I Was Supposed To Grease That?

April 12, 2012

We have a rule here at the shop to grease almost everything on the bike. If it moves or has threads, it probably needs grease. But what about your seatpost? It doesn't thread into the frame and once installed it doesn't really move right?

Well if you want to be able to remove it in the future, consider greasing it now.

Seatposts get stuck. It happens. And when they do, it can be nasty. Trying to remove one can be expensive, impossible or if done improperly, damaging to the frame.

So, what's the deal? Over time, metals like an aluminum seatpost and a steel seat tube can fuse through oxidation or bind through friction. Simply applying a coat of grease between the two provides a barrier against corrosion.

So, what is it? Grease is a lubricant in paste form, rather than a liquid oil. While there are many bicycle specific brands for metal components, most any automotive type will also do. The exception is carbon fiber, which has its own type of grease. Same concept, different materials.

So, what about my bike? If your bicycle was built by a skilled mechanic, the seatpost was likely greased at that time. If you have no idea, or if that was years ago, pull the post to find out.

So, what to do? Place a piece of tape on the seatpost just above the frame so you'll know exactly where to return it when done, then remove the post completely. Apply a thin layer of grease inside the seat tube with an old paintbrush or toothbrush. If you apply the grease directly to the seatpost, installation will strip most of it right off, so go for the interior of the seat tube instead. Reinstall the seatpost and ride.

If you don't have grease at home, ask your local bike shop to take care of it during your next annual check up. Like many things in life, this is a preventative measure. If you wait until it's too late, well, then you're stuck.


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Less Than One Week Left

April 2, 2012

As of this morning 126 magnanimous people have thrown their support behind our new bicycle, the Sutro, on Kickstarter. A huge thank you for every dollar, every casual mention to a friend and everything in between.

Our Kickstarter campaign closes less than one week from today on Monday, April 9th. If you haven't already, please take a look at our new bicycle and the awesome rewards we've cooked up. One of our early backers Sunil says, "It has been a long time since I swooned for a bike as quickly as I have for this one." 

We just want to say thanks, at least 126 times.

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Simplify Your Security: Wheel Locks

March 26, 2012

For most people locks are a necessary part of cycling. But that doesn't mean they have to be inconvenient or cumbersome.

Rather than carry a second lock for your wheels, consider these locking axle nuts. Installation is simple and secures your goods, but removal is easy for flats or repairs.

Each lock comes with a set of two nuts and a unique "key" for installation.

The key uses a 15mm wrench on one end and a patented pin system on the other. The pin placement on each key varies so no standard tool can free the wheel.

Bike security is a contentious topic, but educating yourself and employing that education is easy. The joys of cycling far outweigh the misinformation about theft. Be informed and ride on.

 

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Oversimplified: Chain "Stretch"

March 19, 2012

Believe it or not bicycle chains stretch, or at least that's the common description. They don't actually stretch of course but elongate with use. We just didn't have enough chain to write elongate.

As they elongate, they will wear your drivetrain components irregularly. The technical explanation uses jargon like pitch and bushing but what matters most is this: chains are cheap and easy to replace, while cranksets and cogs are not.

To ensure the long life of your drivetrain, replace your chain once in a while. Do it annually for convenience or every 2,000 miles if you want to keep count. If you're curious about its condition, your local bike shop has a tool to measure the stretch. This fast and simple maintenance will keep your components in shape.

Want a tip to keep your chain spinning silent and smooth? Click here.

 

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This Is Big

March 12, 2012

Mission Bicycle Company is proud to announce our new bicycle, the Sutro: an internally geared bike, uniquely designed for city riding.

8-speed Sutro with a rapid fire shifter

The Project

We've been working for more than a year to perfect this bike, and we're giddy about sharing it with you. Help us take the final step, and get the Sutro on the streets, by joining our Kickstarter campaign. In return for your support we're offering original art, T-shirts, posters and exclusive access to the first Sutro frames and bikes at reduced launch prices.

The Bike

The Sutro is a totally new experience for city riders. We took the simplicity of our single speed bike and added a Shimano multi-geared internal hub, allowing us to build a geared city bike in a brand new way.

We designed the Sutro to be practical and fun with our friend and local frame designer Emmanuel Eng.

  • It's light enough to hoist up a flight of stairs while versatile enough to fly up hills. 
  • We route the cables through the bike tubing for complete elegance. 
  • Double butted chromoly steel lends resilience and durability to the frame.
  • You pick out every color and component on the bike. We build it to last a lifetime.

No dropped chains. No crossed gears. No more derailleur adjustments. The Sutro marries the simplicity and dependability of a single speed bike with a wide gear spread.

8-speed Sutro with a bar end shifter

The Opportunity

These beautiful bikes, along with original art, posters, T-shirts and more are available exclusively through our Kickstarter campaign. What is Kickstarter? It's a community based funding platform for creative projects. It's an ingenious way to become a supportive player of the projects and organizations you like.

This is your opportunity to join with us to make this bike happen and be among the first riders of the Sutro. To see videos and pictures of the bike and learn more about how you can be a part of our Kickstarter campaign, click here and then share it with your friends.

 

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Five Finger Discount

March 2, 2012

Buy five fingers and get the second five half off.  Enter coupon code FIVE at checkout and you'll get 25% off a pair of gloves.

Our medium weight riding gloves are designed for year-round use to provide advanced traction and full coverage. Featuring tacky tips, reinforced joints and a thumb snot rag. More photos.

Ever answered your iPhone or Android with your nose because your gloved hands don't work on a touch screen? With these smarties you can go back to using your finger. Conductive polyamide tips allow you to type, drag and even zoom. No more missed calls or frozen digits. Check them out More details.

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Liquid vs. Powder: What's Your Color?

February 27, 2012

Your bike has every right to look as good as it feels. That's why we offer hundreds of frame color options on each and every build in two distinct flavors: electrostatic powder coat or liquid paint.

What's the difference? Glad you asked.

Powder Coat

Powder coating is the process of applying colored pigment with a slight electric charge onto a grounded metal object. The powder is shot with compressed air and the electric attraction adheres the powder to the steel. The frame is then baked at nearly 400 degrees Fahrenheit, turning the dry pigment into a seamless coating that is both beautiful and highly durable. 

Our raw steel Valencia frames waiting to be coated.

Powder application in process.

The powdered pigment is swept up and used on another frame, making it a zero waste process.

Pros: Inexpensive, scratch resistant, fast, and consistent.

Cons: Special effects such as fades, stripes or custom designs are rarely possible.

Liquid Paint

The greatest benefit of liquid paint is the potential for detail. If you can imagine a color scheme, graphic or pattern it can be painted. However, the delicate details require more delicate care.

Valencia frame with multiple base colors, fades, graphics and a sparkle clear coat.

For the right bike, the detail is a must.

Pros: Highly detailed, unequaled depth and complexity (color fades, special effects and unique designs).

Cons: More expensive, less durable, and more time consuming.

Each bike and project will determine which technique is best. Either way, don't be shy about getting the look you want.

 

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Miles Per Valentine?

February 13, 2012

How many calories does it take to show that special someone you care on Valentine's Day?

For our friend Payam, it took 1,135 burned on a 27 mile bike ride encircling the whole of San Francisco.

Using his iPhone, a GPS app, his Mission Bicycle and a heart as big as... well as big as San Francisco, Payam took this ride for his girlfriend, Clare. She's in Toronto so they won't be able to spend the holiday together but he wanted to create his valentine in a unique way.

"I recently moved to San Francisco from Toronto to start a new job, so Clare and I have been doing the long distance thing for the past few months. I wanted to do something a little different to surprise her on Valentine's Day. I was excited by the possibility of drawing shapes on a map based on the path I ride. We're both really fascinated by maps and they've been a common point of interest throughout our relationship."

Payam may have left his heart with Clare in Toronto, but he's keeping a pretty big one for her here in San Francisco.

 

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Getting your bike high

February 6, 2012

For those of us in "cozy" city apartments, space is at a premium. But we know that you don't want to banish your bike to a dark basement, a lonely fire escape or a dangerous hallway.  

We've got a variety of innovations to get your bike out of the hall and out of the way.

No more scuffed walls or stubbed toes. Bring your bike inside and we'll help you co-exist.

Bike Hoist

Often found in suburban garages, this simple but effective hoist can be installed anywhere. A locking pulley and two versatile claws will safely and easily hold a bike (or most things for that matter) up to 50lbs.

Cycloc

The Cycloc is a wall mounted system that is deceptively versatile. The over-under design accepts nearly any type of frame - road, mountain, folding, etc. - as well as nearly any tube on the bike - top tube, seat tube, seat post, etc. The mounting hardware is concealed and a central cavity allows for accessory storage like your gloves, keys or lock.

Bike Shelf

This is the solution for the discerning rider whose bike is also a work of art. Conceived and designed here in San Francisco, each shelf is handcrafted in either solid Walnut or Ash. All mounting hardware is hidden, but easy to install, leaving only the craftsmanship of the shelf and your bike on display.

Respect your bike, but reclaim your space.

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Bike Rental FAQ

February 4, 2012

Where is Mission Bicycle?

We are located at 766 Valencia Street in the Mission district. If you're visiting us from out of town, take BART to the 16th street station. Locals: you can also reach us via MUNI bus lines #33, 14, 22 as well as the 16th & Mission BART station. 

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Riders under 18 are required by law to wear a helmet. One is provided with your rental.

Do I have to have lights? Read more »