@Boing Bikes

For the love of it

2011-02-25T13:49:00.001-08:00

Lady left her old Diamond Back Sorrento with me for a quick check up....ah if only what I thought was just brake cables ended up being 2 hrs alone on sorting out the gears...I just can't do a service by half...I enjoy taking pride in bicycle repair..its worth the effort for the smile on the face...

When to replace your Brake Cables

2011-02-25T13:45:00.001-08:00

Not checked your brake cables recently?

Go on take a look. It’s a classically over-looked area of your bicycle – if they look grey and dull rather than grey and shiny then put simply it’s probably time for a refresh.

Assuming you haven’t got discs and your pads are in good condition the weak part in the chain is potentially the cables. If you think about it everytime you apply the brakes you are putting your whole body weight, plus the weight of the bike plus the rotating force from the wheel through these cables. Its not surprising they wear out !

Best advice is a weekly check of condition – if in doubt get them replaced, I’ll get some articles written soon about all the different varieties there are and go through it in some detail.

Whats the Best Lube for my bicycle chain ?

2011-02-25T13:42:00.001-08:00

There’s many types of lubrication out there and to be honest there is no ‘right’ answer. Perhaps the best compromise I’ve found is a dual coating. First I’d recommend applying GT85 or any other similar Teflon based water dispersant and then secondly lightly oil the jockey wheels with a higher viscosity lubricant – something along the lines of ‘Finishline’ is a good example)

(Jockey wheels are the small wheels at the back of the derailleur). If you then click up and down the gears an optimum coating will be achieved. As a rough guide if you can’t see any moisture in your chain its probably time to treat it to some lube !

Second Hand Raleigh Co Co coming soon

2011-02-07T13:39:00.001-08:00

Fully restored and polished with new Cables, grips and tyres...picture to follow

Fixies

2011-02-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

Fixed Wheel Fun !!

It takes some practice to ride smoothly a fixed gear.

Most cyclists will try to cruise on the freewheel once the bike gets up to a certain speed.

The bike won't let you do this, you have to keep pedaling.

It takes a few regular riding to unlearn the impulse to freewheel, and become relaxed on a fixie. If you want to get into it Charge bikes make some good ones.

Have a question about buying a bicycle ?

2011-01-30T13:43:00.000-08:00

I have been into push bikes my whole life and worked in the industry ten years ago for a few distributors. There is very little about the bicycle that I don't understand so please don't hesitate to ask !

Braking news !!!

2011-01-30T13:21:00.000-08:00

Again for the experienced cyclist this is inconsequential - however if you're a real newbie you'll find that there's an art to braking your bicycle. The way that a lot of bicycles arrive at the shop are with brakes set up the American or European way. Basically with the front brake attached to the left lever.

The actual UK standard is the other way round. The left lever should be attached to the rear brake and the right lever should be attached to the front brake. To brake safely - or even to come to an emergency stop - always feather the rear brake and then haul on the front one - so pressure on the left and then the right. If you pull the front brake on with full force instead you'll likely be over the handle bars so its worth honing your bike control skills to incorporate this one !!

Getting your cycling clothing right

2011-01-27T09:14:00.000-08:00

Cycling in this country is all about clothing. My good friend Mark Jaggard now working at Trek Cycles UK taught me that many years ago. A good range of layers is obvious to some but perhaps the absolute essential is gloves so that you're hands are warm and can grip the controls. Something like these Sealskinz Mountain Bike Gloves might seam a little pricey but once you've experienced the toasty feeling you'll never go back !

Handy Tip !

2011-01-26T13:34:00.000-08:00

Seatpost slipping - take a fizzy drinks can and cut it up to make a shim. Works with stems as well....

After a spare part ?

2011-01-26T11:42:00.000-08:00

Boing Bikes has a mountain of spares - can uniquely offer many spares second hand especially - or direct you to where you'll find the part you need.....

Setting Up Your Bike - The Basics !

2011-01-26T09:29:00.000-08:00

The basics - you know you can make any bike feel better with three simple additions - decent handgrips, a comfortable saddle and nice pedals - level the seat and the bar height so your knees feel comfortable and you have the magic formula - give me a shout I can help with this…

Easy Rider

2011-01-23T07:49:00.001-08:00

Easy Rider Novelty cruiser bike - just in - a little unusual this one...

Retro bikes ?

2011-01-17T12:27:00.001-08:00

If you're a lover of the older mountain bike then have a look at Retrobike

www.retrobike.co.uk

Students - Get your gears fixed

2011-01-15T12:22:00.001-08:00

Bicycle Gears fixed £10 a time for Bristol Students

07821924638

2nd hand Bikes - especially for Bristol Students

2010-05-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

07821924638

BIKES from £25 - £500 - 2nd hand always coming and going...give me a buzz...