Letters

Jeremy Nathan’s article in the April/may issue (‘Building the Perfect Bike’) brought back many memories of my build, which has lasted more 30 years and is still rolling. Early in 1988, I decided that I would treat myself to a new bicycle. I headed to my favourite cycle shop, Petrie’s Cycle & Sports in Thunder Bay, Ont. There was no online shopping those days, so everything was done in person.

After some discussion with the shop owner and his technician, Farzam Etemadi, we decided that a custom frame would be the most effective as my size (5'6"), weight (160 lb.) and leg length (short) were going to be difficult to accommodate. At the time, I was competing in triathlons. Due to my work/family life, I almost always rode alone, so time trials were also part of my competitive routine. We decided on a time trial bike.

Etemadi, the technician par excellence, took measurements. There was no fancy setup, just a tape measure, scale, photos and a wealth of experience. The numbers were sent to the frame builder in Toronto, Mike Mulholland of Cyclops Cycles.

That year, my family and I had decided to take a road trip to New York City. On the way, I stopped at the Cyclops shop and met the builder. I picked out all the lugs, tubing and various components that make up the bike frame. This stop also allowed the builder to make a few other suggestions.

While the frame was being built, I was back at home with cartoon drawings of the frame and colouring pencils and markers choosing the final colours. The frame was shipped naked, no components, and looked great. I went for a Campagnolo Chorus group, and Mavic handlebars and wheels. Then it was time for Etemadi to do his final bit of magic: set the saddle and handlebar height. Once all that was done, there was nothing left to do but ride home. I have had that bicycle for 30 years as of this August. It is my only road bike. I’ve ridden it in time trials, triathlons, duathlons and club rides, the longest ride being more than 100 km. Nothing has changed except for tires, rims and chains. It’s been worth every cent I spent on it, and I hope to ride it for a long time to come.

C. “Butch” Petrone Thunder Bay, Ont.

The park that gets you riding Les Défis du Parc that runs in the Parc National de la Mauricie (‘The Cyclist’s Park,’ June/july 2018) is something I hold very dear to my heart, not only because it reignited my passion for cycling (after having lost it for many years), but Marie-josée Gervais, the event’s organizer, is an amazing ambassador of the sport. Also, she co-founded the group Les Roses, which has encouraged a fair amount of women (me included) to get active.

Zoe Koulouris Montreal