About Service
Intro & Repair Service
At the risk of sounding arrogant, mine is simply the MOST efficient bicycle repair business model in Toronto. It doesn't get easier than a mechanic riding a bicycle full of tools & spare parts to you. I don't carry everything a shop does, But in my 5 years of operation 90% of the time everything my customers need can be serviced by my 100lb (now a converted Electric-Assist) Bike shop on Pedals. I can definitely help you in the comfort of wherever your bike happens to be. Not to mention I'm generally a cheerful fellow to have a visit with.
MOST IMPORTANTLY HOWEVER.
is the fact that I always include and offer to any customer Adult or youth/child. The basics on how to Safety Check their Bicycle, simple self tuning, as well as the opportunity to come on ride and receive some personal orientationas to Safe Riding guidance with me on properly navigating shared road spaces.
I take great care, myself on the road, and even though I think myself practically a pro at safely navigating streets (10 years commuting all year long & 2 trips across North America); still i know it can be dangerous and thus my concern for every cyclist, but especially Those with less exp.
I have taken the Canadian National safety curriculum (Can-Bike) course for teaching Adults and children. Can-Bike is THE recognized tool in association with Transport Canada and the Canadian Highway Traffic Act in regards to Bicycle Law and safety practices. It is thus from my Formal knowledge and personal Exp. that I share my mix of all the best ways to ride safely.
For those that ride their bicycles regularly and are looking to have not just a Mechanic, but a Bicycle Adviser per se, I can teach Mechanics, advise on gear, bike fit and comfort etc.
EXPERIENCE
I have been servicing bicycles for a decade now. For 4 years full time in the summers only have I been running my Mobile Bicycle Repair business. Before that I worked as a Mechanic at MEC for a brief stint, a year at a Bike shop outside of New Orleans Louisiana. (Brooks Bike shop in Covington) and before that a few years learning the basics at local DIY bike shops in Toronto such as Bike Pirates. In between those stints of formal employment I lived out of my bicycle for 4 years Bicycle Touring North and Central America and thus became..quite in tune with tuning bikes.
REPAIR SERVICE
From low end bikes to high end bikes (excluding hydraulic bleeding, suspension repair or electronic shifting) ShadowFax (my bike) and I can help you, I come equipped with a portable bike stand and the tools required to replace anything needed.
If you need new wheels or tires or larger specific things you would need to inform me beforehand.
I service residential as well as business'
looking to offer service to their employee's.
One can be at home/work/roadside, or if need be customers often leave their bicycles in their yard/locked on street with key hidden for me to service. I arrive on my faithful steed packed full of tools and bicycle TLC ensues.
For most cost efficient access to my services, organizing amongst neighbours or friends allows the price to drop for everyone!
Service area is Kipling to Woodbine and lakeshore to lawrence as well as etobicoke till Erin Mills. Farther if premium paid or an organized group.
Most residential tune up visits with a couple bicycles (stored indoors) come to about $50/70. Prices vary dependent on location and travel charge and if new materials/parts needed.
A tune up includes
-brake & gear tuning
-Safety check
-Chain de-greasing and oiling
-Anything you want done in the time you're willing to pay for!
Anything else includes
-Wheel tension/truing
-replacing of brake pads, chains, cables, cranks etc
Bicycle Education-Maintenance & Safe(Defensive) City Riding
I also offer basic maintenance and simple repair information for every job I do. 5 of minutes explanation can go a long way!
However beyond that I do offer deeper orientation into
-Flat repair
-wheel truing
-chain/gear maintenance
-etc.
SAFETY CHECKING & Riding SAFELY
Bicycles are very exposed, and can be quite dangerous. That which makes them more dangerous however also makes it very accessible for small amounts of torque and pressure to fix potentially dangerous issues by hand.
I always am eager to share for Adults and especially children how to properly Safety Check their bicycle, as well as sharing Safe riding practices and laws both verbally and by offering youth and adult orientation on the bike.
If you would like to Book Safe Riding
Course for the family just let me know!
If you wish to learn more on Bicycle Safety, there is a great National Canadian resource which is the Can-Bike organization and curriculum.
The link below will speed you off to one of their training modules. Which you can do online for free.
Cross Country Bicycle Adventure Orientation
From 2 trips riding El Rocinante pictured here from Toronto to Miami, then down into the Florida Keys then around into Mexico and through the Yucatan Peninsula into Belize and Guatemala on the second trip. As well as my most recent lap of Tasmania.
I have acquired a goodly amount of bicycle touring strategy and technique that I am always excited to share with new hopeful bicycle adventurers!