What to do when dealing with bike shop employees:
Hopefully when you come into a shop, you are treated respectfully and your bike repaired properly. But, this is not always the case. It’s unfortunate that this happens, and even though I am a mechanic, I feel intimidated when I go into certain shops.
If an employee is hitting you and you don’t like it/want them too/it makes you feel uncomfortable: (i.e. taking in your bike in for repair, and calling you honey/baby/sweetheart/etc) You say: “Yes Sir. Thank you Sir...” or if it happens: “Yes Ma’am...” (though, that’s not so common, and I hope I’m not guilty of being that person...) Either way, using these pronouns will let them know that you aren’t okay with their conduct- that you’d like to stick to a professional interaction.
If someone is talking down to you****: go ahead and tell them off. Or just take your bike, tell them you aren’t an idiot, and that they should treat their customers with respect. Find another shop. I typically like to shoot off some of my knowledge when people are being assy because they assume I don’t know anything about bikes. I’ll talk about my Colnago, or how I’ve been searching for Shimano Dura Ace 7401. That I’m in the process of collecting parts to build a set of tubular wheels, and that I went to bike school. If I could, I’d like to change the mind of every sexist asshole that I can- but- I really don’t have enough time, nor energy. I’ve dealt with this from the other side of the counter (being the shop employee, and being treated like I didn’t know anything) and it’s infuriating. I’ve been told “Well, it’s a technical question...” I’ll go on to answer their question, and then they proceed to ask the guys in the shop the SAME shit. The guys at my shop, of course, say the same things I said. All I can do is hope that these people feel like hell about themselves. It’s worse with women though... anyways, this is about you, not me. (My point being this: you can’t change everyone)
****There is a sidenote to the above: there are a lot of people out there that don’t know how to use their bikes. There are a lot of issues that can be solved by learning how to properly shift. Do not take offense if someone is trying to teach you something- because they aren’t trying to offend you. But- if they are talking to you like a 1st grader, tell them that you’re (however)-old and you can understand what they are saying, that they can talk to you like an “adult.”
If you are happy with the service you recieved: and you want to know how to say thank you? Beer. Money tips are kind of awkward- some shops (like the shop I work at) “don’t allow” their employees to accept tips. There’s a tip jar- sure- but that money... I’m not sure where it goes. We started snagging it and using it to buy coffee- but- my boss started checking the jar everynight. Beer is the best tip, I don’t know any shop that would be upset/sad if you showed up with a six/twelve/twenty-four pack. Hell, I got a bottle of tequila for my 21st birthday from a customer- I was stoked!
If you aren’t happy with the service you recieved: make sure you look at the receipt you got. Did you sign anything that said you’d pay up to a certain % more than the estimate? Did you sign anything? If you did, make sure you READ whatever you signed. Also- think twice before you sign ANYTHING. You read your lease, right? BUT, remember you are the customer. If you feel taken advantage of or that there was a mistake made- calm down. Talk to the mechanic that worked on your bike, and ask them questions. If you start accusing them of messing up, they will get defensive and you won’t get anywhere. If you’re nice about it, they will be more apt to admit mistakes (if they were made...) I realise I am usually on the side of the mechanic- a lot of people like to think they can complain to whomever is ringing them up and they will lessen the labor charges... but that’s not how it works. There’s a reason we give you estimates. I always try and over-estimate how much something is going to cost if I’m not sure how long it’ll take. (A lot of shops have hourly rates, so certain repairs are judged on that rate, rather than a fixed dollar amount. Some bikes are in worse shape than others, and it might take 30 minutes to overhaul a bottom bracket or an hour if it’s stuck...) Anyways, the best way to confront someone about their repair work, is to be calm, not accuse, and be cool. They will (hopefully) fix any mistakes, and it’ll be pleasant all around.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Are you new to bikes? Looking for your first?
So, you say you don’t have a bike, but you really want one? You have a few questions to consider. Where will you ride? With whom? How often? (I’ll interview myself)
I ride road bikes, because I mostly commute through the city and go on long road rides. The skinny tires make going up hills easier (less resistance: but they make for a bit of a bumpy ride) and the geometry of the frame (how it’s designed) is made for efficiency. If a road bike fits properly, usually the saddle is higher than the handlebars. This makes for a more “aggressive” posistion, but again is more efficient/aerodynamic. When you’re riding a bike, basically you are pushing your bike and your body against the air/wind. The more aero you are, the faster you can go. Road bikes are geared higher (meaning: bigger sprockets on the crankset [pedals are attached to the cranks] and smaller sprockets in the cassette/freewheel [the sprockets on the rear wheel] These make you go faster/work harder) but since road bikes are so lightweight (usually) they are much easier to propel.
The people I ride with, usually and not always, all have road bikes. If I was riding with people on mountain bikes, they would have a hard time keeping up. This is not because I am in amazing shape and they aren’t- it is because on mountain bikes, since they typically are geared lower, they would have to pedal like crazy to keep the same pace as me on a road bike. Mountain bikes are also typically heavy (think about it: you’re riding on trails, you want a bike that can withstand a lot, right? There are lightweight mountain frames, but these are very EXPENSIVE) and have big knobby tires. The wheel size is also smaller (26” for mountain, 700c [or about 28”] for road) so there must be more revolutions of the wheels to go the same distance.
How often? Well, that changes, but I ride every day. If I was only to ride once a week or once every few weeks, it may not matter to me what type of bike I have. Since I am riding every day, I want something I can count on to be reliable. I also want something that I can get from place to place quickly, and that I could ride 50, 80, 100 miles on without feeling like I hate the bike. Since I take (relatively) good care of my bikes, they will last me a very very long time. If you buy a cheap new bike, it may not last very long. New bikes do have warranties (or should!) but they may also need special maintinence. With a lot of things, the more expensive the bike, the higher quality it is, and the lighter weight it is. This does NOT mean you should spend as much money as possible. This means you should test ride different levels of bikes (bikes with basic, better, and really nice parts on them) and see if it is worth it TO YOU to spend the money. Some people can’t tell the difference, and for some people who can, the difference isn’t worth a couple hundred bucks. I am happy enough to see people on bikes, I try not to judge them for what kind of bike they have. I used to have a Schwinn Varsity that I would ride 20 miles a day (commuting 10 miles one way) and I loved it. Before I moved to Seattle, I converted it into a fixed gear and rode the same route everyday. I rode that bike 50miles with my coworkers from my shop and I kept up with them on their fancy road bikes. That bike weighed 30lbs or more. It was insane. But I loved it, and I could keep up with the guys, if not beat them up the hills. Just find a bike you like, that you are comfortable on, that fits you, and that’s a beautiful thing. I love passing guys on the road with their fancy carbon fiber road bikes with fancy wheels- their mouths hang open as they realise that a redheaded GIRL on a steel road bike from the 80’s is passing them. It’s fucking killer.
There are of course, more types of bikes than ROAD or MOUNTAIN. The term HYBRID is a big one. Hybrid is a mix between road bikes and mountain bikes. Hybrid is more of a “spectrum” than a real “type.” It can mean a bike that’s super upright, like an old lady would ride (hey, they’re comfortable) with big tires, or a road bike with flat handlebars. Hybrids are what most people ride. They have a nice middle ground, and when people describe what they want, hybrids are typically what they are describing.
Electric bikes....
ahhhh yes. There are such things as these... I don’t really like them. To me, as a mechanic, I’d rather be able to work on the bike I have. I am not an electrician. BUT... electric assist bikes are pretty cool. These are basically regular hybrid bikes, with a boost. They help you going up hills, and on flats, but you HAVE TO pedal. You CAN’T just sit there and go, you have to move. These bikes were designed for people that want to ride bikes, but can’t necessarily do it by themselves. Great for getting around, commuting, etc.
FIXED GEARS/Single Speeds:
I can’t exactly knock these bikes. I’ve had several, and still ride one. Basically you have one gear, and if it’s a fixed gear, you can’t coast (pedalling constantly, even downhill) and if it’s a single speed you can coast. Most of these bikes have a flip flop hub (meaning you can do both- one side of the hub is the fixed side, and one is “free” or you can coast) I commute in the winter time with a fixed gear, as it is a more hardy bike, and I do not need to worry about anything breaking. I have a front brake on my bike, and will give ANYONE endless amounts of hell for NOT having a brake. You don’t have to use it! But you can’t control the world, it’s better to not take the chance. (what I’m talking about, is that with fixed gears, you can slow down with your legs- the slower you pedal, the slower you go, and you can skid stop- eliminating a brake. But cars are unpredictable, and I worry a lot. SO HAVE A FUCKING BRAKE ALREADY, I may be an old grandma to you kids, but seriously be careful.)
Those are the basic groups of bike. Of course there are cruisers, freak bikes, tall bikes, bmx, etc etc etc.
A word about “WOMEN’S BIKES” :
Women’s bikes aren’t like the olden days- it doesn’t mean that they have that sloping top tube, it means that the length of the bike is shorter. Most women have longer legs and shorter torsos than men. BUT NOT ALL. Don’t let this fool you. I am a definitely a woman, but I have a “long torso” for a “woman” so I ride “men’s” bikes. If you are petite, short, or typically women’s clothing fits you, then MAYBE a women’s bike MIGHT fit you better. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I think it’s just a ploy. The bikes aren’t very much shorter in length (a cm or 2) and the thing that bugs me the most: the companies that produce women’s specific bikes don’t necessarily offer much. It’s either a “basic model” or a high end model. NO in betweens. This makes me suspicious. Why can’t women have an intermediate model? Do these companies think we either are really into bikes or we’re not? Anyways, it’s silly. Just don’t let a pushy salesperson bully you into a women’s bike if you think that the unisex bike fits fine. It’s YOUR decision. Take control.
Another thing to remember is this: the type of bike you have or your get does not make you a “better” cyclist. If you choose to spend thousands of dollars on a bike, but don’t ride it... that’s getting you nowhere. If you buy a used “clunker” that weighs a ton, but you ride it- that earns my respect. Yes, I am impressed by certain bikes, but... you are the engine. You are what makes it go- and that means more. I’ve had all sorts of bikes- none that were really fancy (the most I’ve spent on a “new” bike was $900) but I got respect from my fellow cyclists because I can ride just as fast as anyone. You don’t need to be fast or “strong”- if you’re riding a bike, and you like it- fuck’em. I respect you. Respect yourself.
Again, let me know if you’ve got questions. I think I got a little rant-y at the end there. I hope it was helpful!
I ride road bikes, because I mostly commute through the city and go on long road rides. The skinny tires make going up hills easier (less resistance: but they make for a bit of a bumpy ride) and the geometry of the frame (how it’s designed) is made for efficiency. If a road bike fits properly, usually the saddle is higher than the handlebars. This makes for a more “aggressive” posistion, but again is more efficient/aerodynamic. When you’re riding a bike, basically you are pushing your bike and your body against the air/wind. The more aero you are, the faster you can go. Road bikes are geared higher (meaning: bigger sprockets on the crankset [pedals are attached to the cranks] and smaller sprockets in the cassette/freewheel [the sprockets on the rear wheel] These make you go faster/work harder) but since road bikes are so lightweight (usually) they are much easier to propel.
The people I ride with, usually and not always, all have road bikes. If I was riding with people on mountain bikes, they would have a hard time keeping up. This is not because I am in amazing shape and they aren’t- it is because on mountain bikes, since they typically are geared lower, they would have to pedal like crazy to keep the same pace as me on a road bike. Mountain bikes are also typically heavy (think about it: you’re riding on trails, you want a bike that can withstand a lot, right? There are lightweight mountain frames, but these are very EXPENSIVE) and have big knobby tires. The wheel size is also smaller (26” for mountain, 700c [or about 28”] for road) so there must be more revolutions of the wheels to go the same distance.
How often? Well, that changes, but I ride every day. If I was only to ride once a week or once every few weeks, it may not matter to me what type of bike I have. Since I am riding every day, I want something I can count on to be reliable. I also want something that I can get from place to place quickly, and that I could ride 50, 80, 100 miles on without feeling like I hate the bike. Since I take (relatively) good care of my bikes, they will last me a very very long time. If you buy a cheap new bike, it may not last very long. New bikes do have warranties (or should!) but they may also need special maintinence. With a lot of things, the more expensive the bike, the higher quality it is, and the lighter weight it is. This does NOT mean you should spend as much money as possible. This means you should test ride different levels of bikes (bikes with basic, better, and really nice parts on them) and see if it is worth it TO YOU to spend the money. Some people can’t tell the difference, and for some people who can, the difference isn’t worth a couple hundred bucks. I am happy enough to see people on bikes, I try not to judge them for what kind of bike they have. I used to have a Schwinn Varsity that I would ride 20 miles a day (commuting 10 miles one way) and I loved it. Before I moved to Seattle, I converted it into a fixed gear and rode the same route everyday. I rode that bike 50miles with my coworkers from my shop and I kept up with them on their fancy road bikes. That bike weighed 30lbs or more. It was insane. But I loved it, and I could keep up with the guys, if not beat them up the hills. Just find a bike you like, that you are comfortable on, that fits you, and that’s a beautiful thing. I love passing guys on the road with their fancy carbon fiber road bikes with fancy wheels- their mouths hang open as they realise that a redheaded GIRL on a steel road bike from the 80’s is passing them. It’s fucking killer.
There are of course, more types of bikes than ROAD or MOUNTAIN. The term HYBRID is a big one. Hybrid is a mix between road bikes and mountain bikes. Hybrid is more of a “spectrum” than a real “type.” It can mean a bike that’s super upright, like an old lady would ride (hey, they’re comfortable) with big tires, or a road bike with flat handlebars. Hybrids are what most people ride. They have a nice middle ground, and when people describe what they want, hybrids are typically what they are describing.
Electric bikes....
ahhhh yes. There are such things as these... I don’t really like them. To me, as a mechanic, I’d rather be able to work on the bike I have. I am not an electrician. BUT... electric assist bikes are pretty cool. These are basically regular hybrid bikes, with a boost. They help you going up hills, and on flats, but you HAVE TO pedal. You CAN’T just sit there and go, you have to move. These bikes were designed for people that want to ride bikes, but can’t necessarily do it by themselves. Great for getting around, commuting, etc.
FIXED GEARS/Single Speeds:
I can’t exactly knock these bikes. I’ve had several, and still ride one. Basically you have one gear, and if it’s a fixed gear, you can’t coast (pedalling constantly, even downhill) and if it’s a single speed you can coast. Most of these bikes have a flip flop hub (meaning you can do both- one side of the hub is the fixed side, and one is “free” or you can coast) I commute in the winter time with a fixed gear, as it is a more hardy bike, and I do not need to worry about anything breaking. I have a front brake on my bike, and will give ANYONE endless amounts of hell for NOT having a brake. You don’t have to use it! But you can’t control the world, it’s better to not take the chance. (what I’m talking about, is that with fixed gears, you can slow down with your legs- the slower you pedal, the slower you go, and you can skid stop- eliminating a brake. But cars are unpredictable, and I worry a lot. SO HAVE A FUCKING BRAKE ALREADY, I may be an old grandma to you kids, but seriously be careful.)
Those are the basic groups of bike. Of course there are cruisers, freak bikes, tall bikes, bmx, etc etc etc.
A word about “WOMEN’S BIKES” :
Women’s bikes aren’t like the olden days- it doesn’t mean that they have that sloping top tube, it means that the length of the bike is shorter. Most women have longer legs and shorter torsos than men. BUT NOT ALL. Don’t let this fool you. I am a definitely a woman, but I have a “long torso” for a “woman” so I ride “men’s” bikes. If you are petite, short, or typically women’s clothing fits you, then MAYBE a women’s bike MIGHT fit you better. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I think it’s just a ploy. The bikes aren’t very much shorter in length (a cm or 2) and the thing that bugs me the most: the companies that produce women’s specific bikes don’t necessarily offer much. It’s either a “basic model” or a high end model. NO in betweens. This makes me suspicious. Why can’t women have an intermediate model? Do these companies think we either are really into bikes or we’re not? Anyways, it’s silly. Just don’t let a pushy salesperson bully you into a women’s bike if you think that the unisex bike fits fine. It’s YOUR decision. Take control.
Another thing to remember is this: the type of bike you have or your get does not make you a “better” cyclist. If you choose to spend thousands of dollars on a bike, but don’t ride it... that’s getting you nowhere. If you buy a used “clunker” that weighs a ton, but you ride it- that earns my respect. Yes, I am impressed by certain bikes, but... you are the engine. You are what makes it go- and that means more. I’ve had all sorts of bikes- none that were really fancy (the most I’ve spent on a “new” bike was $900) but I got respect from my fellow cyclists because I can ride just as fast as anyone. You don’t need to be fast or “strong”- if you’re riding a bike, and you like it- fuck’em. I respect you. Respect yourself.
Again, let me know if you’ve got questions. I think I got a little rant-y at the end there. I hope it was helpful!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Getting Started
One of the reasons I’ve wanted to start a women’s group ride was that so many of us aren’t exactly excited to be out riding with traffic. It’s scary sometimes, getting so close to moving cars (or roving rooms as I like to say sometimes) I’ve gotten hit before, and plenty of times just narrowly avoided being run over. There are so many obstacles, that first we must feel comfortable and confidant in ourself on our bikes. We need to signal our turns, hold the line, and be predictable. (the latter isn’t always so easy...) As well as those things, we must be constantly aware of our surroundings, and those around us. A lot of cars aren’t paying any attention, and even if we were dressed in bright orange and on fire, they still could run right over us without noticing.
Be smart: have lights on your bike at night. Wear a helmet. I know, I know helmets aren’t fashionable, they ruin certain hairstyles, and they look pretty awful. But as a girl that grew up remembering her father getting hit by a car when she was 5 and coming back from getting shots... I always wear my helmet, and I really try and avoid shots. For a year or so in college I rebelled, but in the last 2 years I have smashed THREE helmets. (That 3rd one just the other night.. I currently am wearing a black eye and a couple chipped teeth. Cycling can be dangerous, you have to know that) Yeah, I might be known for drinking my fair share, and making poor decisions, but I wouldn’t be around if it weren’t for those helmets. And while buying new helmets can be expensive... it’s cheaper than hospital bills. I’ll let you know how the dentist goes...
Know your bike. Go ahead, look a little closer, get down on your haunches and examine that lovely machine. Make sure those wheels are on nice and tight, that your brakes are working properly, that there’s plenty of air in the tires. Maybe you don’t really know what happens when you change gears? Or what the hell is a derrailleur? Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I can be your personal mechanic, and try and help you learn how to fix everything yourself, if you’d like. Be patient, take a deep breath, and go for it. It’ll be okay, really.
Be aggressive. I know you’ve got it in you. Those cars need to respect you, but you need to anticipate them too. Ride like they can’t see you, don’t assume ANYTHING besides the fact that eventually even the most careful rider will get hit, sooner or later. If you accept this, it will add years to your safe-bike-riding life. Like I said, you could be on fire and still some motorists won’t take notice. Make eye contact with drivers, especially at intersections when you are turning. Get as far to the left when making left turns, and signal. Again, be aware of your surroundings.
The more you ride your bike, the more confidant you become, but remember to not get cocky. I need to take this to heart, because I know I am a really good cyclist, but I'm still fully capable of making rookie mistakes. Contact me with any questions!
Be smart: have lights on your bike at night. Wear a helmet. I know, I know helmets aren’t fashionable, they ruin certain hairstyles, and they look pretty awful. But as a girl that grew up remembering her father getting hit by a car when she was 5 and coming back from getting shots... I always wear my helmet, and I really try and avoid shots. For a year or so in college I rebelled, but in the last 2 years I have smashed THREE helmets. (That 3rd one just the other night.. I currently am wearing a black eye and a couple chipped teeth. Cycling can be dangerous, you have to know that) Yeah, I might be known for drinking my fair share, and making poor decisions, but I wouldn’t be around if it weren’t for those helmets. And while buying new helmets can be expensive... it’s cheaper than hospital bills. I’ll let you know how the dentist goes...
Know your bike. Go ahead, look a little closer, get down on your haunches and examine that lovely machine. Make sure those wheels are on nice and tight, that your brakes are working properly, that there’s plenty of air in the tires. Maybe you don’t really know what happens when you change gears? Or what the hell is a derrailleur? Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I can be your personal mechanic, and try and help you learn how to fix everything yourself, if you’d like. Be patient, take a deep breath, and go for it. It’ll be okay, really.
Be aggressive. I know you’ve got it in you. Those cars need to respect you, but you need to anticipate them too. Ride like they can’t see you, don’t assume ANYTHING besides the fact that eventually even the most careful rider will get hit, sooner or later. If you accept this, it will add years to your safe-bike-riding life. Like I said, you could be on fire and still some motorists won’t take notice. Make eye contact with drivers, especially at intersections when you are turning. Get as far to the left when making left turns, and signal. Again, be aware of your surroundings.
The more you ride your bike, the more confidant you become, but remember to not get cocky. I need to take this to heart, because I know I am a really good cyclist, but I'm still fully capable of making rookie mistakes. Contact me with any questions!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
hurrah!
Welcome to the blog for Babes on Bikes! This is a new project of mine, and a few friends of mine. What our goal is, is for women who ride bikes to feel comfortable on their bikes. To start a community for anyone who'd like to join- an outlet for creative thought and for learning. I've been in the bike industry for a few years now, and have learned quite a bit, but as a woman, I've also been held at arms length once I go into a shop. Since I work at a shop, I deal with sexism daily, and I find it incredibly hard for a lot of people to communicate what they want/need. I want to help women feel comfortable. I want to make people empowered when they ride their bicycles. I don't care if you're a woman, man, trans, queer, gay, lesbian, bi, etc- we are all in this TOGETHER. And I love you. I want YOU to feel okay. For me, being on a bicycle is the best way for me to feel free.
Please join me. The weekly ride is starting this week: jan 23, 2011. Please give me a call, or text me: 715-558-4835 for details, please include your name. This will be a non-competitive ride, no one will be left behind, and no one should feel rushed. We can stop and rest at any time, I will have tubes and tools to fix any/most issues. Afterwards, maybe a potluck at my house?! I even have a couple of bikes I can lend out. We need to strengthen our community, please join me!
Yours,
Annie
Please join me. The weekly ride is starting this week: jan 23, 2011. Please give me a call, or text me: 715-558-4835 for details, please include your name. This will be a non-competitive ride, no one will be left behind, and no one should feel rushed. We can stop and rest at any time, I will have tubes and tools to fix any/most issues. Afterwards, maybe a potluck at my house?! I even have a couple of bikes I can lend out. We need to strengthen our community, please join me!
Yours,
Annie
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