#dandySANTA: Shawn Wu of Bikechain

By Andrew Bacchus

Bikechain is a not-for-profit cycling organization based out of University of Toronto St. George campus. They are a hub for cycling activity by providing DIY services, affordable repairs, unique educational opportunities, and a welcoming community of staff and volunteers. Recently named one of Toronto's top 5 DIY spaces, Bikechain had more than 3,000 visits last year!

As a part of our dandy winter cyclist series [more details coming soon], we thought we’d ask Shawn Wu of Bikechain what he’d like #dandySANTA to bring him for the holidays.

If you could get a(nother) bike, what would it be and why?

I would like a new road bike, lighter, as right now I have a mountain bike. I would like it to be a single gear. My first year at university, I road a Bikechain single-gear [fixed-gear] lending bike and it was a lot of fun.

What bike lane(s) do you hope dandySANTA will bring for 2015? 

A new lane near Queen's Park, if it's not already built. I hope they fix Wellesley soon, as now it's under construction.

What bike gear do you hope dandySANTA puts in your stocking this year?

I would like new gloves. I have lost three left-side gloves and I need to replace them. I also want to change my brake set.

What else do you hope dandySANTA delivers this year?

My friends and I are doing a secret santa. I want a new computer, but that's too expensive for secret santa (laughs). A gift card for Amazon is the most practical. I want to do more reading.

What is your number one tip for winter cycling?

Stay warm! Cover most of your skin. Also, check your brakes and ride slow.

At dandyhorse, we will be rolling out several more winter cyclist wish list profiles as we head into the holiday season. As part of these special profiles we will announce dandy giveaways with Soulpepper theatre (Win tickets to see The Conjurer) and Steam Whistle brewery (6 gift packs) on social media starting on Dec. 15. Keep an eye out for #dandySANTA here and on Twitter and Facebook.