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From Jay and Max, the new owners of Busted Knuckle

This is an uncomfortable topic, one that we are forced to address too frequently. It’s one of those situations where we say, “We wish we could help you, but we can’t.” The problem arises with department store bikes which are improperly assembled and made with inexpensive components that simply will not hold adjustment and are prone to breaking with even moderate use. Once we repair a bike, “we own it.” Customers reasonably expect that if we repair the bike and something then goes wrong, it’s our fault and our obligation to repair. Therefore, if we assess that a bike will not be able to hold its repair or that other parts will soon fail, we will not repair it. Ultimately this will save the customer (and us) both money and frustration. However, it is a difficult message to convey. Not all big-box bikes are bad, and often with fast growing children where you only need to get a year or so out of the bike, they can be a reasonable purchase. But it is certainly caveat emptor. I know this sounds very much like we are bike “snobs”, defensive and self-serving, so we’ve attached a few links to articles including Consumer Reports, “Bicycling” and the National Bicycle Dealers Association which address this issue, plus a blog from another shop that provides added detail. The customer is “innocent” in all of this. How could the average consumer possibly assess quality and for example know that Schwinn (as well as other manufacturers) have different lines, one for independent bike stores and the other for “big-box” stores. What’s the major difference? They are built to sell at different price points. It’s all in the components and materials: Lower-end bikes will use steel or plastic whereas higher-end bikes use aluminum or stainless steel. The higher-end bikes typically have higher quality (lighter weight and more durable) components (shifters, brakes, wheels, tires, cranks). These quality differences are not apparent to the average consumer, hence the confusion. Both look bright and shiny, but there the similarity ends. Compounding the lesser quality is too frequently poor assembly by untrained staff. Independent bicycle stores have bicycle mechanics assembling their bikes. Big-box stores rarely have trained bicycle mechanics doing the assembly. We very much want to help and fortunately, many times, customers are bringing in their new bikes needing assembly assistance given broken parts, forks mounted backwards, etc. In these instances, we are able to show the customer what’s wrong with the bike and many return the bike to where they bought it. Other times, it is not so easy, and we end up with a frustrated customer, but we hope the links and attachments provide you with the information you need to better understand the situation. Here’s link to Consumer Reports on buying a bike: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/bikes/buying-guide/index.htm The National Bicycle Dealers Association write up about the advantages of purchasing a bike from an independent bike shop vs. a “big-box” store: https://www.nbda.com/articles/the-bike-shop-advantage-pg193.htm Another bike stores commentary about department-store bikes: https://www.rocktownbicycles.com/blog/2018/1/8/why-you-should-not-purchase-department-store-bicycles An article in Bicycling about why not to buy a bike from big-box stores: https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/a20049269/6-reasons-to-avoid-walmart-bikes/ Blog from CSO, another bike shop: “Currently the Schwinn brand is divided into two different markets. Schwinn bicycles are sold at larger retailer stores. These are the mass-produced Schwinn bikes that are sold at stores such as Walmart, K-mart, Sears, Toys R Us, Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and other larger chain stores. Schwinn bikes typically have a lower price point (some starting at about $100) and are available for the entry level or casual rider. The second category available under the Schwinn brand name is the "Schwinn Signature Series." Schwinn Signature bikes are only available at independent bike dealers. This is where Country Squirrel Outfitters comes in. Schwinn Signature bikes are one of the bike brands that we offer through CSO. Schwinn Signature bikes are suited more for the experienced rider and have a little higher price point (ranging from about $300 to $1,500). Walmart (and other mass retailers) that sell Schwinn bikes are not able to sell the Signature Series bikes. Likewise, independent bike dealers that sell Schwinn Signature Series bikes are not able to sell the entry level Schwinn bikes. What this means is that you will not be able to purchase a Schwinn Signature Series Voyager bike at Target. Likewise, you will not be able to purchase a Schwinn Merge bike at Country Squirrel Outfitters. So, what makes a Schwinn Signature Series bike different than a regular Schwinn? It’s all in the components and materials. Lower end bikes will sometimes be produced using materials such as steel or plastic where Signature Series bikes utilize aluminum or stainless steel. Signature Series bikes usually have higher quality (lighter weight and more durable) components (shifters, brakes, wheels, tires, cranks, etc.) These differences might not even be noticeable unless you are a gear junkie (like us) and you know the difference between Shimano Alivio shifters and Shimano XTR shifters and know that there is about a $220 price difference between those two shifters. So how do you know the difference between a Signature Series and a regular Schwinn? Aside from the differences in components, Schwinn Signature Series bikes will be clearly labeled somewhere on the frame.”

Why These Bicycle Repair Shops? Our goal is to connect people with the best local experts. We scored Bicycle Repair Shops on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best Bicycle Repair Shops in Boston, MA. Over 150 bike repair shops in Boston were reviewed and the top 17 listed. https://www.expertise.com/ma/boston/bicycle-repair

As reported in May 18th NY Times, “In March, nationwide sales of bicycles, equipment and repair services nearly doubled compared with the same period last year, according to the N.P.D. Group, a market research company. Sales of commuter and fitness bikes in the same month increased 66 percent, leisure bikes jumped 121 percent, children’s bikes went up 59 percent and electric bikes rose 85 percent. By the end of April, many stores and distributors had sold out of low-end consumer bikes. Now, the United States is facing a severe bicycle shortage as global supply chains, disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak, scramble to meet the surge in demand.” At Busted Knuckle Bicycles, we too have experienced a surge in demand, but still have a reasonable selection of hybrid, mountain, and children’s bikes. We are working aggressively to replenish our inventory. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/18/nyregion/bike-shortage-coronavirus.html

Boston is expanding its network of bike lanes, including creating more routes with more separation between drivers and bicyclists. The are also creating traffic-calmed local streets to provide comfortable, safe places for biking. Check out the various projects on Bike Boston, the Boston Transportation Department's website. https://www.boston.gov/departments/boston-bikes/better-bike-lanes Drop by the Busted Knuckle Bicycle Shop for a check over to keep you bike at its peak performance level.

Images of hard core bicyclists in peak condition are being replaced by the new reality of families rediscovering the joys of cycling as well as fitness enthusiasts riding their bikes indoors. As The NPD Group recently reported, the cycling market, increased its sales by 31% to $1.3 billion in the first quarter of the year. More than half of those sales dollars came in March. According to NPD, children’s bike sales were up 59% in March, adult lifestyle 121%, transit/fitness 66% and front suspension mountain bikes 55%. https://www.npd.com/wps/portal/npd/us/blog/2020/a-new-cycling-culture/ All of this has led to a bike shortage as supply chains are struggling to catch up. As recode by Vox reported, factories in Asia, the center of the supply chain, shut down due to the pandemic. These factories produce not only fully assembled bikes but also bike components, like tires, wheels, and handlebars, so the supply of all kinds of bike-related goods coming into the US plummeted. https://www.vox.com/recode/2020/5/29/21267958/bikes-supply-chain-bicycle-memorial-day-weekend At Busted Knuckle Bicycles, we too have experienced a surge in demand, but still have a reasonable selection of hybrid, mountain, and children’s bikes. We are working aggressively to replenish our inventory.

Bike helmets should be worn by everyone – adults and children – on every bike ride regardless of the length. Why is it important to wear a bicycle helmet? As noted by the Cleveland Clinic, wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury to bicyclists by as much as 85 percent. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4374-bicycle-helmet-safety What safety information should I look for when purchasing a helmet? Make certain the helmet is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Look for the CPSC sticker inside the helmet. This label or sticker ensures that the helmet will provide a high level of protection in the event of an impact. Can I use a helmet that is used or a hand-me-down? If you are considering a used or hand-me-down helmet, make sure that is not cracked, broken, or has been in a crash. Keep in mind that used or older helmets might have cracks you cannot see. How do I get the right fit? As recommended by the National Safety Council, follow these guidelines from NHTSA to properly fit the helmet: • Adjust sizing pads or fit ring until the helmet is snug • Position the helmet level on your head, covering the forehead and not tipped backward or forward; this will be about one to two finger widths above the eyebrow • Adjust the side straps so they form a “V” shape under and slightly in front of your ears • Center the buckle on the chin strap under your chin • Buckle and tighten the chin strap until it is snug; no more than one to two fingers should be able to fit between the chin and strap • When fitted, the helmet should not rock more than 1-inch side to side or front to back on your head For additional instruction, watch Fitting a Bicycle Helmet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLlXswx0VvQ&feature=youtu.be Finally, check out the reviews on helmets you are considering, making sure they meet your needs. First and foremost is fit, but weight, ventilation and styling are other considerations. For example, here is a review by Bicycle Touring Guide of a Bern helmet we carry, one of many different lines and models. http://www.bicycle-touring-guide.com/bern-brentwood-bike-helmet-review/ Feel free to drop by so we can personally help select the right helmet for you! Also, please note that as a preventative injury service, the Boston Public Health Commission makes helmets available at very low cost to Boston residents, health centers, and other local agencies. They also provide free bicycle helmet fittings, educate communities on bicycle safety, and partner with health centers, public schools, and other local organizations to organize bicycle safety events for the public. The following link contains an application form to participate in their program. https://bphc.org/whatwedo/childrens-health/injury-prevention/play-safe-bicycle-sports-safety/Pages/bicycle-safety.aspx

Check out Boston Globe’s article "Before You and Your Bike Hit the Road". It presents a helpful checklist to get you ready to ride: • Make sure your ride is road worthy • Clean it up • Re-Lubricate any moving parts • Check your tire pressure • Adjust your brakes • Take a test spin • Observe social distancing while cycling https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/05/14/lifestyle/ready-haul-out-that-bike-heres-what-know-before-you-go/ Drop by the Busted Knuckle Bicycle Shop if you need help checking out your bike or need bike repairs.

Busted Knuckle Bicycle Shop is now on Nextdoor, the neighborhood hub. Thank you for making us a Neighborhood Favorite in 5 neighborhoods. We appreciate your support of our local business. https://nextdoor.com/pages/busted-knuckle-bicycle-shop/ Please drop by whenever the Busted Knuckle Bicycle Shop can help you with your bicycling needs.