Ride a bike & save the environment
In the summer it is easy to be green (despite what Kermit sings), because the pleasure of riding a bike can beat mass transit or riding in cars. The fresh air blowing across your face and the sensation of being in your environment instead of watching it like a tv show from a car window makes bike riding way more enjoyable.
Those who don’t yet own a bike can buy a second-hand one reasonably priced by going to one of the stores below. They make sure the bikes are tip top and in running order. If you pick one up at a garage sale, you don’t know what repairs might be needed or if riding it might even be dangerous (old tires exploding, worn brakes, etc).
If you’re thinking you’d rather buy a new bicycle, but only have a small budget, be aware that the manufacturers of lower priced new bikes may have skimped on quality in order to sell at a certain price point, so they may be made with such things as plastic brake levers or brake mechanisms which break easily. It might be better to aim for a re-built one from a bike shop.
Some tips from the pros about avoiding having your bike stolen:
– Try not to buy one that is too flashy, since those are taken more often
– Don’t lock bikes onto parking signs (like the ones mentioning sector parking), since the signs can be pulled out of the ground and your lock slipped off
– Don’t lock your lock close to the ground, since it is easier that way to break it with a hammer
Recycle Cycle , 5501 de Maisonneuve Ouest at Girouard Ave. Phone: 514-486-2453. Hours: Monday to Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. This business takes quality bike frames and builds them into city bikes which would sport hybrid wheels, 10-speeds, no drop bars and an easier shifting system. The rest of the stock (mountain, racing, cruisers) are used bikes in the $150-$250 range. They can inspect, repair and tune-up (basic one $35) your bikes. If you want to get rid of an old bike, they accept donations. Other locations: Velos Villeneuve, 75 Villeneuve West. (514-282-8356); Bicycles Beaubien, 207 Beaubien East (514-277-2453).
Cycle Pop,1000 Rachel East at Parc Lafontaine. Phone: 514-526-2525. Hours: Monday to Wednesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. http://www.cyclepop.ca This store usually has a huge stock of used bikes, but the transit strike depleted most of it. However if you want one of their re-built models (average price $125), the best time to catch one is on Friday afternoons or Saturday mornings, as they disappear quickly. Normally about 30% of the store is second-hand, which might be 10-speed converted hybrids, mountain, 60’s retro or old racing styles. All of the used bicycles get new tires and are re-checked and adjusted to be in good working condition. There is a thirty-day warranty for adjustments to the brakes or the gears, etc. (not on parts). You can rent bikes too, and have one tuned up ($24, $44 or $99). Apartment and condo dwellers take note – they store bikes for the winter. In September their spinning classes will begin again. Two interesting services that they offer are helping you map biking circuits and they also organize bike tours in America and Europe.
Doug Anakin Sports, 454 Beaconsfield Blvd. at Woodland Ave., Beaconsfield. Phone: 514-695-0785. Hours: Monday to Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Though there are some adult mountain and hybrid models in the $80-$120 price range here, the majority of the used bikes are children’s (starting at $30), since this 43-year-old business has made it a habit of recycling long before it was in vogue. West Islanders are used to coming in to trade in and trade up for the next size in bicycles, skis, and snow boards. How many of you have a garage full of sporting goods which were used only once? Instead of falling into that syndrome, this store will rent you equipment to try out the sport (alpine skis, snow boards, bikes), or you can buy it second-hand and save a bundle. New equipment is also sold. Their new bikes are by Louis Garneau, which are good and reliable and range from $269 to $389.