Protecting Your Brain Cells

Hi! My name is Caitlin and I am one of the lucky recipients of a free entry to the Chicago Lifetime Sprint Triathlon courtesy of this here awesome bike shop.  My sister is too! Check out her post about Triathlons below. But now, how about a story?

It was a misty, cool day in October when I was riding my bike on the lakefront trail to get to a Neuroscience conference at McCormick Place.  Suddenly, there was a large group of walkers blocking the path without an easy way to get around them (groannnnn). BUT being the awesome lakefront biker that I am, I tried to pull a quick move to the right, across the grass to a nearby path that would take me straight to the conference center. I made it about 4 feet – to the ground. Turns out there was a one-inch ledge between the path and the grass that I didn’t see that prevented a smooth transition. I probably got a concussion that day, but fortunately I was wearing my helmet so my head did not crack open (yay!).

Here are some things you might not know about concussions:

•  Concussions are caused by any sort of jolt or blow to the head and usually do not cause the person to lose consciousness.
• Brain cells are special. They do not regenerate quickly and therefore concussions should not be treated just like bruises to another part of the body. At least 2 weeks of rest is needed for a full recovery.
• If you get one concussion, you are at an increased risk of getting another. So if you suspect a concussion, make sure to REST and avoid anything that might cause another concussion for at least 2 weeks while your slow brain cells heal.
• Symptoms of concussions are different for everyone – from slight “fuzziness” without pain to noticeable confusion and headache. They can slow your reaction times or sense of balance.
• If you suspect a serious concussion, head to the Emergency Room. They may just give you some meds and tell you to rest and they may decide it's more serious, so it is good to go get their expert opinion.  

I’ve always been a fan of helmets, but now that I'm getting my Masters of Nursing and have seen what can happen when you're NOT wearing one, I think I can call myself a true Helmet Cheerleader. While helmets can’t completely prevent concussions, they can help prevent serious brain injury, fractures to the skull and gashes to the head - and even save your life. I was pretty sure I was one of the safest bikers in Chicago, and mine still was put to good use.

Convinced that you need one? Great! Here’s how to wear it so it will protect your brain:

Like this:

NOT this:

The Village Cycle Center has a huge variety of helmets to choose from. Go in and get one today – your brain cells will thank you. 

Find more information at:

Village Cycle Center

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

How To Buy A Used Bicycle

Lookin' fer a "new to ye" used bike can be a dauntin' task, especially if ye be not to familiar wit' bikes, th' components on them, how to judge wear & tear, 'n how much needed repairs 'n replacement parts gunna cost . 

Fer them 'o ye who fit in that boat, ye be in luck, fer I have sailed th' seven seven seas, 'n I be goin' to be spewin' forth knowledge, as I cap'n ye along in 'tis quest. rarrrg. 

A bike be a bike, right? Not so much. No used bikes be ever th' same. 

Used bike check list

A rusty frame isn't going to last long.

• Frame - Clean, free from dents, dings, and rust. You also want to look down the center of the bike to make sure the frame is straight. You really can't be 100% sure on frame alignment without a gauge, but at least eyeball it. Carbon frames require a different test, it is done by sound. You tap on the frame with your knuckle, and listen for buzzing sounds when you knock on it. A buzzing sound can be a sign of a crack.

Check tires for wear.

• Fork - Steel - Not bent. Carbon - No impacts and free of serious scratches or gouges.
• Wheels - Check spoke tension. Make sure the rims are straight. Look at the spoke head/nipples for signs of wear or pull through.
• Tires - Look for cuts, holes, and wear. Check the side walls as well for dry rot, cracking and fraying.
• Brake system - Check pad wear. Cable actuated systems, check cables for wear or broken ends. Hydraulic systems - when was the last brake bleed? Most systems require an annual system bleed.
• Shifting system -Give both shifters a good run through, shifters do wear out, so check to make sure everything is still clicking in there.
• Drivetrain - Is it clean? How much wear is there? Rusty chains, stiff links? Cycle the pedals backwards, if the rear derailleur hops check that section of chain for damage. Firmly grasp the crank arms and give them a shake, check for play, there should be none. Look at the cassette and chainrings for excessive wear, if present,  you'll notice a narrowing of the teeth, or the absence of a couple. Like a hobo's friendly smile.
• Handlebars -Cracks or bends?
• Grips / Bar tape -Rips, tears, sticky?
• Stem -Check the face plate bolts and stem bolts holes for wear or cracks from being over tightened. Most stem bolts only require 5-6 nm of torque, and most people go far past that.
• Seat post- Check for cracks, especially carbon near the seat collar. Also check the bolts and plates that hold the saddle on for sign of stress. The seat post bolt is another commonly over tightened bolt.
• Saddle - Saddles last about 5 years before they lose support. Check for wear and under the saddle to see if the cover is peeling off.



Check the underside of the bar tape too.



Frayed cables will need to be replaced when adjustments are needed.

• Pedals - Are the spindles bent? Pedals with bent spindles can be a sign of an abused bike. It takes quite a load to bend the spindle of the pedal.

Don't forget to maiden voyage ride th' bike before ye shovel out ye doubloons fer it. But before ye ride th' bike, make sure th' brakes set the sails, 'n th' wheels, pedals, 'n handle bars be tight. While ye ride th' bike, shift through all th' gears, maiden voyage th' brakes, 'n listen fer strange noises. If somethin' seems out 'o place, ask 'bout it. It be better to ask questions then get stuck wit' a lemon.

Some things to consider about used bikes.

• No manufactures warranty. No matter what Mr or Miss bike seller says, the manufactures warranty does not transfer with ownership. It is valid to the original owner, with the original sales receipt only. This point alone makes any bike worth much less used than new. For example the limited lifetime warranty that comes on Trek frames, and the one year warranty on the parts is not transferable. New Trek bikes also have an optional Red Shield wear and tear warranty for a 3 or 5 year period, however, this product is transferable for a fee.
• Previous owners. Who rode this bike? How often? Did the owner take care of it? Is it cursed? These questions play a factor in the the value of the bike.  Was the owner hard on the bike? Are the pedal spindles bent from jumping stuff? Not only does abuse on the bike wear out parts, but riding a bike harder than it is designed for can also cause premature cracks to form and bikes can break.
• Wear and tear on the bike. Bikes with regular use require maintenance and new parts, if the parts have not been replaced recently, you can almost guarantee, you will be doing it soon.
• No return policy. You don't like the ride? Bike the wrong size? A total lemon? Too bad, it's yours. New bike shops usually have a return policy. Village Cycle Center allows for 7 days 100% cash back, or 30 days to exchange.

Ye got yourself a new to ye used bike 'n now ye want to get some stuff fixed up or even just changed to fit ye better. Here be a list 'o repairs, bar wraps, flat fixes 'n more, 'n th' cost associated. These prices vary, 'n in order to be tellin' ye exactly what may need to be done, th' bike shop gunna have to spy wit' ye eye ye bike.


What bicycle repairs cost. (These prices be based off 'o Village Cycle Center's Service Menu. Labor charges vary dependin' on city 'n shop.)

Adjustments & Services

Tune-Up - $90 (There is a coupon for $20 off)
Wheel True - $15-$25
Replace Spoke - $20 + spoke(s)
Adjust Brake - $15
Adjust Derailure - $15
Wipe & Lube - $30
Flat Fix - $18 (includes tube)
Bleed Disc Brake - $30 each / $50 set

List of Service & Tune Up Packages
List of Misc Labor Rates
Bike Suspension Service Intervals

New Parts

Box of chains.

Chains - $13.99 - $80.00 + $5 labor
Cassette/Freewheels - $20 - $80 + $5 labor
Tires - $20 - $80 + $10 labor
Saddles - $20 - $300
Wheels - $60 - mucho $!
Bar Tape - $20 - $40 + $7 labor
Grips - $10 - $60
Brake Pads - $5 - $40

 

Buying a bike on the internets?

Here be a couple thin's ye be considerin' when buyin' a new bike from an online vendor.

• Who is going to build the bike? Bikes typically come the manufacturer partially assembled, and will require a full adjustment, as well as additional assembly once out of the box. It will also necessitate several specific tools and a working knowledge of bicycle mechanics.  If you are not capable, anticipate having to pay a bike shop to build it for you. Rates for new bike builds are around $100 and up.
• If there is a warranty issue with the bike, who can you take it to? If your online dealer has no retail location, you may have a bit of problem with a warranty claim on your bike.
• Make sure you get the correct size. It is a giant pain in the butt to return/exchange bikes purchases online, and very costly to have a bike re boxed and shipped for exchange.

All in all, be a used bike worth it? Some be, 'n some be not. If someone be sellin' their barnacle-covered bike thar be a reason fer it. Sometimes people just want a new bike, some be broke 'n need th' doubloons (ye get deals from them folks), they may have out grown th' barnacle-covered bike, or it be simply the hour fer a change. But other times th' cost 'o th' repairs needed on a bike gets to th' point whar it be dump th' barnacle-covered one 'n get a new bike the hour. So ye becareful not to buy someones doubloons pit from them. 

Be vigilante as ye sail th' seven seas 'o used bike sales, 'n wit' a keen eye, 'n some patience, ye gunna score ye own bike lovely booty.

Another thin' ye keep in mind, be, parrots rock.

Top 10 Reasons To Do A Triathlon

This blog has moved to: http://blog.villagecycle.com/2012/07/top-10-reasons-to-do-a-triathlon/

Top ten reasons to do a triathlon

Or, why in the world am I working out when it’s so crazy hot out?

On Sunday August 26, 2012 I’m planning on doing the Life Time Chicago sprint distance triathlon (that's a .47 mile swim, 13.64 mile bike, 3.1 mile run). Given the sweaty weather that’s settled in Chicago (thanks climate change!), I’ve been thinking about why I decided to do this triathlon and, in turn, why others I know have decided it’s a good idea to work out in the summer heat. I asked six of my triathlon-accomplished friends why they had decided to do their first triathlons and this is what they said – both their serious as my soul answers, and the ones that aimed to get a laugh.

 

Top Ten Reasons to do a Triathlon:

 
10.  You thrive on being one step away from dehydration: Triathlon training in Chicago can mean running, biking, swimming and “strength training” to the tune of 3-10 hours a week (more or less). Unless you’re able to get up with the sun every morning, this may mean that you can be seen on the lake front path after work resembling something like a gasping beet. So if your day-to-day life does not include enough near death experiences, you can build one in: triathlon training in the Chicago heat.

9. You need something to brag about at work: While in the work elevator, you suddenly find yourself non-chalantly saying, “oh yeah, you know the lake is really cold this time of year, I did swim like a million miles this morning for my TRIATHLON training, oh, did I tell you I’m doing a TRIATHLON?” Do they need to know it’s only a sprint distance, which is no Ironman (2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bike and a marathon 26.2-mile (42.2 km) run) and that the training is actually not that much time? No.

8. Because your sister is doing one. My sister Mary and I trained and did our first triathlon together. Now, six years later, we’re doing another one, this time with one of our other sisters, Caitlin.  Even though all three of us live in different states, we can talk about training and provides both camaraderie as well as a little healthy competition.

7. You’re going through a mid-life crisis: Apparently for some, who will remain nameless, this can come (came) as early as age 30. Triathlons provide an achievable goals; it give you a chance to excel in things you’re good at while challenging you in areas you’re not. And, it’s much cheaper than a fancy car (and it can give you an excuse to get a souped up bike).

6. You’re preparing for peak oil: Despite Washington’s inability to tackle issues like climate change and the impending scarcity of fossil fuels, you understand that at some point, the way we get around is going to have to fundamentally change. So, you say, I could buy some land, learn to farm, and start building simple machines, OR I could learn to swim, run, and bike in case I need to make a quick getaway to Canada to get out of the heat.

5. You won your entry fee from Village Cycle because you got some fools on Facebook to like your picture. That’s me.

4. You want to learn how to run/swim/or long distance bike. A triathlon will teach you how to do all of those and it helps work a variety of muscles so that you’re less prone to injuries.

3. You need motivation to work out: Maybe when it’s literally a hundred degrees out you don’t usually say to yourself, “why, I should run four miles and then swim one just for the heck of it”. Triathlon training programs are generally 6-12 weeks long and give you a range of exercises, which helps you not get bored with them.

2. You want to know what it feels like to finish one: Did you grow up watching the Olympics and assume that some day you would win a silver metal? (that’s right, I was realistic enough to know I wouldn’t win the gold in gymnastics, a sport I’d never actually tried in my life) Or maybe watch a lot of the Mighty Ducks when you were little? The triathlon could be your adult version of athletic success that you always dreamed you’d have.

1. You need something to do. Triathlons and training for them will definitely give some structure to your summer as well as some tone to your limbs. It helps you challenge yourself; it’s a test of individual endurance since you race only against yourself. Sure, you may race someone on a particular leg of the race, but in the end, you’re the only one you’re really competing with.

There are about six weeks between now and the Aug 26^th sprint in case any one wants to join us!

Check out our new blog at http://blog.villagecycle.com/2012/07/top-10-reasons-to-do-a-triathlon/