Love the One You’re With

The COVID-induced bicycle shortage is widely known. In the beginning of the pandemic throngs of people discovered or re-engaged with the sport thanks to it being an outdoor alternative to day drinking or Zoom meetings. That demand was met by a parts supply chain disruption and worldwide shipping dysfunction. Stories circulated about frenzied buyers who couldn’t rattle off their credit card number fast enough over the phone to grab the last remaining model. New bike inventory sold through quickly so folks turned to the used market. Used bikes sell at top dollar and are snapped up as soon as they’re advertised. My husband sold 3 bikes in 2 days at asking price – it’s a terrific time to clean out the garage. Buyer beware, though. Older models may require component replacement, and parts such as chains and cassettes may be harder to find than the bike itself.

Love the one you’re with.

Justin, owner of Boulder Cycle Sport, informs me that some components and bikes are backordered until 2023 (that’s not a typo, I didn’t mean to write 2022). So what’s a cyclist to do? Love the one you’re with. Nurture your existing bikes with love and care, because they may be your only option for another full season.

Here are tips to extend the life of your ride:

Keep it clean, and we don’t mean your language. Dirt, gravel, and grime can shorten the life of your bottom bracket, shock, chain, and brake. Wash your bike after a wet, dusty, or muddy ride. I like Muc-off wash and Petunias get 20% off the purchase at Boulder Cycle Sport.
Service your shock. Shocks are a special unicorn and it’s best to take it to a service shop unless you know what you’re doing. Otherwise you could do more damage, nullifying the warranty. Don’t do that.
Check your brake pads. Whether you have rim or disc brakes, heavily worn pads can damage the disc or rim. If pads need replacement it’s not expensive so don’t put it off.
Avoid rookie mistakes:
- Don’t squeeze brake levers if your disc-brake tires are removed, as it’ll make the pads stick to each other. Use a shim to keep them separated.
- When lying down your bike, lay it on the non-drivetrain side. That way you won’t bend your derailleur, which may be on aforementioned supply shortages.
- This isn’t related to maintenance, but it is related to your bike’s longevity. Keep it secure. Lock your bike even when it’s on your car rack, even in your garage. Bike theft is rampant and thieves are bold so don’t make it easy on them. That discount our teammates enjoy at Boulder Cycle Sport extends to heavy duty locks.

I hope you own the bike of your dreams right now. If not, love the one you’re with. It may be a while before you have another.

Love the One You’re With

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“Bikepacking 101” clinic with Middle Coast WTF Bikepacking Collective