Wednesday 12 October 2011

14 Cool Concept Bikes

The wooden bikes featured previously are just amazing and here are some more, really cool concept bikes.


I'm currently working on my own design for a cool bike for the future - watch this space!

read more about these concept bikes...

Thursday 11 August 2011

Amazing Wooden Bike!!

A ninth-generation shipwright, Sueshiro Sano has been making exquisite wooden products since he was in elementary school. But in 2008, drawing inspiration and technique from a lifetime of shipbuilding, the woodworker produced his first bike constructed entirely of mahogany, including frame, fork, seat, seat post, handlebars/stem combination and even rims.



 Using mahogany lends flex and responsiveness in a way no metal frame can, which in turn gives riders an elevated sense of control and increases pacing possibilities. A number of Sano's prototypes have been raced professionally, excelling in both ideal and inclement weather. In the three years since starting the project, Sano has handcrafted 11 of these fully wooden bicycles, making improvements that shave the average weight of his full builds down from 11 kilograms to around eight. 

Sunday 10 July 2011

Fritwell Cycling Event 2012

And we're off...  I have begun to plan a new cycling event for Fritwell - May 2012.
I'm aiming the event at local cycling clubs and keen individuals who would enjoy taking part on a pre-determined route - it won't be a set distance (like a sportive), but it will be a timed 3 or 4 laps around Fritwell and the surrounding villages.

Open to all ages, my aim is to create a fun day for all concerned - with a BBQ, Teas & Cakes,  some cycling related stalls.  As I say, I've just started planning this - if you would like to get involved or there's something in particular you like to see at the event - please get in touch, I'd like to hear your thoughts.
Cheers!  Mark.
 

Tuesday 28 June 2011

Bike Week

Great Bike Fix Event in Bicester...
As part of Bike Week, with the aim of getting people back on their bikes - this free bike surgery held at the Youth Arts Courtyard Centre - threw up it's usual load of 'clunkers' in need of some tlc.

I managed to return 2 bikes to the road and 2 were beyond hope.  Salvation came in the form of the last bike of the day, which was a lovely Cannondale R900 Road Bike which had been left outside for only a short time and had managed to seize the brakes (the cables).  After lubricating the running gear, the front brake worked fine and I'm currently sourcing the parts to repair the rear brake.

The community police officer gave us an ultra violet pen to mark the wheels and other parts with the post code and house number of the owner.  Apparently, this really helps when bikes are recovered by getting them back to their rightful owner speedily!

Friday 3 June 2011

Bike Week


 

Britain's Biggest Bike Fix

Britain’s Biggest Bike Fix is an ambitious attempt to repair as many bikes as possible during Team Green Britain Bike Week. I am helping to inspire people to rediscover how cycling helps everyone to get fit, have fun and feel free, by including Britain’s Biggest Bike Fix in my Team Green Britain Bike Week event.

I'll be fixing Bikes at..
 
Brackley Courtyard Mews - Brackley Info Bureau - Saturday 11th June from 10am to 2pm

Bicester - Courtyard Youth Centre Saturday 26th June  - 10 til 2pm.

Bring your bike along and I will run safety checks and basic repairs. This can include fixing punctures and adjusting brakes and gears, as well as advising on potential problems and giving tips on looking after bikes.

Please note there will be no charge for running safety checks, tweaking or twiddling services. If your bike needs parts or any major work - I can give you a price and make arrangements to fix another day.

Research shows that 77% of people own a bike yet only 14% use them regularly,  so this year Team Green Britain Bike Week is encouraging people to dust down and liberate the thousands of once-loved bikes languishing in sheds around the country, by taking part in Britain’s Biggest Bike Fix.

If you own a bike, but don’t use it,  bring it along to the event, have it checked and rediscover the joy of travelling on two wheels.

See you then..  Mark

Sunday 15 May 2011

My first outing - online!

Cycling has been my passion for many years and now I've decided to make it my business.

I've just recently refurbished a Scott Elite Racing Hardtail, that had been left (for some time) in a garden.  When it came to me it had no brakes and no gears and a siezed drive-train.

I stripped it down to just the frame - cleaned and reconditioned the parts that I could save and fitted new parts where needed - all within the owners budget.

The picture illustrates the end result which is a fantastic 'as new' bike ready to attack the trails.  The owner loves his new bike and has been out on the trails of Oxfordshire, putting it through it's paces.  He's happy - therefore, I'm happy!

If you're in the market for a bike and you're not sure what you're looking for - give me a shout, I'm happy to advise.


Here's a testimonial from Ben (the owner of the bike mentioned above)
What a great job!  The bike is amazing and has already clocked up some good miles and hopefully, many more to come.  So thank you Mark, much appreciated!  It will be coming back at some point for a tune-up as some of the cables have now bedded in.  Many Thanks.  Ben Dew