Banville with the bike she wants for the holidays, The Salsa Warbird, a road racer designed to withstand gravel roads.
#dandySANTA: Kathleen Banville of Urbane Cyclist
Story and photos by Jenna Campbell
Since opening in 1997 as a bicycle repair shop, Urbane Cyclist Worker Co-op has grown into becoming one of the "most cycle-friendly hubs in downtown Toronto," as described on their website. The shop carries many premium bikes including their own brand, Urbanite.
The Salsa Warbird. The disc brakes and wide profile tires are better for winter weather and this gravel racer means lots of fun long rides of unpredictable terrain in all seasons. MSRP $1899.
Q: What bike lane(s) do you hope dandySANTA will bring for 2015?
West-end bikeways! I want to see them complete. The city has dragged its heels on Argyle for another year.
Q: What bike gear do you hope dandySANTA puts in your stocking this year?
A good pair of gloves is uber important as the mercury dips below zero. Double up with liners and a wind/waterproof insulated glove so that you can attach your lights and unlock your bike without baring your hands. Fenders are also indispensable! They will save you time when cleaning your bike by deflecting the road dirt and salt back towards the road and off your drive train and frame.
Q: What else do you hope dandySANTA delivers this year?
Have you heard of the ICEdot Crash Sensor? It attaches to your helmet so in the event of critical forces, it triggers an app that can contact emergency contacts for you. Also, Garmins tracks your rides using GPS technology and start at $149. You can share all your ride data on Strava with your friends and friendly competitors.
At dandyhorse, we will be rolling out several more winter cycling Q-and-A’s as we head into the holiday season. As well, we will soon (Dec. 15) announce dandy giveaways with Soulpepper theatre (Win tickets to see The Conjurer) and Steam Whistle brewery (6 gift packs) on social media. Keep an eye out for #dandySANTA.
Related on the dandyBLOG:
#dandySANTA: Shawn Wu of Bikechain
#dandySANTA: Daniel Rotsztain of Charlie’s Freewheels
dandyhorse December newsletter
Bike Spotting Special: Winter duos 2013
The Salsa Warbird? Why not pay hundreds less for the nearly identical Kona Jake?
Never got why people are into Salsa. So expensive for what you get.