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Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Spring onto your Bikes (And Feet! Etc!)

Posted by Carsten Knox on Wed, Mar 18, 2009 at 4:00 AM

The bicycle industry is seeing its prices rise, probably due to the economic crisis we all keep hearing about. You’d think that would mean prices would drop, but in fact, two local bicycle dealers say that by midsummer we can expect prices for bikes, most of which are manufactured elsewhere, to go up between 15 and 25 percent.

With that in mind, you’d be best to take advantage of bikes and tune-ups with the first flush of spring. Though these words are being written on a snowy day, there’ve been a few dry, sunny ones lately, so we’re thinking a change of season is imminent. Ideal Bikes (1678 Barrington, 444-7433) has noticed the better weather too, and are giving 20 percent off the spring tune-up until April 1, with 15 percent discounts on parts and service over $200. Check out their $30 bicycle maintenance classes every Wednesday from 6-8pm. (Remember to show up and pay in advance for the class by 5:30.) Or ride away on a brand new 2009 Fuji cycle, now in stock.

Jack Nauss Bicycle Shop (2533 Agricola, 429-0024) always offers a spring tune-up, $35, with parts extra. It started last week and runs a few weeks until they get too busy or the snow is gone, then they cut it out. In view of the price increase on new bikes, Nauss is offering a lock on the current prices for the spring season. Get in soon and check out the deals on new stock, before they get more expensive.

The previous season clearout is ongoing at Bikes By Dave, with tax included on most of the stock. You’ll find 25 percent off the ’08 clothing lines, and tune-ups--- including the wheel truing and hub tightening, all that sort of thing---are $38. As we’ve been saying, you can expect prices to increase mid-season, so get on your bike soon.

If you visit Cyclesmith (6112 Quinpool, 425-1756 and 114 Woodlawn, Dartmouth, 434-1756) you can try out their popular riding club, taking bikers all over the HRM, both road and trail. First time out is free, and if you like it, you pay $35 for a year, and that gets you discounts to events and on purchases in the store.

If you’re more of a runner than a biker the smell of the thawing earth must have you excited, too. The Running Room (5514 Spring Garden, 420-0774, Sunnyside Mall, 832-5240) is offering a series of clinics to prepare all y’all for the Blue Nose Marathon on Sunday, May 17. Though many of those clinics are already in progress, it isn’t too late start prepping for the event. Well, that said, it might be a bit ambitious to start training from scratch this week for the full marathon, but there’s also a half marathon, a 10k and a 5k walk. For more information and to register, visit the website at bluenosemarathon.com.

With your feet now on your mind, you’ll want to drop in at Cleve’s Source For Sports (Park Lane, 420-1649, 912 Cole Harbour Road, 434-0022) for their Big Shoe Sale. Offered on select shoes, if you buy a pair of sneakers you get a second pair for a loonie, and don’t be afraid to mix and match, runners with sandals, etc. Beyond that, all the shoes in the joint have some kind of discount. The sale runs (See what we did there? Hilarious!) until April 5.

If you’re starting to book your camping and outdoor/ocean-going adventures for the months ahead, keep in mind The Trail Shop (6210 Quinpool, 423-8736) just received 55 new kayaks that are filling up their basement. They’ll also be offering deals on some of their winter stock as the season wanes, and are currently giving away complementary hand cream and body wash (a $36 value) with the purchase of a $100 worth of the popular Quebec-headquartered lolë brand women’s apparel. Check in store for more details.

Speaking of getting outdoors in the spring, make a note in your calendar: the Gear Swap hosted by Mountain Equipment Co-op (1550 Granville, 421-2667) is happening in early May, probably the first Sunday of the month, which is the 3rd. It’s a flea market of sorts, held in the MEC loading bay. Just call in advance to reserve a table and bring in the gently used gear you’d like to sell to others of mutual interest. Maybe you can even trade last season’s tent for a pair of good boots. Or skis. MEC will also be offering some deals in-store on the day.