This is Mike, of Mike the Bike. I discovered his underground repair shop the other day while in Kensington — poor Deni was suffering from a squishy front brake and some rust spots, and I figured I should tend to these ailments now before the Springtime rush of tune-ups.
Now, I usually go to Sweet Pete’s for all my cycling needs because I love Pete and he knows what he’s doing. But his shop is also somewhat out of my way, so when I drop Deni off, it’s a long, lonely walk home. Mike, on the other hand, is right around the corner.
But more importantly, he specializes in recycling bikes, and has a whole wall full of used parts and equipment. Plus, he even gave me a loaner to keep overnight (it was single-speed, bright blue with red handlebars and back-pedal brakes — I felt like some sort of hipster Mary Poppins on it!).
Aaaand, get this: Turns out, he also has this delivery company, where for as little as $5 you can get your take-out food, laundry, office supplies, etc. dropped off right at your front door, courtesy of Mike and his custom-made bicycle with two honkin’ baskets on either end — so there’s no carbon guilt attached! (Well, except for the Styrofoam container holding your curry roti; you should definitely feel guilty about that).
Finally, you’re guaranteed service with a smile, maybe even a few jokes, too. When I got home yesterday, I looked at the bill he gave me, and instead of writing “half tune-up” as he said he was going to do, he had written “1/2 tuna” — cute!
So from now on, I’m greening my bike maintenance by only getting used parts and tune-ups from someone who understands the importance of recycling and refurbishing.
Photo courtesy of torontofotobug on Flickr
Posted by gettinggreen
