Express Bike Shop

“The importance of regularly replacing and properly adjusting brake pads should never be under-valued…  Those “squeaks” and “thuds” (and especially those scraping or grinding noises) should always be investigated promptly!”

In further detail-

The side-wall of this lovely specimen broke in half while being ridden… Fortunately, the rider in question was able to return safely home (and pick up an inexpensive used wheel here @ Express).  And you betcha we talked him in to replacing those brake pads, especially in light of the fact that the far side of the rim (not visible in picture) is in great shape.

Older, worn and incorrectly adjusted brake pads can tear at, snag, or seize up on rims- they can even pick up shards of the rim and drag them across other areas of the rim.  Very serious business!

It’s important to check the surface of your brake pads (especially if they’re making noises) regularly.  If you see any cracks, metal shards or an “L” shaped profile- it’s probably time to replace!  (If you choose to DIY, remember that their are 9 planes of alignment to be taken in to consideration when installing your own brake pads… so do your research first!)

And!  For you winter riders- please remember that the amount of salt, sand and other debris on the roads in the snowier months can exacerbate wear and tear on brake pads!

kimjongillookingatthings:

looking at dmitry medvedev

Favorite!

Check Out this “tite” Vintage Diamond Back BMX bike. Perfect for BMX collectors and Blue Anodized Aluminum Enthusiasts (BAAEs) As-Is: $200

…We got a lot of bikes in all at once that day…

“No comment.”  (It’s a little hard to see, but yes: it is what you’re afraid it might be.)

This strange bird came in on a 1994 Univega Alpina S7.7…  A Concept linkage fork!

1” threadless steer tube and some really unique, easy to work on, break-boss mounts (which, sadly, you can’t see in the picture).

It’s still in good shape, but sadly is from a bi-gone era, wherein holding a suspension fork together with cir-clips instead of bolts was considered acceptable… (No real concern for riding the roads, but I wouldn’t take this one out on the trails.)

And this- this is excellent.

Bicyclists, especially in groups, have always reminded me of schools of sharks (also called a “collage of sharks”, “a grind of sharks” or “a shiver of sharks”).

Yes, it’s true.  Pictures of underwater fauna make me want to ride my bike.

-WR

Another gem… Anyone for birdseed?

Sometimes, when things break… they really, really break.

Bike Of The Week!

Vintage steel Araya “T350” complete with brake bosses, solid clearance for knobby tires & 700c wheels- this could be a great commuter or an inexpensive introduction into cyclocross… try it and maybe you’ll like it!  Currently has Continental Ultra Sport tires, for extra flat protection… all for only $275!  And that’s a 56cm frame, folks!