01.25.10

Listen to Your Bike

Posted in Bike Commuting, Education by Mark Dieterich at 10:59 am

We don’t post a lot of commuter tips on this blog, perhaps it would be good communal goal to do so in 2010!  Here’s a start…

bulging_tubeI was heading for home on Friday, when I picked up a piece of glass in my rear tire.  I was on a tight schedule and was heading for the bus anyways, so I decided to just toss it on the bus as is and I’d deal with it over the weekend.  Come Sunday night, I patched the tube and all was looking good.  I hope on the bike to leave home this morning and I hear a very faint, almost unnoticeable rubbing sound, almost like a break pad just barely touching a section of the rim.  I check the brakes, but they look fine and start riding again.  The noise is still there.  I stop for a better look and discover that the rear tire isn’t completed seated and is just barely bulging a little.  Mind you, the clearance on this bike is quite tight with the tires I use, so it’s really minor.  However, at the really high rate of speed I ride (you can stop laughing now ;) , it’s quite possible that this could have been a serious problem down the road.  I turned around, two minutes with a pump and re-seating the tire, and I’m on my way again.

Moral of the story, get to know how your bike should sound.  If you’ve never really done this, then I’d suggest you take your bike in for a Spring tuneup and focus on how it sounds right after it’s left the hands of a professional.  When something doesn’t sound right, investigate it or you could be in for a surprise later down the road.

11.20.08

New bicycling resources

Posted in Advocacy, Bike Commuting, Education, Resources by Eric at 11:20 am

Our friends at REI have put together a handy web page with info about bikes as transportation:

http://www.rei.com/bikeyourdrive

While bikeprovidence.org is largely preaching to the choir, REI’s page is a great resource for novices.  Check it out, and pass the link along to those who need it (or don’t know that they need it!).  It contains handy information such as short videos on how to fix a flat or fit a helmet, tips on maintenance and safe cycling, and much more.

Are there other resources like this one that other bikeprovidence readers care to share?

04.05.08

Sierra Club workshop on how to use your bicycle as transportation

Posted in Advocacy, Bike Commuting, Bike-to-Work Day, Education by sparkjen at 12:54 pm

In advance of National Bike to Work Week (May 12-16), the Sierra Club presents a workshop on how to effectively use your bicycle as transportation to and from work, school, or errands. From outfitting yourself and your bicycle, to safe riding practices and route planning, the evening promises to deliver timely and useful information.

Date: Thursday, April 10, 2008
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Providence Bicycle, 725 Branch Ave., PVD
Free and open to the public.

Contact Maggie McCormick, dwyht@verizon.net, (401) 855-2103 for more info.

11.09.07

Providence Bicycle Winter Clinics

Posted in Education by Mark Dieterich at 3:00 pm

Providence Bicycle

Providence Bicycle is planning some winter clinics, including:

  • Park Tool School
  • Meet Orbea bicycles and Sram components
  • Power clinic with Powertap
  • Meet Pinarello and Kuota bikes
  • BMC Party
  • TRI Night: Meet the Providence TRI Club and TRI Beer. Don’t worry, they will give you tips on how to work the beer off!
  • Want to ride to work? The Commuter Clinic will get you there!

All clinics TBA. Check the Providence Bicycle website or our events section for future announcements.