Bicycle Garage Indy Receives Thanks from N.I.T.E. Ride Chair

Thursday, August 19, 2010 by Connie Schmucker

Bicycle Garage Indy is proud to be a long-time sponsor of the N.I.T.E. Ride, held on June 26th. Not only does BGI help promote the event, we provide supplies and service before and during the event, including riding support who do small repairs on the route as well as support vehicles to bring in those who can’t finish the ride. In recognition of our efforts to provide service to the riders before and during the event, we received the following "Thanks" from NITE Ride Director Dan Shields:

Bicycle Garage Tech Services at NITE Ride"On behalf of Central Indiana Bicycling Association (CIBA), I would like to thank you and the entire BGI team for your efforts to help make 2010 N.I.T.E. Ride (Navigate Indy This Evening) such a huge success.

This year’s event, on June 26, 2010, far surpassed our registration record that was set just last year, with nearly 3,300 paid registrations. We are also clearly reaching more novice riders as evidenced by an even higher rate of growth in riders needing assistance, whether for bicycle servicing before the event or SAG support during the ride. BGI’s incredible support in this area has been crucial to achieving our mission of promoting bicycling for fun, fitness, commuting and touring while maintaining a great experience for all participants.

We are also thankful for your working with Giant Bicycles in providing the bicyclies for the BGI Great Bike Giveaway", the prizes for the "L.I.T.E. Up Your Bike" contest, BGI’s efforts to co-promote the event and all of the other valuable elements of BGI’s sponsorship.

Please accept our thanks for your fine support of N.I.T.E. Ride 2010!

Dan Shields
Chair, 2010 N.I.T.E. Ride Committee"

Bicycle Garage Indy looks forward to supporting the N.I.T.E. Ride in 2011!  (June 25th, 2011)

Connie Szabo Schmucker
Advocacy Director
Bicycle Garage Indy
Indianapolis and Greenwood, IN

Bicycle Garage Indy's Next Mini Clinic - Fixing and Preventing Flats

Monday, August 16, 2010 by The Latest Buzz from Bicycle Garage Indy
Seat bag essentials from Bicycle Garage indyNew to riding and want to be self-reliant?  This mini clinic will show you how to deal with the most common bicycle repair.

Come by BGI for free, drop by, 20 min info sessions to help you care for and enjoy your bicycle even more! This Month - learn how to prevent and fix flat tires.

Held at BGI South on Tuesday, August 17 at 6:30 PM
and at BGI North on Wednesday, August 18 at 6:30 PM.

Panasonic Track Bike

Monday, June 7, 2010 by Customers, Friends and Fans of Bicycle Garage Indy
I bought this bike from a small shop run by two Indonesian brothers in a strip mall in Carbondale, Ill., in 1982. I was attending graduate school at Southern Illinois University at the time. I wanted to by a heavy, 3-speed Schwinn Varsity, but the co-owner sold me on a black Panasonic Training Track Bike with deep drop bars and a fixed wheel in back. It was drilled for brakes and brakes were installed. Plus, he cut the price to $229, which still seemed like a lot of money to me then. I still have the bike, though now I have a flip-flop hub in back and ride a 17T cog in back most of the time to go with the 48T in front. The drop bars are long gone. I've commuted on this bike to work in Champaign, Ill., St. Louis and here in Indianapolis on many occasions over the years, including on the Monon from Carmel to Downtown. The only major repair was to replace the bottom bracket from wear. But I use a Schwinn 564 aluminum bike made in Greenville, Miss., in 1989 or 1990, with early Shimano index shifting and a 14-speed, more often.

Name: Abe Aamidor
Bicycle: Panasonic Training Track Bike
City: Carmel
State: IN

Abe: Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for Your Bicycle Story.  

Why You Should Have a Floor Pump

Sunday, March 28, 2010 by Jay Hardcastle
Bontrager Charger Floor Pump at Bicycle Garage IndyCannondale Maximum Airport at Bicycle Garage IndyMy youngest son, 14, is an avid rider, but still learning the importance of routine bike maintenance.  Last week, he set on a ride without checking his tires.  It was about a half hour later that we got the call about his flat tire.  We picked him up, and repairing the tire, I found the tell tale "snake-bite" or pinch flat, the result of riding over a sharp bump with an under inflated tire.

 

Under inflation is a common cause of bicycle flats. And along with flat tires, expensive rim damage may result.  Bicycle tubes, especially with narrow, lightweight wheels, may easily drop 10 to 20 lb. of tire pressure in just a week.  For this reason, a floor pump is good way to protect your bicycle investment.  

 

There a few basic features to look for in pump.  A built-in pressure gauge allows you to add air and check pressure in one step.  A dual head will handle either automotive (Schraeder) style valves, or the narrower Presta valves found on lightweight wheel.  A long hose will allow you reach the valve in any position.  You also want a stable base and comfortable handle.  Some pumps will also include inflator pins for spot balls and other inflatable items like beach and pool toys.

 

Bicycle Garage Indy stocks may floor pumps.  The Bontrager Charger is very good pump with all the basic features you need.  If you have both road and off-road/comfort bikes at home, the Cannondale Airport Maximum Floor Pump is able to  switch between hi-pressure road tires and large-volume, low pressure,  off road tires.  Blackburn and Giant pumps are also available.

 

They are just a few of the bike tools Indianapolis you will find at Bicycle Garage Indy North in the Clearwater area, or Bicycle Garage Indy South, in Greenwood,  just minutes west of I-65 on County Line Road.

IMPD Receives Bicycles from BGI Fitness and CIBA Foundation

Monday, January 4, 2010 by Connie Schmucker

IMPD Receives Police Bike from Bicycle Garage Indy / BGI FitnessOn November 14, Sgt. Joshua Shaughnessy was injured and his bike was totaled when he was on-duty riding in downtown Indianapolis. While his injuries were not serious, the bike was damaged beyond repair. When Bicycle Garage Indy/BGI Fitness learned of Sgt. Shaughnessy’s accident, first there was a sigh of relief that the officer was not seriously injured. Then, once it was determined the bicycle was damaged beyond repair, BGI President and Founder Randy Clark opted to donate a replacement bike for the officer to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD). The new bicycle, a Trek 2010 Police Bike, was presented to Sgt. Shaughnessy on Tuesday, December 22, 2009. (Photo L-R: Joey Antico, BGI Fitness Commercial Division, Sgt. Joshua Shaughnessy, Sgt. Robert Hipple).

“It is my vision that Indianapolis become as bike-friendly as possible and that includes having active bicycle patrolmen with quality equipment. BGI has been involved with outfitting bicycle police and security officers for many years. We wanted to take this opportunity to give back to the community and to those who serve us day in and day out, keeping the city safer. It is truly our pleasure to support our local police force and we all very happy that the accident didn't result in any major injuries to those involved.”  Randy Clark, founder and president of Bicycle Garage Indy / BGI Fitness.

“I’d like to thank BGI for making such a significant contribution to community policing in Indianapolis. This patrol bike will enable officers to more effectively deter crime through proactive crime fighting initiatives. On behalf of IMPD, we are very grateful to BGI for their donation and positive role in the community,” Sgt. Joshua Shaughnessey.

CIBA Foundation Donates 4 bicycles to IMPDIn addition to the police bicycle donated from Bicycle Garage Indy/BGI Fitness, there were four mountain bikes (Giant Yukons) and helmets (Trek Vapor) presented by CIBA Foundation board member Irwin Prince. The bikes and helmets were provided to the IMPD by a $2500 grant from CIBA Foundation. CIBA Foundation has given more than $220,000 in grants supporting all forms of bicycling. Through its grant program, the foundation strives to provide resources to partner organizations that support its goal of promoting the benefits of cycling to the community.

Sgt. Robert Hipple, IMPD Bicycle Liaison, states “The four bicycles will allow IMPD Downtown District Officers to continue policing by bicycle while in a plainclothes capacity. The IMPD Bicycle officers appreciate the tremendous support from the CIBA Foundation and the Indiana cycling community.”

(Photo L-R: Irwin Prince, CIBA Foundation, Sgt. Joshua Shaugnessy, Sgt. Robert Hipple.)


Connie Szabo Schmucker
Advocacy Director
Bicycle Garage Indy / BGI Fitness
Indianapolis & Greenwood, IN
cschmucker@bgindy.com

Of Aglets and Other Bicycle Noises

Thursday, November 12, 2009 by Jay Hardcastle
Bontrager CrankThe quiet of a bicycle is part of the attraction.  Once away from the urban din of Indianapolis, we only expect the sounds of tires on pavement or trail, the mechanical buzz-purr of the chain, and our own exertion.   But sometime there will be another noise, a tick, or click or rub.  It may be continuous, only occur in certain gears, or have an infrequent mystery source.  
 
In my first summer of riding, my bike was plagued by a recurring tick from the cranks. It  would vary from side to side, and could not be found when in a repair stand.  In the course of a month I repacked the bottom bracket and pedals, without a solution.  It  wasn't until I purchased my first pair of cycling shoes later that summer that I realized the source.  It was the aglets, the metal end of the laces on my sneakers, hitting the steel cranks when tied just right.
 
In the years since my aglet mystery, I have encountered other many noises while JRA (Bicycle Mechanic for Just Riding Along) on my own bikes and with other riders.  The sources have included:
 
  • Tire bulges (Both failing tires, and tires not seated correctly)
  • Stones stuck in brake pads
  • Rusted chain links
  • Sand and tar on tires contacting the frame.  (Don't laugh, a couple riding in Australia totaled a tandem frame with this one!)
  • Out of true wheels hitting the frame
  • Jackets and packs rubbing on the rear wheel through a rack
  • Loose or broken spokes
  • Small pieces of metal  inside bicycle rims and frames
  • Loose bottle cages and racks
  • Springs in frame pumps
  • Slipped front derailleur
  • Those extra, unused, mounting bolts in some cycling shoes
 
Many of these can be found and resolved with an ABC Quick check before you ride (a few will require a bicycle mechanic):
 
  • Air (Check tire for pressure, and check for tire damage from your last ride)
  • Brakes (Levers don't touch the handlebar, pads adjusted to clear the rim)
  • Chain  (Lubed, with no visible rust)
  • Quick Releases (Wheel mounted in frame correctly, and quick releases correctly set)
  • Check (Make sure accessories bolted to your bike are snug) 
 
Make this a very simple routine before every ride, with more extensive periodic checks throughout your riding season.  It will help keep your bike quiet and safe.  And if you would like assistance with a noise, or want more extensive review of your bike's condition, the trained bicycle mechanics at either Indianapolis Bicycle Garage location will inspect your bike for free, and offer you tune up or overhaul alternatives.  It is good for peace, and quiet, of mind.
 
Do you have a good bicycle noise or service story?  Please tell us below:

Cables Are Key to Reliable Shifting

Thursday, October 15, 2009 by Jay Hardcastle

Every 3-4 years I have to tackle one of my more challenging bicycle repair tasks: replacing all the cables and housing on our tandem.   Since our Santana tandem has 3 brakes (front and rear rim brakes and a rear hub brake), and bar end shifters, we have 5 cables under the front handle bar tape. The entire job requires 5 feet of gear housing, 10 feet of brake housing and 5 new cables.  While I self maintain my bikes, you may want to just on the experienced bicycle mechanics in Indianapolis at BGI’s two locations.

 

Cable and housing have always been an important to shifting performance and reliability.  On current drive trains, with 9,10 and 11 count cogs, smooth derailleur cable movement is more important that than ever.

 A number of factors can result in cables needing replacement.   Over time, portion of cables not covered by housing can rust from exposure to rain or a riders perspiration.  Individual strands of cable may break at the cable end, inside the shift mechanism, and this can result in shifting failures. Riding in the rain will allow moisture in the cable housing, resulting in rust or corrosion you can’t see. 

 Shimano provides factory replacement cable and housing for both brake and derailleur.  Bicycle Garage Indy also uses Jagwire brand cables, available in both galvanized and stainless steel.
 

Gore Ride-Cable Systems, available at BGIFor the ultimate in reliability and performance, many riders and bicycle mechanics like Gore Ride-on Cable System Kits, also available at BGI.  ” Gore cables are possibly the best upgrade you can make on your shifting,” comments Mark Degunya, one of lead bicycle mechanics at BGI’s Greenwood store.   “Every time I install a set, the customer has mentioned how much better it shifts.  On my personal bike, I've been using the same cable set for 8 seasons and it still shifts perfectly.”

 

Cables seem insignificant, but a broken cable or bad shifting can ruin a weekend trip.  If you can’t do it your self, it is worth having an experienced bicycle mechanic take a look and determine if your cables are due for replacement.

Friday ride 7/3/09 and NITE Ride report

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 by Toby Holsman

Business first:  the Friday ride is on for 7/3/09.  That's a holiday for most of the world except stores like us, so hopefully some of you 9-to-5ers can join us.  Start at 7 at BGI North, back at 9, 17-19 mph with a couple of sprints. 

Now to stories.  The NITE Ride was this last weekend.  This is one of my favorite rides of the whole year.  Nice relaxed late night cool weather cruising.  However the ride itself is only part of the fun, since you also have things like this:



Spaghetti dinner, a capella singers, track racing, and a broad cross section of different bike riders.  What more could you want from a late summer night?

(A brief aside about track racing:  I think it's totally cool, I think I would be pretty good at it, and I'd love to get into it. . . except it's one of only two subjects in my marriage that are absolutely, positively not up for discussion.  The other is natural childbirth.)

I rode at the back of the 2500 rider pack with my friend and co-worker, Tim.  Tim is BGI's IT manager, and also has the most diverse collection of bikes of anyone I know.  We stopped to do minor repairs when we could (flat tires, stuck chains) and offered condolences and SAG wagon reassurances when we couldn't (shredded tire, snapped derailleur).

Great fun.  Rode home afterwards and got home about 2:30 AM.  No training, no racing, no agenda--just riding around Indianapolis.  Don't miss next year.

Bicycle Repair Tip of the Day

Thursday, April 30, 2009 by Mark Degunya
Today's maintenance tip:  Clean your bike

Simply put, clean bikes work better.  They make less noise, are easier to work on, and just look great.   I prefer Finish Line Super Bike wash cleaner and polish in one.  For heavy dirt and mud, scrubbing with a soft brush and cleaner with warm water works best.  For stuck on grease, a good degreaser such as Finish Line Multi Degreaser is called for.  Many companies make cleaning kits that include everything you need to keep your bike clean, polished, and squeak free.

See our catalog for a full line of cleaning supplies

When you're done cleaning, don't forget to oil your chain to keep it spinning smooth. 

Check back for more bike maintenance Indianapolis tips!

Bike Repair tip of the Day

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 by Mark Degunya
Today's bike maintenance tip:  Be careful where you store your bike

Most people don't give much thought to where they store their new bicycle.  Keeping it out of the rain is the number one priority but be careful not to keep your bike in a room with pool chemicals or next to the exhaust of a car.  Pool chemicals leach into the air from their containers causing premature corrosion to steel and aluminum.  Exhaust fumes contain corrosive chemicals that can also corrode the parts on your bike.

The best way to store a bike is to hang it on the wall away from chemicals or exhaust.  There are many products for storage that look good too.  You can choose something as simple as a hook that screws into a stud or something as nice as a shelf with hooks that allows you to hang your bike horizontally.  This style will also give  you somewhere to store your helmet and gloves.  

Check our our line of bicycle storage items on our website bgindy.com and stop back again for more bike repair tips!

Bicycle repair tip of the day

Tuesday, April 21, 2009 by Mark Degunya
Today's bike repair tip: Look for repair deals in the off season

This time of year, most Indianapolis bike mechanics are very busy with repairs - sometimes backed up for as long as 2 weeks!  It's a good idea to bring your bike in for repairs or tune ups in the off season (November-February) because most shops will offer good deals on their service.

At Bicycle Garage Indy (BGI), you can sign up for our email list and receive advance notice on repair deals and off season special pricing.  Sign  up here: http://bgindy.com/.  Just scroll down the page - you'll see the email sign up under the menu on the left side.  Don't worry!  We take your personal information seriously.  Your information will never be sold or given to an outside vendor.  Last winter's specials ran up to 40% off regular price on some of the maintenance packages so it really pays to get  your work done before the season starts!

Here's a look at our maintenance packages:  http://bgindy.com/page.cfm?pageID=8

Check back often for more bike repair Indianapolis!

Bicycle repair tip of the day

Monday, April 20, 2009 by Mark Degunya
Today's bicycle repair tip:  Carry a repair kit

In order to fix minor repairs while you're cycling Indianapolis, it's helpful to carry a small repair kit with you.  Most repair kits fit into a small bag designed to fit underneath your saddle.  Typical repair kits include a spare tube,  patch kit, tire levers (to remove your tire from the rim), a small multi tool, and enough space left over for your ID, keys, and a bit of cash.

Expect to spend $30 or more on a good repair kit.  Many different versions available or you can purchase the under-seat bag and tools of your choice.   Here's a good example of a ready to go kit: http://bgindy.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=39181.

Stop by and talk to your local southside Indianapolis bicycle mechanic to answer all your questions and check back here for more helpful tips!

Bicycle repair tip of the day

Thursday, April 16, 2009 by Mark Degunya
 Today's bike repair tip: Check your tires

It's common for today's high performance tires to pick up small rocks and glass as you ride.  Try as hard as you can, you just can't avoid it all!  This is true whether you're cycling Indianapolis bike paths like the Monon Trail, commuting Indianapolis roads, or just cruising around the block. 
Once or twice a week, inspect your tires carefully for small items lodged in the rubber.  Even tiny pieces of rock can work their way through to your tube eventually causing a flat.  When you find something stuck in the tread, carefully pick it out with a toothpick or small screwdriver - just be careful not to push it through the tire casing. 
To help prevent flats caused by  small rocks and glass, I recommend using a tire liner like these: http://bgindy.com/page.cfm?PageID=225&action=list&Category=702&Brand=710&type=T
Tire liners are designed for your bicyle fitting between your tire and tube to keep small bits from poking holes in your tube.

Check back often for more bike repair Indianapolis!


Bike Repair tip of the day

Wednesday, April 15, 2009 by Mark Degunya
Today's bike repair tip:  Oil your chain

Lubricating your chain will make your drivetrain last longer, shift better, and make less noise.  Many chain lubes are available - some are better for Indiana mountain bike trails, some are better for road riding (like the Indianapolis Greenways).  I prefer Finish Line brand chain lubes. My favorite is their Pro Road lube.  You can see it (or even purchase it) here: http://bgindy.com/page.cfm?PageID=225&action=details&sku=LU2532

It's easy to do!  Start by wiping all the old crud off your chain by holding a rag over the chain while you pedal backwards.  Then all you need to do is drip the lubricant on your chain.  Let it soak in for a minute and wipe off any excess.  You're all done!  Much cleaner and sqeak free!

Check back often for more bike repair Indianapolis!

Bike repair tip of the day

Tuesday, April 14, 2009 by Mark Degunya
Today's tip:  Air up your tires

Correct tire pressure will improve the way your bike rides and decrease the chances of getting a flat.  You will want to air them up using a quality floor pump with a gauge like this one made by Giant bikes: http://bgindy.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=44833

Recommended tire pressure is printed on the sidewall of your tires.

For more information, see our full article: http://bgindy.com/page.cfm?pageid=165&tipid=22

The Mighty George

Tuesday, April 14, 2009 by James Sells
Well yet again, a mechanical kept High Road's George Hincapie from placing well at Paris Roubaix. A flat tire spoiled his plot to over throw tornado Tom. Who does the bicycle maintenance for big George. He should stop in at a bike repair Indianapolis shop. Maybe George needs to get to a bike maintenance class? That way he could do his own work and maybe win the race!

I feel for George, nothing is more frustrating than have a mechanical out on a long ride. Now I know a mechanical has never kept me from a win. Mostly because I have never been in a position to win. But who wants to be out 45 miles from home and have a chain bust? No one, so make sure you are keeping up on the bike cleaning and maintenance. It is also good to know where to go to get the must needed bike parts in Indianapolis. You don't want to be 2 hours before a group ride driving around looking for a Sram 1050 chain.

Rotating your Axle!?! What's that for?

Monday, April 13, 2009 by Josh Prater



I think I've done about 5 million hub overhauls in my life here in Indianapolis, and I see a trend. People are wearing out their hub cones unevenly. I may be just a little bit crazy. Or a lot bit. But, I think it has to do with you not rotating your axle. OK, so maybe a lot bit.

Here's the scenario: You ride your 1973 "RRA" Raleigh Record Ace, oh, I'd say about 50 thousand million miles. You get older, get a new bike or twelve, and the old Ace just sits around, weighing you down every time you walk by it in the garage with a new shiny thing that is made to go way faster, or something like that. 

THEN one day you look at that old bike you've been avoiding eye contact with, that has about as many miles on it as every other bike they've owned combined, and decide it was the best one anyways and want to resurrect it. Maybe do a little bike touring, commuting in Indy, impress your buddies on what a sweet bike you used to have, just repair it so keep it around for nostalgia's sake, you know, whatever floats your boat... or bike. 

So far, no problem. I'm all for fixing up your old steed and riding it instead of looking at it. I think that comes from my old farm days were you were always poor and everything had a nice patina of rust. But everything worked, just not well (that's for you, Mark). And you made the most of what you had.

The problem: Before you put the greatest bike you've ever owned in the dark, damp, spider-house corner of your garage, you were still riding it. You were getting sick of replacing the tires, getting flats, whatever, and you put on a super-duper flat-no-more million-mile tire. And rode it about 999,927 miles with that tire on, and no flats. It was awesome.

The technical part: The problem part didn't seem like too much of a problem, but it is. Or at least it can be. What happens when you never have to remove your wheel is that the axle, or more precisely the cone, is always in the same position. All your weight is pressing on the same spot (the top) of your inner bearing races for years on end. The other side (the bottom) of your inner bearing races never get to do any of the heavy lifting. The outer races don't matter... They rotate!

What do you do? Well, THAT'S EASY! Just open up your quick release lever, and turn your axle a little, close your quick release lever (unless you ride with it open or want your wheel to fall off, that's up to you!). 

Thanks!