Maplewood Bicycle Gets Riders Ready to Roll

Victoria Portell is a recreational bike rider who enjoys weekend rides with her family on area trails. But something about her bike literally didn’t sit right with her.

Last Tuesday, the Chesterfield resident and her husband, Bob, took advantage of the nice weather and stopped by for a professional fitting of her bicycle.

“This is a bike I’ve owned for years that I bought secondhand,” she said. “I’m hoping if it fits better, the ride will be more comfortable. I just want to make the most of what I already have.”

As a bike fitter at Maplewood Bicycle, that’s just what Mike Mosblech hoped to do for Portell as he helped with the height of her bicycle seat and recommended a more comfortable seat.

“With the right fit, her ride will feel much better,” he said. “It can make a huge difference when fitted properly.”

Being fitted properly for an older bicycle or a new model is just one of the ways the staff at Maplewood Bicycle help their customers get ready to ride, including video and computer fitting technology for advanced cyclists.

“Years ago, people didn’t think about getting fitted for their bike,” said Bill Chase, general manager of Maplewood Bicycle and an avid cyclist. “A proper fit will make a fun ride and can eliminate a lot of pain.”

Maplewood Bicycle has been in the same Manchester Road location since 1979. With only three owners through its history, including current owner Stewart Munson, the shop caters to all riders. The shop offers several levels of fittings at varied prices, as well as tune-ups and other service based on the bicycle’s needs from a group of experienced bike mechanics.

“When the weather is better and people are ready to ride, we recommend riders bring their bikes to a local shop and have a mechanic look at it,” Chase said. “Of course, we hope people will come to us because we have an experienced, friendly staff. We don’t want customers to feel intimidated no matter what level they ride.”

To ensure bikes are ready for the road, Maplewood Bicycle recommends checking the following:

Tires

Tires can dry rot over time if they sit unused. Make sure they have good treads for a steady ride. And, of course, check the air pressure. Just like car tires, the recommended pressure allowance is marked on the outside of the tire. Pump up tires at least once a week and to the recommended maximum pressure on the tire using a floor or hand pump found at bike stores. Pumps at gas stations typically have too much pressure for bike tires.

Drivetrain

Just like you wouldn’t drive your car without oil, you shouldn’t run your bike chain without oil.

Nuts and Bolts

Make sure your brakes, handlebars and wheels are properly fastened for a safe and comfortable ride.

If you are just breaking out a bike after the winter, start off easy, take your time, and make sure you have a good seat, Chase said. Most riders have seats too low, and they aren’t comfortable.

“It’s all about the wind blowing in your face and the sunshine on your back when riding,” he said. “You should just be out having fun when you ride.”