New parts

I've been meaning to replace my back break pads for about two weeks, and either the weather was so good I didn't want to waste time on it while I could be soaking up the rays or so misserable I didn't want to go out in the frickn' snow. However today was a nice 12C and sunny. So I finally headed out to Bike Works, the EBCS' bike shop, to get some v-brake pads. I figured even if they were the same price as my favourite LBS I would be helping keep the cash flowing for a great society. As it turns out, brake pads are cheap there... a whole $2.50, nice! Anyway, I also went through the parts room (filled with parts taken off of donated bikes) and managed to get blue toe clips, for $1! Nice! No straps, but I managed to make some wicked cool super wide blue straps to go with them. I also found a Chromoly handle bar with just slightly more rise and rake than my current one, for $3!!! I was in ecstasy all afternoon. It has given a more upright geo for commuting in my hipster University area of the city, with our bike paths and traffic calmed streets... ahhhhh, I really love it here when the weather isn't crap.
I plan on taking some photos of the bike tomorrow in the sun and post them up... I really like the blue toe clips/straps combo.

EBC Event this Sunday!

I had a pretty bad day at work today, but I stopped by BikeWorks on my way home and a volunteer mechanic named Eric showed me a lot about making a single speed out of my old Nishiki road bike. Thanks Eric, I'll be back soon to do the actual project. Anyway BikeWorks and the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters are cleaning up the BikeWorks shop on Sunday from 1-4pm, I plan to come out for it, I hope many others will too. Plus there is pizza.... something that seems exceptionally overpriced in Edmonton to me, since in Vancouver $2.25 gets you two slices and a can of coke,... and it is good pizza to boot.

Edmonton Bicycle Commuters

So after living here in Edmonton for almost nine months I finally headed over to the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters' shop BikeWorks. I regret fully that I did not do this in the first week I was in Edmonton. The shop is awesome, filled with 8 or 9 bike stands, all the tools you would ever need, and volunteer mechanics to show you how to do it if you don't know. If you're a member (membership is really a nominal fee) it only costs $2/hr to use the shop. They also have a huge amount of parts pulled off recycled bikes, and complete bikes for really great prices.
But beyond being a great resource for velo knowledge, the people are extremely nice and friendly, even to a preppy kid like me, showing up on a new shinny bike with freshly pressed dockers and Uni crested shirt. I have a feeling I'll be hanging out there fairly often in the future.
Check them out http://www.edmontonbikes.ca/