What happens behind the doors of the Routes & Roads workshop? To find out, we spent some time with Frank and Titi, our two mechanics, in our shop on the Place de Rungis, in the heart of Paris's 13th arrondissement.
On the agenda: a few anecdotes, sometimes surprising repairs, and valuable tips for taking care of your bike.
Before we begin, a little anecdote: passersby still occasionally push open the shop door to ask us where the lighting store or one of the neighboring businesses is. We point them in the right direction with a smile, and then get back to our bikes!
1. Your bike tells your story
Frank and Titi don't need to ask many questions to guess your cycling habits. Often, your bike speaks for you!
The traces of everyday use
The dust on the frame, the condition of the chain, or the wear on the tires say a lot. A bike used every day to commute to work in Paris doesn't show the same signs as an MTB returning from a muddy ride in the Fontainebleau Forest or a touring bike that has covered hundreds of kilometers.
Small home repairs
Some jobs also leave quite revealing clues: a damaged screw head, a poorly reassembled chain, or even cooking oil used as a lubricant…
Frank and Titi quickly spot DIY attempts. And sometimes, they end up giving them a little more work than expected!
2. "I didn't touch anything, it just happened!"
This is one of the phrases our mechanics regularly hear at the workshop.
Another classic?
"There's a little weird noise when I pedal..."
The problem is that a noise can have many causes. And when the cyclist has trouble describing what they hear, or forgets to mention a recent repair, the diagnosis can sometimes become a real investigation.
You have to observe, test, listen, and use the process of elimination to find the source of a mysterious creak.
A real detective job, bike mechanics edition!
3. Two stories that left their mark on the workshop
The front brake mystery
One day, a customer arrived at the workshop particularly annoyed: their front brake no longer worked at all.
Frank and Titi examined the bike and quickly understood what had happened.
After taking off the front wheel to transport their bike, the customer had reassembled it backwards. As a result, the brake disc ended up on the opposite side of the caliper.
Once the wheel was correctly reassembled and the brake checked, the problem was solved.
Just goes to show that a breakdown that seems serious can sometimes have a very simple explanation!
The unpleasant surprise after the rain
Another memorable memory: a bike that had accumulated rides in the rain without any particular maintenance.
When they dismantled the bottom bracket, the mechanics saw rusty water flowing out, which had remained inside the frame.
A discovery that serves as a reminder of the importance of taking care of your bike after wet rides, especially by letting it dry and checking the condition of the drivetrain and components exposed to water.
4. Can we repair all bikes?
We would like to be able to say yes, but reality is sometimes different.
With their experience, Frank and Titi can quickly assess the overall condition of a bike, identify the necessary repairs, and determine whether they are technically possible.
You also have to take into account the cost of parts and labor.
Because repairing a bike isn't just about getting it back in working order: it's also about advising its owner and helping them choose the most suitable solution.
Sometimes, a simple intervention is enough. In other cases, a major repair is unfortunately not the most reasonable solution.
5. Frank and Titi's tips for keeping your bike in good condition
Good news: a few simple steps can help you avoid many unexpected trips to the workshop.
Our mechanics' first piece of advice? Don't attempt complex adjustments without the right tools or the necessary knowledge.
Spoke tension or precisely adjusting a derailleur, for example, requires a certain level of expertise. A small mistake can sometimes lead to bigger problems.
On the other hand, some habits are within everyone's reach: regularly cleaning your drivetrain, properly lubricating your chain, and paying attention to unusual noises.
Regular maintenance helps extend the life of components, keep a bike enjoyable to use, and avoid costly repairs.
Why not come and see us?
Whether your bike needs a simple tune-up, adjustment, or more major repair, Frank and Titi welcome you to the workshop Routes & Roads, Place de Rungis, in Paris's 13th arrondissement.
They will take the time to examine your bike, explain what's wrong, and find the right solution.
And if you're still looking for the lighting store... we can point you in the right direction too!
Article prepared by Ivan, a friend of the Routes & Roads shop.
