Q & A with Andrew, Mark and Paul

By Replicator
I had a chance to catch up with three owners of Cyclesmith, Andrew Feenstra, Mark Beaver and Paul Shaw. I took the opportunity to pose a few questions to them in the hopes of them passing on some of their Yoda-like wisdom and insight. I wasn't dissappointed.

Replicator: Where do you see the biggest challenge in bringing more people to cycling?

Andrew Feenstra: Safe areas to ride, and education for automobile drivers.

Mark Beaver: Road conditions in Nova Scotia. Lack of shoulders on roads, narrow roads. Off-road, lack of mapping of routes and places to ride. Weather.

Paul Shaw: I see the biggest challenge is the same challenge our society faces with lifestyle changes. Many know they need to become more active, drop weight, eat better, move more, but aren't able to incorporate the needed changes into their life. With active living, come more cyclists (and walkers) who commute by bike and from that more people who ride for pleasure. I ride to work wearing street clothes on a bike with fenders. I don't need a shower when I get here if I commute at a leisurely pace. Getting on my bike is as easy as putting on my shoes. I want people to see cycling as easy, as another mode of transport, as a practical alternative. More commuters who are comfortable in traffic will lead to more riders of all stripes - in the woods and at the races.

R: What technical innovations do you think have had the most impact on mountain bikings development?

AF: Suspension, allows more control and comfort so riders are progressing faster then ever before.

MB: Suspension. Front and dual. Both have made riding more controllable and safer, and more fun as a result.

PS: Suspension improvements. I remember 48 mm travel front forks and long travel kits which added another 12 mm. DH forks of 70mm. Every year, it gets better. Rear suspension has added another level of enjoyment because of the comfort and control advantages. And now, shock valving which allows long travel bikes to be pedaled uphill has created the all-mountain bike which we can cruise on, or race, as we wish.

R: A unicycle race around Nova Scotia eh? How did that come about?

PS: Beers and pot.

AF: See Mark.

MB: That’s a small book, another story perhaps.

R: What is the most expensive bike you have ever sold and how much?

AF: $12,000 - Isaac

MB: We've only had a few bikes that have had a price tag with five figures, but that's pretty amazing in itself. A few thousand over five figures, in fact. Not naming any names, though.

PS: Spend what you can afford and buy something which will give you pleasure.

R: What's your favorite place to ride in NS? Canada? Anywhere else?

AF: Every area I have ridden has its pros and cons. There aren't any bad places to ride; you're on your bike, what else can be better!

MB: Most of the inland roadways throughout the province. I really enjoy the back roads of Lunenburg County, around New Germany area, and the hill country around the Rawdon Hills as well.

PS: Hwy 207 around Porter's Lake. Lovely ocean views and quiet roads. Riding in other parts of the world is a great way to spend a vacation, whether summer time in the Pyrenees or winter time in the southern states. Travel helps me appreciate how great the riding is right here in Nova Scotia.

R: How is Cyclesmith dealing with the challenges of online ordering and purchasing?

AF: People get it or they don't get it.

MB: At this point in time, we are a clicks-and-mortar store. We have an excellent website for doing research, but we don't have a shopping cart feature at this point in time, primarily because of the fact that our inventory control software can't link to the website. So if you want to buy something on-line from us, you have to speak to a human being. And you know what? That's not such a bad thing. Our advice is worth as much as our products.

PS: Service. We make sure you get the right part and the right fit. All shoppers have bought something mail order and regretted it. Cycling gear is evolving all the time, we keep up with the changes and love to give our advice on the myriad options and standards available and what will work with your bike.

R: What events would you like to see in NS?

AF: A mass ride like Montreal's le Tour de l'Ile.

MB: More mass participation events. Events that are not elitist or race-oriented; festivals, big group rides like the Wolfville-Roubaix and the Joe Howe Century Tour. Riders are dying to find fun rides to do. We need more of these, that aren't races and that aren't charity fundraisers, just fun riding events.

PS: Xterra off road triathlon

R: What is the one bike maintenance tip you recommend to all cyclists?

AF: Proper air pressure in your tires.

MB: Keep your bike clean. Wash your bike regularly, and give it a coat of wax or Bike Lust. While you're detailing your bike, you're also examining it for damage, for cracks, and for wear.

PS: Aside from tire pressure, I always stress safety. Commuters need to be lit up like a Christmas tree after dark, or in the rain. Most motorists are not cyclists and don't give cyclists the respect and attention needed.

R: More and more people are commuting by bike. Do you have any suggestions to help people have a safer, more pleasant commute?

AF: Choose a route off the busy roads; be inventive with your route.

MB: Try it. Get a rear view mirror. Get a commuter bike and put fenders on it. And a rack so you can carry stuff, like your lunch or a change of clothes. And get real lights. Those crappy little turtle lights are almost impossible to see, get something more powerful.

PS: Use side streets where possible or where no provision has been made for cyclists (i.e. most Halifax main streets). Be predictable and respect the rules like any vehicle, if you expect to be respected in return. When you do have to use a main artery, like the Rotary or Fairview overpass, ride assertively. Take your space and don't allow yourself to be pushed into the gutter.

R: What is your top choice in performance foods? Drink? Or do you have other training food tips?

AF: Eat tasty food. John Stamstad used doughnuts for all his ultra endurance MTB victories!

MB: Food. Real food. Even though I am into ultra-marathon riding, I eat real food while riding. I do pop the occasional gel when I need it, but otherwise I eat sensibly, both on the bike and afterward. Chocolate milk is my preferred recovery drink.

PS: Beer. Peanut butter and honey sandwiches.

R: Do you want to make any predictions on what the future will bring for mountain bike technology? Flying bikes? Lasers that guide you down the trails? 10 inches of suspension on XC race bikes?

AF: Let's make things a bit simpler. White is the new black!

MB: If I knew what the future was bringing, I'd have a patent on it! I would really like to get rid of derailleurs. They don't really have a place on mountain bikes, they hang down and get caught in the sticks and blow up too often. Bring on belt drive and internal gearing!

PS: Trail Access. I love to see people move from the rail trail to follow the ATV trails and then start to think about where else they can ride. The best technology is what will allow people to enjoy more riding. I think we will see enclosed drivetrains and a practical two wheel drive MTB in the next decade.

Feenstra and Beaver take some Rapid Fire Questions:

Presta or Schrader?
AF: Presta, it's French, and cycling is a French sport.
MB: Presta. Schrader is for cars.

Granola bar or energy bar?
AF: Dipped Granola bars
MB: Something that tastes good. Food shouldn't taste like sawdust.

Beer or water after a ride?
AF: Water
MB: Chocolate milk! It rules.

26er or 29er?
AF: 26", 29ers(700c) are for the road.
MB: If you're over 5'10", get a 29'er for trails and 26" for freeride or dh.

Wool or polypro?
AF: Polypro
MB: Wool for the road, polypro for off-road.

Simpsons or Family Guy?
AF: Only have 2, sometimes 3 channels so don't see much TV.
MB: Huh?

Shaved legs or aux natural (personally)?
AF: Only shave when I'm feeling fast.
MB: Hairier the better (on my own body)

Shaved legs or aux natural (romantically)?
MB: Shaved legs on the opposite sex is fine by me.

Lemond or Armstrong?
AF: Both on drugs!
MB: Neither one.

Brittney or Don Cherry?
AF: Who?

Pasta or rice or potato?
AF: Pasta
MB: Pasta - Italian Fuel!

Carbon fiber or steel?
AF: Carbon Fiber
MB: Steel - what else? Carbon fiber has no place on a mountain bike, IMHO.
(Shaw buzzed in on the last one...)
PS: It's all good. Who's Brittney?

Posted by O9man at May 21, 2008 12:47 AM

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