution - upgrade your 700c wheeled bike to dynamo power. The upgrade lighting package we have assembled consists of a Busch + Muller Lumotec Oval+, Shimano DH-3D72 dynamo hub ( 32H disc compatible), DT stainless spokes, and the versatile Alex DM18 700c silver rim that works with canti brakes, V-brakes, or discs.

Here are the options -

- Option 1 - Buy a new bike from BikeBike and upgrade it. If you purchase a new bike from us without lighting and want to upgrade it, we can do it for $150.00, install it for you, and show you how it works, and you're off. Tah! Dah! - you're lit!

- Option 2 - Already have a suitable 700c wheeled bike? Plop down $200 and we'll install it for you, show you how it operates, and you're good to go too.

No more dead batteries. No more lost lights.

Light up the night. Efficiently. Silently.

On top of these dynamo products, we also stock dynamo hubs from Sturmey-Archer and SON, lights from Planet Bike and Supernova, and many different rim options depending on your intended bike and use.

Stay lit!

Operating Costs for a Vehicle in Canada

2011-01-10T08:17:00.000-08:00

The CAA - Canadian Automobile Association, has prepared a .pdf document showing the costs associated with car ownership in Canada in 2010 - and, pardon the slang - it ain't cheap! It is a short read and worth a few minutes of your time.

Illustration by Andy Singer

If you own a car and drive it 18,000kms per year in Canada you are on the hook for approximately $10,000 per year.

Every year.

Year over year.

All the dough, down the drain, never to be seen again.

I am not going to pass judgement on those who own a car as I know that cars are needed for many different reasons. My only hope is that perhaps you can look at your own situation and think about how you may be using your own vehicle (if you have one) and how might be able to reduce your dependance on your vehicle. By reducing your car usage you can save money, feel better physically, and positively affect your community. You can show your friends and family that living carfree or carlight is easy and you can insulate yourself from rising gasoline prices.

Has anyone chosen to actively reduce their car usage and have practical advice for others? Has anyone recently gone carfree - I'd love to hear about your experiences.

Winter Bike Polo Peeps

2011-01-09T15:57:00.000-08:00

Better than being inside in front of the TV all afternoon!

We may not have the biggest polo scene in Canada, we certainly have the hardiest!

Latest WikiLeaks Release a Bombshell

2011-01-05T07:15:00.000-08:00

Wikileaks: World Changing Invention from Copenhagenize on Vimeo.

Love it!

Tough Stuff

2010-12-15T20:01:00.000-08:00

Winter unofficially arrived a few weeks back with those nasty temperatures and corresponding dump of snow, shocking many of us into the realization that we may be in for a long cold winter, especially considering winter wasn't to officially arrive for at least another month. Officially or not, winter cycling was now in full effect.

For many people in Calgary the bike of choice (rightly or wrongly) for winter commuting is a mountain bike of some kind with some slight modifications like fenders and perhaps studded tires. And while a mountain bike might be considered nice for the extra frame clearance for wide tires and extra wide gear range they require an awful lot of maintenance of the drivetrain precisely because of that cluster of cogs in the back, rear derailleur, and skinny chain. On top of that, with a derailleur system, there is no possibility of protecting the drivetrain with a chaincase like you can with a Internally Geared Hub (IGH).


KMC Z410RB Zinc Coated Chain $20

To be clear, I know lots of people have perfectly good mountain bikes lying around and that these bikes will work, I am just saying that if you are getting tired of the maintenance required, there is another way forward - tougher chains and IGH's.

My Batavus BuB after one powerwash so far this season and not a drop of oil applied to the chain - ever!

IGH's come in many configurations with the most prolific model being the 3-speed Nexus hub from Shimano. This hub has been in their range forever and is available with a coaster brake, no brake, or a drum brake. Shimano also makes 7 & 8-speed versions which are amazingly tough, simple to use, and require minimal maintenance. There are a few other IGH manufacturers out there with excellent product including SRAM, Sturmey-Archer, NuVinci, and Rohloff.

Generally speaking, if your riding has you primarily in the bottom of the river valley (Beltline, Bowness, Bridgeland) a 3-speed will suffice. However, if your riding takes you out of the valley bottom more gears are in order. 7-speeds at minimum and 8-speeds if you want even more range. To give you an idea of how the gear range of some of the IGH's compare to a standard derailleur setup, check the comparison chart below -

Check out the comparison to the Nexus 8-speed and a mountain triple - basically the same range with the exception of the ultra-low and ultra-high gears on the mountain triple. In our view, especially when speaking specifically about commuting, why bother with the complexity/maintenance of a derailleur system if you are rarely in those gears? How often are you in either your low gear or your high gear on your mountain bike that you commute on? Do you enjoy dealing with the maintenance required? Do you like skipping derailleurs? My guess is you would answer no to the questions above and were simply unaware of the benefits of IGH systems.

If you have a bike with a singlespeed, fixed gear, or IGH - you can look at running a rust resistant chain as they are only available in 1/8" size (chains for derailleur systems use 3/32"). They are relatively cheap at $20, easy to install with their master link, require no lube, and hence - no maintenance.

*** Update - apparently the rust resistant chains are available in 3/32" through one of our new vendors in 7, 8, and 9-speed versions.***

Standard 3\32" chains are thinner and less durable than 1/8" chains resulting in the need to replace them more often because if you don't, you run the risk of wearing out the cogset and/or the chainrings too, which can get very expensive very fast come replacement time. Sure, if you replace your chain regularly (every 1000kms or so) you might be able to delay the inevitable, but eventually your cogset will wear out and you need to replace the chain at the same time as the cogset.

If you are considering a new bike for commuting you owe it to yourself and your pocketbook to check out bikes that have IGH's and rust resistant chains. They are purpose made for commuting and are worth every penny - both in durability and reduced maintenance requirements.

Happy Winter!

Every Journey Starts With One Step

2010-12-06T09:58:00.000-08:00

My "gateway drug" aka my first cargo bike, September 17 2008

September 17, 2008 - little did I know that this day would change the way I live my life and start me on the path that led to creating BikeBike Inc.

A brief history - before creating BikeBike I was working from home as a sales rep in the bike/sporting goods business for the better part of 12 years. I drove on average between 40,000-50,000 kms per year all over the prairie provinces of Canada alone in my minivan and flew across North American 3-4 times per year. I loved the job but there was one thing that kept on nagging at me - like a splinter you cannot get out -
I hated the fact that I spent so much time in my vehicle and felt guilty for driving alone most of the time.

I was spending a lot of time reading about the ecological consequences of our society's driving habits and peak oil theory had just popped onto my radar - remember when oil had hit $147/barrel that year? I wanted to find away to alleviate my guilt, and perhaps, reduce my own personal impact on the enviroment, even just a little. Saving money was not really a consideration.

Then I read about a new product that piqued my interest - the Xtracycle Freeradical.

After cruising around the website and reading a bunch of the testimonials I said to myself -

"Self, why not get one of these contraptions and use it for groceries".
Self replied - "Sounds like a good idea. The grocery store is only 5 blocks away - it will be easy, even in crappy weather".
So I say to Self - "Ok, lets try. Its not expensive, I have a bike I can put it on, perhaps it will be fun to go shopping by bike".

So, as luck would have it, I ended up finding one at a local shop that was shutting down, and a day or two later the "Tankbike" was born. It was easily the heaviest bike I had ever owned - tipping the scales at 55lbs - however it quickly became the bike I wanted to ride everywhere. Heavy? So what. Terrible brakes? Who cares. It was fun to ride - kind of like the bike equivalent of a bus. Everywhere I rode it people would ask questions. All my friends wanted to try it. Many laughed at its weight and mish-mash of components. The best part was I could now ride anywhere with my son (and frequently his bike too) and trips to the farmers market, grocery store, everywhere really, became an adventure.

Suddenly I became part of this subculture in the bike world - a cargobike owner. I showed it to all my bike shop friends who I knew were into kooky bikes. They thought I was a kook. Perfect! More importantly, owning the Tankbike got me into researching what other cargo bikes were out there - and by extention, what was going on in a macro sense in the cargo bike/utility cycling world.

What I found was that this category of bike and the shops that were carrying them were experiencing explosive growth in their respective markets. It didn't matter if the shop was in New York or Vancouver, Toronto or San Diego. It was growing everywhere - yet here in Calgary the existing bike retailers were mostly oblivious to the possibilities that these bikes could offer.

So, Self says to me - "You've always dreamed of owning a bike shop, why not open a utility bike shop in Calgary"?
My response to Self was - "Hmmm - you might be onto something".
Self then says - "It'll work! Think about how your life has changed for the positive since you got Tankbike. Don't you think others would want that sort of change in their life"?
My response to Self was again - "Hmmm - maybe".

(this went on for awhile more...)

Well, the result of that conversation is pretty obvious by now. BikeBike is now a part of the cycling landscape in Calgary and our customers are telling us their own stories of how their new utiltiy/city/cargo bikes are positively impacting their lives. We could not be happier and are constantly being inspired by them to continue to spread the message that city/utility/cargo bikes offer:

- Fun!
- Community
- Sustainability
- Responsibility

You too can make a positive impact on your life and community. All it requires is one small step. Set a goal of using your bike once a week for, well, anything. Groceries? Sure. Errands? Sure. Anything really, it doesn't matter. What matters is the commitment to try - simply try to ride more often.

You will not be disappointed!

Holiday Season Gift Guide

2010-11-27T12:52:00.000-08:00

With the holiday gift giving season just around the corner we thought we would whet your whistle with a few products that we think would be great to receive and equally fun to give.

We have broken down the gifts into a few categories based on price, so, find your comfortable price level and come on in for a visit.

Under $25

Items in this range are great for your bike riding friends or as stocking stuffers. Here are a couple of our favorites -

DringDring Bells - Handpainted in beautiful Montreal, these bells come in many whimsical flavours and, as the name implies, have that classic "dringdring" sound when rung. $25

Crane Bells - quite simply, some of the most classic looking bells around and our #1 selling bell. There are 4 models to choose from, all with slightly different tones. $18

NiteRider Lightning Bug and Stinger Lights - available in 6 colours with easy on/off removal these little lights pack a punch. The 1/2 watt Stinger taillight is visable up to 1km away. $17-$25

$25-$75

PDW Radbot and Spaceship Lights - straight outta Portland, these lights offer amazing visability and great design. The taillight is one of the brightest we've seen with some interesting flash modes and an built in reflector. The headlight offers a cool blue tint and plenty of light for roaming around the city. $30-$35

Peterboro and Nantucket Baskets - we have many different colours, styles, and shapes for the perfect look and added carrying capacity on your bike. A great addition to any bike. $50-$60

Basil Shopper XL and Blossom Panniers - Basil style and value are hard to beat. Numerous styles and colours - everything from the feminine Blossom to the more masculine D'Azur series. $65 and $70 respectively.

Nutcase Helmets - our #1 helmet line with colours and patterns for every taste. Keep it classic with the solid colours or go a little wild with many of the patterned versions. Price range $50-$65.

$75-$150

Brooks B17 Leather Saddle, Brooks Small Saddle Bags, Accessories - we are very proud to have Calgary's largest selection of Brooks saddles and accessories. Brooks products add a touch of class to any kind of bicycle. We have 9 different models of saddles, bags, tape, grips, toestraps, and even the Oxford rain cape.

Po Campo Bags - handmade in Chicago these bags are perfect for those gals that want to cycle, bring some goodies, and do it in style. 3 styles to choose from - the Handlebar clutch, Bungee handbag, and Rack bag. Simply gorgeous! $95-$170

Strider PREBike - available in 5 colours, Strider PREBikes (also called run bikes) are the best way to teach your youngster to balance a bike, giving them the skills and confidence to ride. So much fun! $129

$150+

Brooks Colt Leather Saddle - This "new" saddle is a reintroduction of a classic model from a decade or two ago. Hand hammered copper rivets, colour options, included rain cover, and a shape similar to the venerable Turbo - this saddle is perfect for that classic stell road bike restoration or as a nice addition to your current steed. $220

Brooks Oxford Rain Cape - One of the nicest bike wear items we have ever seen! Seam taped, waterproof, reflective, rolls up and attaches to your seat. $330

NiteRider MiNewt Cordless Light - Bright enough for use on trails, with 3 light levels including flash mode. Built in Li-Ion battery that can be charged on the wall or with a USB cable included. The commuter's dream light. $155

Our gift guide isn't complete without mentioning the ultimate gift - a new bike! We have bikes starting from under $300 for a simple 3-speed city bike and new 2011 bikes are already starting to trickle in. Give us a call or pop in for a visit - we'd love to chat!

*** UPDATE *** We are having a sale all through December with some crazy deals. Here is the info -

IN CELEBRATION OF THE GIFT GIVING SEASON AND AS A THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SUPPORT WE'VE RECEIVED DURING OUR FIRST SEASON IN BUSINESS, WE WOULD LIKE TO OFFER SOME AWESOME DEALS ON THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS:

ALL IN-STOCK KHS BICYCLES - AT COST!
ALL IN-STOCK BASIL BAGS - 25% OFF
57cm Brodie Romax - AT COST!
56cm BRODIE OCHO - AT COST!
53cm Brodie Remus - AT COST!
57cm Batavus CS - AT COST!
54cm Batavus Lento Classic - AT COST!
Batavus Breukelen and Staccato Bicycles - 10% OFF
ALL IN-STOCK PASHLEY'S - AT COST!
Dahon Ciao! P8 - AT COST!
53cm PAKE TRACK FRAME/FORK/HS - AT COST!
ALL TRACK/SINGLESPEED WHEELS - AT COST!

ALSO CHECK OUT THE 50% OFF TABLE AND $30/pr OLD STOCK SHOES

Sale Ends December 31 2010 or when specified products are sold out.

Winter Cycling Thoughts and Strategies

2010-11-10T12:44:00.000-08:00


The MUP near Silver Springs, Late winter 2010

Winter Warrior

First off, let me confess that I am car-free and ride my bike all year ‘round, including winter, and have come to love the “frigid season”. Cycling in winter is fun (all that slipping and sliding), you generally keep really warm (due to the extra effort required to pedal in snow and ice), you have the pathways almost to yourself (fair weather cyclists are hiding till spring), and motorists are going much slower (generally) than summer due to the road conditions and often leave more space between themselves and you.

The keys to a successful season of winter cycling are preparation of your bicycle and planning of your clothing choices and desired routes around the city. More information can be found here at Wikipedia.

Your Bike

If you already have a bike you use for commuting or running errands, you can do a few things to that bike to get it ready for winter. The most important accessory is a set of full fenders, if you don't already have them. Full fenders will keep you dry and keep the nasty road salt off your bike too. Also, consider giving your bike a pre-winter service to make sure all your cables and drive train are well lubricated and that your brakes are working well. For icy conditions, consider a set of studded tires to prevent wipe-outs. If you get cold hands, consider a set of “pogies” - basically covers that go on your bike that you slip your hands into. Don’t forget lights front and back!

Your Clothing

One word for you - Layers! We’ve all heard this before but it bares repeating - layer your clothing for maximum warmth but also the ability to remove layers if you get too warm. Thinner layers close to the skin, thicker layers on the outside. Being really cold can be dangerous, being really cold and damp is even more dangerous! If you have a good ski/snowboard coat, that will probably work for those really cold days. On the “warmer” winter days, you might find it tough to get the perfect combination of layers - just keep experimenting and find what works best for you and your style. Keeping fingers and toes comfortable can be tough and everyone has different comfort levels. There is no magic bullet here, simply try different combinations of socks and gloves. The “layering” principle discussed earlier is worth trying too. Finally, a selection of toques and neckwarmers or scarves will go a long way to keeping you comfy and if you wear a helmet, covers are available to keep the wind out of those helmet vents.

Your Routes

Here is Calgary we are blessed with a great pathway system - and in winter, the pathway is cleared of snow regularly making it the ideal choice for getting to downtown. (The pathways are almost always cleared before the roads, but shhhhhhhhh - don’t tell motorists!) If the pathways are not part of your cycle route, consider using the following strategies.

- Use the City of Calgary's Park-n-Bike locations to get in and out of downtown. Not only will you have a great time cycling, you'll probably miss a lot of the usual winter gong-show that is getting out of the downtown on poorly maintained streets. By the time you get to your car, traffic will be lighter, your day will have eased away, and your daily exercise has been taken care of! Win-Win-Win!
- Turn on your lights during the day so cars can see you easier.
- Take your space on the road by riding in the right-most tire rut.
- Signal your turns so motorists can anticipate your actions, be predictable.
- Take quieter side streets so you can be separated from heavier trafficked roads if they are rideable.
- Simply slow down and take it a little more easy, especially if you are sharing road space with cars. Ice can be hiding under the snow or that "brown snow" or "brown sugar" can send you to the ground in a heartbeat.

Finally, have fun out there and remember that not only are you having a blast in the snow, you are getting fitter, saving money, and making your community more livable - all by simply riding your bike.

Here is a list of some of the winter products we currently have in stock:

- studded tires from Schwalbe, Kenda, Innova
- Planet bike full fenders and clip-on types
- rust-resistant chains from KMC (singlespeed/fixed only)
- Louis Garneau gloves, booties, arm/leg/knee warmers
- wool winter cycling caps from Cima Coppi
- beanies and helmets liners from Louis Garneau
- helmet covers
- Bern winter helmets
- lights from Planet Bike, NiteRider, and PDW
- and, of course, practical advice!

Get out there this winter! You'll love it!

YEAR END CLEARANCE SALE! HUGE DISCOUNTS ON 2010 BIKES!

2010-11-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

Alright folks, now is the time to get in on some ridiculously good deals on remaining 2010 bikes. The sale will run until these bikes are all gone to happy new owners. Here is the breakdown...

Brodie Ocho regular $1150 now $950! - 53cm and 56cm only
Brodie Romax regular $1899 now $1499! - 57cm only
KHS Urban Soul regular $419 now $359!
KHS Green regular $379 now $289!
Batavus BuB regular $649 now $549!
Dahon Ciao P8 regular $1199 - now $899!
Pashley Sonnet regular $999 - now $749! - 22" only
Batavus CS Spirit regular $1250 - now $799! - 57cm only

Also ongoing is our 50% off table! There are all sorts of items on the table - everything from baskets to fenders, grips to cablesets - hurry down!

Finally - we found about a dozen pairs of Diadora cycling shoes in the basement, various sizes, all brand new but around 7 years old. ALL SHOES $30/pair!

Alberta's Only "Brooks England - Dealer of Excellence!"

2010-10-30T09:35:00.000-07:00


London Tweed Run

Brooks England is world-renowned for its incredible leather saddles, quality, style, and longevity. They have been creating these masterpieces since 1878 and have amassed an army of devoted fans who appreciate the quality, comfort, and old-world charm that wafts from every Brooks product.

We are very proud to be selected as Alberta's first "Dealer of Excellence".

Saddles, Bricklane Panniers, and the most beautiful Rain Cape you've ever seen!

Grips, bartape, mudflaps, saddle covers, and seat bags.

What wewill have in stock - 8 different saddle models including the B17, Colt, Imperial's, Aged, and Classic models. We are also the only bike shop in Alberta that will have their incredibley beautiful and tough backpacks, sachels, and holdalls. Plus, we have the full line of saddle bags and accessories - including toestraps, grips, bartape, mudflaps, Proofide - and wait for it - the Oxford Rain Cape!


B17 Special Honey

With the holiday season just around the corner, consider the gift of style and durability for that special bike-person in your life - or perhaps yourself! Brooks products are the perfect upgrade to your current cycle or project bike. Come check out what handmade quality is all about.

Hawksley Workman Loves Bicycles!

2010-10-28T07:10:00.000-07:00

Not only is he an amazing songwriter and musician - he loves bikes!

Airdrie's InterCityExpress (ICE) Allows Bikes on Board

2010-10-24T13:18:00.000-07:00


Photo Airdrie Transit

Airdrie Transit launched their new service this month for commuters looking for an option to leave their car at home, and by all accounts, this new service was welcomed by many people in both Airdrie and Calgary. Of particular note for cyclists is that AT will have bike racks on these buses once spring arrives - however, in the meantime, they are allowing people to board this service WITH THEIR BIKES. Here is a Twitter conversation between me and Airdrie's Transit Coordinator -

@ThumbTaks Any idea if the ICE service will have bike racks on buses? Some customers have asked.

@bikebikeyyc Transit Coordinator for #Airdrie Transit here...we've removed the bike racks for the season. Back in the spring

@ThumbTaks - Wow! Awsome! Will be sure to promote that service. Bike commuters thank you! #carfree #yyc #airdrie

@bikebikeyyc Yes, our fleet to #yyc will have bike racks back in the spring. In the meantime riders are permitted to board with their bikes

Wow!

On the other hand, Calgary Transit has done a mediocre job of showing leadership with regards to integrating bikes and transit. Right now, CT shows 3 routes that are supposed to have bike racks on ALL buses on these routes. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be the case (customers who use these routes have told us), and CT's response to complaints about their inability to insure all buses on these 3 routes have racks has been the same answer - "we cannot guarantee that the buses leaving the garage for certain routes will have racks".

What's the point then of promoting it? Why can't Calgary Transit have bikes on all buses like other cities?

Kudo's to CT are deserved however for cyclists ability to bring bikes on the C-Train for sure, but to be fair, it's not always easy to get on or off the trains due to the narrow doors and many trains have a pole right in the middle of the doorway making it really tough to use the train if you have wide bars or panniers on your bike. Also, bikes are not allowed on the trains during rush hour (exactly the time you need to be able to make the biggest impact) - the ICE service however does allow bikes onboard anytime.

Congratulations Airdrie Transit on showing amazing leadership on integrating alternative modes of transportation.

2011 New Bike Brands!

2010-10-10T18:19:00.000-07:00

We are very excited and pleased to be Calgary's exclusive dealer for two cool bike brands - one is very new, one is very old. Say hello to LINUS and Raleigh!

First, lets talk about LINUS. Based in Venice Beach, California, LINUS arrived on the scene just last year and in that short time, has received a ton of positive press about both their designs and ride quality. I think you'll agree, LINUS bikes are very classic looking, chic, perhaps even fashionable - with a ride quality that is both comfortable and nimble.

The 2011 lineup includes the Roadster's and Dutchi's in singleseed, 3-speed, and 8-speed options as well as two "retro" styled bikes - the Gaston and Dover - with 5-speed internal gearing with downtube shifter. The Mixte model is available in 3-speed and a new 8-speed version too.

Delivery of these fine bicycles is still a little ways off - perhaps March 2011- but we are so pleased to add them to our lineup we just had to tell you now!


LINUS Bikes

Since we opened the shop in February 2010, we have had many customers bringing in their old Raleigh bikes for service and upgrades and have been touched by the passion that these customers have for their old bikes.

Generally speaking, these customers !adore! their Raleigh bikes and will do whatever is necessary to keep them rolling. In all honesty, that passion for this grand old bike brand was probably the biggest reason why we wanted to offer them. Well, that, and the fact that their city bikes are really nice looking and offer a ton of value.

We will be offering two models to start - the Sprite ($350) and the Roadster ($550). The Sprite is their entry-level city bike with full fenders, 3-speed internal gearing, and classic city bike design - available in both classic frame and step-throughs. (Oh, did I mention its is actually made in Canada?) The Roadster is another full-fendered city bike, but with an 8-speed derailleur setup - offering a wider gear range and more versatility. The Roadster is also available in classic and stepthrough frames.


Raleigh Roadsters

We will also have access to the other cool bikes in Raleigh's lineup like the Alley Way, One Way, Clubman, and Sojourn.

We are expecting our first shipment of Roadsters this week and Sprite's around Christmas time.

Steel is real baby!

Glenmore Tr & 37 St SW

2010-10-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

View Larger Map

Much has been said and written about this notorious intersection here in Calgary - mostly because it is a choke point for traffic and has been, until recently, the last stoplight on Glenmore Trail causing massive traffic headaches. From a cyclist point of view, this area was pretty scary and needed help. It is a very popular route for getting south towards the Weaselhead area (and even further south towards Fish Creek) and is also the northern route for cyclists heading towards Edworthy Park, the Bow River Pathway, and downtown. Bike route signage was spotty at best, useless at worst.

South side of Glenmore Trail roundabout. The new pathway comes into the picture from the left and gives you 2 options for crossing 37 StSW. Cross at the crossing shown or you can proceed left out of the picture to Lakeview Dr SW and cross there.

There was much specualtion that the Ring Road would eventually go through this area but the Tsu Tina Nation, the Province, and the City could not come to an agreement on the SW section of the Ring Road, leaving this intersection as a huge traffic problem that needed some improvements fast. The City has since changed the whole intersection - removing the traffic lights, installing roundabouts on the north and south side of Glenmore, and building a bridge connecting the 2 roundabouts. Also included was a pathway connecting the north and south to MRC and Lincoln Way SW.

View from the top of the bridge north towards MRC and Lincoln Way SW. The pathway connector is shown or you can continue down to the left on the pathway towards 37 St SW and follow the pathway/sidewalk to 46 Ave SW/Richardson Way SW.

Overall, and considering the limitations that were in place (neighbouring homes), I think the city has done a good job of providing for bicycle access through this area and, in fact, offering a safer alternative to getting across Glenmore Trail than existed before. Signage is currently non-existent but, to be fair, the project appears to still be months away from completion. Previously, if you were cycling, you had to choose between "the lesser of 2 evils" - ride the road with aggressive, speeding motorists who were rushing to get on/off Glenmore Trail or 37 Street - OR - ride on the sidewalk. If you are cycling with children, the road is not an option, leaving the sidewalk, and the sidewalk is only on the east side of 37 St Sw with crappy connections everywhere.

Now, there is a much safer route. Here is my personal favorite:
- approaching from the north, ride north on Sarcee Rd SW (29 st sw turns into Sarcee Rd at 33 St Sw) till you get to the intersection of Sarcee Rd and Richardson Rd SW
- proceed straight through the intersection, with the road now being Lincoln Way SW. Follow it around until you see the new bridge over Glenmore Trail
- take the pathway up and over the bridge
- at Lakeview Dr SW you can cross 37 St SW and proceed south towards Weaselhead on a pretty safe road

This new link is by no means perfect - especially for pedestrians (adds at least 250m to cross Glenmore) - but it is a start. It would also be useful if bikeway signs are moved/replaced/added/changed to reflect the new route possibilities through Lincoln Way, MRC, and along the sidewalk on the east side of 37 St SW.

Thank you City of Calgary for ensuring there is ped/bike access through this vital area.

Movie Night at BikeBike!

2010-10-01T05:29:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to announce some bikefun happening over the winter months - Movie Night at BikeBike!

What is Movie Night at BikeBike?

Basically, we will clear out the shop and setup as a mini-theatre complete with popcorn. All you need to do is show up with a chair or pillow and a donation to the Calgary Food Bank. Cash and non-perishable food items will be accepted, so please give generously to Calgary's less fortunate families.

We have 6 dates lined up from October to March, with 6 different bike-themed films to keep your fire for bikes burning throughout the wintertime. Here is the tenative line-up...

October 15 - Triplettes Of Belleville
November 12 - Quicksilver
December 10 - B.I.K.E.
January 21 - The Bicycle Thief
February 18 - Pee-Wee's Big Adventure
March 18 - Breaking Away

Please help us help our fellow Calgarians, and stoke your bikelove at the same time!

Brilliant Batavus Commercial

2010-09-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

Bicycle companies have historically been terrible at creating television advertisements that appeal to the average Joe/Jane- if creating them at all! The only bicycle ads I have ever seen on TV usually coincide with the yearly doper circus we know as The Tour de France, and those ads, 99.99999% of the time show some superfit, emaciated, pro rider scaling some mountain or winning a bunch sprint on a $10,000 carbonfibre-whiz-bang-speed machine - hardly average Joe/Jane activities or products.

Thankfully the Dutch have come to the rescue with their reknowed sensibility and dry humor. The commercial is in Dutch, but is translated as follows -

The first guy says "Hey neighbour, ESP, ABS, fog lamps, 16 inch rims and 6 gears."
The second guy says "28 inch rims, 8 gears, high power lights and computer integrated in the steering. My wife and daughter have the same."

Great stuff!

3-1-1 and You

2010-09-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

I am not sure how things work in other cities, but here in Calgary, when you notice a problem with city infrastructure - like a broken water main or brutal non-detour like we see here, you are encouraged to call 3-1-1 and report it.

This service is something that Calgary cyclists should be using as often as possible, for a few reasons:

- All reports are logged by the city for future (and sometimes) immediate consideration of where upgrades and repairs are needed.
- Transportation Solutions logs all of the bicycle and pedestrian focused reports and reviews them when looking at ped/bike upgrades. In fact, I have been told by a staffer inside TS that this is the best way to log concerns and complaints with the city specifically regarding bike routes and paths.

- It works! I have proof! Check out the image at left with the asphalt ramp. I took a photo of this area, complaining that there were no ramps here, making it difficult for people to get through here safely and efficiently. I submitted it to to the city through Twitter (@cityofcalgary) as well as logging the complaint through the city's online 311 page and this ramp appeared very shortly thereafter.

We all know that cycling in this city can sometimes be an exercise in frustration as the Roads Department has demonstrated time and again that efficient cycling detours are not on their radar (witness the construction at Memorial/10 St, under the Crowchild, or Memorial near the Peace bridge). 3-1-1, at the very least gets these issues brought to the attention of the city, and more importantly, shows the city how many people are using cycling as a transportation mode.

Be a part of the solution - take the time to register your concerns as often as possible, and perhaps the city will one day soon begin to make real improvements to our cycling network.

Copenhagen Cargo Bike Culture

2010-09-20T06:55:00.000-07:00

Great video showing all sorts of people who ride cargo bikes, why they ride them, and some of the styles that are available on the market.

(pssst - we can sell you one too!)

Copenhagen Cargo Bikes from Streetfilms on Vimeo.

For Fun - Videos Featuring Bikes

2010-09-05T08:16:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of our favorite videos that feature bikes - enjoy!

Queen - Bicycle Race
(warning - a wee bit of skin)

30 Seconds To Mars - Kings and Queens

Mark Ronson - The Bike Song

The Bike Song
Uploaded by rockohoward. - See the latest featured music videos.

BFF 2008 Tokyo BMX Jam

Bicycle Film Festival TOKYO '08 PART 1 from Eli Tokyo Jitensha-Jin on Vimeo.

Bike Commute to BikeBike Photo Essay by Andreas

2010-08-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

My son Andreas wanted to take some photos on the way to work this morning - so, I present to you, Bike Commute in 13 Images by Andreas Carter.

Peace man!

He loves VW's.

Daddy!

Westbrook Mall parking lot.

West LRT consrtuction is going fast!

Scarboro at speed.

Scarboro United church.

17th Ave SW going over Crowchild Trail.

Parking the bakfiets.

The storefront - cool grafitti! Thanks Jaryd!

Family Transportation Demo Day!

2010-07-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to be a part of (what I think is) Calgary's very first Family Transportation Demo Day. First, the details:

- When? August 7th, 9am - 3pm
- Where? Kingsland Farmers Market - 7711 MacLeod Trail S. - you will find us in the parking lot.
- What? Test ride a selection of cargo bikes , kid hauling bikes, cargo trailers, bikes with child seats, classic European city bikes, and electric bikes from Green City Motors

Is it just us, or has cycling been in the media more than ever? Is it coincidence or is it finally cycling's time to shine? Some recent media items here, here, and here. Other related news items are here, here, and here too.

We believe cycling is on the cusp of a huge renaissance, with commuting, utility cycling, and cycling for daily transport leading the charge. Gone are the days of only riding bikes in tight shorts and flashy jerseys, all hunched over, pretending you're Lance Armstrong. These days people are choosing bikes that are more classic and upright - downright civilized even - bikes that are comfortable, easy to use and maintain, and built to last a lifetime. Bikes for going to the grocery store. Bikes for exploring your community with your family. Bikes for riding to work all year 'round.

Make some time on August 7th to come down to the new Kingsland Farmers Market to try out some of these amazing bikes - and of course, pick up some fresh food and goods from the market.

Hope to see you there.

The BuB Days of Summer Sale Event

2010-07-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

There has been quite a bit of excitement surrounding Batavus' introduction of this cool new bicycle - including winning the IF Gold medal award for design. Much has been also written by various cycling bloggers about the ride, function, and style of this cool bike - so i won't bore you with more of the same.

What I will say is this - if you are looking for a durable, comfortable, and stylish city bike, you definitely need to consider the BuB.

Our order of Batavus BuB's are here and we are thrilled to be able to offer a unique special on these equally unique bikes. While quantites last, and with the purchase of a new Batavus BuB - you will receive $50 of free BuB accessories. What a deal!

Accessories you say? What kind of accessories? Well, front and rear integrated racks, lighting, coloured grips, and coloured frame accessories are all available so you can personalize your new city bike.

Retail price on the BuB is $649 - for more information, give us a call at the shop - or better yet - come on down to the shop and take one of these unique and elegant machines for a test ride - you will love it!

BikeBike has some goodies on Sale!

2010-06-19T07:15:00.000-07:00

BICYCLES IN-STOCK AND SELECT IN-STOCK SALE ITEMS - we are clearing out some of our remaining in-stock products to make room for other goodies, so pop in and check out some of the sweet deals we have for you. Quantities are limited.

KHS Smoothie Mens medium regular $519 - $75 off

Dahon Ciao! P8 regular $1199 - $100 off
Dahon MuP8 regular $850 - $75 off
JoeBike 2010 Boxbike regular $1799 - $150 off
Pashley Sonnet regular $999 - $145 off
Batavus CS Spirit regular $1250 - $300 off
Batavus Intermezzo Supreme regular $1600 - $250 off
Batavus Diva regular $999 - $145 off
Traitor Ringleader "Pabst Blue Ribbon" Edition 53cm - $850 - AT COST!

All In-stock BikeBins - 50% off

BikeBike Night Missions Group Rides

2010-06-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

(photos courtesy of Jimmy Glass)

One of our founding missions here at BikeBike was to expose Calgarians to some of the amazing bicycle infrastructure that exists here. We are truely blessed with what we have here - namely, the largest urban pathway network in North America, stretching over 600km - and that doesn't even include all the on-street bikeways which add another 300+kms to the total!

(The fact that these pathways and bikeways do not yet constitute a usable, contiguous network will be tackled in a post at some later date!)

I have lost track already on the number of customers and friends who have said they have not ridden certain amazing sections of the pathway - like the Glenmore Reservoir or out towards Pearce Estates. Sadly, many Calgarians (including experienced cyclists) do not use the pathways very often or worse, don't even know they exist - so, we at BikeBike have been leading these exploratory "Night Missions" to show those that attend all that the pathways have to offer. Best of all, we ride at night so we have the entire pathway network to ourselves!

We would like to encourage all of you reading this to come out on the next ride and enjoy a fun, mellow bike ride. The pace is super-chill and good times are always just a few pedal strokes away!

The pictures shown are just a few images from our last adventure.

We hope to see you at the next ride - June 26th - The Full Moon in June v2.0.

Batavus Bikes Just Keep on Rolling!

2010-06-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

It started like this - a customer phoned from Central Alberta trying to put his mum's old bike back together for her but was stymied by the ice cream pail full of odd looking bike bits and generally old nature of the bike.

We were happy to assist, at first with a bag of new parts and cables. Eventually, the bike arrived here with aforementioned ice cream pail of parts, and the new bits he had purchased too - with a plea to please help sort this all out.

Well, we were able to get the bike back to running condition again and were amazed at what great condition the bike was in - especially considering the bike was at least 30 years old!

Batavus prides itself on producing bicycles that can last a lifetime and this older machine proves that they know what they are doing. The paint finish was still beautiful, the rims were shining like they were brand new (thats stainless steel for you!) , and everything was working like it was just rolled off the sales floor yesterday.

Amazing!

Batavus Bikes are, to this day, still made with durability and longevity as core guiding principles and we are proud to be able to sell these fine examples of European cycle excellence!

Todays Batavus bikes are the epitome of fine city bikes - the leader in efficient, stylish cycle transportation. Come check them out here at BikeBike and feel free to try one or two out on a test ride.

You will be amazed at how easy they are to ride - and how young and full of happiness you feel too!

Go Green Go Dutch Go Bike

2010-05-09T19:58:00.000-07:00

Hey, how often do you get to go for a bike ride with royalty?

Not very often - so make sure you shine up your bike, and ride on down to Eau Claire Market on May 16th. If you preregister here i think you get a fancy orange tshirt and there are also $5 raffle tickets to win a Batavus BuB, with all the proceeds going to charity.

We will be there as well, riding Dutch bikes, naturally!

Hope to see you there!

Cargo Bikes Can Be A Part of Your Own Solution

2010-05-03T18:22:00.000-07:00

I have been pondering this post for many months now and the tragedy unfolding in the Gulf of Mexico this past week has got me thinking - I wonder if more North American families chose to reduce their automobile usage, maybe there would have been no need to drill in the first place? Here is another, similar perspective on this...

The sad reality is that for the better part of the last 50 years we have been sold the idea that owning a home in the suburbs, with a 2-car garage, a heavily manicured lawn, widescreen TV in the home theatre room, and a couple of vehicles in said garage was not just something to possibly work towards - but that all of those things are our god-given right here in the Land Of Opportunity - aka North America. Not only that, we have also come to expect that all our communities should be built around the automobile and that everyone should drive their car everywhere - and we have elected people who have done just that for us.

Well, some people have begun to question this idea and wondering if there might be a better way forward. I have, and have come to some of my own conclusions, one of which was to get rid of my automobile for a couple of reasons. There are many reasons to get rid of a car and reduce your dependance on oil companies, car companies, traffic engineers, insurance companies - the list goes on and on. We chose to dump ours for 2 simple reasons - one was to save money and the other was to show people that it is possible in Calgary to be car free - and happy! So far so good!

Sadly, Calgarians have bought into the lie of the automobile more than any other major city in Canada and have the most to gain - if they chose to make changes to their lifestyles now, while it is relatively easy.

One of the easiest ways to take a "buy-out" of the automobile vortex is to get a cargo bike and use it lots.

Here are some of the great things about cargo bikes -

- no need for insurance
- no parking tickets
- door-to-door parking when you go shopping or run errands
- cars give you more space on the roads - at least it seems that way to me! :)
- no visits to the gas station ever again
- better fitness
- your kids will love it!
- you can show your kids how to get around without a car - studies show lazy parents = lazy kids
- never stuck in traffic
- and on and on and on and on...

Now, as I have posted before, I know everyone can throw up any number of reasons why they cannot reduce their car usage, however there are options, and if you spend some time thinking about the positives I am sure you will see that reducing your car usage is not as hard as you might think. I won't get into that here, instead, I want to show you a few cargo bike options and get you thinking about how you might integrate one into your life in the future. Here are some other thoughts from our friends at Joe Bike in Portland and another article from TreeHugger.com.

First up is the XtraCycle Freeradial Kit which is basically a kit you add onto an existing bike you already own (see picture at the top of this post). It converts any hard-tail mountain bike into a legitimate cargo and kid hauler - all for under $600CDN and falls into the "longtail" sub-genre of cargo bikes. A longtail It is the perfect option for those who need a light duty (250lbs max) cargo bike for groceries, errands, and carrying kids. You can carry huge packages on it, but is also quite enjoyable to ride empty. This was my first cargo bike and it truly changed the way I live my life!

Next up is the Yuba Mundo V.3 bike. This is another take on the "longtail" cargo bike and was actually designed by one of the early XtraCycle owners. $1479CDN. Where the XtraCycle sometimes can fall short is when you load it up close to its weight limit - the XtraCycle can feel very flexy and unstable.

The Yuba will have none of those issues as the bike is designed from the ground up as a complete bike and is designed to carry a rider - and another 440lbs! Thats you and two friends! Or you, your two kids, and 2 weeks worth or groceries. Or you, and all your tools if you are a tradesperson. Or you, and...well, you probably get the idea. The bike is actually very well suited to daily use as it comes complete with full fenders and a traditioinal triple crankset with 21 speeds. On top of that, the cargo area has pre-drilled holes for attaching your custom made boxes, latches, whathaveyou. Also available from Yuba are childseats, giant panniers, and a front rack. Truly a minivan replacement!

Also available from us is a traditional "bakfiets" style bike from JoeBike - the 2010 Box Bike $1799CDN. Bakfiets is a Dutch word, literally meaning box bike, and is used generally to describe these types of bikes.

The obvious difference is that the load is carried in front of the rider instead of behind, and usually the load is situated quite low on the bike giving the bike a unique and fun riding characteristic. The steering is handled by a linkage running from the rider underneith the box to a small front wheel. This steering arrangement is one of the things that make these bikes so fun to ride - the ride is hard to describe but I would try by saying it is by far the funnest, fastest, and most comfortable cargo bike I have ridden. The weight limit is 150lbs - just right for a couple small kids, and/or a bunch or groceries. A rain canopy is also available for an extra $350 and the design of the canopy also covers the riders hands keeping them quite warm and dry.

One thing I really like about these style of bikes for carrying kids is that they sit directly in front of you making conversations very easy and keeping an eye on them is a snap too.

All of our cargo bikes are avaialble for test rides, so if you are interested, or merely curious about these cool bikes, pop in to the shop and take them for a test ride. You'll love it - I promise!

Living Carfree - So far, Soooooo Good!

2010-04-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

Our family has now been carfree for just over 4 months now, and I am happy to report that life is just fine. I had posted here that I was a little concerned about how I would be able to live in this car crazy town without a vehicle, especially in winter, and thankfully there has been no problems at all adjusting to life without an automobile.

The first few weeks of auto-less-ness were more about readjusting old habits and long established ways of doing things (ran out of milk, jump in car and head to store) that you don't normally think much about. However, after that pretty short "break-in period", life is pretty much the same but with a nice added bonus - more money in my bank account! Actually, there are a few more bonuses...

- better fitness from riding every single day
- more energy from the extra exercise
- better sleep - probably because of the extra work required to ride everyday
- spending less money overall
- no parking tickets
- stress free commutes
- wildlife sightings (deer, owls, eagles, etc)
- fun times with my son riding around the city

...and on and on the list could go.

Since we opened BikeBike, I have had many conversations with customers about my carfree lifestyle and the responses and conversations have been interesting and instructive. Interesting because sometimes people have questions for me about how our life is different/same, how we get around through the winter, and how our life had changed. Instructive because it has become really obvious that people are really connected/defined by car to their lives. An example - I was mentioning to a customer that I believe that getting around Calgary by bike is actually pretty easy - we have a big pathway network but we also have a lot of quiet residential roads that you can use to get almost anywhere in the city. The customer was roundly shocked by that statement and disagreed with this assessment and thought that bicycling here was dangerous and that I was crazy to ride on the roadways. This conversation made me realize a few things...

- many are not aware of their rights to ride their bikes on the roads and how to do it safely
- many have no idea how to get around the city without using the pathways
- many don't realize how easy getting around Calgary by bicycle really is

I guess we will just need to continue these conversations with our customers and do our best to talk to them about riding bikes in the city. The more people that choose to cycle on the roads, the more the City of Calgary will have to make proper accomodations for us.

Don't get me started on what Calgary needs to do to make this easier!

Personally, I believe that the time is coming when people will be forced to use bikes for more than just sport and I look forward to that time when bicycling becomes as common place as driving.

Click here for the Alberta Highway Traffic Act - Part 2, Division 4 for information on your rights to the roadway. Here is one of the most important statements in the act -

"Unless the context otherwise requires, a person who is operating a cycle on a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the duties of a person driving a motor vehicle under Part 1 and this Part and Division 2 of Part 5 of the Act."

We are going to have spoke cards made that have the traffic act on one side and "Bikes Belong on our Roads" on the opposite side. Pop by the shop and pick one up.

Enjoy Your Commute and Save Money - Ride a Bike!

2010-03-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

Many know that Calgary has some of the most expensive parking rates in North America - with the average centre city monthly parking costing $400 per month - if you can find a spot!

Here are some prices I found with a quick search this morning -
- Impark $325-480 per month
- Calgary Parking Authority - $400-480 per month
- Calgary Transit Lots - $150 per month (incl. parking and transit pass)

So, without getting into how much your car costs per month to operate (insurance, gas, monthly payment, etc) it is pretty obvious that driving your car to work everyday is a very expensive way to commute. Even if you can park for free at your place of work, you still need to incure all the normal operating costs associated with car ownership.

There is another option - ride your bike.

Alright, OK - I have heard all the reasons why riding a bike to work doesn't work for you (yes, you, especially you!). There are a myriad of excuses people put up to make it seem like riding a bike to work is not possible for them - but it is possible for many, many people - you just have to consider your options.

- Calgary has a handful of Park-n-Bike lots that are free to park in, offer quick easy access to the core, and are situated along our incredible pathway network. If you live in the suburbs, you can drive to one of these lots, park, hop on your bike, and pedal into work. While you are at it, cancel your gym membership because you won't need it anymore.

- Calgary has one of the biggest pathway networks in North America and there are many places you can park near the pathway and off you go.

- Calgary's streets are primarily a grid network, meaning you can often find alternate routes to where you need to go away from busy arterial roadways.

So, maybe your biggest issue is that you do not have a bicycle to ride. Buy one. Buy a good one. Park your car at home during the spring and summer and put those 4 months of saved parking fees directly into a new bike. You would end up with a great bike, fully outfitted for commuting in your regular clothes - with the added benefit of being able to go grocery shopping with it or simply riding for fun on the weekends - and you will get fitter and happier!

What can possibly be wrong with that?

Batavus Breukelen

2010-03-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

A skid of Batavus Breukelen's are around the corner and due to arrive Wednesday this week - and we are really excited to be receiving more of them!

Some words direct from our supplier's website - "...the Breukelen is made special for the North American market. With its lightweight aluminum frame and seven speeds, the Breukelen can go anywhere, any distance, and over any terrain. With its matte black frame and clean Helvetica font, the Breukelen taps into the lifestyle market with its refined good looks and eminent no-frills practicality."

Yes!

There are some more words here and here offering more info on what makes these bikes so amazing.

Come on by the shop later this week and take one for a test drive. You won't regret it!

The Muppets Ride!

2010-03-04T05:51:00.000-08:00

I grew up in the 80's and watched every single Muppet Show episode, and still ca't seem to get enough. So, when I saw this, I had to post it because it made me smile.

I hope you smile too!

2010 Brodie Remus

2010-03-02T15:07:00.000-08:00

Direct from the Brodie website - "The Remus is an easy choice for the minimalists in the crowd. A natural single speed out of the box, the rear flip flop hub lets you choose to run with the fixed gear crowd. A cromoly frame, slick reach-adjustable brake levers and high flange hubs make the Remus more than just a looker at a very wallet friendly price."

Stock Remus

We concur.

I picked up one of these for use as my daily commuting bike, and after a few modifications (which can be seen in the photos below) and a few longer rides I am happy to say that this machine is very fine indeed! I elected to set mine up with a more upright position, full fenders, and fixed/brakeless. Here are the changes I made:

- removal of stock bars, stem, brakes, and pedals
- addition of Velo Orange hammered fenders, Velo Orange bars, Cardiff leather Balmoral grips, and my own wheelset with a 15/18 fixed cogs.

Fender CloseUp

Glamour Shot

With a MSRP of $699, this bike is a very affordable option for those looking for a great handling road bike, but with classic touches, and impeccable quality afforded by Brodie. There are so many way to customize this ride - maybe adding an IGH of one sort or another, or simply putting on a riser bar for a more upright position - the possibilities are endless.

We have a few in stock right now, so when you have some time, come on down and check these great bikes out.

See ya out there!

Portland's Mini Bike Week Mini Movie

2010-02-26T06:15:00.000-08:00

Portland is considered by many to be one of the hotbeds of freakbike culture and all things bikecrazy (yes, this is a word - i just made it up!).

Don't believe me? Watch this video. I think we will have to consider doing some of those fun bike games at our group rides this summer. I hope the freakbikers in Portland don't mind.

Bike bowling? Rad!

Mini Bike Winter | 2010 from Richie Thomassen on Vimeo.

Velo Orange Products Are Here!

2010-02-24T12:16:00.000-08:00

We are very pleased to be able to offer some fine products from Velo Orange. Check out their site to see some of the beautiful products they carry.

Currently, we have a selection of their city handlebars, leather saddles, and metal fenders. We can also access some of their very fine framesets - let us know if you are interested!

Drop by to check them out!

Nice Write ups in the Calgary Herald and Calgary Sun

2010-02-19T07:35:00.000-08:00

Trent Edwards, Calgary Herald reporter, popped into the shop last week to check out what all the buzz was about and penned this great article profiling us. Thx Trent!

Click on the link and have a read.

Cheers!

p.s. here is another small mention for us in the Herald and a great profile of us in the Calgary Sun.

Rickshaw and PAC Bags are here!

2010-02-17T11:26:00.000-08:00

We have taken delivery of our first order of Rickshaw Bags (San Fransico) and PAC Designs (Ontario) and - WOW! - are they ever nice! So nice in fact that we sold two of the Rickshaw Zero's on our first day open.

For more info on the Rickshaw Zero and PAC Designs bags, check out the Youtube videos below.

BikeBike - Powered By Oso Negro

2010-02-10T13:06:00.000-08:00

Attention all you coffee lovers! BikeBike loves coffee so much we have decided to offer Oso Negro coffee beans for sale in our shop. Click on the link and check out what the fine folks in Nelson, BC have been brewing.

We have a small selection of 1/2lbs bags and 1lbs bags, in a few of their most popular roasts available for purchase - starting next week. We will also be offering our very own "BikeBike" blend soon too - check back with us in the next few weeks.

First order of business is, of course, to brew some of these beans in our french press and savour the goodness that is Oso Negro organic coffee. Yum!

Soooo Close!

2010-01-31T09:29:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple sneak peak shots of the upstairs shop and a the changeroom. Apologies for the low-rez of the pictures, they were taken on my i-phone.

Soon, we will be open.

Very soon!

Another Cargo Bike Announcement - Yuba Mundo

2010-01-29T09:49:00.000-08:00

Alright folks, along with our traditional "bakfiet" style cargo bikes from Joe-Bike, we are very excited to offer another style of cargo bike - the "long tail" styled Mundo.

Similar to the Xtracycle Freeradical and Radish, the Mundo places the cargo behind the rider - instead of in front like the Joe-Bike. What separates the Mundo from the Xtracycle is the weight capacity available - 250lbs. for Xtracycle - 440lbs. for the Mundo.

More important though is that the Mundo is welded together as a complete frameset (as seen in the photo), whereas the Xtracycle is an added-on kit to an existing regular bike. Having owned an Xtracycle Freeradical kit I can tell you that there was a considerable amount of flex and twisting when the bike was even lightly loaded with cargo and the Mundo should have none of those issues due to the one-piece frameset.

Also available for the Mundo are these great bags, babyseats (you can put 2 of them on the bike), a padded deck for carrying your friends around - as well as a front rack for maximum cargo capacity.

The bike comes standard with fenders, 21-speeds, 48-spoke wheelset, and v-brakes. There are disc brake tabs available if you want to upgrade to disc brakes too.

Once we are open (soon, very soon!), come on by and check out this very cool vehicle replacement option.

Coming to BikeBike - the Joe-Bike 2010 BoxBike

2010-01-27T10:08:00.000-08:00

We are very excited to announce that we will be importing from Joe-Bike in Portland, OR the 2010 Box Bike.

(The bike shown is an Eco-Speed equiped Joe-Bike. For specifications on the bikes we will offer, click on the link above.)

We will have 3 available and have also ordered one of their custom rain covers. What makes the rain cover so unique is it also extends over the handlebar controls keeping your fingers insulated from the weather. Nice touch!

The Joe-Bike BoxBike is based on the classic European "Bakfiets" design, but with a few differences.

First, Joe-Bike orders the frames from China raw and then has the bikes painted, reinforced, and assembled in Portland. This allows them to bring the price of the bike down to a more affordable level and also allows them to order more frames per shipment than fully built bikes. A side benefit is the ability to choose (if you desire) your own frame colour and parts kit. Although we are ordering the bikes complete, we are of course happy to make any changes you would like.

Second, the box and rain covers are handmade in Portland and there are fancier versions available - like the Galleon style or the lighter weight aluminum and fabric box (again, click the link at the top for more pictures).

Finally, the gearing on the bikes is designed around riding hills (Portland has hills just like ours), making these bikes really fun to ride with a full load of kids, groceries, or deliveries.

We are hoping to have them in the store in February. Make sure you come check them out and take one for a test ride. If you are a curious parent, bring your kids and take them for a spin - they will love it!

Cheers! Keep Warm out there.

Progress!

2010-01-24T20:01:00.000-08:00

The last 3 weeks have been pretty crazy with all the renovations going on and the seemingly endless trips to Rona for more supplies - when will it end!?

Well, hopefully soon.

The reno's will be over shortly as we have entered the homestretch and are now working on all the detail work - priming, painting, fixture installation, and never-ending cleaning. We are hoping that this will be the last week of the build-out and, with some luck, we can have the city come and signoff on our renovations and issue us our business licence late this week or early next week.

Then, we open the doors. I am giddy with that thought!

Here are a couple progress pics for ya.

CityBike Conversions at BikeBike

2010-01-16T07:36:00.000-08:00

Over at BikePortland.org there has been an ongoing discussion about women + bikes + preconceived notions about women in cycling - all of which we won't get into here. If you want to delve deeper into the conversation, click on the link and dig in.

The point of this post is to simply show what will not happen to you if you are a women who has walked into BikeBike looking for some help or advise.

Cetainly, we can sell you a new bike if you so desire - and we can find you a pink cruiser if you like too!

However, what we aim to do is to provide women (well, everyone really) with whatever they need to keep cycling everyday. If, as the cartoon illustrates, you want to upgrade your current bike with more comfortable/utilitarian parts and accessories - we can help.

We like to call such upgrades CityBike Conversions and we will be stocking much of what the cartoon describes - and more - to make converting your cherished bicycle easy and affordable. Also, we have set aside some space in the store to provide a "fitting area" so you can experience what your bike will feel like with the upgrades you have chosen, before they are installed. For more information on this service or to book an appointment, give us a call or drop us an email.

We know that many people love their beat up, or old, hand-me-down bikes (or and expensive bike that isn't fitting well for city riding) and simply want to make them more useful and we also appreciate that not everyone has the means to buy a new bike whenever the fancy strikes them. Keep your current bike going with a few key upgrades and a small investment in parts and accessories.

Why buy a whole new bike if you don't have too? Keep that old bike out of the landfill - by simply upgrading a few things and - BLAM-O! - your new converted city bike!

CityBike Conversions at BikeBike - the economical way to keep riding, everyday.

403-457-BIKE

2010-01-15T12:40:00.001-08:00

This is our "new" number as the original one supplied to us has a flat tire and is not repairable.

Please update your directories.

Cheers!

Post Less

2010-01-15T06:08:00.001-08:00

Hey Folks

Just a quick note that we have been very busy on the store's buildout - hence the lack of posts. I am hoping to get some pics of the interim progress posted here but the store is so full of materials and tools there isn't much to look at.

Hopefully we will be done the "heavy lifting" by the end of the weekend and I can get some decent pics for you.

Cheers!

Let The Demolition Begin!

2010-01-03T19:18:00.000-08:00

We are into the space and the demo's have been completed as of typing this. Wow! It was a lot of work and big thank you's need to go out to Blue, Trev, Kyle, and Dad - you guys rock!

Next up is materials purchasing/delivery and hopefully the buildout will start in ernest on Wednesday. The amount of work remaining seems a little overwhelming right now but I know that all we need to do is just get going and it will all happen right on schedule.

These pics are the "Before" shots to give you an idea of the space.

Ciao for now.

Winter Bike Polo Video

2009-12-29T07:36:00.000-08:00

Bike polo - IMHO - is one of the funnest (is that a word?) things you can do on a bike, and here in Calgary, we have 2 dedicated polo groups that play regularly during the warmer months of the year. The oldest, continuously running games are hosted by the Grassturds with those fellas playing for close to 20 years now. In the last few years, the hardcourt game has become popular too - and its my personal favorite. Hardcourt games, as the name implies, are played on a hard surface - parking lots, hockey rinks (sans ice) - they all work. The rules are slightly different between the two games with "like" contact being allowed in the hardcourt game and mallets/balls are also different between the games.

If you like riding your bike, having the occasional bevvie, and hanging out with other bikeophiles - you owe it to yourself to come and try it out this summer - you will love it!

Winter Cycling Article in MetroNews Calgary - Featuring Mr.BikeBike

2009-12-21T06:14:00.000-08:00

MetroNews Calgary asked me to help them with a winter cycling article. Although the article is not long enough to get really indepth it does a good job of bringing winter cycling to the masses. I think this paper is read by a lot of transit users - based on how many of the papers I find on the c-train and buses when I (rarely) use tranist. Hopefully some of those transit users will consider giving winter cycling a try - even if only on the nicer winter days we frequently get here in Calgary.

Riding this winter has so far been a breeze. The main roads are in pretty good shape and the pathways - well, the river pathways are almost always in better shape than the roadways. Thank You Parks Dept!

(photo from MetroNews)

I have 2 observations so far -

1 - Motorists are much more patient and give you a lot more space when the roads are snow covered. As soon as the roads clear, they revert back to self-absorbed, aggressive jerks - hard on the throttle, swerving back and forth and generally getting too close.
2 - When people find out you ride all winter, generally they fall into two camps. Camp one is for those who understand and think its great. Camp two is for those who think you are nuts and expect to be reading the obituaries section about you before winter is out.

BikeBike Inc. is almost open and we will have winter riding gear in stock, starting in October 2010. Some of that gear includes studded tires, rust-resistant chains, warm winter helmets and liners, and clothing options like gloves, booties, and jackets.

Stay Warm!

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