We’re back from the Christmas break and things are pretty busy already.  If you are bringing your bike in for a service at the moment, then it’s definitely best to call ahead and book a day.  Over the break we moved everything out the back so we could paint the workshop floor.  We were expecting the first week back to be quiet enough to get everything back to normal, but we were swamped with repairs and we’ve only just got all the furniture back where it ought to be.  Among the things we had to install was a new workstand – stand number three. While we were doing this we took the opportunity to improve the rigidity of two of the three stands.

The other exciting thing we’ve moved onto the floor is our selection of Creme bikes.  Check out their site here.

We’re stocking their Cafe Racer models.  It is available in a men’s and a women’s version and each comes with two different build specs the more expensive Doppio model and the cheaper Solo.  They are all made from steel (our favourite material for bike frames), they have sensible wheels and are intended for regular commuting use and should stand up to it very well.

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The Melbourne Bikefest is fast approaching, and we’ll be running a couple of the events.    The Bikefest is a celebration of Melbourne cycling culture in all its forms and there are a heap of great events on.  It’s one of the only times of year that hipsters, vintage bike nerds,  cargo bike enthusiasts and lycra-clad racers hang out together in the same building!  Check out the full list of events here: http://www.melbournebikefest.com.au/program

We’ll be running a couple of the events – the Treadly Awards and the (Second) Bicycle Black Market.  They’re both free and they’re both events that we’ve previously held here at Commuter Cycles.  This year, all the Bikefest fun – including the Treadlies and Bicycle Black Market – will be at 1000 Pound bend (361 Little Lonsdale Street), so it’s even easier to get to, and there will be lots of other interesting bike stuff to check out before and after.

Read on for more info or follow us on Twitter for updates…

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VO Porteur racks are back in stock. They’re a great rack for commuting bikes since they can hold a lot and can easily take additional load if you have to grab something on the way home.  They’re also very beautiful.

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You are no doubt aware of the Paris end of Collins street, but did you know where the Paris end of Brunswick is? The Commuter Cycles workshop! Yes, we’re helping bring Parisian style bicycle hire to Melbourne – as part of the RMIT’s Common Bike bicycle sharing project. 

You may have read about it in recent press,  RMIT is running a pilot for Bicycle sharing, in the hope it will encourage more folks to consider getting around by bicycle, and to use the service for short trips around the city. 

The various bike hubs allow people to pick up a bike and helmet, and drop them off on the other side of town. Sure beats a taxi, or relying on Melbourne’s PT network. 

Fingers crossed, the success of this program will encourage the bean counters to take this on as part of Melbourne’s long term infrastructure. 

For more information on the project, pop in to the hub (Our Workshop) or check out the common bike website. After a $5 registration, each ride under three hours only costs a gold coin. If you drop the bike off to a different hub, or stay out for an additional hour, another gold coin covers costs. 

For more information, registration, bikes- drop into the hub at Commuter Cycles or read up on all the details at 

commonbike.com

2008 was a big year for Commuter Cycles. We opened our doors to the public,  hosted  a bevvy of community events, held BBQs, and presented know-how workshops. At the time we thought we might have too much on our plate, but we’ve decided to come back for seconds! So, stay tuned for more fun and games as we approach our first birthday!

If you were lucky enough to get a new bike for Christmas, be sure to book it in for a first service. Cables  will stretch, and nuts and bolts can loosen up on a new treadly, so a service after a month or so will keep you safe on the road. Our experienced mechanics will make sure you can get your money’s worth out of your investment.  Like a man’s other best friend, a bike is for life, not just for Christmas.

So, as Melbournians return to full speed for a 2009, Commuter Cycles will be there to keep your iron horse running.

Happy New Year, from Huw and the CC team.

The roller door at 14 Prentice Street went up officially for the first time at 7.30am on Monday 21st July.

After a crazy six weeks of cleaning, painting, building, stocking, fabricating and spray painting bikes, the Commuter Cycles workshop and initial ‘fleet’ or courtesy bikes are now in service.

Thank you to the legion of friends and family who have supported, advised and helped along the way. I truly could not have done it without you all.

Drop in between 7.30am and 6.30pm weekdays to say hi, see what we do, and chat about how we might be able to help you get from A to B by bike safely, reliably and with a smile on your face.