First things first, here’s a big congratulations to everyone for keeping on pedaling through the cold mornings and evenings!
With a good set of gloves and jacket the fresh mornings and evenings are great for cycling. With some mudguards and a good set of lights, even a bit of rain can be enjoyable! And even better, the days are getting longer and Spring is approaching fast…
In this edition:

Join us this Friday evening
Funky bike gear of the month: Green Oil, Miche, Soma and Park Tool
Follow us on Twitter
HPCafe: TdF bikkies and …

Welcome to April!
We’ve got a heap of exciting news “straight from the workshop to you”. In this edition

special offers on Allegro and Gazelle bikes still available until the end of the month
Australian made bike gear… great local products
dates of upcoming bike maintenance trainings
reduced pricing on the Gazelle Innergy electric bikes announced
our range of Kona bikes grows… again!
gearing up for the darker months: increased range of lights (battery and dynamo!) and mudguards
staff news: Quentin starts his Cert III
This month’s controversial poll! VECCI: “Should …

We’ve spent a lot of time hunting around for Australian made bike parts and accessories. And it’s been successful. This post covers some of the gear available from the local market.
Ok so we know the benefits of local stuff… mimising transport requirements reduces emissions. And warranties are much easier. The products are better supported and with lots of these businesses we can give feedback on what we like and what doesn’t work. They will sometimes be able to incorporate this feedback into future designs and manufacturing runs. Anyway, local gear …

Check this for value…

An Allegro Onya 8 hub gear or City 2 derailler gear city bike decked out with rack, panniers and lights. Bundled with a huge discount.  Either way you’ve got an awesome city riding package. The big difference is hub gears or derailler gears… you choose!

The W2 is the latest addition to the Allegro range. Designed in Melbourne for Melbourne riders. A unique and well thought out bike.
The Allegro W2 has a light-weight chromoly frame and a nice selection of component that provides a durable and comfortable ride whether you’re commuting into the CBD everyday or cruising down the Merri Creek path on a sunny Saturday. Fitted with reliable Nexus 3 speed hub gear and V brakes. Comes with rear rack, full mudguards and chain guard already installed.
Richard, the owner and bicycle designer of Allegro …

Hi Folks!
With such perfect cycling weather, everyone’s riding their bike! So we’ve announced some super package bike deals. These deals are full city riding commuting packages, not just a bike!
Also announcing our presentation at this year’s Sustainable Living Festival and our next social ride on Friday 5th March… we’re looking  forward to another chilled out sunset ride along the bike paths.
And some upcoming fun: We’ll be helping out at the Darebin Kite Festival with a free bike valet service. And we’re now offering discounts to members of the Urban Coup …

We’re back! And what a scorching start to the year… not just the temperature but also more people pedalling around town!
I’ve started with some local news from the shop and pasted in this month’s BikeFun newsletter after that.
Happy summer cycling. Cheers, Bill and the crew
MORE BIKES, BETTER BIKES(!)
As always, we’re keeping a beady eye peeled for sweet bikes to add to our range.
1. some of the Kona range have made the grade and are starting to appear on the showroom. Already the Dew City, Dew and Dew Plus are here
2. …

Question: Who wants to modify a stock Allegro Pista to make it fully bling? using as much off the shelf stock as possible?
Question 2: Why would you want to do that?
Answer 1: Bill wanted to. Actually, not bling but fast and fun…
Answer 2: Because the Allegro Pista is a cool locally designed frame but it’s definitely not fitted with my choice of components
So, I spent quite a few months choosing the right parts. Here’s a summary of what’s been done:

cut down and thread the steerer
fit Stronglight threaded headset (an aheadset …