FAQs Archive - ShutUpLegs.ca

Q: Where is a good place to ride?

One of my favourite tools for discovering new routes is Strava Heatmaps . You can do a search for your community and learn where other riders and runners are heading out. Similarly, if you own a Garmin watch or training device, Garmin Connect has popularity routing that you can use to create new routes, and then push to your watch for directions! Always be sure to use common sense when you're riding. Bike specific pathways, bike lanes, and quiet country roads are my favourite go-to's for my rides. Right now I'm generally trying to stay away from the popular routes because I'm trying to avoid people in general, and I'd advise other riders to get creative and do the same. If you're interested in where I ride, you're welcome to check my Strava profile for route ideas.

Q: I'm buying a used bike, how do I know if it fits?

I'm not even going to try and explain this one. Here's a link to a really good article on REI that breaks it down . And here is a link to a decent Bike Fit Calculator on Competitive Cyclist . I always see people riding bikes that don't fit them, or riding bikes that COULD fit them but are set up incorrectly. The risk that you run riding a bike that doesn't fit you is back pain, knee pain, elbow pain, neck pain, twitchy steering, lack of control, risk of looking stupid, and hating biycles. I strongly recommend you check out the two aforementioned links before you buy any bike.

Q: Where can I get my bike tuned up or serviced?

Your local bike shop is always the best first place to start when you're figuring out where to get your bike serviced. Google something like "bike repair near me", and you're golden. Check out Google reviews, find a reputable shop, and give them a ring. That being said, if you're looking to get your bike serviced in the spring (when everyone else has the same idea) expect to be booking an appointment at least a couple weeks out. Bike repair shops in many districts are considered to be essential services and are often categorized under "vehicle and equipment repair and essential maintenance and vehicle and equipment rental services." Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, many essential activities happen on bicycle: cargo and food delivery picking up family groceries/medication commutes by workers to essential services Cycling is a key part of our transportation network, and bike shops are vital to supporting that transportation network. If you're in Calgary during Covid-19 right now I'd also recommend my buddies over at Ride Bikes & Service . They do mobile bike service and repairs at very reasonable rates, and typically they can get you in pretty quick.

Q: When do I need to get my bike tuned up or serviced?

For the weekend warrior, once every three to four months is about right. For most leisure or family riders, typically once a season (usually in spring) is sufficient. As for what we need to do to the bike, it all depends on the condition of it. At the shop we'll first look at the drivetrain for wear and tear. That’s the chain, cassette, derailleurs and crank. It’s the key part that moves the bike. Following that, I’d look at brakes, cables and the suspension for any fluid leaks. If all’s good, we’d clean it out and oil it up. When you set out to ride the first thing to take note of should be the brakes. Make sure that they’re biting well by squeezing the levers. Next check your gears. Don’t start riding off the moment you get on your bike. Take a moment to spin the crank to gears as the gears might have been adjusted in transit or when you weren’t riding. The chain might sometimes get caught in the cassette. If any of the above don't seem to be working right, that's probably a good sign that its time to get your bike tuned up. Start by just calling your LBS and explaining whats going on to them, and typically they'll recommend next steps for you. There's also the DIY route, but if you've read this far and I haven't bored your to death because this all seems super basic to you, then I recommend giving the LBS a call. As simple as bike maintenance can be to a cyclist with all the right tools and gadgets, it can be cost and time prohibitive if you don't know what you're doing and are in a hurry to get on the road.

Q: Can I ride my bike with my ride buddies?

No. As of May 3 most if not all municipalities across Canada do not recommend group rides or social rides even if you are keeping 2 metres apart. The only exception is for people that you are currently residing with. The Federal and Provincial sport governing bodies Cycling Canada and the Alberta Bicycling Association, Cycling BC, and Ontario Cycling Association have also cancelled/postponed all upcoming cycling events and races. As well, the Ontario Cycling Association recommends that clubs, athletes, and members “postpone or cancel any gatherings such as group rides and in-person group meetings for the immediate future” for the health and safety of their athletes and families. Ride, but ride solo.

Q: Where should I shop for a bike?

If you're looking for a used bike, there are three picks on where to find what you're looking for in Canada. First of all, Facebook Marketplace has more and more decent options for bike shopping. What I like about Facebook Marketplace is that you can see who's selling the item, ask them questions, and check to see that they're legit. Secondly, Kijiji is always a decent go to for used in Canada. And thirdly is Pinkbike.com , which is more of a legit cyclist/mountain biker's scene. Kijiji and Facebook differ from Pinkbike in that Pinkbike is generally populated by more experienced riders. So you'll often find people who know the ins and outs of their bikes a lot better, and you'll usually find higher quality bikes on there priced somewhat fairly. On the flip side, Kijiji and Facebook can be all over the map sometimes with hilariously overpriced "Canadian Tire Specials" and suspiciously underpriced diamonds in the rough. Whenever I list my bikes I always list them on all three, but Kijiji and Facebook are a bit of a free for all when it comes to pricing and the quality of bikes. Now if you're looking for a new bike, I strongly recommend your local bike shop ("LBS"). I work casually at Ridley's Cycle in Calgary and they've got a fantastic team there that'll get you on the right bike. If you want to set yourself up for success, have an idea of what kind of riding you plan to do, and have an idea of your budget, and be prepared to spend another $100-$200 on things like helmets, pedals, bike pump, etc.

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