Rides and Races - Toronto Fixed

I ran (with stroller) from High Park up to Bloor and across to Old Mill and back down the Humber to the lake and over to Roncesvalles yesterday - other than that patch of ice in the Humber going into Etienne Brule, it's all good stuff down there upto Bloor.

Lovely day out today by the looks too, I think I'll take the bike & trailer and go along the lake - I'm scheduled to have a long playtime in High Park again first though :)

I can't hang with regular paced rides when I have the trailer on, seems like one of those nice Sunday cruise type days... wind coming out of the east will help me get home quicker too :)

So who wants to hit the donut next weekend?

what do I have to do to get in on the donut?
AKA:

Start point, time, duration and what to expect ride wise.

what do I have to do to get in on the donut?
AKA:

Start point, time, duration and what to expect ride wise.

It leaves at 9 from south west eglinton and laird. Basically goes west/north ish and short turn is around king rd. (Just west of Lake Wilcox), then heads back east and down Leslie. Pace, I could keep up with the first chase group but then got dropped just before the right turn onto King. I'm sure you guys can keep up better and i'm not in really in that good of a shape.

I believe Wes linked a route map before...

Do I need a lot of group riding experience, or just not ride like a moron?

Do I need a lot of group riding experience, or just not ride like a moron?

No morons/dangerous stuff. Ride straight lines, don't overlap wheels, no sudden braking - all the regular group ride stuff. I tend to hang out in the back if i'm not totally confident in my skill, taking people out at 40kph is not a good thing to do. Speaking of which some lady ran me off the side of the road (some roadie) while talking to her buddy. I was not impressed.

hmm.. I'm home now and I kinda want to go back out. :)

I'm heading west to Kipling/Eglington if anyone wants to jump in for the ride to Eetoebeecoke......the k is silent.

So who wants to hit the donut next weekend?

Tentatively yes, maybe only the short run depending on how many full trips to/from work I do this week. Wouldn't mind peeling off at Wilcox Lake and going around Sunset Beach Blvd, it's beautiful around there and would be a fantastic spot for a break/safety meeting :p - That can be done another time though, if the objective is to do the donut ride, I'll do it as a complete run.

Infoz here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Donut_Ride

Edit: looking at the routes, it goes down Sunset Beach already so nevermind - there's always a choice to stop or not.

Well, that was a nice outing, right until we parted ways and I got plowed with the right hook by a 70 year old guy on Christie. Note: check your mirrors before turning. Signal for 8 sec before you turn! My right knee is f'ed up and the front wheel of my C'dale is done. Cops are gonna charge him, and I have a copy of the accident report, including his insurance info, but I have no idea what to do next.

I would assume I need to contact his insurance and take the bike to a shop for a check up. Any advice?

Well, that was a nice outing, right until we parted ways and I got plowed with the right hook by a 70 year old guy on Christie. Note: check your mirrors before turning. Signal for 8 sec before you turn! My right knee is f'ed up and the front wheel of my C'dale is done. Cops are gonna charge him, and I have a copy of the accident report, including his insurance info, but I have no idea what to do next.

I would assume I need to contact his insurance and take the bike to a shop for a check up. Any advice?

Aw man, that sucks - did you get checked out by the medics? I don't know what the whole process is but you need to bring your bike in for a estimate for damages. Last time someone came in from an accident they mentioned that they needed two reputable shops to do the estimate.

Well, that was a nice outing, right until we parted ways and I got plowed with the right hook by a 70 year old guy on Christie. Note: check your mirrors before turning. Signal for 8 sec before you turn! My right knee is f'ed up and the front wheel of my C'dale is done. Cops are gonna charge him, and I have a copy of the accident report, including his insurance info, but I have no idea what to do next.

I would assume I need to contact his insurance and take the bike to a shop for a check up. Any advice?

That sucks. Hope you heal up quick.

Hey Shamil, this has your name all over it.

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bik/632504572.html

http://images.craigslist.org/010211011611010411200804063f044c41f6fc011bce00ad39.jpg

Hi all,

Looking to buy a new fixie. Can anyone advise either way on any of the following.

KHS Flite 100
Fuji Track
IRO Mark V or Angus
Surly Steamroller Complete

These seem to be what's readily available in TO. I know the guys at La Carrera seem to be pretty hot on the Flite 100 as an entry level fixie. Justifiable price difference to the Fuji Track.

I realize that there is a search function on these forums ;) but thought that my fellow Torontonians could better advise me :)

Well, that was a nice outing, right until we parted ways and I got plowed with the right hook by a 70 year old guy on Christie. Note: check your mirrors before turning. Signal for 8 sec before you turn! My right knee is f'ed up and the front wheel of my C'dale is done. Cops are gonna charge him, and I have a copy of the accident report, including his insurance info, but I have no idea what to do next.

I would assume I need to contact his insurance and take the bike to a shop for a check up. Any advice?

http://respect.to/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=LegalInfo.FactsAboutAutomobileAccidentInjuryClaims

Hi all,

Looking to buy a new fixie. Can anyone advise either way on any of the following.

KHS Flite 100
Fuji Track
IRO Mark V or Angus
Surly Steamroller Complete

These seem to be what's readily available in TO. I know the guys at La Carrera seem to be pretty hot on the Flite 100 as an entry level fixie. Justifiable price difference to the Fuji Track.

I realize that there is a search function on these forums ;) but thought that my fellow Torontonians could better advise me :)

iro or surly. no question.

http://respect.to/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=LegalInfo.FactsAboutAutomobileAccidentInjuryClaims

Thanks for that link. I'm gonna call the insurance company tomorrow morning. I feel fine, other than my right knee, which is stiff as hell. I didn't call for a medic and no one's looked at me except the cops. If the knee doesn't sort itself out in two days, I'll go see the doctor. I suspect its just one hell of a bruise.

I gotta say, the really frightening part is that he didn't hammer his brakes after the collision. Serious lack of response times.

Hi all,

Looking to buy a new fixie. Can anyone advise either way on any of the following.

KHS Flite 100
Fuji Track
IRO Mark V or Angus
Surly Steamroller Complete

These seem to be what's readily available in TO. I know the guys at La Carrera seem to be pretty hot on the Flite 100 as an entry level fixie. Justifiable price difference to the Fuji Track.

I realize that there is a search function on these forums ;) but thought that my fellow Torontonians could better advise me :)

Buy one you like and fits best. They're all ok for a starter fixed gear bike.

Yeah, there's some pretty good research suggests that while older drivers are functionally able to drive, they have a lot of difficulty dealing with unusual or unexpected events. They can't problem solve very quickly.

anybody know where i can get a "short" 1in threadless stem? Like less than 100mm? chrome/silver preferably.....I have my summer bike out, but my elbows are starting to hurt.

Yeah, there's some pretty good research suggests that while older drivers are functionally able to drive, they have a lot of difficulty dealing with unusual or unexpected events. They can't problem solve very quickly.

Old drivers? I see perfectly fine 20-40 year old morons who can't drive. Ha

The Fuji Track seems like a real deal @ $450 or under. Any downside to that bike?

Frames alone, any reason the IRO or Surly is any better than the Fuji or KHS?

Go buy the fuji track already.

Kergin,

1. Glad to hear you're okay for the most part. Get that knee checked out.
2. I've done more than a few insurance estimates for people. Feel free to bring your pile of bike in any Wednesday or Friday between 4pm and 6pm and I can write up a replacement value estimate for you. If that doesn't work for your schedule just let me know and I can tell the others at the shop how to handle it (we don't charge for this sort of thing - I'm not sure if other shops do).

The Fuji Track seems like a real deal @ $450 or under. Any downside to that bike?

Frames alone, any reason the IRO or Surly is any better than the Fuji or KHS?

The Fuji track is a pretty good bike, lots of folks swear by them. The Surly is a better built bike if you ask me but it is much more expensive. Why don't you post a WTB (Want To Buy) posting on CL? Used Fuji tracks pop up now and then too...what about eBay?

The Fuji Track seems like a real deal @ $450 or under. Any downside to that bike?

Frames alone, any reason the IRO or Surly is any better than the Fuji or KHS?

Hi,

Blah blah blah it's not just a product like buying a fancy watch, it's a bunch of mechanical parts that have to be assembled, tuned-up and maintained properly if you want to enjoy your bike.

Aside from the fit of the bike (stem swap for proper fit should be complimentary) and budget constraints (don't break the bank if this is your first fixed gear bike - to be honest, you don't know what you really want right now so don't spend more than what it takes to get you out and riding) you should feel really comfortable with whoever sells you the bike. If you're getting slick sales pitch or it's somewhere with THE LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN!!! consider how they're still making money on the bike (answer: cutting labour times and not building the bike up properly to begin with). This is tough when you're shopping for literally the cheapest options available but try to do your homework and buy from some place where they'll treat you right as a customer. Even if you're looking at entry-level stuff you should still be respected for the hundreds of dollars you're willing to shell out.

That being said, if you buy a bike for that much money and the shop actually does a good job on it for you, PLEASE buy some more parts/accessories from them and go back there for some service so they can actually make a bit of money.

I guess we can pry the gun out of Charlton's hands now....

I hear you shapelike. I'm all for supporting a good local shop and not haggling people to death :) and have done so back to Bicyclesport back in the early days.

I ask about the Fuji as I ride a Fuji Team Pro road bike and I've like Fuji's frames way back to the CroMo Fuji Team days back in the 80's. Just don't understand how it can be so cheap compared to something like the KHS.

What shops carry IRO in T.O. now. Would you advise a build up or do any of the built back offer a good starting point for later upgrades?

Thanks for the advise to date.

What do you want to use the bike for/how much mileage will it see?

I'm not sure if other shops do).

I know we do. Although i'm not sure how I feel about that. On the one hand, a mechanics time is being taken away - the customer does have to pay for it out of his own pocket before he gets any money from insurance.




That being said, if you buy a bike for that much money and the shop actually does a good job on it for you, PLEASE buy some more parts/accessories from them and go back there for some service so they can actually make a bit of money.

+1 We do extremely thorough preps on all the bikes that go out the door.

/shill

Commuting is the idea. Maybe 100 km per week max during peak times.

I bought my Kona JTS last week (it'll be here this week hopefully), and I'm looking to buy an old beater road bike so I don't have to worry about taking the brand new JTS out. Anybody know of any decent used bikes shops? I've heard most of Toronto's used bikes are really stolen... am I promoting bike theft if I buy a used bike?

I bought my Kona JTS last week (it'll be here this week hopefully), and I'm looking to buy an old beater road bike so I don't have to worry about taking the brand new JTS out. Anybody know of any decent used bikes shops? I've heard most of Toronto's used bikes are really stolen... am I promoting bike theft if I buy a used bike?

Avoid Igors and Jacobs. Those have a rep for being stolen goods warehouzes.

cupcrazy, just keep your eyes peeled on Craigslist. It's been pretty busy of late. For instance http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bik/632722074.html

And Wes, I have this cap if you're interested. I've only worn it a couple of times. It would match your loverly fishbelly tan.

http://cavit8.clawz.com/images/buffalo.jpg

cupcrazy, just keep your eyes peeled on Craigslist. It's been pretty busy of late. For instance http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bik/632722074.html

And Wes, I have this cap if you're interested. I've only worn it a couple of times. It would match your loverly fishbelly tan.

http://cavit8.clawz.com/images/buffalo.jpg

I love the brake/bar setup on this bike.

lulz.

I guess we can pry the gun out of Charlton's hands now....


All the great acting this guy did i think he will be remembered for the "cold dead hands" line.

Damm it's hard to keep up in here!

IRO Mark V's are black & have tear drop tubing the choice is obvious.

Kergin,

1. Glad to hear you're okay for the most part. Get that knee checked out.
2. I've done more than a few insurance estimates for people. Feel free to bring your pile of bike in any Wednesday or Friday between 4pm and 6pm and I can write up a replacement value estimate for you. If that doesn't work for your schedule just let me know and I can tell the others at the shop how to handle it (we don't charge for this sort of thing - I'm not sure if other shops do).

Thanks, Shapelike. I'll be sure to bring the bike over on Wednesday.

All the great acting this guy did i think he will be remembered for the "cold dead hands" line.


Well, it was either that or "Let my people go" or "Get your hands off me, you damn, dirty ape"

Yep, what an actor.

I guess we can pry the gun out of Charlton's hands now....

LOL....I don't think he is gonna be buried without his gun.

anybody know where i can get a "short" 1in threadless stem? Like less than 100mm? chrome/silver preferably.....I have my summer bike out, but my elbows are starting to hurt.

most bike shops will sell 1 1/8 and you can use a shim but failing ubane sells 1 inchers.

anybody know of any good (cyclocross/off-road) training loops in the GTA? (preferably West End)
Going to try my first XC race next week (on my new CX bike) and I want to break the bike in/ride some cool trails before then.

So weird getting dressed now that it's getting warmer, actually having a problem figuring out what I'll need :p

Sorry to hear of your accident there kergin, heal soon and hope your knee is OK - everything else you seem to have taken care of already (noce job on getting all that sorted on scene).

Had a lady pull over almost into me and my trailer outside of the Paupers yesterday - would've been a right hook had I not read it and slowed/stopped. I rapped my knuckles on the rear side/door panels to give her a startle (I knew she obviously hadn't looked back or in her mirror) and yelled at her through her pass. window (which she kindly opened for me) "You're driving this huge vehicle and you don't even bother to check your mirrors or anything making a turn? I have my daughter here with me!" - seemed to hit home, hopefully she'll look next time. A guy outside the bar yelled "You're right man!" I called back "Friggin' right I am" heh. Just another daily occurance on the ol' roads.
Wind coming back across town was awesome, I granny geared most of the trip east with the trailer, so coming back was a fast treat on my MTB :D I'm taking the train today upto work, just can't discipline myself enough to wake early enough every day for the ride up... in time!

anybody know of any good (cyclocross/off-road) training loops in the GTA? (preferably West End)
Going to try my first XC race next week (on my new CX bike) and I want to break the bike in/ride some cool trails before then.

Icebreaker? Cross at this years Icebreaker is gonna be a commitment. It's not Westside but the Don/Taylor Creek has some nice loops with tons of varied terrain.

Man ride safe out there guys (I mean SAFE, not safe safe). Awh ****

Icebreaker? Cross at this years Icebreaker is gonna be a commitment. It's not Westside but the Don/Taylor Creek has some nice loops with tons of varied terrain.

Probably not rideable yet though. Not sure what Taylor Creek would be like since I've never ridden in there. If the soil in there is the same clay in the Don it's probably going to be no good for another couple of weeks.

And yeah, if you're doing the Icebreaker a few of us will likely be there.

Speaking of which, I still need to get a new rear tire.

I hear you shapelike. I'm all for supporting a good local shop and not haggling people to death :) and have done so back to Bicyclesport back in the early days.

Hey could you tell me a bit more about the Bicycle Sports shop? My friend recently got an old and rusty but very nice 70s bike w. campy parts, with their sticker on it. I've never heard of them so it would nice to know a bit more. Thanks!

Kergin sorry about the accident. I hope you recover soon. That sucks.

LOL....I don't think he is gonna be buried without his gun.

Fair to say he is rigor(ed) to the trigger?

http://i30.tinypic.com/2lc4lnc.jpg

Hey could you tell me a bit more about the Bicycle Sports shop?.

Is that the same as "Bike Sports" - in Newmarket and Richmond Hill?

How I felt this morning:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m68-oWBh9Ow

If anyone sees somebody with an Ultegra front wheel, 16 spoke bladed, possibly with a CX front tire on it, please kick them in the teeth and/or call me @ 416-691-0019. Off my porch in the Riverdale area.

Thanks all,

Andrew