Blogs

For the last four months i was living in New York City working on bicycles and dodging cabs and pedestrians. I came in contact with a lot of characters down in the big apple, but none were quite like Hal Ruzal.  Hal has been fixing bicycles at Bicycle Habitat smack dab in the center of downtown Manhattan since before the first oxygen breathing life forms emerged from the ocean. Needless to say, he knows a thing or two about keeping your precious two (or one, or three) wheeler safe from the dirty mitts of thieves. below is a quick video the people at bike tv put together with Hal.

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Now, of course the situation in Burlington Vermont is different from that in New York City, however we at the Old Spokes Home recommend taking locking your bike up as seriously as if you were in big town NYC. it is astonishing how much bike theft does occur in our beloved Queen City. It is my belief, that most bike
thefts are preventable. So when it comes to buying a new bike, a new used bike, or just want to keep an old friend yours, take it from the pros and get a good lock.

Cheers,
Harris

While on my recent bicycle tour, I got a chance to swing through the "Pedaling through History Museum" in Buffalo, NY.  I have heard that the collection recently sold, but if you can make it by before they close, its definitely worth the trip!  For more info on the museum, click here.

Today marks the first day of real cold and snow here in Burlington.  Yesterday cars seemed to be sledding down the highway instead of driving.  Today I fielded 10 calls about studded tires for bicycles and it made me a little nostalgic for Indian summer.  In lieu of my nostalgia, I am posting a photo below of the Erie Canal tow path bicycle route in New York State.  The path runs roughly from Syracuse to Buffalo and if you are moving right along, it can be completed in 3 to 5 days.  Very little of it is paved so there is no roller blade traffic and the small stones that make up the surface feel like hard pack under your tires.  I highly recommend the ride.  Sometime soon, I'll get a picture of my touring bike up for all to see also.

" />Here at the Old Spokes Home, we love internally geared hubs.  This Salsa Casseroll features a Nexus 8r25 hub and a nexus dynamo.  The result is clean lines and a comfortable ride.  This bike features readily available parts and offers a custom feel.  Give it a look!

Classes are starting again at the Old Spokes Home. We are offering a choice of two classes to help you get to know your bike better. The first class is a bicycle tune up class, where you will learn the basics of operation and tuning of a bike. We will cover the finer points of adjustment for the brakes, shifting, bearings systems, and wheels. During the class you will be learning and working on your own bike, leaving with a bike that has been tuned up by you.

The second class offering is a bicycle survival class; giving you the knowledge to help deal with and prevent many common roadside problems. In this class you will learn how to repair a flat tire, mend a broken chain, dealing with minor brake and shifting adjustments, and home maintenance.

There is a 4 person minimum for the classes to run. We will need the course to be paid for in full to hold your spot, which will be given on a first come, first serve basis. There is no day of registration, and you must be signed up by the Saturday before classes begin. Tools will be provided, but bring your bicycle that you will tune up during the class. If the 4 person minimum is not met, the class will be delayed and your spot held for the next course, or your money returned. You can either call us at 802-863-4475 and leave your deposit over the phone with a credit card, or come see us between 10am and 6pm Tuesday through Saturday to hold your spot.

Bicycle Survival Class
Cost: $60 per person
6:30pm-8:30pm
Dates:
Monday 12/1
Wednesday 12/3

Course Description:
You will learn skills to handle most common roadside problems, helping you to ride home. Including flat tires, broken chains, basic brake and derailleur adjustments as well as home maintenance.

Bicycle Tune Up Class
Cost: $120 per person
6:30pm-8:30pm
Dates:
Monday 12/8
Wednesday 12/10
Monday 12/15
Wednesday 12/17

Course Description:
You will learn the basics of bicycle repair and tuning, basic adjustments of brakes, shifting, bearing assemblies, and wheel truing will be covered.

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