Ah spring…

The time of year we look at our to do list and start those jobs around the house or cottage. Also the time of year we look at our bikes and say ‘how can I improve it this year?’ Some take the plunge into a new bike and others update their familiar steeds.

Others, like myself, create projects to keep myself busy and to avoid doing the gardening. These are this years projects…so far.

Repaint the Schwinn:

I got this bike while working at Sportwheels. It is a 2005 Tim Horton’s special Aluminum framed cruiser bike. I quickly ditched all the accessories such as the fenders, rear rack and the swept out bars. I installed a conversion kit in the bottom bracket to accommodate a sealed unit and a real set of cranks. The rear wheel was replaced with a coaster brake alloy wheel and the front with an alloy quick release wheel. The stem was eventually changed with a 1” to 1 1/8” adapter to increase stem and handlebar choices. I was also fortunate enough to get a mtb handlebar with a good amount of rise with the support bar to make it look cool.

All this had been done prior to this spring but it was missing something (besides gears and high functioning brakes). The paint job was tired. The red to white traditional Schwinn paint job needed was done. With some help from a local business I managed to get the frame water blasted. I then applied the primer and the first coat of ‘hammered copper’. Yup, that’s what it was called ‘hammered’ copper. It looks great so far. I need to apply another coat, put some clear coats on it, but it is going to look awesome!

Department Store Bike Build:

You read that right. This summer I built bikes for a local department store and noticed that although most of their offerings are low end, there are a couple of frames that are decent quality. Heck, they even come with replaceable derailleur hangers. Not sure where one would get one if needed, but I’m sure something could be made to work.

So, I got to thinking and checked my stock at home. I realized I had enough spare quality parts at home to see what I could do with a department store bike. I bided my time to get the frame I wanted at the right price. What I scooped up was a 2012 CCM 29er. We’ve all seen these, aluminum frame, Suntour forks, and alloy wheels. The components are suspect, but I had the solution to that.

Firstly, I removed everything I didn’t want to use. This included the rear derailleur, shifters/brake levers, crank, bottom bracket, and forks; essentially, most of the components. I replaced the bottom bracket with a basic Shimano sealed unit, installed Truvativ cranks and a Deore XT Rear derailleur for a 1×9 drivetrain. The seatpost was replaced with a one bolt aluminum version. I used a set of Avid 1.0 brake levers to give braking a much more secure feel. Finally, I swapped out the fork for a rigid chromoly version for weight savings, and because I could.

For now, the wheels, bars, stem, and brakes are stock and will probably be replaced in time when I can get the parts for the right price. Up until now the conversion has cost me very little, besides time.

Overall, it isn’t a bad riding bike with the modifications. Yes, my Norco Shinobi will remain my main ride, with the CCM showing it’s face occasionally and making a great cottage bike.

I’m sure I’ll have other projects or changes I’ll make on these and my other bikes, but for now it’s time to hit some trails!

About a week ago I had an amazing opportunity. I worked with 6 students from J.L. Illsley high school on a program to maintain their fleet of mountain bikes. These students all showed an interest in giving back to their school in volunteering their time to take care of the bikes that the school uses.

I was contacted by Steve S. and on Wednesday I arrived with tools and stand in hand to go over the basics to ensure the students made the bikes safe for everyone. I was greeted warmly by Tom McCutcheon, and was led to a room full of some well used Norco Mountaineers and six bright eyed students.

After some introductions, a brand new Park Tool stand was put together and I took a glance at the bikes in question. For the abuse they had taken over the past few years they were in decent shape. A few broken derailleurs, and some adjustments would be all that was needed.

I conducted a clinic on basic repair and after some great questions from the students, they were eager to get at the bikes. We put aside some of the more involved repairs and focused on the easier ones. Throughout the morning, the boys repaired almost all the bikes.

After lunch we tackled the harder cases and before you know it, all but a couple of bikes were ready to go. The remaining bikes need a couple of parts but the boys know how to fix them once the parts arrive. After a quick ride in the parking lot to test out the bikes they were hung up for safe keeping.

The main thing that resonates is the enthusiasm that these students have. They were attentive, respectful, and readily took in all the information and had some great questions. I thoroughly enjoyed my day with some stellar students.

Congrats to J.L Illsley, the staff for their commitment to supporting their students. The school bike program is an amazing way to get kids active in a way that does not have to be overly expensive.