u/deivegru

Hey All,

Helping a friend look for a road bike. Anyone have recommendations of places that won't charge you through the nose for a decent bike? I bought mine this summer off marketplace, but it was a full carbon bike with disc brakes and a shimano 105 groupset for $1,800. Retail price at MEC for the same bike was $2,400 (which is a good price). Don't need a high end bike, or a high end brand name, but looking for Carbon, Disc Brakes, and Shimano 105. Ideally for purchase in Markham, Etobicoke, or in between. My friend doesnt want to go through marketplace and would prefer a storefront, but I don't know any stores that may have something like this available for under $3,000 (could be a pipe dream but worth asking!)

He would be a size M (52") so it's a pretty standard size at least when shopping around.

Thanks!

Hey Everyone!

TL:DR --> Got a road bike, any tips for making the transition from a 20 year old hybrid for someone looking to get back into shape?

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So here's my backstory. I've always enjoyed cycling, though I never really did long rides (20km or so was my max). But I had bought an (at the time) mid-tier hybrid bike, got a "bike backpack", and really enjoyed the summer months (I live just north of Toronto) when I could do almost everything on my bike - getting groceries, visiting friends, etc....

Last summer I was diagnosed with cancer (don't worry, good news at least for me, I went through surgery and chemo, and am now on the other side!)... my hospital also runs one of the largest cancer reasearch fundraisers, a 200km ride from Toronto to Niagara Falls. I've always wanted to do this ride, but never really had the motivation (plus a wife and 2 young kids, and life starts to get in the way). But after my ordeal, I signed up and did the ride this year. IT WAS TOUGH!!! However, it was SO MUCH FUN. I was one of the last people to finish, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were multiple instances where I had to get off my bike and walk it up a hill, where no matter how hard I pedalled, I was being passed by folks who were just more experienced than me in this long rides.

Afterwards, I spoke to a few friends of mine who are more avid cyclists, and they suggested that my 20 year old, almost 30lb bike, was likely due for a refresh if I was seriously interested in continuing to do long rides. While not a requirement, they had suggested looking into a road or a gravel bike, and one that was lighter than my current setup. While it wouldn't make me a superstar, it would definitely help on the longer journeys to preserve my power, and may improve my speed just due to the aerodynamics of the bike.

Did some research, looked for used bikes as I didn't want to shell out a whole lot of money on something that I may not pursue for a very long time (and also convincing my wife I needed a second bike is something I'm still working on, haha)... but I bit the bullet and bought the following bike "used" (it's in brackets because I purchased it for a kind gentleman who bought the bike, then basically had it in storage since purchase as he couldn't ride it anymore due to old age and injury.

https://www.mec.ca/en/product/6030-532/polygon-strattos-s7d-bicycle-unisex?colour=Red

I'm going to ride around the neighbourhood the next few days just to get used to new seated position vs my old setup, but I'd love any tips, tricks, watch outs, etc this community may have for someone coming over to this style of bike!

Thanks for reading!

Hello,

Not sure if the rules permit this post or not, but worth a shot. Mods please remove if not allowed.

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My son was lucky enough to make the Richmond Hill Jaguars U12A hockey team for the upcoming season. One thing all local sports team look to do is raise money to help offset funds and allow the kids an environment where they can focus on development, building play based skills, and becoming better human beings. In this economy, it's always difficult to find proper marketing and help bolster local businesses.

There are opportunities to showcase your company logo on Jerseys (both game and practice jerseys), apparel, or even a banner displayed at all games, depending on your level of sponsorship. The package is still being built, but if this is something you'd be interested in supporting, please feel free to reach out via DM and I'd be happy to pass along more information as I get it in the coming days.

Thanks!

After a successful battle with cancer last summer, this summer I am doing the 200km Ride for Cancer in June.... holy s**t am I out of shape...but excited to do my best and raise the funds.

I've got a pretty decent bike, but it needs a good tune up and potential new rubber on the tires. Anyone have a good recommendation on where to take it for a tune up (or someone who can come to my house?) that will get my bike in good shape for hopefully a month of training if the weather decides to get better, and then get me through the ride. My bike is in pretty good shape, but I don't want to take any chances given the length of the ride.

Thanks!