My wife and I biked to Community Cycles in Boulder today. It was slow going, considering how badly my chain was slipping, but it’s mostly downhill that way, so not too bad.

Once we got there, there were people all over the place. We talked to a couple, and one of the main mechanics just threw my bike up on the stand, yanked off the chain, and sent me to dig through a box to find a good match. He came by in another minute and showed me why the first one I picked was better suited to my bike than the second (width), and took it over to the counter where he messed with it a bit and then put it on the bike.

He replaced the chain, adjusted the front and rear derailleurs, and showed me how to lube the rear brake cable (it was sticking). Everything was done, tested, and ready within half an hour, including the time it took for making small talk, and all the interruption that comes with being an excellent bike technician in a shop full of people learning how to work on bikes (questions galore).

Since I’m helping out with the web site, the director was trying to hook me up with accessories and stuff. That was really nice. I still offered a little as donation to the organization, though, because what they’re doing is so great. Also, the same work would’ve cost me upwards of $100 at a bike shop.

We rode probably 4 miles or so today, and the bike is working so well! I couldn’t be happier.