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)

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)

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!

Are you a woman under 5 feet, having a hard time finding an adult bike that fits your smaller size?

Does  your past bike experience involve teetering on a bike that was too big for you, and you were afraid you’d hurt yourself?

Or have you been told, you need a “Kids Bikes”?   Left riding at the back of the pack, on a poor quality bike?

Well, if you’re like many of our customers of “smaller” stature who are in search of a  comfortable, fashionable, and quality bike that will let you ride with confidence and style, we’ve got some great choices for you!

In the Fashion and Comfort line, we just love these step-through models because of how easy it is to get on and off the bike, for starters….

The Electra Townie

When it comes to a bike that can comfortably accommodate a petite rider, especially one that is nervous about riding, or perhaps has body pain or joint issues…. The Electra Townie rules them all.  With its incredibly intelligent design, the Electra Townie allows the rider to put their feet Flat on the Ground, when not on the pedals.  That’s right, you heard it, FLAT on the ground.  Ride for a bit, feel nervous? Stop and put your foot flat down!  Furthermore thanks to a light-weight aluminum step-through frame and very adjustable seat and handlebars, its much easier  to fit a petite rider, and allow them to gain confidence with their ride.   Now, not to imply that petite riders in particular might be nervous about riding, but I do find often they start out that way, in particular because of past experiences.

For the Townie, there are two size choices, and a few gearing/colour options.  The majority of riders at or about 5 feet, can ride the regular ladies 26” wheel, no problem.  Plus, for even more petite riders there is also the 24” Wheel Townie…   The most popular model, is the Townie Original 7D, in fact it’s so well-loved that this particular model sold more than any other brand-bicycle in the USA for the last 2 years!

Townie Original 7D

Townie Original 7D EQ “Equipped”

Townie Original 7D 24″

For those a little more confidence, these City bikes provide a comfortable and efficient ride.

The Brooklyn Willow or Franklin in size S/M

Some of our best selling bikes for petite ladies are the Brooklyn Willow and Brooklyn Franklin.  These upright city bikes are made of Chromoly Steel which make them more comfortable than aluminum and lighter than traditional steel.  Thanks to the step-through frame, shorter seat tube, and 26” wheels with narrower tires,  we find riders at approximately 4’8” can confidently ride this bike in the S/M size.   Since the seat height and swept back-upright handlebars are very adjustable, the Brooklyn bikes are also great choice for growing teenagers who are looking for a fashionable bike with room for growth.    The Willow has either 3 or 7 speeds with Internal Gears (really clean and low maintenance), and the Franklin has a 7 speed external (like a mountain bike).  And if you don’t know what Internal Gears vs. External gears are, don’t worry you’re like many of our customers. This, we’ll happily explain to you and will be the topic of future blog post!

Brooklyn Willow 3 speed

Brooklyn Frankin Seven

The Electra Loft in size small:

In 2015, Electra re-designed their hugely popular (Oprah’s Favorite Bike), in a smaller size. The Electra “Loft” has such a pretty frame, and thanks to their expert engineering, Electra were able to design a petite bike that still has City Style-27” wheels (700c).   So, the rider doesn’t lose any efficiency  as a result of riding on smaller wheels (like on a kids 24” wheel).  The aluminum frame is nice and light too.   The Loft is available in 3 gearing options and some lovely colours.

Electra Loft 3i

Electra Loft 7i

The Linus Dutchi in size small:

With Linus, it’s all about style!  We have many customers who fall in love with Linus at first sight, with their mid-50’s French style, deep step through frames, and huge array of matching accessories.  Linus owners continue to love their bikes because of how they ride; which is super comfortable,  upright and easy!    The size small Dutchi has 26” wheels and a smaller frame and accommodates a rider around 4’9 to 5’3.   Internal 3 or 8 gears are available.

The Opus Classico 1.0 or the Opus Zermatt in size Small

A slightly sportier model, the Opus Classico or Zermatt are light-weight aluminum step-through frames, with a little more performance than just a cruiser.  The Classico has 7 speeds, with a derailleur and the Zermatt features 24 speeds and disc brakes.  Great for the serious Vancouver all-weather commuter who still wants to be comfortable!

Opus Classico 1.0

Opus Zermatt

Regardless of your level of research, here at the Denman Bike Shop, we welcome you to come and test ride any of our bikes.  Don’t be shy, we’re here to help!

Sincerely yours.. a little vertically challenged myself… the Red Head.

If you’re NEW to Cycling , aren’t up to speed on the latest, or just don’t “know anything about bikes…

Here’s a little “Bike 101” on some of the basic things to consider, to help you find the right bike.

Whether you’re a Comfort, Casual or Commuter Cyclist, Denman Bike Shop has a variety of bike options for you.

What is the Right Frame Style for Me?

UP- Right and Comfortable, or Bent-Over Performance Position?

Riding in a bent-over performance position, is more aerodynamic, and allows you to use more of your core muscles and upper body power to pull on the handlebars; as if you were rowing. However, this position can be hard on the lower back, neck and wrists.

With the design of more upright city, comfort and commuter bikes, many people prefer the feeling of cycling in an upright position. You have better eye contact with drivers, your shoulders are relaxed, and you can maintain this position for a longer period.

The degree of upright-ness depends on the frame design and handlebars, and can even be customized to your preference!

Classic Frame or Step-Thru?

While traditional the step-thru bicycle has been associated with women’s frames, many men enjoy the comfort of a step-thru bike, and we have a number of options that allow a Gentlemen to ride a style appropriate step-thru bike.

Classic Frames are traditionally associate with Men’s bikes, but many women like the look and feel of the classic frame. Typically speaking this type of frame design provides more strength , and may be preferred by a taller woman, for example.

Steel Frame or Aluminum?

Your typical comfort-city, cruiser or urban performance bike may come n either a Hi-ten Steel, Aluminum or Chromoly frame.

Hi-Ten Steel Frame bikes are a little heavier, usually cheaper, but do offer more compliance in the frame and some people prefer the feel of real steel.

Aluminum frames are noticeably lighter, however stiffer. They now have a Life-Time Guarantee on the frame, and are rust-proof. (keep in mind your chain and other components won’t be)

Chromoly is a type of steel, that is stronger and lighter than Hi-Ten Steel. The discerning cyclist may say that Chromoly has a better feel. Sometimes, a bike may be Steel with a Chromoly fork.

What kind of gears and brakes do you need?

What kind of gears and brakes you need depends on your preferences, level of physical fitness, how heavy your bike is, how far you’ll be riding and how steep the hills are!

Gears – Internal Or External?

External

External gears are traditional gearing system with cogs (chain rings) and a derailleur which changes the gears by moving the chain from one cog to another, either increasing or decreasing the level of resistance.

This type of system is what you find on a mountain bike, for example. It’s also the type of system where your chain could fall off, if your bikes is not properly maintained or if you “down-shift” too fast,

This type of “drivetrain” can be lighter than internal gears. Quality levels for External gears vary dramatically.

Internal

In this type of gearing system, the gears are enclosed within the wheel’s hub. There is no derailleur. It is a very clean, very low maintenance type of system. The most common are either 3 speed, or 8 speed. It may not sound like a lot of gears, but the range is actually quite wide.

Some of the Internal Geared bikes, also feature a Coaster (or Pedal brake)

Brakes – Hand Brakes, Foot Brakes, Disc Brakes, Roller Brakes – Oh My?

Coaster Brakes (Foot Brakes)

Are so easy to use, that’s how they teach kids to ride a bike. Just pedal backwards and you will stop. This type of brake is normally found on an internally geared bike hub, but not always.

Rim Brakes (V or caliper)

Have Standard rubber brake pads, are easy to clean, and affordable. They do wear out faster, and are not as effective in the rain.

Disc Brakes

Are good for Commuters who ride year round, including in heavy rain. Though, more expensive initially, in the long run maintainance is generally less as the pads last a lot longer.

In some instances they can be a bit noisy in the rain, and are susceptible to “parking damage”.

Roller or Drum Brake (Hub Brakes)

The Brakes are contained within the wheel out of the way of dirt and damage.

Comparable in performance to Disc brakes, hub brakes offer Zero Maintenance, consistent stopping power and nicer “lines” on a fashionable bike . They also make a great upgrade on a bike that can’t accommodate a disc.

How Do you know which one is right for you?

The best way to choose a bike is to come in and test ride! And remember, almost everything on a bike can be customized or personalized to fit your function or your fashion!

“Experience is knowledge, the rest is just information.” ~ Albert Einstein

Gooooood Morning Bargain Hunters!  Get ready to save because everything on the floor in the store is on sale! **please note we are closed on Boxing DAY**   – SALE CONTINUES to January 3rd

Here’s a few of  the great deals on bikes!

• Opus Orpheo 1.0 (Regular Price $1085) has been reduced to $845!

• Opus Orpheo 2.0 (Regular Price $699) has been reduced to $499!

• Louis Garneau SP4 (Regular Price $775) has been reduced to $599!

• Electra Amsterdam Original (Regular $850) Now As Low as $645!

Electra Cruiser Bikes On Sale as low as $299!

All Brooklyn Bikes, City Bikes are On Sale!

Levis Commuter and Endura Raingear are both 40% off!

Electra bells and grips are 50% off!

All regular priced items on the floor are 10% off! Everything! YEAH! Come buy that Brooks seat you’ve been eyeing, it will never be cheaper!

And more! Come get out of the rain and into our Boxing Week Sale!

SALE Ends Sunday January 3rd, 2016

Well first of all, Schwalbe Balloon “Fat Frank” tires look incredibly handsome on just about any bike. Second, they’re made in Germany. Das ist gut, ja? Yes it is!

Traditionally, Cruiser bikes (and many comfort bikes) have Fat tires on them, but not so uber functional a tire as the Schwalbe Fat Frank. Standard fat tires have more rubber on the road; ergo more comfort and stability, but less speed.

Well, Fat meets Fast with Schwalbe’s Fat Frank Tires!   These tires have been specially designed so that they make your ride both smoother and faster, acting like a pneumatic cushion to absorb impacts. These lower air pressure, high volume tires actually have less roll resistance than standard skinny tires making them the Oxymoron of Bicycle Tires.

Fat Franks in 3 colours

And, with Kevlar guard for flat protection, the tires are also lighter which further translates to a faster ride.

Fat Franks can be installed on many bikes with a 26” wheel, not just Beach Cruisers. Electra’s Townie Balloon line come standard equipped with Fat Franks. But ,you can also put these tires on almost any Townie, cruiser or comfort bike.

Electra Townie Balloon 3i Mens'

Available in 3 colours, + NEW Brown with Cream Walls!  Why not come in and test ride a pair of Fat Franks at our Vancouver Bike Shop today!

It is with heartfelt thanks that we received the Gold Award in this years WE Best of the City Contest.

We really appreciate the support of our customers, and strive to make your experience in our store, the BEST ever.

Cheers and thanks from the whole Denman Bike Shop Team!

Check out our Facebook Page and you could win a Free Abus lock,  valued over $100!

Abus Locks are made in Germany with the highest quality components, and offer a wide range of security options for your bicycle.

At the Denman Bike Shop,  Abus locks are our favourite and we stock a wide range of their higher security models.

For your Chance to Win 1 of 2 Abus locks,  keep and eye out for our Facebook Contest over the next few weeks.

If you’re looking for a comfort bike that’s light, fast and fun, check out the Electra Ticino.

I love the comfort of a beach cruiser with wide handle bars, cushy seat and comfy 26″ fat tires. But I also like speed!
Furthermore, my shoulder isn’t what it used to be and I have to lift my bike up a set of stairs each day.

Enter the Electra Ticino,

An upright bike that rides like a dream

Ticino 8D Wisteria

The Ticino is Modelled after the vintage touring bikes of the 40’s and 50’s, and named after a region of the Swiss Italian border that’s hilly.

This bike is super-light, 21 lbs compared to my 35 lb cruiser.
I can pick it up with one hand!

The light-weight frame and 700C wheels (taller and narrower than a beach cruiser) allow me to ride fast.

Equipped with:

Mixed-used treaded tires,
you can ride on streets as well as roll over hard pack trail such as the bike path at Jerricho Beach.

I never thought I would enjoy riding up hills so much!

With the tourist handlebars that come back towards you,
Riding up hills on this super-light weight bike is a breeze.

I’m able to stand up and pedal in a vertical position with my body weight doing more of the work. I like to alternate between sitting down in a low gear while leaning on the handlebars, and standing up in a high gear.   I find this allows my working muscle groups to alternate, making hill riding much easier than on a flat-bar commuter bike.

On the Ticino, I’m doing the stair-master up the hill, and I’m loving it! But don’t get me wrong…. it’s still a work-out!

The bike is stiffer when you hit bumps than a beach cruiser, and you’ll not want to ride over wet grass and really bumpy terrain, but this is a trade off I’m willing to make for all the other features it has.

Finally, there’s the benefit of riding upright. My wrists, back and neck don’t hurt, and I’m enjoying the view of the city on my beautiful and stylish “cruisee” bike.

Love my Ticino.

Check out our Selection online, and please come in and try one  for yourself!

We’re thrilled every year to see the latest new designs from the Electra Bicycle Company, especially in the line of their Ladies’ Fashion Cruisers.

First of all, the bikes are incredibly comfortable and easy to ride. Each constructed from the same frame geometry, with different paint design’s,  they feature Electra’s Flat foot technology;  a slighter forward pedaling position that allows for a lower centre of gravity, better control, and more room in the cockpit.   Their wide comfy sprung seats and wide cruiser bars allow you to sit fully upright in a position that leaves you riding relaxed and carefree.

For 2012 Electra has brought out 4 new ladies models that are right off the fashion runways.

First up, Electra Sugar Skulls 3i

Mexican Folk Art Sugar Skulls from El Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead festival inspired this cruiser.   Known for their color and humor, the Mexican sugar skulls embody a light-hearted view of death, and celebrate life as it continues in another form.    Sugar Skulls Art is currently popular fashion trend in both tattoo and clothing.

The Electra Sugar Skulls 3i celebrates this concept right along-side with a multitude of fun and colorful sugar skills painted throughout the frame and accessories.  The bike is edgy and bold, and expresses a completely different personality than the typical “flowery” cruiser.

Electra Sugar Skulls 3i

Electra’s Navajo 3i

From the Southwest American Navajo fashion trend,  inspired by the hand-woven textiles of the Navajo that have been sought after by art collectors for over 150 years.  With bold contrasting colors and geometric patterns, the art form has been passed down through generations.

In the Navajo culture, The art of weaving is deeply felt expression of beauty, harmony, and balance.

The Electra Navajo 3i embodies this philosophy with its rich colours, geometric designs and embroidered and embossed saddle adorned with tassels.

Electra Navajo 3i

Electra Night Owl 3i

Right on trend with the popular Night Owl Fashion accessories is The Electra Owl 3i

The bike transitions from day to night, with the mysterious and wise old Night Owl watching in the dark night on the front fender.  The paint fades to blue as it transitions from night to day and ends with the Owl sleeping, eyes closed, on the rear fender.

The Electra Night Owl is classy, complex and inspiring.

Electra Night Owl 3i

Electra Mariposa 3i

Mariposa means Butterfuly in Spanish.  The bikes is adorned with beautiful blue butterflies on a rich black frame.

The Electra Mariposa embodies freedom and artistry.

Electra Mariposa 3i

Come in to our Vancouver Bike Store, and test ride an Electra Fashion cruiser today!

Say Goodbye to batteries and Say Hello to Greener Lights!

NEW USB rechargeable bike lights have arrived!  Check out our selection…

Serfas brand Super-cool USB lights from the future

Ranging from rechargeable mini micro-lights that put other 1-LED mini lights to shame, all the way to the MEGA Powerful and astonishingly Bright Serfas “True Series” Lights with 150 – 1500 crazy bright lumens!

Serfas USLR USB Micro taillight

Serfas USL5 USB Light

Serfas True 150 USB rechargeable light

And our #1 Customer Favorite light the KNOG Boomer
Is now available in a USB Rechargeable version

We love the Boomer for its super bright high-powered LED and water-proof body.  We especially love the “press and hold to turn off” from any mode feature.

Now we can buy more coffees for the all the batteries we’re saving, by plugging Rechargeable Boomer into our computers!

Be Safe, Seen and Green with any of these snazzy new Lights on your bike.

Come check them out  for yourself!