I would disagree on the dollar having that much if any effect on them closing.

If you are a bike store and you're just relying on retail product sales to sustain your business, you will be doomed.

You NEED to be servicing/maintaining customers bikes. That's where you make money. In an ideal state you want your service absorption rate high (i.e.// the money you make in service covers the expenses of your other departments [sales, wages, rent etc].

Strada is open 5 days a week, from 12-5pm. They are open for 25 hours per week. It's a part time business. It's obvious that this is not the owners bread and butter, it's a hobby business for them.

Hate to see any business fail but it seemed inevitable with their business model.

FYI Bicicletta will no longer carry Rapha going forward, current stock up to 50% off

Who knows, thin margins is one thing, and possibly lack of sales is another reason. I don't know how many high end bikes one needs, but I think the average guy wouldn't be buying more than 1 or 2 bikes there. Just imo.
You do not have the oldest/poorest/cheapest bike, your CAAD10 is generations ahead of mine. So, how about you pity me and donate it to me? =P

WUT

Why?

Anyone have thoughts on state bicycle black label? I hear good things about its smoothness and relative carefree riding it give (cheap and you can beat on it). Then there are people who give no reason why they'll never touch one.

Every forum I've been to trashes on every fixed gear, langster had it's sloping top tube, state cycle everyone says you can builf something better like a kilo TT, people say capos are garbage, wtf.

So I'm hoping someone can shed some light on this if you've had experience with it. All i care about is whether they are known to have quality issues like alignment and shit breaking. I checked the geometry and seems pretty reasonable. As long as the frame stays true and nothing snaps with some torquing to the cranks, I think I'll finally get one to replace my stolen langster.

Thanks in advance!

Recommendations on pedals to buy, that is a decent price? Looking for something basic. The ones that came with my bike have the toe cage thing and straps, but I would prefer just a normal symmetrical pedal.

Rapha is no longer having a dealer network. They've pulled out of all LBS around the world to focus on online sales and Rapha Cycle Clubs.

It makes sense for consumers anyways. I always end up "show rooming" the shops and then buying online bc lbs can't provide you with the same warranty and repair that buying direct provides you.

Sizing is also no issue, I always buy things in multiple sizes and colors online, and return what I don't want to keep via free DHL express. Refunds happen within 10 days so it's win win.

I think the kilo tt gets a decent rap because you know you're getting a certain quality in frame/parts (reynolds steel, low-end but not a no-name cranks). I don't know much about state bicycle, but i would stay away if they're using non branded made in china parts. I've had two friends who bought bikes off one of those "customize your colours/parts" sites (Redbike or some shit?) and they literally stripped their cogs over one summer. One guy had his fuck up mid skid too lol

full disclosure, i've got a kilo tt haha

Actually, the parts it comes with are pretty decent and even the cranks that it comes with is made by Sram. I intend to swap the crank, chain and rear cog anyways with what is left of my stolen bike. I plan to pick up the entire bike instead of the frame only since it's the easiest way to get a ssfg rolling again. Don't want to source out stems and bars and seat posts etc.

http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/...5_170807_1.jpg

http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/...125_170615.jpg

Bought some new stuff on sale. Interface feels really nice with a bit of tension adjustment.

Does anyone use a power meter here? I have been debating on my next purchase: a power meter or a new set of wheels, but I'm more inclined to go with a power meter to focus on power based training and forming good habits.

Power meter if you really want to improve in cycling, wheels if you wanna look bling like the rest :P

I chose wheels unfortunately because snob :(

Just depends on your goals.

Garmin vector 2s single side for $899CAD on probikekit. Power2max is about the same (the dealer is local, and will install it free with purchase for you, but its crank based so u cant easily swap onto other bikes).

I was looking at the Powertap P1 pedals due to the ease of installation, but I couldn't find anything lower than $1,079.10 USD.

That's a great deal for the Power2max at $899CDN. And since I only have one bike that wouldn't be much of an issue. Which LBS offers that promotion?

The local reps name is Michael Wegner, contact info can be found on Contact | power2max North America or you can also find him and msg him through Facebook.

From what I understand, it's not done through an LBS... But he's a reputable guy in the community, and a "sponsor" of Escape Velocity (that's how I was told about him).

Price is $640USD which converts to about $899CAD.

MEC looks like they'll be carrying the updated Stages G2 in a variety of NDS arms if you're interested in single-sided power.

I would say powermeter over wheels. Single best cycling purchase I've ever made.

Has anyone looked at Biciletta stock on Rapha stuff? Is it all oversized items? Anything decent?

To add my own 2 cents. I'd go with a nice wheelset first over power. Power isn't really necessary unless you're training competitively (IMO), or if you're just a data geek. A wheelset will have a larger performance benefit and as 604cefiro said, will look better. That being said, a nice wheelset isn't cheap and power would be the more affordable option if you have the itch.

FYI - P2M prices are USD with the cheapest crankset FSA at $630USD without rings.

Just left Bici

Tons of sizes left. Good selection

Whoa...Dave Mirra dead from an apparent suicide.

X Games icon Dave Mirra dead at 41 of apparent suicide in Greenville, North Carolina

I remember watching him do crazy tricks with his bike during X Games when I was growing up

He made me want to ride a bike when I was a kid/teen. He was successfully transitioning into triathlon too. Very sad.

Does anyone have a square taper bottom bracket removal tool i can borrow?

I'll have to check when I get home, but otherwise, I'm positive you can get one from the Tool Library off Victoria Drive in East Van if you need it quickly.

Happy Chinese New Year! Since I really don't entirely know what that means. I'm calling this one, the year of the bicycle! Told my brother in law i'll join his team for the Tour de Victoria (They are Firefigthers, everything has to be a team, ha) and picked up a "Ghost AMR plus 5900" mountain bike yesterday. Cheers to no broken bones for 2016!!

Oh! Awesome, I did not know something like that existed, but it'll be the weekend before I can do anything to the bike. I pulled the trigger on a state black label wondering how bad it could be as a commuter. Worst decision.