Rides and Races - Ottawa?!?

Hey Ottawa,

I picked up my first fixie a couple weeks ago. Its a used KHS Flite 100 with a mash of parts on it... its in tough shape but its definitely rad and a project that'll keep me busy over the summer. Figured it was a good place to start... I was getting tired of drooling everytime a singlespeed drove by so I decided to suck it up and get my own!

I used to be a messenger 4 years ago now... I was a part of the student influx making the pay suck which is why I quit shortly after. Not sure how it is these days but because of the weather there's definitely way more riders on the road in the summer than the winter making it tough to make good money in the summers... makes it easier to catch a good tan in the park while you're waiting for a call though!

Good to be a part of the scene!

Meech

PS if anyone knows of a decent place to get a new paint job please let me know!!!

PM me. I might be able to pass on a good place. A friend of mine knows somewhere that will powdercoat a frame for 80$, I think.

The guys at Dobermann bikes (in Gatineau) will apparently powdercoat frames, or so I've heard--apparently for very good prices. They don't do any stripping though.

http://dobermannbikes.com/

Thanks guys... checkin' out doberman for pricing as we speak... hopefully it'll be pretty cheap considering they don't prep! Dropped into Phat Moose today to pick up some parts... should have my new/used flip/flop on the road tomorrow!

Hey guys,

My Bike was stolen from my apartment in centertown this weekend!!!

I just wanted to ask everyone to keep an eye out for it around the city. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures (it was only with me for a month :-( but here's a brief description:

Frame: Black BFSSFG group buy frame (Iro but no decals)
Wheels: Nashbar hubs (Fixed/Fixed) laced to CXP 33 rims (black), rubino pro tires
Seat/post: Beige cinelli seat attached to "transx" post
Bars: Soma major taylors wrapped with white and black tape
Cranks: Sugino Mighty Comp with mismatched left crank arm
Pedals: MKS Sylvans with improvised double straps
Other: Silver water bottle holder

If anyone sees this around PLEASE let me know. I've got a giant hole in my heart!!

Also I've notified a few shops around ottawa to keep an eye out but I'm not really framiliar with gatineau. If there's any shops like say the bike dump where someone might try to sell/get the bike appraised could you also let me know. I'd like to get the word out as far as possible

Thanks,
Steve

Hey guys,

My Bike was stolen from my apartment in centertown this weekend!!!

I just wanted to ask everyone to keep an eye out for it around the city. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures (it was only with me for a month :-( but here's a brief description:

Frame: Black BFSSFG group buy frame (Iro but no decals)
Wheels: Nashbar hubs (Fixed/Fixed) laced to CXP 33 rims (black), rubino pro tires
Seat/post: Beige cinelli seat attached to "transx" post
Bars: Soma major taylors wrapped with white and black tape
Cranks: Sugino Mighty Comp with mismatched left crank arm
Pedals: MKS Sylvans with improvised double straps
Other: Silver water bottle holder

If anyone sees this around PLEASE let me know. I've got a giant hole in my heart!!

Also I've notified a few shops around ottawa to keep an eye out but I'm not really framiliar with gatineau. If there's any shops like say the bike dump where someone might try to sell/get the bike appraised could you also let me know. I'd like to get the word out as far as possible

Thanks,
Steve

I'll keep an eye out for it in Toronto. Good luck finding it!

This weather is friggin' hilarious. I dropped my gearing to 39-17 (it was easy and free) from 45-16 and went plowing through the snow this evening after I left work. It rolls so easily over everything- as long as I can clear my pedals, I can make it through the snow banks because they haven't hardened yet! I love winter (so far). Also, handbrake turns in the car rule.

Pff. I rock 39:17 all year. All manly-like.

hay. I'm from the area. where does everyone ride?

So I'm moving to Ottawa for December 1st. Any recommendations for shops, particularly those that have fixed gear parts in stock?

So I'm moving to Ottawa for December 1st. Any recommendations for shops, particularly those that have fixed gear parts in stock?

Can someone also let cavit8 know about that used parts place just down the street from the bus station? I remember cobbling a bike together with parts from those guys when I lived in Ottawa. Cam, the place I'm mentioning is pretty much like Parts Unknown in the market.

Full Cycle, on St. Laurent near Beachwood can get you almost anything you want, if you're willing to wait a day or two.

Can someone also let cavit8 know about that used parts place just down the street from the bus station? I remember cobbling a bike together with parts from those guys when I lived in Ottawa. Cam, the place I'm mentioning is pretty much like Parts Unknown in the market.

I think you mean the Bike Dump. It's already in my list!

So I'm moving to Ottawa for December 1st. Any recommendations for shops, particularly those that have fixed gear parts in stock?

:cry:

It's official. I've seen a few fixed gear/ss in my neighbourhood (Carlingwood/Westboro), but not nearly as many bikes on the road as I expected...

check out centretown, there are still tons of bikes around.

Welcome to ottawa Cavit8!

As far as fixed gear and bike shops go, Phat Moose and Tall Tree Cycles are the best places in town I think. Kent and Dave at Phat Moose are super chill and definitely win the best bike shop award from me. Period. Ever. They're also really good with mountain and some road stuff as well. If you want something Surly or Salsa talk to them. They also seem to have a pretty good line on the rare ottawa alley cat that goes down and are all up on local cross races.

Tall Tree is awesome as well. They generally have a bit more stuff in stock and are located a little closer to you out in westboro. In addition to having the bike shop they're also the dudes who make Steelwool bikes so you can get some good deals on hubs etc through them. They also organize rides that meet outside the shop. http://talltreerides.blogspot.com (http://talltreerides.blogspot.com/). There's gonna be some fixed and geared rides come spring for sure. They just changed location to right next to whispers bar and across from the MAC's gas station between MEC and the LCBO on Richmond.

Also in Westboro, Fresh Air Experience: I don't have much experience with them as a shop but they do have some quality mechanics on staff these days.

Last two in Westboro that I have experience with:

Cyclelogic (powered by caffeine): High end Roadie shop/espresso place. Only place in the city with taps for italian BBs and other hard to find tools. I think they run spinning classes.

Bushtukah*: Big Outdoor store with a bike section. We sell pretty much only trek and the shop is kind of limited tools/parts wise (I get all my work done elsewhere) but there are really good deals to be had at the end of the season. For anything other than Bike stuff outdoors it's really us or MEC. Oh and it's the only bike shop I know of open on Sundays.

*I do work at bushtukah so there's a little shill warning.

Hope that helps with getting aquainted with ottawa. I only started venture out of the city on bikes this year, but it kicks toronto's ASS for riding! Bikely has some good routes for riding in all directions out of the city

Hey Steve, thanks for the info. I was in town a couple of weeks ago looking for a place to live and saw Tall Tree then couldn't find it yesterday. I see they're still moving in, it looks like. The list of shops is helpful. I'm hoping to do a bike shop tour this weekend to check them out and see if I can get out to Full Cycle as well. The move left me a little strapped in the cash department but I'd like to check the vibe out and see who's got what.

I'm looking forward to getting out of the city. Although there's some good rides in Toronto, you never really feel like you've "left" the city.

Welcome to ottawa Cavit8!

As far as fixed gear and bike shops go, Phat Moose and Tall Tree Cycles are the best places in town I think. Kent and Dave at Phat Moose are super chill and definitely win the best bike shop award from me. Period. Ever. They're also really good with mountain and some road stuff as well. If you want something Surly or Salsa talk to them. They also seem to have a pretty good line on the rare ottawa alley cat that goes down and are all up on local cross races.

Tall Tree is awesome as well. They generally have a bit more stuff in stock and are located a little closer to you out in westboro. In addition to having the bike shop they're also the dudes who make Steelwool bikes so you can get some good deals on hubs etc through them. They also organize rides that meet outside the shop. http://talltreerides.blogspot.com (http://talltreerides.blogspot.com/). There's gonna be some fixed and geared rides come spring for sure. They just changed location to right next to whispers bar and across from the MAC's gas station between MEC and the LCBO on Richmond.

Also in Westboro, Fresh Air Experience: I don't have much experience with them as a shop but they do have some quality mechanics on staff these days.

Last two in Westboro that I have experience with:

Cyclelogic (powered by caffeine): High end Roadie shop/espresso place. Only place in the city with taps for italian BBs and other hard to find tools. I think they run spinning classes.

Bushtukah*: Big Outdoor store with a bike section. We sell pretty much only trek and the shop is kind of limited tools/parts wise (I get all my work done elsewhere) but there are really good deals to be had at the end of the season. For anything other than Bike stuff outdoors it's really us or MEC. Oh and it's the only bike shop I know of open on Sundays.

*I do work at bushtukah so there's a little shill warning.

Hope that helps with getting aquainted with ottawa. I only started venture out of the city on bikes this year, but it kicks toronto's ASS for riding! Bikely has some good routes for riding in all directions out of the city

Full Cycle has Italian and English BB taps too. Also, if you're looking for a shop that's open on Sundays and riding in the Gatineau hills or MTBing at Fortune, there is also Greg Christie's.

Another shill caveat: I work at Full Cycle. Feel free to give us a shout or stop by for a coffee or to chat. My name's Al.

I was going to come in and ask for Natty Fab to see if I get the 0% discount.

Ha. I'd give you 5% off for dropping a name like that.

I hope you don't mind me stopping by and name dropping as well Grimlock. Full Cycle is one of the few shops I haven't been too. I find I don't get out st. laurent way much, but i've heard good things.

Thanks for the tip on Greg Christie's as well. Are they at camp fortune or in old Chelsea?

No worries; stop on by.
Greg Christie's is here (http://www.gregchristies.com/location.htm). It's a big help if you're stuck without a tube on a road ride.

Hey Al

Can you guys order Envy chainrings? I'm thinking I need one a little smaller than what I have if I'm going to ride residential roads to get my spin up.

http://www.envygear.com/products/dhring.html

Yeah, we can order them. Just give us a shout at (613)-741-2443.

Freezing rain...

Do not want.

Can't wait for tomorrow when all this melting freezes!

I'm just glad I won't have to leave the house until 1pm and can avoid the early morning slipperys.

Early morning suxored. My route has some sidestreets that were pretty much glare ice. Riding home was a treat, though. Excep my water's off due to a main break. Oh so stinky.

I swear to god this bus strike is going to kill me. Everyday I get cut off at least once by someone deciding that they don't want to sit in traffic anymore and try to cut out into the right hand lane and get like 2 cars ahead before hitting parked cars.

People are driving like they've never seen traffic or snow.

I just thought Ottawa drivers drove like hillbillys in general... On the up-side, they give you way more room than Toronto drivers do. My route is pretty good although I'm going against traffic for the most part or using side streets. My work place is a regular picket site so people get pretty rammy there. Sitting in traffic for 3/4 hour from the road access to the parking lot will do that, I guess.

As an aside, how many people run studded tires? After Wednesday, I'm considering getting some. My route had lots of polished ice and snowy bits with a few inches of snow on top. Not fun in spots and a bit too much like work for the 23s I'm running now.

Unless you're riding a 'cross bike, you probably won't have room for a studded tire. The smallest studded tires I think we can order is either 32c or 35c, and even those run a little big. If you already have a set of fenders, I'd say go with a knobby 'cross tire instead. The traction you'll get on snow will be just as good and you won't be sliding all over the place when it's dry. Studs grip really nicely on ice, but on pavement, wet or dry, they're terrible. If you stick to main roads instead, you should be able to roll 23c or 25c all winter but again, if you want something grippier without going nuts, try a 30-35c cross tire.

Thanks for the input. My winter ride is an old Raliegh Record and the Nokians I looked at over at Tall Tree likely wouldn't fit. I do have a set of cross tires I can run and maybe I'll try them out when I have a weekend in town to putz around. I've done fine with 23s, even on side streets for the most part and it's what I used in Toronto all last year. If the past week or so is about what to expect in terms of riding conditions, I'm probably fine.

Thanks for the input. My winter ride is an old Raliegh Record and the Nokians I looked at over at Tall Tree likely wouldn't fit. I do have a set of cross tires I can run and maybe I'll try them out when I have a weekend in town to putz around. I've done fine with 23s, even on side streets for the most part and it's what I used in Toronto all last year. If the past week or so is about what to expect in terms of riding conditions, I'm probably fine.

Whats your holiday looking liike? I think I'm there from the 27-30. Should I bring a bike?

I'm off for Saskatchewan on the 24th and back on the 28th and will be working after that, so it would be evening riding only as far as I'm concerned. What part of town will you be in? Wes' in town on the 27th/28th too, but I'll miss him when he's here.

I'm off for Saskatchewan on the 24th and back on the 28th and will be working after that, so it would be evening riding only as far as I'm concerned. What part of town will you be in? Wes' in town on the 27th/28th too, but I'll miss him when he's here.

Cool. I'll be staying around the corner from you. Basically behind the KFC. Night rides would be cool. How are the roads. Are slicks good or are studs needed? Been along time since I rode Ottawa winters. Coming across the bridge from Hull to UofO is something I do not miss at all.

I'll tell you tomorrow! I was in TO this weekend visiting Sandra. Slicks have been fine thus far although I've had a few "wish I was on studs" moments.

I'll tell you tomorrow! I was in TO this weekend visiting Sandra. Slicks have been fine thus far although I've had a few "wish I was on studs" moments.

Cam, in town and around the corner. Sunday? Free for some coffee and riding? Monday night works as well.

Hey cav in the capital eh! Nice you'll have to pass by for a visit seeing as pyze doesn’t anymore!(ha ha)I know pyze busy kids work.

We have been pounded by the snow & lately some rain but i don’t care i'm rolling on studded tires first winter on them & working out great.

Merry X-Mas & H-N-Y YO!

I'll throw you a PM with my info.

Cheers

Hey cav in the capital eh! Nice you'll have to pass by for a visit seeing as pyze doesn’t anymore!(ha ha)I know pyze busy kids work.

We have been pounded by the snow & lately some rain but i don’t care i'm rolling on studded tires first winter on them & working out great.

Merry X-Mas & H-N-Y YO!

I'll throw you a PM with my info.

Cheers

Was in and out on the way here, might have some free time on the 30th if mywife doesn't have all our time in K-town fully booked.

No worries i work on the 30th another time for sure.

Weather update for Kingston rain lots of it wind tons of that & the snow is almost gone!

Pyze, I'm back in 'twa. Slicks is fine. Dry pavement with occasional gigantic icy melt patches. I'm on my winter gearing so no speedy riding to make me look bad.

Ha ha ha ha!!!

http://ottawa.en.craigslist.ca/bik/972793053.html

That guy is ridiculous. I can safely say that is one of his worst listings.

I've had some success finding good bike deals online locally, but most of the time someone has beaten me to the punch and the item will have been sold. The next day it becomes obvious that 'TheeBikeGuy' (as he likes to call himself) will have bought the item, because on the very same site the bike was previously listed, he'll have the bike stripped of all of its components and he'll be selling the frame on its own for 4-5X what the fully equipped bike was listed for the day before. Of course he's always willing to custom build it for the buyer; as in build it back up with the exact same parts he just took off.

I wouldn't be surprised to find a listing for a celeste bianchi tomorrow, if he was in fact the lucky fellow who swiped it last night/this morning.

1100 what a steel!

he actually tapped the price down from $1300 . . .

You may have found a little bit of a Polly there!

Can anyone recommend a powder coating shop that, preferably, has some experience with bikes? I think I've got more steel showing than paint at the moment...

Hey guys- looking for a bit of help from Ottawa types.
I know this isn't the swap list, but I need a fixed rear wheel to finish my winter build. If anyone has one for sale (50$ ish?) or trade, let me know. I'm putting up a Scattante aluminum and carbon frame as trade.
As seen here (but in purple) http://www.roadbikereview.com/mfr/scattante/frames/PRD_96671_2493crx.aspx (it has a ding in the top tube, but is apparently structurally sound)

I'm never going to build up a high tech frame like that, so I'd like to trade it for something I can use.

Also, as soon as it's on the road, I want to start night rides with like minded strangers. Any takers? Sun. night is best.

Who dat?