Biketoons

We are a repair shop with a difference: we can also provide basic repair instruction. We offer quality repair service, so you can leave your bike for us to fix. Because Biketoons is a new shop we don't have a backlog of repairs, and we can often have your bike fixed and ready within a few hours.

We can also teach you how to fix your bike. Jamie Thiers, the shop owner/operator and instructor, received his bicycle mechanic certification from the United Bicycle Institute, Ashland, Oregon. As well as a 30-year career as a school teacher, he has been an avid cycling enthusiast and co-founded two non-profit bike repair shops in Toronto.

He knows how to give the right kind of support to help you feel confident at your own level of skill. If you have ever used a screwdriver, you already have one of the essential skills for bike repair! Learning is all about starting with what you already know. If you know how to ride a bike, you already know quite a lot about how bikes work

We are passionate about helping people learn how to maintain and repair their own bikes, and this begins with the level of knowledge each person brings to the shop. There will be an initial discussion of the problem with your bike, followed by an overview of the function of that part of the bicycle. Some parts are obvious (chain) others are less clear (barrel adjusters). The beauty of bicycles is that almost all of the parts and their function are visible, and can be explained relatively easily. Once you have a better idea of how a particular part works, it is easier for you to work on its repair or adjustment.

The repair procedure in the instructional program places you in the central role of turning wrenches and screwdrivers, under the close guidance of the mechanic. You will be told what will happen as you use the tool, what to watch for, and what to avoid. Again, all the bike parts are clearly visible, and you have the reward of seeing and understanding how the tool in your hands is affecting, and ultimately repairing your bicycle. All of this will happen almost from the first moment you work on your bike.

1. Your chain will not go on to the largest or smallest gear. Or maybe it falls right off, into the spokes, or onto the pedals or frame.

Likely problem: The 'limit screws' need adjustment. Literally, just turn a screw once or twice around, then check for fit.

2. Your chain makes a lot of noise when you are riding.

Likely problem: The gear cable is a tiny bit too loose, or too tight. You can turn this one by hand. It takes a little longer to get it exact, but what a difference it makes!

3. Chain jumps or comes off when pedalling hard.

Likely problem: The chain is stretched (happens to all chains over time) and needs replacement, or the teeth on the gears are worn, and the gear needs replacement. Either cause can be determined through a visual examination and you will see the evidence yourself.

4. Brakes squeal when stopping the bike.

Likely problem: Angle of brake pad ("toe-in"). You need to undo the nut on the brake pad and adjust its position relative to the wheel.

5. Brakes rub when the brakes are not being used.

Likely problem: The cable might be sticking inside the black housing, which means a new cable and housing. Not a lengthy procedure, just a few steps in the right order. Another cause for brake rub could be that the brakes need to be adjusted. A nut has to be loosened, or a couple of screws need to be turned.

6. Wheels wobble as they turn, sometimes so bad they rub the brake pads or the frame.

Repair: Provided the wheel has not been hit hard and bent, it can be straightened out by adjusting the spokes. Another step-by-step repair, but you can see improvement from the first adjustment.

7. Wheels are loose on the axle, even though it is secured well on the frame.

Problem: The 'cones' that hold the bearings on the inside of the wheel hub (where you can't see) are too loose. Repair: Remove the wheel and tighten the cones a tiny bit. *There may be a bigger problem with the bearings, but it is all manageable.

8. Noisy, stiff or loose pedals.

Repair: Except for the most expensive pedals, the pedals need to be replaced. One tool and a bit of pushing will do it.

Tire levers:

These nifty items are absolutely essential for removing the skinny tires from a road bike, and often thicker tires as well. Plastic or metal, they can do the job that your hands can't.

Fourth hand:

Used for tightening brake and gear cables. Very helpful.

Pedal wrench:

This is the only tool worthy of going on to your pedals in order to remove them. Regular wrenches could hurt you and your bike.

Chain tool:

This lets you remove and install a chain on a bike. A bit of a touchy tool, but easily mastered with guidance.

Spoke wrench:

Along with a truing stand, this is how you make your wheels perfectly straight (or "true"), without any wobbles to the side as it spins around. Most of the big wobbles can be straightened in a few minutes, even if you've never done it before. Like a musical instrument, it is the fine tuning that takes more experience.

Crank puller:

Easy to use, and it is the only possible way to remove the crank arm (that the pedal is attached to) from a bike.

We do offer a few quality vintage bikes for sale, as availability allows. Call or email to see if we have any in stock.
call us at (416) 587-7204
email us at jamiethiers@email.com

We are always in the market for nice classic bikes. Even if they are in bad shape, we can still bring them back to beauty with TLC. Let us know what you have sitting around, we'll give you cash for your old bike, quality brands only. We won't need original receipts, but we need some ID at time of sale.