The Bike of Doom

The promise of a warm spell a week ago came to pass, bringing with it a widespread melt that left streets and sidewalks full of water. Water isn’t a problem, but morning temperatures are still in the -12 to -17 degree range, which means those seas of water become either sheets of black ice or chopped up moonscapes of jagged ice, neither of which I relish riding on. So I took a week off the bike. I will get back to it on Monday, after Easter.

I took the time off to repair the right shifter, which wasn’t as badly damaged a I had thought. The plastic casing at the base of the shifter mechanism had snapped during a really cold spell, making it impossible to shift properly. While removing the shifter, the broken casing came away, clearing the shifter mechanism and the steel band that attaches it to the handlebar. Once the casing was gone, the shifter worked properly again. I re-attached it firmly and now have full movement in the rear derailleur again.

I’ve also had time to consider where I’m going to get spare parts, and realize there’s nothing to worry about. There is no need to purchase original OEM replacement equipment from Canadian Tire.  In fact, why would I want to put the same shoddy parts back onto the bike.  Even minor upgrades improve the quality of the ride.  Everything I need can be purchased online, or from the Local Bike Shops that have already been supplying whatever parts I need. That’s just a fact of life for Department Store Bikes. As far as the store is concerned, the bike no longer exists once it’s off warranty.

Related posts:

Cold, lonely, heavy — 2365 Km

Last ride, last post — 3,204 Km

Saturday Ride