Find Us
Archive for the ‘DBS Community’ Category

The Denman Bike LOCKING Your Bike Guide

Category: DBS Community, Pro Tips

M

06

D

11

Y

21

typewriter

YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED!

You wouldn’t believe how often we spot bikes locked incorrectly, or not locked at all!

Here’s our crash-course in how to lock it up, and lock it right to prevent against theft.

 

7 STEPS TO LOCKING YOUR BIKE CORRECTLY

  1. Choose the right lock! The level of security you need depends on where you’re leaving your bike, and for how long.
  2. Always lock your bike to something solid, and that your bike cannot be lifted over-top of. A thief can lift your bike right over a parking meter or pole without even touching your lock!
  3. If possible, lock your bike in a well-lit, busy area with lots of pedestrian traffic. Eyes on the street go a long way to keep your bike safe!
  4. Lock up your bike on the frameNOT the seat post, NOT the front or back wheel!  The “triangle system” is a popular reference for choosing the best locking areas on your frame.
  5. Using more than one lock can also be a great method, locking the wheels to the frame as well as the frame to your chosen post or object. Use accessory cables or anti-theft skewer sets to secure your wheels.
  6. Get the tightest fit possible! The looser your lock is positioned, the easier it is for thieves to use their tools and saw or pry the lock open.
  7. Position your lock off the ground with the combination set or keyhole facing down.

 

Locking-Techniques-Rear-Triangle-ThumbLocking-Techniques-Multiple-Devices-Thumb

 

You’re Doing it Wrong :(

IMG_1245

This pink bike is “locked” with an easy-to-snip accessory cable around the seat post :(

IMG_1246

This blue bike was locked around the wrong part of the bike, but worse still, it wasn’t even locked to the bike post. It’s locked to nothing at all :(

bad lock

This bike was locked through the wheel. So long, bike!

 

You’re Doing it Right! :)

a_good lock example

This bike is locked with a solid chain and two U locks to a good solid object, using the correct fame points to ensure the security of the bike and wheels. The seat cover is a nice touch too :) You never know – there might be an expensive seat under there, and a seat cover is a great way to disguise it! Seats are stolen too.

hqdefault

This is a great example of how to best use your Bordo lock! Adding a cable or locking skewers to protect the front wheel would be a great addition, too.

Come by either our Stanley Park or Main Street location for a free lock consultation today!

 

Interested in trying bikepacking? Join us at the Swift Campout 2019!

Category: DBS Community

M

05

D

13

Y

19

typewriter

swiftcampout

We’re proud to announce that we will be involved in our local Swift Campout, a yearly bikepacking adventure organized by Swift Industries, a manfacturer of high-quality bike luggage. (Disclaimer: we sell their gear, but it really is that good – come check it out) Check out mechanic par excellence and glorious Swift Campout leader Kyle Mason’s page for further details!

Our Swift Campout – Vancouver Edition this year will be at the Nanaimo Lakes. You can take a bus or bike to Horseshoe bay, and after that it’s a short 30-40km ride to the campsite. The full GPS route can be found here.

Anyone is welcome to the ride – as you can see from this post about the 2017 Vancouver Swift campout, a wide variety of people attend. However, be prepared to camp, to pack in and pack out, to carry everything you will need on your bike, to fish, to swim, to enjoy the sun, and maybe even to pan for gold!

We hope to see you there!

Why E-Bikes?

Category: Bike Trends, DBS Community, Pro Tips

M

10

D

4

Y

18

typewriter

Have you ever found yourself wishing you could ride your bike to the store, the park, to work, but it’s a little bit too far? Or gone shopping on your bike and ended up buying things that are a little uncomfortably heavy? Or do you need the range of a car, but hate parking in Vancouver? (who doesn’t) If so, an electric bike might be right for you!

Electric bikes have come a long way since their conception. As early as the 1890s, US patents were being filed for electric-assist bikes, and e-bikes were available to consumers in a variety of configurations. These early e-bikes, however, were heavy, due to the materials in use at the time, and specifically due to the lead-acid batteries used to power them.

E-bike 1932 (by Philips & Simplex)

E-bike 1932 (by Philips & Simplex)

Luckily, today we live in a different world. Advances in materials have made quality e-bikes lighter, more powerful, higher range, and more pleasant to ride than ever before. Modern e-bikes often have frames of high-strength, low-weight aluminum, optimized geometry for the bike’s expected style of riding, powerful, compact motors placed in optimal drivetrain configurations, fully weather-sealed components, and energy-dense, light, fast-charging lithium-ion batteries.

What this means for a potential e-bike user is that not only do quality e-bikes ride like a normal bike, but they also provide the assistance you need, when you need it. Need to go that extra 10 kilometers? You can. Filled your bags too full of groceries? No problem. Want to go on a long bike ride with your fit friend, child, or grandchild? You’ll leave them in the dust. Hills getting you down when you want to go down to Spanish Banks? Leave it to an e-bike to get you back up.

As for maintenance issues, quality e-bikes are built with weather and wear in mind, so maintenance on the e-bike components will be minimal. In addition, the electrical components of all the quality e-bikes we sell come with at least a two year warranty. Legally, an electric bike is considered a regular bicycle, as well, so you won’t need any more safety equipment than you would need with a regular bicycle. However, one thing this entails is that the e-bike motor can take you to a legal maximum of 32.2 km/hr on level ground; if you’ve ever gone this fast on a regular bicycle, you’ll know that is pretty fast.

A modern e-bike (https://www.flickr.com/photos/testlab)

A modern e-bike (https://www.flickr.com/photos/testlab)

So, to conclude, who are e-bikes good for? In Vancouver, e-bikes are good for everyone! Many of our quality e-bikes come decked out with everything you could need for Vancouver and its weather – most have rain-defeating fenders already fitted, and some come with cargo transportation components ready-fitted. No matter your cycling experience, check out our catalogue of e-bikes, call (604) 559-9494 to book a test ride, or come down to Denman Bikes at 2607 Main Street and try out one of our e-bikes for yourself today!

PUT A LID ON IT: THE DENMAN HELMET GUIDE

Category: DBS Community, Pro Tips, Uncategorized

M

04

D

12

Y

18

typewriter

Helmets: Why Wear One? It’s the Law!

Bike helmets are one of your most important bicycle accessories, for safety as well as style. Besides, in Vancouver, it’s the law!

The VPD is making sure Vancouver cyclists are wearing these helmets these days, and tickets for not wearing a helmet while riding are on the rise. With more great-looking options than ever before, it’s a great time to get a helmet.

Industry recommends that you replace your helmet every 3 to 5 years, depending on how often you use it. For children, this replacement can occur every 1 to 2 years as their head grows.

The synthetic materials in the helmet degrade with time, and if you’ve ever had an accident while wearing your helmet, you need to replace it immediately.

How Should it Fit?

Worried about getting it right? Don’t sweat it! It’s not rocket science. Try a few helmets on – different companies will have different sizing ratios. Once you find something that feels snug, you’re on the right track.

If it’s too small or tight, you’ll be able to tell because it will ride high on your head or just feel really uncomfortable. Don’t put your head in a vice – comfort is key!

You won’t wear a helmet that doesn’t feel good, and that defeats the purpose.

3 STEP FIT:

  1. Sit approximately two fingers above your eyebrow. This is the ideal position for your helmet; too far back or too far forward, and you’re actually creating a hazard.
  2. Check the straps around your ears – if they need adjusting, ask for help. You want a triangular opening that you can measure roughly with your peace fingers.
  3. Now check the chin strap. It should fit snugly under your chin without causing irritation.

353-h-helmetfitting

 

Still not sure about the size?  Undo the clasp and bend forward at the waist. Does it stay on? It fits!

What Kind Should I Get?

Helmets can often be divided in two broad styles: bucket and sport.

Bucket helmets are great for casual riders and commuters, with the cool factor and protection in one. At Denman Bike Shop, we are proud to offer models in this style by Electra, Bern and Giro.

 

ELECTRA

Electra helmets are sized S-M-L for everyone, and come in an amazing array of colours and patterns. They are a Denman favourite!

electra helmetselectra-graphic-helmet-256383-12Asset_398438

 

BERN

Bern is an industry helmet superstar. They make helmets for many sports other than cycling and they know their business well!

Most Bern cycling helmets are adaptable to other seasons and sports with convenient, removable liners. Their helmet lines are gendered, but rules were made to be broken: size range and style preferences are the deciding factor here.

Allston1melrose_black_flip

 The Bern Men’s “Allston” and Bern Women’s “Melrose”

 

GIRO

The Giro Reverb is a helmet that bridges the sport and bucket styles in one sleek, low-profile lid. Another popular option!

giro reverb blackgiro reverb two toneGiro_H_Reverb_MatteWhite_34

Come on in and find your perfect fit at either of our locations today!

It’s Time to Pump Up Your Christmas List!

Category: DBS Community, Gift Ideas, Uncategorized

M

12

D

9

Y

15

typewriter

So here’s a gift idea you may not be thinking of:

Bicycle Pumps!

A good pump is one of the most useful things a cyclist should have, although frequently they don’t own one! That makes it a great gift to give the two-wheeled friend in your life.

Floor pumps are arguably the most useful as you’re more likely to need a top up at home before the ride, rather than while you are out on one.  It’s surprising how many people get a flat tire on their way to the bike shop to get air!  Under-inflation makes you sluggish and puts you at risk of untimely punctures.  A floor pump allows for leverage, and easier filling to higher PSI than a hand pump.

Buy a kit or DIY!

That being said, if the cyclist you know goes on long rides far away from bike shops, they would benefit from a nice flat repair kit with a hand pump, patches and tire levers.

All of our floor pumps come with a gauge and all of them work with both presta and schrader valves, either with a swappable part or one that auto-adapts to both.

Our most popular is the Evo Hurricane. These guys can handle a lot of use, and are very budget friendly at $45. They work for all road and city bikes and go up to 160 PSI.

*mechanical breathing* “No, I am your father.”

If you’re looking for a shiny hand pump, let’s talk about the MiniRocket iGlow from Topeak! This 11 bar and 160 PSI pump lights up! Stick him on the seat stay, with 50+ hours on steady mode and 100+ in flashing it’ll help keep you safe and always be there when you need it!

Classy looking floor pumps!

These Lezyne pumps, the Sport Floor Drive and the Classic Over Drive are stylish looking pumps that also work great.

The Over Drive is designed for Mountain bikes with a top out PSI of 60 and 4.1 bars and a chuck that will work with both presta or schrader.

If you need a higher PSI, the Sport Floor Drive is an excellent choice with a PSI of 220 and 15.2 bars, you’re road ready!

Check out our selection…. Or come in to the store.

Shop Local, Shop the ‘Hood!

Category: Current Events, DBS Community, News

M

11

D

19

Y

15

typewriter

It’s that time of year again!

Shop the Neighbourhood is back! This November 28th when you spend $50 or more on regularly priced items in store you are eligible for a $10 VIP Gift Card towards your next purchase, FREE!

Check out this link to see how you can participate and THANK YOU for shopping locally! We love you too.

Bike To Work Week Is Almost Here!

Category: Current Events, DBS Community, News

M

10

D

23

Y

15

typewriter