Rides and Races - Toronto Fixed

Hit up some messengers you see DT, smoke em and ask them where to work and/or who'se hiring

How is jet going to ask them where they work if he just smokes them and leaves them chewing his dust? :p

Now if he gave them some safety tips instead...

funny guy..... yes .... talk safety.

funny guy..... yes .... talk safety.


Always use a condom in Thailand. Safety at its best.

alway's use a party hat anywhere anytime

did Pauli come down on his frame prices?

Jeez, $875 is pretty high for a bike of that calibre. My GTB fully built up didn't come close to that but I guess he has a track crank and I am still running some old 600s spaced out, but sill, I wouldn't pay more than $600 or so for that ride. He was asking a lot for a Fuji track frame the other day too, something like $300, I cannot recall. Is he the east end's High Park Cycle?

Jeez, $875 is pretty high for a bike of that calibre. My GTB fully built up didn't come close to that but I guess he has a track crank and I am still running some old 600s spaced out, but sill, I wouldn't pay more than $600 or so for that ride. He was asking a lot for a Fuji track frame the other day too, something like $300, I cannot recall. Is he the east end's High Park Cycle?
High Park demeanor and prices...without the sweet vintage stuff.

how much does a fuji track frame go for usually?

free with a good back rub.....

I guess he has a track crank and I am still running some old 600s spaced out,

Nothing wrong with 600 square taper cranks. I think they are nicer than some track cranks.

High Park demeanor and prices...without the sweet vintage stuff.

Ah, so he is a cantankerous old loony too? That makes it 4 that I know of....Igor, Jan/John at High Park Cycle, Cyclemania guy on the Danforth and now Paulie. If Paulie speaks with a Slavic accent, then there must be a conspiracy or club or something that operates in Toronto striving to piss off every cyclist in the city. I wonder what their plan is?


Nothing wrong with 600 square taper cranks. I think they are nicer than some track cranks.

Yeah, I love the old 600 stuff and have it on my SS as well and on another road bike....amazing quality and it looks sweet.
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j103/jetsanchEz/cranks008.jpg

What was 600 stuff? Ultegra level?

Geniuses who can't spell.

http://toronto.craigslist.org/bik/235460278.html

What was 600 stuff? Ultegra level?

I think it was officially changed to Ultegra in 1992 but yeah, 600 was just below Dura Ace. I really suck with the camera, it looks a lot better in person.

Hey Jet Sanchez,

Give Messengers International a try maybe. I work for them and they're pretty good about pay etc. Also, we are a bit on the shorthanded side right now so you never know. It's a good time to give it a shot anyway.

Ah, so he is a cantankerous old loony too? That makes it 4 that I know of....Igor, Jan/John at High Park Cycle, Cyclemania guy on the Danforth and now Paulie. ]

I've bought the odd thing from Paulie, never had a problem, and the Cyclemania on Danforth is the closest lbs to me so they tend to get my business, and yes could the bedside manner use some improvement. Of course as I've spent more money there, the service has gotten sunnier.

Anyone have any insight on Cyclemania bikes. They have full built fixed bikes with pretty decent parts for $450-$495. I'm contemplating getting one from there as it fits the budget and I could get one in a month or two. Living near the store I've noticed alot of people riding Cyclemania bikes and have started to consider it abit more.

Hey Jet Sanchez,

Give Messengers International a try maybe. I work for them and they're pretty good about pay etc. Also, we are a bit on the shorthanded side right now so you never know. It's a good time to give it a shot anyway.

Thanks for the info, I am still on the fence about trying it out, it all depends on whether or not I get into the program I want. I think it would be great to ride around all day, even in crappy weather, because I do that anyways but to be paid for it would be nice ;)

I've bought the odd thing from Paulie, never had a problem, and the Cyclemania on Danforth is the closest lbs to me so they tend to get my business, and yes could the bedside manner use some improvement. Of course as I've spent more money there, the service has gotten sunnier.

Anyone have any insight on Cyclemania bikes. They have full built fixed bikes with pretty decent parts for $450-$495. I'm contemplating getting one from there as it fits the budget and I could get one in a month or two. Living near the store I've noticed alot of people riding Cyclemania bikes and have started to consider it abit more.

I've never met Paulie but wasn't he the one who flooded this thread with negative feedback regarding last year's MEC swap-meet?

Yeah, I was wondering about the Cyclemania bikes too; the one guy at the Bloor location told me that the frames are made in Slovakia and that they are some cro-mo stuff. The prices are good but I really hate the decals, a small point I know, but I just don't like them. And yeah, that one guy's bedmanner could improve but he seems honest enough and his prices are not that insane; he worked at High Park Cycle for many years so I guess he picked up John/Jan's surly attitude but not his absence from reality and reality pricing :)

I've never met Paulie but wasn't he the one who flooded this thread with negative feedback regarding last year's MEC swap-meet?

Yeah, I was wondering about the Cyclemania bikes too; the one guy at the Bloor location told me that the frames are made in Slovakia and that they are some cro-mo stuff. The prices are good but I really hate the decals, a small point I know, but I just don't like them. And yeah, that one guy's bedmanner could improve but he seems honest enough and his prices are not that insane; he worked at High Park Cycle for many years so I guess he picked up John/Jan's surly attitude but not his absence from reality and reality pricing :)

I think the stickers are over the paint. I'm not thrilled with them either. I'm most likely going to check out how much one would be with a flat bar and a brake. If it works out to around $500, might have to get one.

You want a road bike or a track frame for $500? I guess that isn't a bad price for a new bike, I'd just wait for something suitable on CL; there is a nice looking Bottechia frame that you can probably get for $75 and maybe some parts....he was asking $100 a month ago and he just re-listed it today.

You want a road bike or a track frame for $500? I guess that isn't a bad price for a new bike, I'd just wait for something suitable on CL; there is a nice looking Bottechia frame that you can probably get for $75 and maybe some parts....he was asking $100 a month ago and he just re-listed it today.

Yeah, saw that. Would be nice to have a new bike ready to ride thougth. Aside from my C-dale I bought 5 years ago, the last 5 bikes I've had have all been used and /or reclimation projects. Of course I have a perfectly good setup now for a fix, 2 actually. Just one of those would be nice kind of things.

got my fenders from Kool Keith! now my ride is supafly! hahahahahaha no more flying off the bike race blades!!!

I've bought the odd thing from Paulie, never had a problem, and the Cyclemania on Danforth is the closest lbs to me so they tend to get my business, and yes could the bedside manner use some improvement. Of course as I've spent more money there, the service has gotten sunnier.

Anyone have any insight on Cyclemania bikes. They have full built fixed bikes with pretty decent parts for $450-$495. I'm contemplating getting one from there as it fits the budget and I could get one in a month or two. Living near the store I've noticed alot of people riding Cyclemania bikes and have started to consider it abit more.

I can point you to a shop that has solid commuters for less, built by an honest, decent guy who won't crap on you. Velotech @ 882 College.....oh stupid me he's closed for the season duh. Keith has commuters sometimes as well

There is something to be said about that new bike, fresh-off-the-lot smell.

Yeah, I love the old 600 stuff and have it on my SS as well and on another road bike....amazing quality and it looks sweet.
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j103/jetsanchEz/cranks008.jpg

I have the same crank on two of my bikes. Got both pairs on ebay cheap-I think most people don't know 600 was the old ultegra. Works for me.

I can point you to a shop that has solid commuters for less, built by an honest, decent guy who won't crap on you. Velotech @ 882 College.....oh stupid me he's closed for the season duh. Keith has commuters sometimes as well

The bike I use now for everything is fine for what I need, and can be converted anytime, just need a 135 mm fixed hub and wheelbuilt. One of those 'is $500 for a complete fixed specific bike a good deal' sort of thing running through my mind for the last while. I have no real need for another bike (sighs sadly under breath).

[QUOTE=jet sanchEz]I've never met Paulie but wasn't he the one who flooded this thread with negative feedback regarding last year's MEC swap-meet?QUOTE]

Yep that was him.

Long live 600......

cool Lady in china's bikelanes http://www.zonaeuropa.com/20061027_1.htm

oooh NOS suntour GPX full groupset. I'd rate it on par with ultegra/600. Pretty expensive, but given how full the group is I suppose you could do worse:
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Old-Stock-Suntour-GPX-Group-Set-In-The-Box_W0QQitemZ280018640541QQihZ018QQcategoryZ56197QQcmdZViewItem


Also speaking of shimano 600 cranks, these are nice, but again pretty expensive. (And with biopace)
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Old-Stock-Shimano-600EX-Crankset-and-BB-Double_W0QQitemZ280044523443QQihZ018QQcategoryZ56195QQcmdZViewItem

I've bought the odd thing from Paulie, never had a problem, and the Cyclemania on Danforth is the closest lbs to me so they tend to get my business, and yes could the bedside manner use some improvement. Of course as I've spent more money there, the service has gotten sunnier.

Anyone have any insight on Cyclemania bikes. They have full built fixed bikes with pretty decent parts for $450-$495. I'm contemplating getting one from there as it fits the budget and I could get one in a month or two. Living near the store I've noticed alot of people riding Cyclemania bikes and have started to consider it abit more.

it looks to me like they paint and refurbish old frames. at least, last time i was i there...

I can point you to a shop that has solid commuters for less, built by an honest, decent guy who won't crap on you. Velotech @ 882 College.....oh stupid me he's closed for the season duh. Keith has commuters sometimes as well

but is keith honest and decent and will he crap on me?

it looks to me like they paint and refurbish old frames. at least, last time i was i there...

i've had some questionable dealings with that guy when he was closer to broadview/danforth back in the day. years later (actually last summer during "taste" of the danforth) i was walking by and decided to check it out again. the guy was putting some serious hate on people who ride track bikes on the street to some other dude, who i assumed was a customer. not sure if he's got a weed up his ass for all things fixed but he sure ain't gettin none o' my bidness.

but is keith honest and decent and will he crap on me?


He's as honest as the day is long....
The longer the day light the less he does wrong.
(musical reference...anyone?)

Keith WILL NOT screw you.

Surliness and indifference is free (Keiths expression), however getting someone to crap on you is not a function of an LBS. You're looking for some odd escort of some sort.....:D

I've never gotten the warm fuzzy feeling from a bigger bike shop.

cool Lady in china's bikelanes http://www.zonaeuropa.com/20061027_1.htm

she's awesome. that's how it should be done.:) holy moley, is that entire area to the left of the white fence a bike lane??!? nice one.

China bike lanes are immense, when I was tear assing around Beijing and Shanghai some of the bike lanes were 4 or 5 lanes wide. The problem is that they are not bicycle only lanes but are filled with mopeds, electric bicycles, scooters and motorbikes so you still have to be aware of whats around you. The other thing is that the general pace of bicycle travel in China was really slow and people were incredibly surprised if you went tearing down beside them. I had more then a few shocked locals staring at me fishtail skidding around on a track bike in Shanghai. Though I have to say exploring the back alleys of Puxi on 23s was not the most comfortable idea i've ever had. Anyways cool place to bike for sure.

Also speaking of shimano 600 cranks, these are nice, but again pretty expensive. (And with biopace)
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Old-Stock-Shimano-600EX-Crankset-and-BB-Double_W0QQitemZ280044523443QQihZ018QQcategoryZ56195QQcmdZViewItem

These are the ones that are on my GTB, I like them alot. The BCD is the same so you can just swap out the rings, which is what I did as my crank came on a bike with BioPace.

how bout one fo these for a city commuter ;)
hehehehehehe jus kidding...actually looks quite painful to ride...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/anarchysucks/steep.jpg

I don't care how painful it'd be to have a keith haring bike, that'd be a dream come true.

Although to be true to his spirit there probably should not be a seat, just a smooth tapering seatpost.

Thanks for the info, I am still on the fence about trying it out, it all depends on whether or not I get into the program I want. I think it would be great to ride around all day, even in crappy weather, because I do that anyways but to be paid for it would be nice ;)

Yeah man you got it. I love it when people in offices I deliver to say to me "wow you actually LIKE riding in this weather?" Like making it sound like I was forced in my job against my will. I mean if it sucked that much I wouldn't be doing it right? If I wasn't polite I guess I could fire back with "wow you actually LIKE sitting in that office all day and (insert job related activities here)?" :D

Although to be true to his spirit there probably should not be a seat, just a smooth tapering seatpost.

Ah ha ha! Shiz ftw. I went to the exhibit at the AGO when it was here. How many icons of guys rear-ending dogs and aliens do you really need to see? Quite a few, apparently.

but is keith honest and decent and will he crap on me?
i gave up that fetish many years ago. I think you need to check the NOW classifieds.

Yeah man you got it. I love it when people in offices I deliver to say to me "wow you actually LIKE riding in this weather?" Like making it sound like I was forced in my job against my will. I mean if it sucked that much I wouldn't be doing it right? If I wasn't polite I guess I could fire back with "wow you actually LIKE sitting in that office all day and (insert job related activities here)?" :D
I always loved walking into offices...soaking wet...and got the "is it raining out?" that was usually when I bent down to put my # on the waybill while simultaneously unleashing a deluge of rain water on the desk from my goretex hat.

i dare say that is one bike that would not be ridden; i'd have to hang it on the wall...

I was taking the elevator up to my floor last month and a messenger got on and we were the only 2 on the elevator. About 5 seconds later the guy rips the most massive loud fart ever, but doesn't change his facial expression at all. It was pretty freaking funny, and we even got off at the same floor.

What's a common ratio for 'round Toronto?

I'm just putting together something for the winter, Just SS for now, but when I have more cash I'll make it fixed. I want to get a chainring today... I'm thinking 44/16. Too low? (700c wheels 170 crank)

haha

I'm finding 46x16 is a bit high for ripping up/down yonge st. because of the hills, but that's just me. The only hill that may kill me is the one just south of York Mills on Yonge. everything else is fine.

I loved that Haring exhibit, I saw it a few times while it was touring. I just find it incredible how well his art encapsulates a very interesting tipping point in society, specifically gay society as the reality of AIDS destroyed any of the happiness and grandeur that the early 80s hedonism had offered.

When he died they auctioned off all of his belongings because he had drawn on every single surface he could in his house from his toaster to his wall to the door of his fridge. Amazing stuff.

haha

I'm finding 46x16 is a bit high for ripping up/down yonge st. because of the hills, but that's just me. The only hill that may kill me is the one just south of York Mills on Yonge. everything else is fine.

I'm on Queen and I don't go north much... if I did I could take a different bike. So, maybe I'll go with the 46/16 as well then. Last time I had this bike running I was using 53/16, which while fast was a bit of a dog getting started. (and no way I'd get past Davenport with that)

Thanks!

I run 43x17 on my commuter and its just about perfect. I could probably go up or down a little but it works for me so I stick with it. The gearing is pretty low and I had origally selected it specifically for winter a couple years ago. I go down a slight downhill all the way to work, and a slight uphill all the way home. If you are new to fixed gear/ss I'd suggest choosing a slightly lower gear than you are used to so that your knees don't start to ache as your muscles develop, and you'll have a better spin and keep your speed down ever so slightly.

Also I just finished having a conversation with the boss about how I ride into work. His choices of words were "maniac", "crazy", and "insane", and he asked if I had chains for my tires. I told him that studded tires were more appropriate, but they were too heavy at around ~1kg a peice vs my regular tires at ~250g a peice and how you want to keep rotating weight low to decrease rolling resistance and he just kind of smiled and backed away out of my office before I had a chance to finish.