aglauser

Does anyone know of any Canadian shops that focus more on the sort of gear works well for utilitarian cyclists? MEC has been very helpful, but there are some things (like dynohubs!) that they don't carry. At most other shops I feel like I'm a second-class cyclist if I'm not a hard-core MTBer or high performance road racer. Is it just me, or do others find this as well?

I'm in Waterloo Region, but I'd be happy to travel to the GTA or London for a good shop that caters to my needs. I'm even happy to shop online from farther afield if I can get simple questions about products answered by email before buying. Any suggestions?

(more locally specific)
I have been somewhat frustrated lately looking for parts and accessories that focus more on function than form, more on utility and durability than being as light as possible. Specifically I've been trying to find a local shop that knows something about dynohubs and associated lights. Most can get the SRAM dynohub, but I'm more interested in the Shimano. I don't think any of the shops I've talked to so far (McPhail's, Ziggy's, Hub Bicycles) have sold one before. Braun's didn't even bother to return my email. I've also been disappointed with the selection of things like racks and baskets.

AndrewP

I think a dynohub is a too expensive for commuting, now that you can get a 2 W LED from MEC for $35.
I have a Radical Explorack which cost $45 10 yrs ago. It is longer than most, so avoids heel strike, and has dog-legged stays which prevent the panniers swinging into the spokes.
30 yrs ago Canadian tire had nice plastic baskets which where just narrow enough to fit on drop bars with room for hands on the hoods.

wolfchild

If you in waterloo region, then have you tried cyclecambridge ? I live in mississauga and that's where I go just to get certain things, it's worth the trip.

aglauser

Not yet, thanks for the suggestion. I'll check it out.

aglauser

I've got a Superflash 2W. I'm pretty happy with it. However, my commute is done partly by bus. I do a lot of errands on my bike, so I make lots of stops. I'm getting really tired of popping my lights on and off all the time. Not having to always have fresh batteries ready will be really nice too. I'll also be more confident about cold-weather riding in the dark with a generator instead of batteries.

My perspective is that I'm saving quite a bit of money by not using the car so much, so it makes sense to invest in good, useful, long-lasting gear that will make it so convenient to use my bike that I use the car as little as possible, and maybe ditch it altogether.

IronMac

If you're looking for dynohubs and lights, then, the person to get those from is Peter White of Peter White Cycles. Make sure to ask for USPS service and not UPS service or else they will gouge you silly.

electrik

You could maybe try urbane cyclist

IronMac

Urbane will get their stuff from Peter White too. They'll just order the stuff in and build a wheel.

Alfster 

I would recommend Cycle Cambridge as well. If you're in the area anyhow, you can check our Grand River Cycle just a few blocks down Hespeler Road.

Browncow

Seconded Peter White cycles. His web page is well worth a visit. I am in Ottawa so I am not familiar with the stores where you live. There is a store near me here in Ottawa called Tall Tree that sells a lot of practical bikes and accessories. They have been able to bring in anything I want from Peter White or Velo Orange.

andmalc

I agree that Urbane is a good store for commuting bikes, same for Curbside. MEC's new line of bikes includes commuters too.

What's the advantage of having your LBS order from suppliers such as Velo Orange for you?

wak9

For accessories, I was very pleased with Velotique on Queen St. East. Some of their helmets are $20 cheaper than the exact same model at other stores too.