Bikelessness

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

We were all set to ride to the boys’ volleyball game at school today - my whole family. Inexplicably, the front derailer on the Betz would not work. At all. And it was not that little wingnut, which is the only thing I know to fix. Also, the Cygolite is missing a piece! I’m the only one with access to this bike and I didn’t crash it - a true mystery. Fine, I’ll ride the stolen Clem, alright? My husband has a big ugly e-bike, so he won’t miss his old under-appreciated Clem. I had to move Baby Bear’s little Hotrock out of the way, at which point I discovered his front tire WAS TOTALLY FLAT. This is the same tire I posted about a couple of months ago. That’s it; it’s going in, along with my Betz.

I arrived at the shop and the owner loves me because I’m totally worthless but I pay my bills. We have a mutual affection - he performs hocus pocus and sprinkles fairy dust and my bike comes back to life; and I pay the bill and shower him with all the praise and appreciation for returning TBBITW in fine form. I decide that every single major and minor issue with these bikes will be written up and addressed this trip. His assistant kindly writes it all down (and I am not one to use words sparingly) and then tells me to expect the bike back on Thursday.

Thursday?

I gulp. The weather is going to be sublime all week long - FINALLY - and we need these bikes for it. It’s one thing for me to lower myself and try to commute with the Clem instead of TBBITW, but Baby Bear has *nothing* to ride. I am, essentially, bike-grounded.

“Oh,” I say, “I suppose this time of year gets busy.”

“Yes,” chirps the helpful employee, “People bring their bikes in and say the weather is nice and maybe they should ride the bike they have in their garage. And I tell them, ‘Of course!’ I mean, that’s great, right?!”

I smile and nod and pretend to agree but really I’m thinking that these people and their under-utilized, garage queen bikes that they will likely throw a leg over once or twice this year are AHEAD OF ME IN LINE. I am selfish and impatient and don’t want to see from Saturday to Thursday the empty place in the garage that my bike occupies. My mind is racing but I keep my composure and slide in a sly, “Ok, well I guess I can drive the kids to school this week. What a shame the weather will be so perfect. Let me know if it gets done sooner?”

I know that I’m whining and that I have only myself to blame. If I knew a thing or two about bike maintenance and repair, I would not be in this fix. Don’t trouble yourselves coming up with solutions; I know I need an education but I just haven’t done it because that shop and its agreeable owner exist. Now you’re here having to read this drivel and it’s not your fault and you don’t deserve this BUT....I will leave you with the feel-good video because you’ve been such good sports. Patrick Moore posted it eons ago and I’ve watched it dozens of times because I love is sooo much. It’s about a very old bike shop in Europe and the man who owns it. And if you watch it to the 9:15 mark, you’ll see me guest-starring. I’m a 70 year old woman who can’t fix a flat and comes crying to the bike shop. But unlike her, I make a mean sandwich.

https://vimeo.com/133432406

[Joe Bernard]

"...these people and their under-utilized, garage queen bikes..."

I love this! 🤣

[Leah Peterson]

Joe, aren’t you glad you don’t have to live like this?!?

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 23, 2019, at 10:18 PM, Joe Bernard <joer...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> "...these people and their under-utilized, garage queen bikes..."
>
> I love this! 🤣
>

> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/_q8IKx_TGss/unsubscribe.
> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
> To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
> Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[Joe Bernard]

I don't know, Leah. If I was willing to pay someone else to work on my bike, my Atlantis might be built already!

[Garth]

Vegas Mobile Bike Repair !

[Deacon Patrick]

Och! The misery! Now you’ll get to learn what riding a bike does for the calmness of your soul. When I’m grumpy, my wife and daughter tell me in unison how much I need a bike ride. Grin.

You’ve hit on the very thing that got me into doing my own wrenching despite the various challenges I have with it for me bludgeoned brain. It’s been wonderful, expanding, healing, frustrating, humbling, frustrating. My wife gave me an amazing medal of Saint Joseph the Carpenter, and it is in my shop, reminding me to make it all a prayer even when the swearing wants to start. The inanimate are in collusion and are not cooperative. Oh. Wait. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast, and they always cooperate with what they do and never with what they don’t, so it’s my ignorance making me frustrated, and heaven know’s I’ve a LOT of THAT! Grin. I’ve worked up to doing nearly everything myself, but that took a few years.

If you want to stay with the shop and not learn, a few simple things may help keep you with a bike:

- stagger the bikes going in, ensuring one is always ridable. Toward that end:
- learn to change a tube and tire.
- In the event of both bikes being down, can one be prioritized and picked up sooner?

Oh, how much more you’ll appreciate the ride when you get back to it! Grin.

With abandon,
Patrick

[Abcyclehank]

Leah,
Even your personal bicycle 🚲 tragedies are a joy to read for us in your brilliant prose.
As a retired educator, I am curious whether this is credited more to your formal education or your immense love of 📖.
Regardless it is gift to us even if my heart aches for you and your family’s temporary lost of well used and much loved rides!
For future reference bike shops sometime shuffle their queue through the bartering business(usually beer). Check ids before breaking any Nevada liquor laws. For underage wrenchers food is a great bribery tool also!
Sincerely,
Ryan Hankinson
West Michigan

[KC]

Beer likely would at least get the flat tire addressed quickly.

The other very easy solution is to buy a Brompton (or Tern or probably any other folding bike) that will take little room in the garage and magically seems to adjust to fit any size rider quite nicely. Then you are always prepared and have a loaner ready for company too. Sounds like you probably need 2 to be safe.

[Leah Peterson]

Oh Ryan, you think of me with a lot of generosity. I was a great disappointment to my high school English teacher when I forsook her hopes of my journalism career in favor of a nursing career. I think I love and am energized by people even more than I am by a good book, so I got a bachelor’s in nursing and minored in psych. Now we know I should have minored in bicycle maintenance, but alas...

You bribery ideas are good ones! I will bake and bring a hot loaf of sourdough, which is surely not against any laws!!!!

Sent from my iPad

[in Dallas nick]

Abcyclehank wrote,

"Leah,

Even your personal bicycle 🚲 tragedies are a joy to read for us in your brilliant prose.   "

I agree with Ryan.

It's fun to read your posts with all sorts of twists and turns and a different  perspective to make them interesting.

Perhaps novelist could be a future pursuit.

Something about  your  writing reminds me of Grant's  writing.

Ha! Perhaps the influence of riding  a 'magical' Riv bike factors in.

The idea of a mobile  bike mechanic is not a bad idea and also  asking the owner of the shop to repair just the flat sooner.

It might pay dividends  to seek out a local cycling club and occasionally participate.

If you get to know some of them I expect a few with wrenching skills would be happy to assist on minor fixes occasionally.

I know I find it satisfying to help out a fellow cyclist to get rolling again.

I hope it works out soon so you all can get pedaling again.

Paul in Dallas

[Kent Peterson -- Eugene, Oregon]

Bike Friday makes a non-folding, adjustable size bike that is mostly sold in fleets to schools. However, individuals can buy just one bike if they desire. (Disclaimer, I work as a service mechanic at Bike Friday.)

The bike is a great choice for a family with growing kids or to have as a loaner bike. It's called the OSATA and it's made right here in Eugene, Oregon. OSATA is an acronym for "One Size Adjusts To All".

https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-bikes/product/bike-friday-osata-fleet-bike

Kent Peterson
Eugene, Oregon

[Joe Bernard]

Y'all make good points about the flat, she shouldn't be waiting 'til Thursday for that. But she mentioned a full list given to the mechanic, I suspect the HotRock is getting more work done.

[Patrick Moore]

Leah: When bicycle emergencies strike, this is the man you need to call:

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2oxx9j

He also provides lumberjack services.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

--

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Still 'round the corner there may wait
A new road or a secret gate,
And though we pass them by today,
Tomorrow we may come this way
And take the hidden paths that run
Towards the Moon or to the Sun.

                                --- J.R.R. Tolkien

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Resumes, LinkedIn profiles, bios, and letters that get interviews

By-the-hour resume and LinkedIn coaching

Other professional writing services

Expensive! But good.

http://www.resumespecialties.com/

Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique

[Leah Peterson]

Joe is correct! Baby Bear’s bike needed attention. Picture this: you are biking downhill, sailing onto campus in lovely spring weather. Masses of parents and children, half-awake and somber are making their way to the school grounds. On the last leg of the ride, you apply your brakes and EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everybody’s awake now! Baby Bear’s brakes have seen to it!

Also there was a rear brake cable that looked about shredded, and then I decided to just tune the whole thing up.

Sent from my iPad

> On Mar 24, 2019, at 11:02 AM, Joe Bernard <joer...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Y'all make good points about the flat, she shouldn't be waiting 'til Thursday for that. But she mentioned a full list given to the mechanic, I suspect the HotRock is getting more work done.
>

[Leah Peterson]

Well, all is not lost. I have taken over the Clem H and it is now officially mine. And with the addition of my husband’s e-bike, we can both ride, even with the Betz in the shop.

We rode to a neighboring community that has a vibrant network of parks and a little coffee shop. #TheClemRider was at basketball practice so we spied on him for a bit and then rode to the coffee shop for a smoothie. We saw trees - whole TREES - full to bursting with flowers. Don’t you think that’s extravagant? There were so many adorable kids and dogs along the way. My personal fav was the little girl who was on her scooter while her dad pushed a stroller behind her. She would get so far ahead, then stop and pull out a jump rope. She would madly jump rope until her dad caught up and then she’d start scootering again. “She’s showing off,” said her dad. We saw so many folks on bikes - all kinds of bikes - and I soaked it all in. Everything is blooming and the sun warmed our bones and we had no kids with us and we really felt like we were getting away with something.

I really like the Clem but for that top tube. Why do we need top tubes? I don’t wanna get high-centered! The wonky shifting and the top tube are my only complaints. I’ve got it bagged with some feminine touches to make it more mine. You’ll see below.

We made 9 miles which is a feat with the hills here and my happiness bank is overflowing. This would have never, ever happened without the e-bike. If he can have his speaker playing music and doesn’t have to suffer up the hills here, my husband is just plain agreeable. Nine miles!!!! He can do no wrong in my sight.

I’m tempted to try to commute on the Clem even though Baby Bear is bikeless. I have the Clem rack on the rear - I figure I can strap Baby Bear to it and take him to school just fine. He’s 53 pounds; what’s the worst that could happen?!?

Now, off to relax a little bit before I leave again. My Sunday nights are spent with teenagers at youth group. I love teenagers almost as much as I love bikes. Have a great Sunday, my friends!

[Joe Bernard]

So much happy happy joy joy in this. And Leah Belle Shama Lama Ding Dong found a way to like the eChopper!!! 🙂

[Benz, Sunnyvale, CA]

Thanks for the hilarious story!

My only suggestion is to get yourself a bike-geek friend who preferably lives close by. Down the block is best, although good* bike-geeks are somewhat rare, and you may not be so lucky. Anyway, I know this is the way to go because I'm such a bike-geek to some of my friends. A bag of coffee beans and perhaps some baked goods are usually enough of a bribe to get the bike cleaned, waxed, tuned and even (cheaper) parts replaced for free, in about a day, or sooner if it's a weekend and I'm done with chores. They may have to suffer some nonsense from me about not keeping their bikes sparkling clean, but that's about it. Oh yeah, no cigarettes please.

* defined as those who had worked in bike shops before, or are nerdy enough to have accumulated the required knowledge through sheer willpower and time.

[REC (Roberta)]

I know how to change a tire (on the front)  but like you I take mine to the LBS to help support them in business the little I can.  What's really a shame is that your ride your bike every day, and they know it.  I'd bet those other bikes will get picked up within  the next weekend or two and then sit in the garage until Memorial day.  Still, I guess the only good news here is that people are wanting to ride. 

Roberta

[Leah Peterson]

Roberta, I’ve said it before: you are a remarkable woman. Had we had more time together at our last visit, I might have begged you to show me your ways so I, too, could take off a wheel!

I was in a poor mood this morning after having to drive instead of bike in lovely weather. I passed the crossing guard, who stations himself at 7:25 at the far crossing because he’s expecting the boys and me. (This is a true story - very few people are ever using the far crossing, and he waits there to be our escort. Precious.) I wanted to yell an explanation out the window, but I decided not the cause a car crash instead.

I slogged through the typical Monday drudgery (menu-planning, grocery shopping, etc) and decided as a reward, I’d take #thestolenclem for a ride after I got my chores done and before I have to pick up the boys. I was really looking forward to it, and then....the phone rang.

“Your bikes are ready to be picked up!”

Wow, such service! I’m so happy but for the fact that I will not get to ride. I will get to drive for 30 minutes, retrieve my bikes and hopefully make it back in time to get my Baby Bear and The Clem Rider. 

I’m off! I’ll be two bikes richer in an hour, folks!

Sent from my iPad

--

[REC (Roberta)]

I'm not remarkable.  Between you and me, we probably have about 1/2 of knowledge on the subject of bike mechanics.  While I wouldn't mind learning more, I'm just as happy to support my LBS. 

What IS funny, is that I never ("Well, hardly ever", for those of you who get the G&S reference) leave for a ride without wrenches and the flat fixing tools.  I've loaned those out more times than I've used them myself  to the heads-down weight obsessed bikers who won't pack emergency equipment or a pump because it weighs 4 oz.( or whatever they weigh).  I also carry my AAA card, because now they will help you if your bike breaks down.

So, onto the good news!  That is excellent and I bet L will be so happy to have his bike returned so soon and in perfect riding condition!  What a nice after school surprise.

Here's my guess--the owner of the store went out of his way to get them done as soon as possible because it was you.  Give a little, get a lot.

Roberta

[Joe Bernard]

Now see, Leah, if I lived nearby you could bring your bikes to me and have them back in a month!*

*inside joke about how long it's taking me to assemble a bike that was delivered to me partially assembled

[Leah Peterson]

But it would be just right! 😂

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 25, 2019, at 3:11 PM, Joe Bernard <joer...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Now see, Leah, if I lived nearby you could bring your bikes to me and have them back in a month!*
>
> *inside joke about how long it's taking me to assemble a bike that was delivered to me partially assembled
>

[Abcyclehank]

Leah,
Great story as usual; happy ending even if you lost out on a ride on the #stolenclemneglectedforebikejoyandawinwinforpartnerridingnow
+1 for supporting your LBS even I support mine still after taking 2 bike mechanic courses through the winter months.
Ask your LBS whether they will host a ladies one with wine 🍷 and wrenching 🔧.

Roberta,
The AAA bike assistance fact is something all riders who prefer riding to wrenching should be knowledgeable about.
Thanks for sharing.

Sincerely,
Ryan “jealous non bicycle belle” Hankinson
West Michigan

[Leah Peterson]

Well, where should I begin?

Overjoyed at the quick turnaround, I picked up my bikes on Monday. I made big plans to do a big ride into town and run every errand by bike. The ride home is ALL ascent. I had parked my vehicle with the bike rack on it in a parking lot and was making my way to it when suddenly that darn front derailleur began acting up. I fiddled with it, making it worse, until a plastic thing fell off into my hands. The little collar that holds it up against the frame had come off. The ONLY descent was into that parking lot, so I coasted to the van. I called the LBS (“Craziest thing just happened!”)and they told me to bring the bike and the pieces back.

Today I took the broken (again) Betz and also tossed the Clem (whose brakes needed attention) on the rack as well. The shop graciously fixed my Betz and I asked if there was time for the Clem or if I should leave it there. They fixed it on the spot. I was happy but in a hurry to get the boys form school, so I paid double what they charged for the Clem and took off.

Well. I got the bikes home, finally had time to inspect them, and the front brake is WAY too tight on the Clem AND THE FRONT DERAILLEUR IS NO LONGER WORKING. On the Clem. Not the Betz. And I paid double because I felt it was kind of them to fit the Clem in.

I know I should call. I know I should take it back, but it’s such a long drive and I think I’m just done. I called REI and will take it there instead. So bummed. Meanwhile, I’m on YouTube trying to figure out how to fix derailleur - is this the nudge I needed to get myself a bike mechanic education?????

PS The ride I did yesterday was lovely, as evidenced by these photos; more of which can be seen on my Instagram...

[Deacon Patrick]

Aaaaaaand that’s one of the challenges with modern bike shops. It is hard to find one that just gets the job done right the first time. I’d suggest you talk with the owner, letting him know so he has the option of making things right. Far better to have held the bikes longer and done the job right the first time. Whoever the mechanic was both times should be shown what they did wrong and helped to learn how to do it right. You’re describing pretty basic things a good mechanic would have gotten right.

Second, mechanics of Rivendell bikes are not that hard. If you are comfortable sitting on the floor or squatting, you really don’t even need a repair stand. I followed the “learn as I go method” as jobs required. I bought the tools that job required and that helped spread out the overwhelming nature of the whole thing, and was easier on the budget. Grin. Derailures still baffle me, and perhaps always will. Learn what you can, knowing you can always fall back on your LBS if needed.

With abandon,
Patrick

[Kent Peterson -- Eugene, Oregon]

Speaking as a mechanic, one thing that we see a lot of is people taking a perfectly working bike, putting it in a car or on a rack, getting it home and then it is no longer working. Often it is a cable housing that has has been nudged or knocked out of a cable stop but there are a range of things that could have happened.

I'm not saying that this is what happened here, but it is a possibility.

Kent Peterson
Eugene, Oregon

[Leah Peterson]

Kent - Yes! So true - I think I’ve actually done this before. But I am a crackerjack bike-rack operator on the two I own, and I think I can absolve myself from rack mistakes now. Also, they are tray types and don’t much interfere with anything. At least I think. Hey, why don’t any of you folks live in Vegas so we would know for sure?!?



Sent from my iPad

[Joe Bernard]

I'm seriously about ready for a Vegas vacation.

"Welcome to Las Vegas, sir, what are you here for? The shows? The casinos?"

"No ma'am, I'm on business. Leah's bikes."

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Haha, Joe. An intervention...it’s come to this!

I’m gonna take the Clem to get the super-sonic-wooper-dooper cleaning job REI offers, so not a total loss. The Clem’s rightful owner didn’t put many miles on it, but it’s from 2015 or 2016, so probably time to get it cleaned and frame-savered and tuned up. Especially because it’s mine now. I rightfully stole it, so it’s rightfully mine and I have standards.

I’ve done a lot of mental gymnastics to find this “bright side” - and if something breaks on the Betz tomorrow and I’m bikeless again I will be beyond consolation. Or finagling a way to fit on the #littlesilverclem. Don’t think I won’t do it.

[Garth]

    

Try A Vegas Mobile Bike repair !  Apparently, they'll come to your home and work while you are present , get it ?   Be curious about what they are doing and you just may get some curiously helpful hints on adjusting whatever .

There are 3 to choose from ..... 

https://www.yelp.com/biz/las-vegas-mobile-bike-repair-las-vegas

https://www.yelp.com/biz/mcgs-rollin-workshop-henderson-6

https://www.yelp.com/biz/velofix-las-vegas-5?osq=velofix

[REC (Roberta)]

First, I typed this above: "Between you and me, we probably have about 1/2 of knowledge on the subject of bike mechanics.  " but I meant to type this: "Between you and me, we probably have about 1/2 hour of knowledge on the subject of bike mechanics. "

The pictures are lovely and I'm glad you got in some riding before everything broke again.  I don't recall seeing so much green around you area (I guess I need to look around more, but it's such a driving-to-everywhere place), but I like the way your city is planned for open spaces.  I guess as independent women, even though we prefer to support our LBS (and yours isn't very local), we need to know how to do some on-the-spot fixing.   There are lots of videos on YouTube and I think I've also viewed some on the Riv site and on the Handsome Cycles site. 

I hope your bikes are doing well after some work at REI.  I hope you do speak with the LBS, because they need to know if things aren't done correctly.

Roberta

[Joe Bernard]

I very much agree about letting the LBS know they're about to lose repair/maintenance business. Someone needs to be checking the work before the customer shows up, this experience with Leah is unacceptable.

[Leah Peterson]

Roberta, I wondered how you could have come up with that equation - hahaha. Yes, 1/2 HOUR is more accurate! 

I took the Clem in for an intensive spa treatment today. For $125, you get a deep cleaning, wheel truing, brake fix/adjustment, framesaver treatment (I requested this), the derailleur fixed, and all the bits lubed and tightened. Done. Take my money. 

Guess what I saw on the way out?! 

Sent from my iPad

--

[Joe Bernard]

My guess is you're doing Rock Climbing Basics 😁

[ascpgh]

I was about to say announcements for bike maintenance clinics, for women hopefully.

Men address problems differently and behave differently when problem solving in an all male setting. Having taught those clinics I can say that an audience of all women, they get the key points better, faster, with quicker comprehension than in mixed clinics.

That same difference creeps into service departments and interpretation of issues in need of repair unfortunately (I see the same in diagnostic approach at work and am stunned that such gender related approaches got through all the classroom training, clinical experience and practice).

Andy Cheatham
Pittsburgh

[George Schick]

Andy - I see your points and agree with them - to a certain extent.  Male or female, you'll be far better off it you can be well versed enough in all of the things that make a bike work, how they fit together, and what they're called when you take it in for repair and maintenance.  This works for automobiles, too.  When a mechanic or shop manager gets the impression that you know what you're talking about and can point to a specific problem, they'll be less likely to disregard your complaints and more likely to fix it.  And with all of the resources available on the Web nowadays in the form of everything from specific forums (like this one) to how-to YouTube videos there is no reason why anyone can't get up to speed easily.

Case in point: A few years ago my son and his family flew from where he lives in Colorado to Indianapolis to visit his mother, borrowed her car, and drove the couple of hundred miles up to see me in NE Illinois.  When he pulled into the driveway he told me that he was having a hard time with braking and that he noticed a high-pitched squeal coming from the engine compartment.  He said that his mother told him that she'd taken it in to the dealer numerous times to complain about the braking problem, but they always told her they couldn't find anything wrong.  I took a look/listen under the hood, saw/heard that the squeal was coming from the vacuum assist booster behind the brake master cylinder.  Armed with this info, I jumped onto the Web using search criteria containing the specific make, model, year, and symptoms of the car and within ten minutes I found a service bulletin explaining that one of the manufacturer's suppliers, the one who made the brake booster, had a known issue with a tear that develops in the rubber diaphragm inside the booster causing the squeal and difficult braking.  Printed service bulletin in hand, I shipped him off to the nearest dealer and by the end of the day it had been replaced and the car was braking normally.

Bicycles may be less complicated than automobiles, but the customer-LBS interactions are similar.  One can find plenty of videos showing how to diagnose problems and conduct proper repairs.  Park Tool Co. has probably one of the most comprehensive websites with plenty of videos showing how to use their products to maintain and/or repair bikes.  Learn to speak the wrench's language and demonstrate to him that you know what your talking about and you'll be richer for it. 

[Ryan Mallory Fleming]

I agree with Roberta and Joe about calling the LBS on it. And I know, dear Bicycle Belle that you won't be a harpy .. You are too articulate and kind to be like that. And the BBITW would blush with shame..I am sure the LBS will do the right thing.by you as I'm sure you are a good customer. they would be sorry to lose. It's a crazy time for bike shops in spring

Ryan in Winnipeg

[Leah Peterson]

Thanks Ryan in Winnipeg, I know you offer sage advice and that I should chat with the shop one more time. I just can’t bring myself to do it a second time. The owner is just SO nice, and they are slammed with work right now. I suppose the thing that tips me over is that he wheeled my bike in and raved about what a lovely thing it was for several minutes. The guy deals Giant, but he told me he has referred several clients to Rivendell because the bikes are so superior. He tells them the Rivendells will make you happy forever, and he’s right. I can’t help but be a little won over, and I know that I am being ridiculous. I’ll still go to his shop in the future but I’ll be checking every inch of the bike when it comes back to me.

Thanks for your kind words and a nudge in the right direction (though I’m mulishly going off the trails). 

George and Andy: yes, my preference is to take flat and repairs classes with other women. Much less intimidating when starting from ZERO wrenching knowledge. Hoping there are true novices in the room who won’t roll their eyes when I ask the most basic questions, ha.

Sent from my iPad

--

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Friends!

I’m at REI but I can’t get my Clem back because the tech is in love with it and out riding somewhere!

He expressed all sorts of interest in it and had never heard of Riv, so we chatted while he put the finishing touches on it and he is ALL KINDS OF EXCITED. Keeps saying, “I really like this bike. Now THIS is a cool bike. I saw it on the rack and the paint and the cork grips caught my attention. I’m going to check it out online and I think this is going to be expensive for me.”

Update: He’s back and said “This bike rides BEAUTIFULLY!”

See? This is why it all happened this way!

[Leah Peterson]

He loves it. He’s getting one - if not now, he says for sure later!

Sent from my iPhone

[Joe Bernard]

Nice work, Leah!

[REC (Roberta)]

Excellent!  Before you know it, you might have lots of Riv friends to ride around with.  :)

Remember, Clem H's won't be restocked, so if he's serious, he should look at their website before it's too late.

Roberta

On Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at 2:42:49 PM UTC-4, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

He loves it. He’s getting one - if not now, he says for sure later!

Sent from my iPhone

> On Apr 3, 2019, at 11:31 AM, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Friends!
>
> I’m at REI but I can’t get my Clem back because the tech is in love with it and out riding somewhere!
>
> He expressed all sorts of interest in it and had never heard of Riv, so we chatted while he put the finishing touches on it and he is ALL KINDS OF EXCITED. Keeps saying, “I really like this bike. Now THIS is a cool bike. I saw it on the rack and the paint and the cork grips caught my attention. I’m going to check it out online and I think this is going to be expensive for me.”
>
> Update: He’s back and said “This bike rides BEAUTIFULLY!”
>
> See? This is why it all happened this way!
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/_q8IKx_TGss/unsubscribe.

> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.