June 3, 2011

Another sunny day – none of the predicted rain.  The search for the bike mechanic starts early.  The camp-site owner directs us to a cycle shop in the town.  When we arrive a sign on the door says “Closed for holidays” – not a good start.  We go back to the camp-site to ask if there are any other cycle shops.  We´re directed to the opposite side of town where there is a large sports store that has a cycling section.  We eventually find it after a few ´deviations´ around road works, but the mechanic can only do minor repairs and adjustments.  He, however, tells us of another bike shop in an industrial estate right next to the camp-site. 

When we find the shop, not only is it a specialist shop and repair centre but it is also an agent for ´Cube´ bikes – perfect.  You could not wish to meet a more helpful young man – he immediately diagnoses the problem as the bottom bracket (to be fair this is the conclusion that Ken had already arrived at, by a process of elimination) – he re-cuts the threads in the frame and applies copper grease – problem solved.  He did, however, also diagnose that the chain and back cassette were both worn out.  I decide to have my bike checked as well – it has also done 4000 km – no, my chain and cassette are fine.  The fitter told Ken that he should spin his legs faster up the hills – he,he,he! (or je, je, je! for my Spanish friends).  If you find yourself in Vesoul and need a bike fitter go to ´Velo Passion´.