Rides and Races - Toronto Fixed

The problem with studded tires is they're frigging expensive. The ones we sell at the shop are $79.00 and that's like 25% below the MSRP. You can get those in about 35mm - 38mm though (the Nokian line w/ the carbide studs). I think we've got some Contis as well that are about $60 each. MEC sells some as well. Anyone know if those ones are any good?

I've just been sucking it up on my 25mm Duros (oh hells ya) and sticking to the main streets. I'm happy to take up a whole lane if that's what it takes to stay out of the ruts + ice.

If you guys see any good deals on fixed gear wheelsets here in Toronto give me a shout!
I saw a pretty good deal at urbane today. Their mavic open pros 36h are on sale for $75 bucks. But I still need to get them to build it up for me :(
Thanks!

if you've been reading the forums, no doubt you'd read the posts about the nashbar formula/hub wheelsets. add that to their 99cent shipping and you've got a good deal if you're primarily concerned about saving money. however, i'd much rather have someone knowledgeable about fg build my wheels by hand though. if this is your first fixie, i'd recommend buying something off the shelf and riding the heck out of it. after a year or so (if you still like riding fixed) then build your dream bike and bling it out. plus, you'll still have your first bike as a beater.

The problem with studded tires is they're frigging expensive. The ones we sell at the shop are $79.00 and that's like 25% below the MSRP. You can get those in about 35mm - 38mm though (the Nokian line w/ the carbide studs). I think we've got some Contis as well that are about $60 each. MEC sells some as well. Anyone know if those ones are any good?

I've just been sucking it up on my 25mm Duros (oh hells ya) and sticking to the main streets. I'm happy to take up a whole lane if that's what it takes to stay out of the ruts + ice.


you guys have got me curious about studded tired now... does anyone use frame-saver?? argh.. i really should just get a winter ride.

if you've been reading the forums, no doubt you'd read the posts about the nashbar formula/hub wheelsets. add that to their 99cent shipping and you've got a good deal if you're primarily concerned about saving money. however, i'd much rather have someone knowledgeable about fg build my wheels by hand though. if this is your first fixie, i'd recommend buying something off the shelf and riding the heck out of it. after a year or so (if you still like riding fixed) then build your dream bike and bling it out. plus, you'll still have your first bike as a beater.

Sigh, their wheelset is gone from the Nashbar website. + I don't have a credit card as I'm still a student.

MEC sells some as well. Anyone know if those ones are any good?

You mean the Schwalbes? http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=153987

This thread should be a sticky by now. It's one of the better used threads. How do you go about getting that done?

Ask a mod, I guess. I kind of like it in it's natural state though. Stickying something seems almost pretentious.

Welcome back, by the way. For someone who started this thread we don't see much of you. :D

Man, I LOVE this thread!
just goes to tell how much cooler Toronto is :)
(i'm quite surprised places like NYC and Chicago don't have their own city thread)
Yea, I don't think it should be stickied, it perfect the way it is.
whooo... *high 5*

Ha, ya. I've been cought up in the Road bike forum as of late, and I don't even have a multi speed road bike yet. Don't tell anyone :rolleyes:

Oh, BTW. I've heard that Curbside Cycle may be doing some small single speed races in the spring. Very informal, but fun races around campus and what not. Sounds like fun. If I hear anything else I'll be sure to post in here. It would be nice to meet some of you guys some time.

This thread is nice and cozy. Maybe I'll start hanging out again. Cheers

P.S. WOOT to over 1000 posts in this thread!

does anyone use frame-saver?? argh.. i really should just get a winter ride.

I just wax the beater with Turtle Wax, which is like $5 at Canadian Tire.

You could also invest the time in making some home-made studdies, which are cheap and have been working out well for me (though I chose a minimal amount of studdage, because I am fairly confident in my winter handling afer 5+ years without any form of studded tire -- fallen only twice, and those were both due to cars nearly clipping me). Icebike.org (http://www.icebike.org/Equipment/tires.htm) has directions, if you're interested.

On a general note, it would be wicked to meet up in Toronto -- Critical Mass seems to lure some of us out, and it's a nice informal thing each month. Perhaps some sort of clothing or symbol to ensure we all know who's who?

you guys have got me curious about studded tired now... does anyone use frame-saver?? argh.. i really should just get a winter ride.
Hey Eugene...Please tell me you aren't riding the Sannino? Be nice to yer sweetheart!!

some of us already know each other from CM, that's how I met a bunch of the guys in here. I say just look for the small group of fixies and say "bikeforums?". :)

I'm still riding my 23c slicks, and without any (*knock on wood*) major troubles so far. And yeah, I'm more than willing to move as far out into the lane as I need to so that I'm not riding in snow/ice. I'm not even sure how well a studded 35 would fit on my bike... it doesn't have the most clearance I've ever seen, that's for sure.

That would be cool if curbside sponsored some events this year.. I wouldn't mind giving it a try. It's been like 10 years since I raced last (which was offroad), but I'm always willing to be humiliated. :) I've said it before and I'll say it again: a couple trips out to London would be cool too!


ps. For a little more Toronto-thread love: I've been too busy lately to really bother with the rest of the forum, but I still check this thread more-or-less daily. aww! :P

You could also invest the time in making some home-made studdies

I never liked the "through the casing" method they describe on icebike. We used to thread sheet metal screws screwed obliquely into the lugs and you'd actually end up using the edge of the head of the screw for the stud. When that got worn, you'd just turn the screw a bit more and it's be ready to go again. Dirt cheap and very quick to set up.

cavernmech, yeah it's the Sannino he's riding. It's criminal...

Apart from the local relevance, I find this thread a little less uptight. . .

If you guys see any good deals on fixed gear wheelsets here in Toronto give me a shout!
I saw a pretty good deal at urbane today. Their mavic open pros 36h are on sale for $75 bucks. But I still need to get them to build it up for me :(
Thanks!

These don't look like a bad deal:

http://www.chucksbikes.com/store/indexwh033.htm

Have you considered building your own wheels though? It's way more fun, and even your first set will probably be way better than some machine built crap.

So what do I need to build up my first set of wheels?

Knowledge:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html

So what do I need to build up my first set of wheels?

Not too much. First you need to go here and read this-printing it off will be helpful as you can use it as a reference as you build:

http://sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html

Then assuming you have the spokes, rims, nipples and hubs you want to use, you need a spoke wrench. It helps to have a truing stand, but I have built lots of wheels without one, just use the brake pads and your frame or fork.

Suggestions:

Make sure you lube the nipple/rim interface, and the spoke threads with grease or oil. Makes the build way easier.

Go slowly and carefully-don't rush, and everything will work out nicely. Wheel building is not rocket science, and it really isn't all that hard, despite the way most shops try to make it sound. I started building my own b/c the quality of handbuilts I got from a number of local shops was really bad. Even my first build was way better than what I was getting from Dukes, Sporting Life etc.


I do my final tensioning with an inflated tire on the rim, the air pressure actually slackens the spokes slightly. Even, high tension=strong reliable wheel.

I find rims with steel eyelets are easier to build (less friction between the nipple and rim, but it doesn't matter all that much.

Watch out for spoke twist as you bring the tension up. You will learn to feel it, and back off the nipples to release the twist.

Have fun!

Knowledge:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/wheelbuild.html


You beat me to it!

So what do I need to build up my first set of wheels?

I know you said you don't have a credit card, but there are alternate methods of payment on eBay. Many sellers take Money orders/Cashiers checks too. I would buy the parts separately; like, buy the hub and rim on eBay and then have it made here in Toronto by whomever you trust. You'd be surprised how cheap some stuff goes for on ebay.

Hey Eugene...Please tell me you aren't riding the Sannino? Be nice to yer sweetheart!!

uhhhhh.............. so keith, can you hook me up with some frame-saver???!!!!! yeah yeah, i know i shouldn't be riding it but i still haven't found a replacement. i got fenders though! yeah yeah sacrilege, i know. i'll probably stop riding when the salt and slush gets unbearble though.
keith, are you closed all weekend now?? sat-sun are the only days i can make it by (still trying to pick up the onguard). i've been by at varying times on various saturdays and yer always closed.


cavernmech, yeah it's the Sannino he's riding. It's criminal...
cam, shush you!!


eugene

... do you need a credit card to set up a PayPal account?

... do you need a credit card to set up a PayPal account?

i'm pretty sure you do. but i think they've got a set-up with your chequings/savings accounts but that might only be in the US the last time i checked. also, something on the news mentioned interac being up and running for some of the larger retailers but i'm not sure if that includes paypal/ebay.

... do you need a credit card to set up a PayPal account?

Yes, but you don't need one to set up an eBay account. He could just set up an eBay account and whenever there is an auction that he is interested in, he can email the seller and see if they would be willing to take a money order or whatever. I've done this many times and nearly every seller said they would, many preferred it as there are fewer fees to pay. It takes longer to get the product, but you can save a lot of money.

As well, many sellers who list their product as being unavailable to Canada actually will ship to you as long as you cover the shipping/customs. All you have to do is ask.

uhhhhh.............. s<<SNIP>> but i still haven't found a replacement.


I have a 53cm Nishiki Olympic road frame you can probably have if that fits and you're not too proud to ride a conversion. Anything to stop your Sannino, a thing of beauty that I'm starting to have serious questions regarding your right to own it, from getting eaten by salt. :mad:

Does anyone know about the ice race in Feb.??
I went to this years was fun and I'm totally getting myself prepared for it again...everyone should build a set of studded tires using old wornout knobbies or something and about a 1000 sheet metal screws.

I do not know where to find info about the race, but I assume it will be on again this coming valentines day weekend... anyone know for sure?

What city's this ice race in?

The Ice race is indeed once again on St. Valentines weekend. It will be in the same place as the last 2 years....Dufferin Grove Park rink. Ahhh the days when there was enuf ice to do it on the island....those were the days. There ae also 2 other ice races on the sked for this year. Montreal is doing one the weekend before the one in Toronto. Ottawa is also having one I think bet no firm details from them yet. I only have 700 screws in my 700 cross tires and they grip like stink....no slippage at all.

I don't have frame saver in the house but I believe Jay down at Winterbourne Cycles in Guelph has a few cans...I will get ahold of him and see if he can send me a can....not that framesaver excuses riding that sweet a$$ bike in the nasty Toronto winter...SHAME. Do yourself a favour and get yerself on a winter beater before it's too late!

I don't have frame saver in the house but I believe Jay down at Winterbourne Cycles in Guelph has a few cans...I will get ahold of him and see if he can send me a can....not that framesaver excuses riding that sweet a$$ bike in the nasty Toronto winter...SHAME. Do yourself a favour and get yerself on a winter beater before it's too late!

The framesaver goes into the frame, right, not on top of it? Silly question, I know, but I wondered if I have to take my bike apart to apply it. Thanks.

Oh yeah...if you are gonna make tires do yourselves a favour and use new tires. I can't count the number of people I know that spent 4-10 hours studding tires only to have the old sidewalls blow out. You can find suitable cheap tires to stud. I have had my mtn studdeds for almost 10 years and they are still winning and going strong. Its well worth the $40. The sweet hook-up for screws is H. Paulin...55 Milner at Danforth Road and Warden. They sell screws in bulk....wayyy cheaper than the Home Despot or Can Tire.

It does indeed go inside. You need to remove the forks and B.B. to apply it.

I have had my mtn studdeds for almost 10 years and they are still winning and going strong.

so were you the guy on the NORCO mtb last feb.?

would love to check out the Montreal race..... not many opportunites to ride on glare ice.
I have snuck onto the rink at nathan philips square late [rather early] in the morning, but security shows up pretty fast once they see some clown out fooling around on the ice with his bike...

clip from last feb in toronto (http://www.topix.com/tom-ass/steven_sean_ice.mov) my buddy in his down hill armour

Oh yeah...if you are gonna make tires do yourselves a favour and use new tires. I can't count the number of people I know that spent 4-10 hours studding tires only to have the old sidewalls blow out. You can find suitable cheap tires to stud. I have had my mtn studdeds for almost 10 years and they are still winning and going strong. Its well worth the $40. The sweet hook-up for screws is H. Paulin...55 Milner at Danforth Road and Warden. They sell screws in bulk....wayyy cheaper than the Home Despot or Can Tire.

I can get myself a loaner set of Nokian Hakkapal-whatever 700c studded tires ... what's the call: enough studs or not?

I can get myself a loaner set of Nokian Hakkapal-whatever 700c studded tires ... what's the call: enough studs or not?
probably fine for icey streets, snow, etc....

for racing though... custom built is the way to go, every tire lug needs a stud/staple. Off the shelf studded tires usually have a stud every other lug and don't protrude far enough to really grip the ice under hard acceleration (racing conditions vs commuting contitions I guess)

That was my bike and tires...but the rider was my buddy who races for our team. He came in second and those tires....my old set...have 700 heat treated drywall screws in each. They grip like crazy but are a little bit hard to keep spinning. He being a road racer type, had the legs to contend on em.

I have a 53cm Nishiki Olympic road frame you can probably have if that fits and you're not too proud to ride a conversion. Anything to stop your Sannino, a thing of beauty that I'm starting to have serious questions regarding your right to own it, from getting eaten by salt. :mad:

awww man.. that'd be sweet. can you PM me some details, $, etc.?? i can swap out my wheels, pedals, brake, saddle.. i've got stem+drops but i'm curious about getting a riser.. cam, you're my santa.

*sorry to break the flow*
but yea, I took my parent's credit card to set up an ebay and paypal account and then I linked paypal to my bank account.
Thus, I can still pay all my ebay auctions through by bank account without my parents knowing. yay. (as long as I have enough money in my bank the credit card won't be charged)
Anyways, I think i'm going to figure out how to build up a wheel this christmas break thanks guys.

That was my bike and tires...but the rider was my buddy who races for our team. He came in second and those tires....my old set...have 700 heat treated drywall screws in each. They grip like crazy but are a little bit hard to keep spinning. He being a road racer type, had the legs to contend on em.

Did you heat treat the screws yourself, or can you get them like that? I'd like to make a set of studded MTB tires for my fixed gear MTB. Should be fun when the weather is too bad for my road tires. Aren't drywall screws too long?

*sorry to break the flow*
but yea, I took my parent's credit card to set up an ebay and paypal account and then I linked paypal to my bank account.
Thus, I can still pay all my ebay auctions through by bank account without my parents knowing. yay. (as long as I have enough money in my bank the credit card won't be charged)
Anyways, I think i'm going to figure out how to build up a wheel this christmas break thanks guys.


Be careful dude...Ebay is an addiction:)

it is... :'(
I've spent all my xbox360 money already.
Time to go out and get another job.

Anyways, why isn't Toronto's Craiglist as robust or interesting as Nyc's or Chicago's?
Man, those guys have people posting up sweet bikes every day!
but for Toronto's Craiglist, the coolest bike I've seen is an Urbanite.... and it was Single Speed...
at least we have our redflagdeals.

Did you heat treat the screws yourself, or can you get them like that? I'd like to make a set of studded MTB tires for my fixed gear MTB. Should be fun when the weather is too bad for my road tires. Aren't drywall screws too long?
Getting the right length is pretty crucial for a good riding tire. I like to have just the very tip of the screw protruding from the tire. This is the tricky part. That is why I got my screws from Paulin....they were the only ones that had them short enuf. The last set I made were Vittoria Cross tires. I used 3/16 or 1/8 screws and they were perfect. The mtn tires were made with 5/16 drywall channel screws....super sharp.

This is too late already but ebay will let you setup an account if you are a student in university/college. (At most of them anyways). My utoronto.ca email let me sign up for an ebay account.

BTW someone's selling there UTW mess bag on craigslist bike section for $50. Looks like the messential or the heavy gear.

This is too late already but ebay will let you setup an account if you are a student in university/college. (At most of them anyways). My utoronto.ca email let me sign up for an ebay account.

BTW someone's selling there UTW mess bag on craigslist bike section for $50. Looks like the messential or the heavy gear.

rob, i thought you picked one up already.... that's a really good price, and you're buying local. oh snap, it's probably not samhouston....

I'm going to contact that guy about the bag.. not sure if I really need another big one, but the price is right. :)

WOO HOO.. my insurance cheque finally came in for a fender bender (in this case, front wheel) that happened in early october. 250bucks that i'll probably end up spending on a bike. a hundred of that was to replace my old helmet that got cracked. deals.

rob, i thought you picked one up already.... that's a really good price, and you're buying local. oh snap, it's probably not samhouston....

Yeah I did haha. Can't pass up a good deal though.

Hey all. 2 things for your consideration

Jay at Winterbourne has frame saver in stock. However it is EXTREMElY toxic so he is reluctant to sell it. He has a ventilator in his shop and has offered to apply it for anyone who might be interested. I will be heading down there sometime before christmas so anyone who would like to take him up on his offercan contact me and I will lug (pun intended) the frames down there for the application. Cost will be around $30.

Also Jay told me of a guy down in Guelph who has a buttload of old road frames he is selling. He collects old bikes from the dump, garbage collection and donations from the public. He donates all the proceeds to M.S. research. I have e-mailed him today asking if its o.k. to forward his contact info to any interested parties. I will post as soon as I hear from him. He sells em all for $20 so the price is right.

Also Jay told me of a guy down in Guelph who has a buttload of old road frames he is selling. He collects old bikes from the dump, garbage collection and donations from the public. He donates all the proceeds to M.S. research. I have e-mailed him today asking if its o.k. to forward his contact info to any interested parties. I will post as soon as I hear from him. He sells em all for $20 so the price is right.

Nice! Keep us posted. Man, I remember the days when I could pick up a late 70's or early 80's lugged steel road frame for peanuts-even nice columbus SL, and silver brazed frames. I should have gotten myself bigger stash, but I broke them all over the years-never got more than 2-3 years out of one. Now everything has vertical dropouts. I cry myself to sleep at night.

oh wow... keith, thanks for the hook ups. that's sweet. speaking of sweet, i'm going to be steering some more bbq pork buns your way.
i scored a frame from cavit8 but if there happens to be something in my size with track dropouts...........
and i swore i'd never have more than 1 frame at a time??!!!

Re: Framesaver...I wonder if that stuff is really required. If it is that toxic, why bother? I used to just squirt some chainsaw oil in the tubes and let it run around inside. The stuff is so viscous it coats the inside of the tubes pretty well. Honestly, in all my years riding steel in the winter, as daily transportation, I never had a rust problem with any frame I have owned. I've even disected them after the frame failed, to see if there was any rust on the inside, and I never saw anything more than surface oxidation.