From a recent basic clinic that had 20+ folks show up.  Today, there is not a lot of product on the floor, yet we have the essentials to maintain your bike.  Simple and not overwhelming.

Everyone was asked to bring in their own wheel to practice changing tubes.  Only one exploded.

Meg asked if I could show her the best way to remove the rear wheel from a horizontal dropout.  A sturdy stand helps tremendously!

One of two Van Dessel’s overhauled for Mike Golay.

One of many tubular gluing jobs this summer.  Best to plan a 3 day turn around for these since time stretching, gluing and assessing the quality of the job takes time.

Special Orders!  Once we announced that using Freeman’s as your alternative to online ordering, many folks have called or emailed their requests.  If you know what you are looking for and need minimal assistance deciding, we would be happy to give you a competitive price.  Whatever it takes to get you in the door and have your dollars spent locally.

Cleaning is what we specialize in because we do not like dirty bikes leaving the shop.

My daughter Frannie spent a week at pottery camp and I was excited to use this dish for quick dipping…the next day the grease was too dry to use.  Sorry, Fran, Dad thought he was being smart.

More road grime.  This bike luckily was stripped and reinstalled with new 10sp components.  After drilling out and tapping the cable stops from a busted barrel adjuster on the frame, a good chasing of the bottom bracket and a lot of scrubbing, this bike has a new life ahead as long as regular maintenance continues…

whoa

This fly was caught underneath the cranks with some daily morning worms.  How it happened is beyond me.

There is plenty of time for you to bring your bike in for a tune and cleansing before the snow flies.  The hurricane season is the perfect time for this, if you can be without your bike for a day or two.

Cheers and Good Speed,

Josh

As we know here in Maine, if the forecast calls for rain it may not happen. So as the roads dried this morning I got on the bike for a cruise around the Cape loop. Portland saw no precipitation there after and my spirit was satisfied through sundown. Point is, do not let the forecast stop you from spinning the crank because the next thing you know you will be waxing your skis.

NEW SUMMER HOURS Tuesday 10-5, Wed-Thurs 10-6 and Friday 10-5. Its not much, but we hope to attract those who may not have a Dolly Parton schedule.

Quick Turn Around

It’s what we are about. Our mission is to be the most efficient service shop in town. There is no reason your bike should be in the shop over 24 hours. For now, the shop is building a clientele. Our niche of road bikes keeps the traffic down which enhances the quality of work. As business improves, more money will be put toward road bike parts to stock for instant installation. We envision a back stock that will eliminate time to wait for parts to be ordered. It may take a couple years to build, but your help spreading the word about Freeman’s will make it sooner.

Bringing in your own parts or contacting Freeman’s before buying online has been a success!

Whatever it takes to make shop talk more comfortable is our goal. We have sold fenders to full groups to those who know what they want but would rather save money during a generation of online savings. We want your business and we will give you a positive experience no other bike shop will provide. Feel free to ask any questions you may have that is bike related. We can be contacted from phone, email, text, Facebook or Twitter. Ask those who do and they will tell you the response is instantaneous.

Good Speed,

Josh

Please RSVP to MyBikeMechanic@gmail.com

Hello Cyclists!

We all buy products online for convenience and to save money.  Why not?  Unfortunately, in many cases, customers will bring these parts to our shop for installation and the parts are incompatible.  In other words, some part models will not work with your current models or sizing discrepancies.  The shop is OK because we charge you for that time, but you are left reordering parts and things are delayed another week or two.

So, once you have researched parts and prices online, feel free to contact Freeman’s with the prices you have found.  We may be able to get you those parts for the same costs.  In return, you will receive professional advice on your order and your dollars will be spent at your local service shop.

Cheers and Good Speed!
Josh

Each Volvo was equipped with 20+ Zipp 404 clinchers and 2 Specialized S-Works Tarmacs.

We arrived and Kenny Ambach and I were immediately put into the 50+ category.  One of many categories that the 2600+ riders had been racing before we arrived.

Pictured is the 50+ field.  Our Volvo, driven by Kenny, followed the breaks.  I jumped for one dropped chain that my fingers were nearly mangled by as the rider clearly didn’t need my help.  My fault for not using situational awareness.

The official is always watching. Great pic.

After a 64 mile race we were in for 82 more supporting the Cat2′s.  Kenny and I drove for 35 miles supporting breaks as we listened to Mavic NRS in the back of the field on race radio taking on multiple services.  They were getting low on wheels and excuted a double bike change.  We waited patiently for the officials to send us back for help as we supported a lone 1m:25s break.  Finally we got our call and pulled over to let the race pass.

Three neutral services leaped frogged behind the field changing wheels and bikes as the dirt roads took a toll on the riders.  SRAM NRS alone changed 6 rears, serviced 2-3 mechanicals and had one bike change and we had just joined them for the last 45 miles.

This managed to slow down one rider.

A few of Mavic’s fleet that was used.

The 2011 Tour of the Battenkill was over, but the mechanics still had a lot of cleaning to do.  Looking forward to the next opportunity.

I managed to pack my truck in time to reach the University of New England for transition opening at 7am.  One bike had shown up before me and folks eventually trickled in.  Luckily, I had the chance to meet nearly a quarter of the 112 registrants as they racked their bikes.  The many smiling faces at this small event made the race day seem comfortable for most.  There was only one participant that was sent to me by the officials and the rest leisurely brought me their bikes to double check its condition.  Some erratic shifting which may happen when your bike has been banging around in the garage and very few low tires, my arms thank you.  Overall, these athletes were prepared for the first race of the Maine triathlon season.

For those of you I met, take my advice on the maintenance of your bike and practice it.   Take 10 minutes of your time before and or after you ride to do so.  Your spouse will never know you have extended your leave and you will see yourself become a better cyclist.  Stay in touch on this site or Facebook for a future bike wash clinic.  Its 90% of what you really need to know.

When: Wednesday, April 27th, 6-7 pm Where: Freeman’s Bicycle Service/ BNS East, 200 Anderson St. #5, Portland, ME
Who: For anyone in middle school and high school who has a desire to do group rides with their peers, with the ultimate goal of competing in a race.
For more information, please contact Connor Cushman connor@mainewsc.org, 207-318-7550