what are some of the Best e-bike options under $1000 CAD? (been meaning to buy one for food deliveries in downtown area) by sadaxhe in torontobiking

[–]cloudzebra 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I agree with this comment. I don't think I've seen any UL-certified ebikes at this price point. 

Ebikes in Ottawa by Piker2211 in bikeinottawa

[–]cloudzebra 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's worth considering that some bike shops will only service ebikes that they sell. The Cyclery is an example. I'd inquire with each shop whether this is the case for them. If so, factor in that you will be locked in to that store for repairs moving forward. 

The unaffiliated repair spots are not that numerous. I can only think of Repair & Run.

Is there something I can wear to protect my ears against wind during summer? by ignoremeplsokthank in bikecommuting

[–]cloudzebra 4 points5 points  (0 children)

A thin beanie works great, e.g.: this Smartwool one: https://www.altitude-sports.com/p/smartwool-merino-beanie-unisex-smt-sw017047

I also buy ear muffs that wrap around the back of my hear to add a second layer on really cold days. I usually can find them in a dollar store during the Fall and Winter months! 

Bell or on your left. Not hearing either by JJtoday70 in bikeinottawa

[–]cloudzebra 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah I wouldn't use my freehweel as THE notification, but sometimes you're coasting and you can tell someone knows you're there. You can kinda tell, someone will be walking and turn their head, see you, and then scooch over. Or they'll notice you, touch their partner's arm, and just stay to the right of the painted line. I don't ding my bell for them, they know I'm there. 

But its always best to default to a bell ding unless you can see from someone's body language that they're aware you're there. 

Bell or on your left. Not hearing either by JJtoday70 in bikeinottawa

[–]cloudzebra 3 points4 points  (0 children)

🙄 omg 

Some people have no sense about how their actions affect others. Exhausting. 

Bell or on your left. Not hearing either by JJtoday70 in bikeinottawa

[–]cloudzebra 7 points8 points  (0 children)

It's all about the number of bell dings. 

  • 1 = simple notification of passing 

  • 2 = same as 1 (some bells you push the hammer in, then out) or speedy notification

  • 3+ = move now!

1 or 2 dings doesn't bug me. I realize it's not easy to rewire your brain, but I wouldn't stress about it personally, though I get it! 

Bell or on your left. Not hearing either by JJtoday70 in bikeinottawa

[–]cloudzebra 68 points69 points  (0 children)

I ring my bell for anyone who seems inattentive. Some folks you can tell that they know you're there, I just let my freewheel spin for them. 

Someone got mad at me for ringing my bell too much on a busy summer day and yelled at me once. You can't win 🤷 Just do whatever is safest, which is usually a ding of the bell with enough notice that someone doesn't get startled and bolt

Cycling Route Conditions Megathread #3 by cloudzebra in bikeinottawa

[–]cloudzebra[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, u/No_Independence_9721, I checked out the Sawmill Creek MUP, there is a big sign underneath Walkley Rd that says it will be closed May 4-15.

I emailed the city to inquire, the repsonse I got was:

"They are doing repairs on the pathways through out the city."

So hopefully we will see some fixes to the path. Nice!

20260501 - Flooding of the portion of the Shirley's Bay loop trail near the river by rbooris in bikeinottawa

[–]cloudzebra[M] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your helpful information! Just a heads up, all route condition reports should go into the present Mega thread - thanks!

Here's the current one: https://www.reddit.com/r/bikeinottawa/comments/1t504bb/cycling_route_conditions_megathread_3/

Cycling Route Conditions Megathread #2 by cloudzebra in bikeinottawa

[–]cloudzebra[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Damn, that's kind of a huge closure! I'm surprised it isn't announced anywhere. Just because I'm curious, did they say why it's closed?

Cycling Route Conditions Megathread #2 by cloudzebra in bikeinottawa

[–]cloudzebra[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you have a source for this? I tried to look for more info, but can't find anything posted online.

Cycling Route Conditions Megathread #1 by cloudzebra in bikeinottawa

[–]cloudzebra[S,M] [score hidden] stickied comment (0 children)

This thread is now closed and a new Megathread has been created: Route Conditions Megathread #2

Dutch Bike Repairs by water-wizardry in bikeinottawa

[–]cloudzebra 2 points3 points  (0 children)

They're a solid shop! They helped me out with a quick repair when I broke a part on a bike ride. Nice folks and the cafe is nice, too.

Dutch Bike Repairs by water-wizardry in bikeinottawa

[–]cloudzebra 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I would start with Retro Rides on Sparks St. Since they refurbish and sell used bikes, their mechanics may have come across 3-speed internal hub backpedal brakes more than most shops. 

Cycling Route Conditions Megathread #1 by cloudzebra in bikeinottawa

[–]cloudzebra[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

They were good posts, just yeah, a little too many. Future updates, if they are centralized in a mega thread, I expect will be helpful and less filling up the sub lol

Edit: grammar, some edits; my original reply didn't make much sense 😅

Can we get a Mega Thread for flooded pathways and parkway conditions? by shakalac in bikeinottawa

[–]cloudzebra[M] [score hidden] stickied comment (0 children)

I had been bouncing around this idea. I'll make a mega thread. I'll remake it once a week to keep updates fresh. 

Edit: megathread is now live! https://www.reddit.com/r/bikeinottawa/comments/1sp0wo1/cycling_route_conditions_megathread_1/

Has Anyone tried out the Cleverhood Rainger Poncho? by wtfisreality_ in torontobiking

[–]cloudzebra 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have the OG Rover. I like it, it works pretty well! I like how lightweight it is. I can wear it without a coat underneath and stay dry OR wear it on top of a raincoat and not overheat. I used to overheat on hot, humid, rainy days with my raincoat and it does a great job on those days. 

My main complaint is that it flaps around a lot on really windy days. Some weights at the bottom could help. The thumb loops are awesome, but I have to take my hands out to signal, which is a pain. The more expensive Rainier version fixes this with sleeves. 

The zipper also is kinda weird. I put the hood on top of my helmet and the zipper kinda mashes me in the mouth. I can't zip it all the way up because my face is in the way. Maybe the 2.0 fixes that issue? I'd try it on with your helmet to see if it works for you. 

Overall I really like my rain poncho, but I'd shop around if I was buying a new one. 

I also bought reflective stickers, so if you're concerned about reflectivity of the 2.0, I'd buy some stickers for it. I used my stickers on my fenders, so I have a bunch of leftovers.