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Not that I had a trip planned, but this is such a crappy and stupid rule for Via Rail. Way to further reduce ridership by banning bikes.
What could possibly be the reason? The all but disproven 'COVID touch transmission'?
This angers me.
The only other option I could think of is literally shipping your bike somewhere, but that would cost way more than $25.
What if you got a bag like this:
Not this actual one, but something similar. Would they even care what it is at this point? It's just luggage?
Rode to Kingston and beyond overnight. A semi-tradition that I've done 9 times since 1997, usually to get to a family reunion on the US side of the St Lawrence River. Started in Oshawa at 11:16 pm, hit the 9 am ferry in Kingston, rode to the other side of Wolfe Island to see how the border crossing looked, then back to Kingston. My front lights were an older Dinotte 200L, mostly on medium power, a crappy backup planet bike light. Rear lights Planet Bike Flash, and a super flash.
Route here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33178949
I have a 3-day trip that leaves from Vaughan subway station and returns to the Oakville GO! You get to go through Forks if the Credit, Elora rail trail, and St Jacobs farmer’s market if you time it right!!
Did it last year in the fall, and it’s a mix of road and rail trails. It’s a bit longer than you’re looking for but it’s a total hoot!!
Bonus: I got the good bakeries mapped out!
​
I believe I've done this correct
The Ride with GPS app/website is an excellent resource to research routes that others have done and posted. I have the paid version but I think you can at least view the routes with a subscription, I’m not sure. See if you can see this one example I just searched for …
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35461435
One tip with the site is to look for the more recently uploaded routes in case there are detours or more permanent road changes.
Not sure if you’re planning to ride there and back, or time it so you can take the VIA rail back. I have done both and the train option is nice if you have time to hit up wineries, have a nice lunch or picnic, and check out the sights. You can do that and ride back in comfort with your bike locked on special bike-cars, and perhaps sip on the bottle of Cab Franc that you purchase in NOTL. If you’re able to carry a change of clothes, that makes it more comfortable.
All subject to pandemic changes to train and NOTL amenity schedules of course.
Do not buy a Canadian Tire bike for anything unless you plan on using it once a year for 5 minutes as you ride up and down your driveway.
Here are a few reasons:
Almost any repair will cost more than buying a new Canadian Tire bike. Just look up the cost of replacing a rim.
It's hard to impossible to repair in many cases. Forget trying to fix it on the side of the road if you're out on a ride. If it breaks down, you're walking or carrying it home.
The bikes are so low quality they are quite literally dangerous to ride. Most of them haven't been assembled properly. It's not uncommon to find a bike in a Canadian tire or Walmart with the fork on backwards.
So on to the suggestions. You can go to most local bike shops and ask for entry level bikes. If you look you should be able to find one in the $400-$600 range. If they are from main brands, they will automatically be of higher quality and far more repairable / compatible with parts. Look for bikes that are last year / year before models.
Alternatively, check Kijiji. Kijiji is filled with much higher quality used bikes.
On to storage (On your balcony). If that's your only option? I'd make sure it's totally covered. It should not get wet when it rains, it shouldn't be covered with snow when it snows. Cover it with a tarp or create a cover of some kind to keep nature off it.
I'd recommend one of these if you want to keep it upright. Again, you probably don't want to let it get wet / covered with snow.
Good luck!
There weren't really any on the route that I'd say to avoid. Some just had more cracks in them than others, but nothing that made things tiring or unmanageable.
I did make mistake of taking the North Service Rd after Hamilton for a few kms and the expansion joints running across the surface (?) made the ride extremely uncomfortable.
Here's a link to my route in case you're interested.
I drove up to a friend's house in Thornhill - this is more or less what we did.
Note that McLaughlin is under construction so I recommend Chingacousy. Apparently King Vaughan Road is also under construction by Hwy 27.
I replied in r/randonneuring with some route options, but to answer a few other questions:
​
- The ONXL Bikepacking collective has some of the best resources for bikepacking spots, routes and choices if you're looking for that. They flag friendly private hosts too, so you can email someone with some land along those routes and ask to camp for the night. I did that last year, and it was lovely!
- Mid-June - Mid September is the best time to do longer routes through Ontario. It can get quite hot during August days, but getting cold/wet is far more dangerous here. Be careful if you're planning on riding into October -- you don't want to be on the road when it's 5℃ and rainy without the right gear.
Hope you do it, and have a ton of fun!
You can try ridewithgps.com and use the OSM cycle map layer, there's plenty of cycling paths to explore there.
If you need more, then you can also use the public heatmap (either from Strava or Ridewithgps).
Etobicoke loop, It follows part of the Humber River, then Lakeshore, then Etobicoke creek and elmcrest creek up to the eglington cycle lane behind centennial park. of the 40k it maybe exists on 5km of road and only 2k of it is less than bike friendly.
It’s not completely close looped but most of it exists in parks and trails with plenty of ways to access it.
The waterfront trail is likely the path you want to follow. Just be sure you have all the water you need before you turn South in Burlington and cross the edge of the lake. Because there isn't much at all on the south side of Lake Ontario until you get to NOTL.
You are in luck, I just did this ride last weekend but I started from 9th line in Stouville.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27751638
Having ridden it, I would make one modification which was to turn right on #8 from Ravenshoe Rd and just head north there. There wasn't much to see further west. I mostly just wanted to complete > 100km so I extended a bit.
Nice roads, mostly lower traffic areas or good shoulders. There is a little place to stop and get a hotdog at Willow Beach (bring cash, no debit/credit) and buy gatorade, etc.
Here's my Etobicoke Creek & Humber Loop. I took my road bike so didn't want to cut through Claireville at the time. I took Gore road and Hwy 50 to get around it, but both of these were unpleasant. Will be easier for you cutting down McVean straight to Claireville.
I don't have experience to draw from, but perhaps you can use Google's bike navigation as a start.
If you're going to ride the route you've planned then It's probably better to stop for a meal on the north side of the lake in Burlington, before the left/south turn towards the bridge, because there are plenty of options before that turn, but on the south side there is pretty much nothing around until Niagara-on-the-Lake or Niagara Falls.
You may want to try to catch the Bike Train on the first day it starts up for the season (May 20). That would be close to your departure date, so bike return could be problematic, but if the weather is nice, it could provide a nice ride and an interesting story.
[edit: your->you're]
Since it looks like you're planning to do the commute again, and you're coming from east of the DVP, here's the route I used last Saturday. You can ride across Danforth in the bike lanes to Broadview, head north to Pottery Rd, zoom down the hill, and pick up my route from the bottom (around the 7.5 km mark). This route avoids riding along busy roads, if you're uncomfortable with that. Most of it takes places on park trails and separated bike lanes.
These routes provided by a couple clubs will probably be of some use too:
https://ridewithgps.com/organizations/1338-dark-horse-flyers-cycling-club/routes?
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RYrYMO8rlBDOKga_yk5UBMZNB68etf1HP1e4Ial3CiQ/htmlview
You know I realize now it doesn't do full navigation unless you have a head unit to export the route to.
Mainly the thing I like is that it uses google maps when making and viewing so you can easily get to street view to get an idea of what's going on.
There's also a few good route databases on it.
https://ridewithgps.com/organizations/1338-dark-horse-flyers-cycling-club/routes
https://ridewithgps.com/organizations/27-toronto-bicycling-network/routes
This is a pretty good mini-loop I've been tweaking. Only 40k, but that's what I look for on a weeknight. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36263414
A longer route would be Lakeshore to Mississauga Road up to Streetsville and back via Eglinton. 75k https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36280795
Here’s the route library for the Dark Horse Flyers. They usually start their rides from the Dark Horse coffee on Queen east iirc.
https://ridewithgps.com/organizations/1338-dark-horse-flyers-cycling-club/routes?
Here’s the route library for TBN.
https://ridewithgps.com/organizations/27-toronto-bicycling-network/routes?
I found most of this loop to be highly enjoyable! But ducked off at the split that goes past the beaches and just took the Don Valley south to Queen. Ended up being exactly 100km.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31693511?privacy_code=3LfY4fwbsVSTSLHM
if you have a rear rack, use a velcro strap similar to this one to secure the lock to it
it's what i did when my mounting bracket broke (luckily i didn't lose the lock)
Definitely better to take advantage of the lack of traffic and drive to a quiet area rather than riding any of the city trails right now. Some suggestions that should fit your criteria:
Caledon - many routes here. I parked in Caledon East and did a 100km loop going west and south.
Kitchener/Cambridge - I tried this route last weekend and extended it by getting on the cambrige-paris rail trail for a bit. It was great. https://www.bikemap.net/en/r/1950342/#10.02/43.3694/-80.4344
Hamilton - Make a loop out of the confederation park boardwalk, up the escarpment and along ridge road. Might want to skip the boardwalk right now if too busy.
Niagara - The loop between notl and fort erie is nice and very scenic.
This will depend on which runway and which direction the planes are landing in. If you check a website like Flightradar24.com you can figure that out.
I have not view airplanes from these areas myself, so I am making some assumptions here.
There are often lots of people viewing near the Wendy's on Airport road. I did a small map here, it can be accessed via the bike path on Eglinton. The South Runway can be seen from Silver Dart Drive, I don't know if they mind people stopping her or not. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27565580 You could also View it a little further away from the Hooters parking lot area.
On the west side of the airport, if the plans are landing from that direction , there is a bike path in the valley, and Corvair rd. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27565620 , There may be a path the connccts to this path via Eglinton or Matheson that goes under the 401. It appears on google satellite view, but is not listed as a google bike path.
I also have a helmet with the padding breaking down. Quick google search leads to this, but let me know if you found one that's cheaper.
sorry i was unclear i meant that 90% of their use would be commuting to give an idea of simplicity and comfort i need but on weekends i do 100km+ rides all over the show
Ya i looked at the 2 bolt.
Did you like the Giro? I was looking at getting
with
They are actually more common than you think. Check out Bike Depot. Also if you are feeling lazy, you can order this one on Amazon.
I bought a "6KU" fixie from Amazon. I don't have anything to compare it to, I was riding the city bikes till now. All I know is that I've ridden it over 60km in the last 2 days and I love it. It's crazy light and I've had no issues. Obviously I have concerns about durability, and you have to put it together yourself. That was actually a really good experience because I now know how to make adjustments/ replace parts. If you find one available (they come back in stock periodically) I would definitely recommend it. (But again I don't know sh**). (Oh also the wheels don't come true from the factory in China, so you'll have to spend a couple of bucks at a bike shop to get it perfect... if anyone has a recommendation for this, please let me know).
Look around on amazon. There is a lot of stuff. I have bought this one. It comes in other colors too.
rings $95 bell, car still runs you over because they didn't hear that 'distinct sound' over the conversation they were having on their phone. I use my bell for pedestrians about to step off the curb or jaywalk in front of me, not looking (they never see bikes). I don't need anything more than a cheap bell for that.
I use this airhorn to get the attention of car drivers that are about to cut me off, turn in front of me or whatever.
PS. Ride safe, you might be right, but that won't matter when you're dead. Use bells and horns, but always be prepared to stop for assholes.
Cygolite. Go for the highest lumens you can afford. Do not cheap out.
Here’s my favourite rear light.
Cygolite Hypershot – 350 Lumen... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07W62CCL2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I once had this problem, particularly if it's windy -- sorted by wearing a pair of Bobster Phoenix OTG Goggles. I got mine through Town Moto formerly at 132 Ossington Ave, which is now closed, I guess permanently. You can still get Bobster eyewear from Amazon Canada, I've linked it above.
Also explore other Bobster eyewear, they have some really nifty cool pieces that have a windproof gasket around the eye frames. I have a pair of those too.
Best part is Bobster eye wear is very affordable.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07K8K56NJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
seem that it is out of stock ATM.
https://www.amazon.ca/Segway-Ninebot-5-Digit-Combination-Scooters/dp/B07Z3HPLVD
I used the lock on my ninebot scooter which was my go-to commuter before starting to bike. Started to feel it quite surprisingly that it had never been cut on the escooter prob becuz the thief didnt know how many tons of explosives a escooter had
I have these ones. They're pretty good and bright. They've lasted about 2 years so far.
It's my fifth year. It only lasts about an hour on the brightest seeing. It lights up the ravine trails well everywhere else I use the lower settings. Google for discount codes. I was able to find one they offer once it ships that someone posted and it worked at the time. I bought it based on a YouTube review that shows multiple lights in two situations and this one looked the best to me.
Naw I have a Kryptonite chain lock that I wrapped around the rear wheel and bike frame to the thickest pole. I didn't really notice any attempts at cutting it.
My bike is actually a diy ebike really similar to this. They removed the bag with all the electronics and tried to take it off, but they would have to remove a bunch of zip ties and wires to do it. So they just left everything hanging out in a mess. I'm just thankful nothing broke and it all works still.
I highly recommend one of those phone bags you can attach to your bike. I have one of these and it has served my very well. Makes using gps much easier too.
great advice. I got myself this and love it.
Fully priced but even if it stops 1 theft attempt it will have paid for itself.
Bonus is it fits in jean backpocket if you ever do a quick commute.
Abus alarm lock is my choice. You need to be very skillful at lock picking and the motion sensor will trigger an alarm if the appropriate key is not inserted properly. I wouldn’t trust my nice bike to anything else. Hope it helps!
I just got the cheapest stuff with good reviews on Amazon. It's lasted for years and apparently they still have it.
It's required under the HTA but you're one of the few people that even seems to know this.
Not type C but I got these. The main light is quite bright, bright enough for my needs at least. Battery life seems to be as advertised from my testing. And they are easy to put on/take off (I take them off every time I lock my bike), pretty sturdy and should fit most handlebars well.
Might be worth a try. Amazon has free returns so you can give it a test and return if you don't like it.
This seat was a lot of fun for both of us. Except for a bit of knees out style (maybe).
WeeRide LTD Kangaroo Child Bike Seat https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001DF68MA/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_EQ5KHNT3J4EY89NC65F9
I'm giving this one from amazon a try: Lamin-x Bicycle Frame Tape Guard (Matte) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B079LR76JV/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_9JHKBXSTAMWRAJKJS2M4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I haven't used it just yet, but soon.
Chill. Wow. You're a piece of work.
I'd want to learn more about the world that my wife and daughter deal with on a daily basis. This is an excellent book on the patriarchal social structures that exist that might affect one gender more than the other.
https://www.amazon.ca/Entitled-Male-Privilege-Hurts-Women/dp/1984826573/ref=asc_df_1984826573
I ordered these for the same reason last year and they did the job. Unfortunately you can't just buy one or two. I might still have the rest around somewhere, though - DM me?
For someone with short hair, I use a similar one to the one in the link. It covers my ears and I have enough room under my helmet. Not affiliated with the vendor.
https://www.amazon.ca/Helmet-Glasses-Thermal-Running-Cycling/dp/B08JFTCX4C
Yeah, I wanted to avoid all that and aim for something a bit more challenging and picturesque.
Here's my route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37120870
Only difference is that I avoided Barton and rode along the lake for a bit instead.
Btw, If you need to stop for water/food then do it before you climb up the escarpment. There's basically nothing on this route between Stoney Creek and Niagara Falls.
So, I rejigged my route, not using Vodden this time, but following your tracks basically from Northampton to McVean. Thanks again for the ideas. I don't suppose there are any trails to ride through in the Ebenezer Resource area north of Claireville, right? Looks like a big green nothing! https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37083561
> either a $60 Sanyo Hub or a Shimano on sale for ~$100.
Definitely the Shimano. Worth the extra, especially if you get it for $100.
> PracticalCycles.com
Way to expensive. ie. The light you want, the IQ2 Senso Plus is $100 CAD from them, while only $50 from Bike24.com.
> I did a bit of research on what it would take to safely charge batteries using a generator hub.
You buy a cheap USB powered battery charged. This one works well. Can also be powered off of a solar panel.
> I'm salivating over the B&W E-WERK
Safe yourself the money and just get the Luxus U and have two in one.
I was looking up effectiveness of different methods for dealing with icing (road safety, runway safety, etc., is a passion of mine) and I couldn't remember exactly the details so I found this article: https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/rock-salt-vs-salt-brines-whats/22352942 It covers some of the basics and talks about changing strategies in NYC.
Maybe Oakville. It’s about 80km from there core so from the east end it’s about 100. You can take MGT out to the Humber then lakeshore.
I use this route with a jog up to Atwater/Mineola (quieter street, better road surface). Then meadow wood/Orr to Connect to Southdown (more scenic, a little hill).
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36641780
This route is pretty flat since it mostly follows the water.
If you want a more scenic route you can also take the waterfront trail most of beer he way. It’ll be much slower though.
Lakeshore is okay in the early morning on weekends. Later in they day there's a lot more traffic, and parked cars so its not great. Once you get out to Haig you can go up to Atwater/Mineola which is a lot quieter and more enjoyable.
If you're not confident on the road you're better off with the Waterfront trail until you feel more comfortable and are better able to keep up with traffic.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35876418
This route has both the "fast route" (lakeshore/atwater/mineola) and the "scenic route" (waterfront trail).
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35401386
Would that work? The Ontario Randonneurs used to do a 200k ride around Toronto that would use this section above. The section between Islington and the 400 is done on industrial roads that are pretty quiet on weekends, and probably safer and quieter on weekday than Steeles
> https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30807563
We followed this probably like 95-99%, it was pretty great. When you cross over to Hamilton there are a few metal bridges so be careful if its wet, oh and the waterfront trail once you get over the bridge turns to gravel quite quickly so we bailed and went on to the local roads for a bit before joining back up to the paved section.
The section after that via Grimsby etc is ok, relatively quiet roads but not too exciting, we stopped for food around Grimsby and there was a few options around, then the last quarter is very scenic and enjoyable.
It's an incredibly flat ride for the most part with a couple of hilly parts in Niagara and then one proper climb towards the end when your legs are spent, but all in relatively easy-ish. I'd recommend it!
Oh wait a second, I think I know exactly which stretch of hwy 12 you're talking about. I once did the loop around Lake Simcoe. Is it this part?
If so, then yes! Virtually no shoulder, and insanely fast vehicles with no space to give. Holy hell. Although, I do recall there being a shitty gravel shoulder.
I put on my gravel tires on for this ride, so I had mentally prepared for if I'd need to ride on similar roads again. In fact, I had 3 different routes mapped out to Deerhurst. I chose the longer of the three, because heat maps showed that it was the safest (ie. Most popular), but I was this close to taking the east side.
Check out this one of my three routes (if you're interested) and it seemed to bypass hwy 12 altogether. Perhaps this is the alternative you're speaking of.
For sure, will this suffice?
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34009506
There was one already one that someone else posted, but it was older so I decided to map one myself. I used a mix of google maps and Stava heat maps. It worked out great.
You're skipping the nicest part of the Lakeshore and riding the crappiest part. Here's a route I use for there and back... if you go straight south to Lakeshore you can pick it up in Oakville, and then use mostly parallel residential streets east of Winston Churchill. Super nice if you do it early ie 7am
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33268746
I prefer to stay off paths if I can help it, but this includes some starting at the Humber.
The challenge with doing a 70km ride from Queen and Bathurst is you will spend most of those KMs leaving the city and very few kms riding on empty roads. This one is pretty nice: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/12636256
You can find a ton of long rides leaving from Finch subway station here: https://ridewithgps.com/groups/TBN-Tourist-Rides
On your phone, you can also enter your starting location as McCowan or Vaughan Metropolitan station and have it auto-populate recommended 80km routes from there, which should mostly be on country roads.
I do ride 700 x 23c at 110 psi rear, 100 psi front in the winter when riding on weekends (usually the donut ride) and it is indeed possible though you have to be careful.
However I find I am more at ease commuting on busy city routes using fatter, lower psi tires (studded in winter). The reason is on arterial roads roads early in the morning (between 6 and 8 AM), the water that drop off to the street from the sidewalk gutters and form puddles are usually still ice and the volume and speed of the vehicles on these North South arterial roads leaves a cyclist with very little room for avoidance. You can go over them if they are just patches but on occasion it is a long stretch of ice and this is where the studs gives me peace of mind. Here is a footage of my typical 55 km round trip winter commute... on studded tires.
I used Davinci Resolve, which is absurd overkill for this sort of thing, but it's a fantastic tool that is free and cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux).
When I was more fit a couple of years ago, I rode from Toronto to Collingwood and back on the same day in September. Once out of Toronto, the route I took had very little car traffic but it was quite hilly. It might be too challenging on a single speed bike but I felt safe in my surroundings. Here's a link to the route I took: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/25662554?privacy_code=H4bRVZvER9TtWNgR
If you're looking for a great ride, do the big loop around Toronto. Don trail down, mgt west, Humber River North then Finch trail east. Here's what the route looks like
Thanks for the detailed response! That's exactly what I was looking for. I think I'll give the Beltline another go, I was unsure yesterday because I didn't see any other roadbikes on it.
The same redditor posted the Finch loop that you mentioned. I think I'll try that this weekend, just tough to fit on a weekday after work.
Good idea about taking the waterfront trail a bit further, I've never been too far east of beaches. I have been west to Port Credit, but usually end up taking Dundas on the way back, which sucks in areas.
Also, I'll be attempting Toronto to Niagara next weekend so I'll see how easy taking the GO back is. Thanks again!
This Route puts you up to 55km if you don't take the detour north through Seton Park and up along Wilket Creek Trail & the Leslie portion of the Don Mills Trail, but I added it so you could see how it can expand north easily. It's 70km with that detour. All of that is mixed use trail and quite nice riding, the only portion that is on street would be the climb along Dawes Rd (there's a bike lane & it should be similarish elevation to your Rosedale Valley climb), and then heading home along the Danforth, which is a semi-protected bike lane.
You mention anywhere along the Lakeshore west line. If you're willing to go a bit further afield there's a ton of great side roads just north west of Burlington/Oakville. It's semi 'country' with lots of fun up and down, relatively low traffic, and popular with cyclists so drivers are generally used to them and polite about it.
You could use a route like this as a starting point
I made this using your directions. Care to have a look over and let me know if there are roads I go on that arent cyclist-friendly or awesome segments I missed out?
Try this komoot link: https://www.komoot.com/tour/t218398452?ref=atd
Hope it works! Mind you, I didn't preplan anything. Just headed north and remembered people saying that Warden or the other adjacent roads are good too, then I wandered around the lake area cause it was so nice.
Thanks! But I was being passed left-right and center by many others. I really feel like a turtle.
Check out this link... Hope it works! My first time trying. https://www.komoot.com/tour/t218398452?ref=atd
I've made a Komoot of this route as well.
https://www.komoot.com/tour/216569543
Pay special attention to the bit at Weston, as Komoot says you need to dismount and go up some steps. If that doesn't suit you, you can veer Right up to Weston itself a couple hundred meters earlier and join the road there.
Disclaimer: I've not ridden this route myself, but since it follows the OP's route nearly exactly it shouldn't be a problem.
I like loops more than out-and-back.
I like this short loop up Humber across Black Creek and Davenport, down Rosedale to Bayview. Its nice with Bayview closed for active TO. You can either close the loop with MGT or Distillery/esplanade.
Komoot route: https://www.komoot.com/tour/189868755?ref=wtd
Slightly longer version of this would go up Humber, across the beltline and down the Don.
Even longer version would be up Humber to the finch hydro corridor and down the don.
I made a komoot tour in the East end utilizing some of these road closures/calming and joining up with bike paths if anyone is interested.
https://www.komoot.com/tour/184124563?ref=wtd
Starts at Monarch Park. It's a relatively short and easy one, but it includes the climb up Pottery out of the Don Valley. The off ways spots are a brief grassy bit at the south end of Woodfield to join up with the Bike Path easily, and the stretch on Fulton that goes against the oneway, but since there's no traffic, it's ok.
If you do hit the trails or a bike path, there are extremely bright USB-rechargable lights that you can quickly attach and remove on Amazon, like https://www.amazon.ca/Budermmy-Rechargeable-Bicycle-Waterproof-Mountain/dp/B07YKM2NR3/ref=sr\_1\_41?dchild=1&keywords=bike+light+removable&qid=1633038051&sr=8-41
For your purposes, I'd recommend the longest heaviest chain you can live with. If you can handle 6lbs, consider something like this: https://www.amazon.ca/Kryptonite-Evolution-Integrated-Chain-Bicycle/dp/B006QN0MI0/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=B006QN0MI0&psc=1
My reasoning is that a chain gives you much more flexibility and options to improvise locking up vs a U-lock. You won't always know whether where you'll end up wanting to lock up will have a place that's suitable for a U-lock.
You'd be surprised, but I don't really notice the weight when it's on my bike. I also have u-locks etc I use in combination with the chain in different circumstances, but for the sort of thing you're describing, I go with the chain.
Just go to any bike shop! They’ll have the part you need. Though if you’re intent on Amazon this looks to be the part, link
My understanding is that HipLok actually stole this idea from Bell. Bell sells them on Amazon for $16 right now. I love HipLok and I own their locks, but my quick zips are Bell.
Had my bike stolen off my porch in February. Yeah it's maddening but what really can be done? I've since had mine replaced with a new one which I now lock inside, but I also bought this https://www.amazon.ca/Wireless-Anti-Theft-Vibration-Motorcycle-Waterproof/dp/B0734QN8KR for when I (double) lock it outdoors / doing tasks. I'm not sure bike theft is any more 'tolerated' than any other crime, or what exactly can be done to minimize theft of things that can be ridden away!
I recommend an exercise bike, you can ride them all year long, no pollution to breath in or cars to run you over.
Check out the app Trail Forks, it has all the biking trails mapped with each rated the same way as ski hills, green circle is easy, black diamond is hard etc. Brick works isn't really where you want to bike, it's all basically paved walking trails. I would recommend starting at E.T. Seton park, it's the easiest place to find the trails as a lot of entrances are sort of hidden, but if you start there you will quickly find everything. I'd start off riding the Boo Trail up to Serena Gundy Park, then take Swamp up to Sunnybrook park, then ride Road Apples. These are all easy/ green trails but are a lot of fun riding in the snow. From there you could look for the harder/ blue square trails and try those, but make sure your comfortable with the easier trails first. A fat bike is great for riding over the snow, but there is still a lot of very smooth ice on the trails that you'll slip on no matter how wide your tire is if you don't have metal studs on them, so stick with easy trails until your ready. In the summer I ride almost all the harder trails, but since I don't have studded winter tires I've just been sticking to easier trails in the winter and still have been having a ton of fun. Just bundle up like your going skiing and you'll have a great time!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pinkbike.trailforks
Yes! I hope to submit a proposal to update the condo bylaws, but if that fails, I will probably buy a soft carry bag, something like this https://www.amazon.ca/Rhinowalk-Folding-Transport-Mountain-Bicycle/dp/B08NX1LZVJ/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=bike+carry+bag&qid=1611759648&s=sports&sr=1-11
I got this "smart" light . Its pretty neat because it lights up when you brake and automatically turns off when you're not moving.
You cant find anything right now.
Just bit the bullet on these Kreitler Kompact rollers from amazon myself.
It looks like the 1030 is on sale for $622.96 (20% off) @ Amazon. It looks like the sale is on the computer only and not the bundle. Here's the link if anyone needs it...
I got some Tifosi photochromatic glasses. I don't love how they look, but they were a lot cheaper than Oakley's and they work well enough in the fall when the sun starts going down earlier.
Plenty of economical alternatives to a camelback but getting something like this with a bladder was a major game changer. No more fiddling around with waterbottles, or having to slow down/stop to take a drink. I cannot imagine taking a long trip without a bladder pack now.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01J9IGAYI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dq8dFbDQNK484
Get a lock too, I have one of these and one on my wheels too. You have to tilt the bike to loosen the bolt which is impossible when it's locked up.
I picked up some VP-001 flat pedals on amazon on sale. They may still be. 80-90 dollar pedals for like 60. Few different colours, really grippy and solid.
Edit: not on sale anymore but still a nice pedal for the money
VP Components Bike Pedals, Black https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00B58QJHE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KaXcFbARWYF57
I would avoid riding at dark but I could see myself doing it a few times a month.
Basically this MEC helmet should keep me safe ? https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5057-509/Skyway-Cycling-Helmet
Will probably go for a lock like this : Kryptonite New-U Evolution Mini-7 Heavy Duty Bicycle U Lock with 4' KryptoFlex Double Loop Bike Cable https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B06XZT8KZ1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XHjyDbWH7ECF7
Should be good?
I thankfully already have a bell so don’t have to buy one of those. Also got myself a mini tire pump.
thanks again, i'll take a look. i'll be storing the bike in my garage and rarely lock it up in public. i have one of these Kyroptinte locks which i think is okay for < 1-2 hours locked up.
whats the difference between the FX1 and FX2?
i was looking at the FX1 from this shop: https://www.northerncycle.com/product/trek-fx-1-300275-1.htm
I've been using a Satechi Pro for a couple of years and it has worked well - the clear cover still allows you to use touchscreen on phone. You can take it in or out easily with a velcro closure.
No Problem, I've got a cheap mount from amazon. I must warn you I've only used it a couple of times in this configuration, and I had to glue it back together. If you get it you may have to do the same.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00E5M39AW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
FYI it's Redway, not Redgway, named after Alan Redway who is retired and living in Leaside, and who recently wrote a book about toronto government
Hey thanks for the help guys! I think i might end up getting something like this ;P http://www.amazon.ca/Giordano-Rapido-Single-Speed-Road/dp/B004V36FW4/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1429767137&sr=8-13&keywords=Single+speed
Uh, you can buy it on Amazon?
Kryptonite 999522 12mm x 66-Inch, 1217 New York Chain and Evolution Series-4 Orange 14mm Disc Lock (Black) http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001N888OS/ref=cm_sw_r_an_am_ap_am_ca?ie=UTF8