I live with a feminist partner. We split things up based on what we enjoy doing and the rest we negotiate.
Michel is great at remembering to wipe down our bikes on the regular, oil our chains, clean gears. The ongoing preventative maintenance.
I, on the other hand, tend to do the bike part acquiring, dropping off bikes to the shop and some parts replacement. I’m deliberately focusing on growing my bike mechanic skills. It helps me feel independent and resilient on the road as well as provide better Support And Gear (SAG) wagon at events.
Since Michel has a new ride I’m fixing up his last bike to give to a young rider we know. The Silver Surfer is a titanium frame and will give its new owner many miles and smiles.
I have taken it twice to the Women Trans Femme (WTF) bike repair workshop at the Squeaky Wheel co-op and always learn lots about my bike and what other riders are needing to learn.
I also took my commuter bike, Myrna, in for her 100 km tune up at The London Bicycle Café. The cables had stretched and the mechanic just glanced at the rear wheel assembly and gave a quick twist of the little uh nut? On the cable next to the shifter.
“That should do it.”
I asked if he just eyeballed it. He laughed. Turns out there are little paint marks on the back assembly to show where the derailer limits should be.
Michel’s new bike needed seasonal maintenance as well as new tires, sealant (he runs tubeless, a new chain and cassette. He does a lot of distance so this is not unexpected.
Now we are all set to ride. I would like to see it a bit warmer. This spring has been chilly but perfect for getting maintenance done!