Bike Service Geneva at Bike Switzerland

Bike Service Geneva at Bike Switzerland

We’ve now got a full service workshop on-site with two english-speaking mechancs and are offering the following Spring service at these very special prices:

Basic service
Recommended if you rarely use your bike and just want it ready for Spring.
The service includes:

- Ordinary cleaning
- Damage inspection: Frame, sprockets, brakes, cables, tires
- Tightening of all bolts and adjustment of all cables, mechanisms and brake pads
- Lubrication of chain and cables

Price: 60 chf

Parts are not included in this price. If parts are needed and replaced during the service, client will only be charged for the price of the part and no extra service charges.

Advanced Service
Recommended annual service or after 3,000 K

Basic service +

- Thorough cleaning  and tuning of bike requiring removal of components, wheels, cables, etc.
- Cleaning and greasing of all headset bearings, gears and bottom bracket
- New cabling

Parts are not included in this price. If parts are needed and replaced during the service, client will only be charged for the price of the part and no extra service charges.

Price: 150 chf

Free BMC Kit until April 1st

Thinking about joining us on our Tour de Suisse fan experience this summer ? Don’t wait to long. If you sign up before April 1st, you’ll receive this free BMC kit.
That will come in handy as we plan on stopping by to visit with the BMC crew. And of course, you’ll be riding new BMC bikes as well.
Watch out. You had better carry a pen with you. You might run into some autograph seekers !

Our TDS tour is from June 9th to 14. More information at http://www.bikeswitzerland.com

Just one of the perks !

I was on the phone with TDS director Louis Schumann just this morning discussing our program and ways in which we can make the experience even more special for our riders. I told Louis that we’re going to be at the start of stages 4 and 7 and he has promised to get us clearance badges so that we can be there to get close up shots of the riders as they sign on the dotted line.

If you don’t know about this tradition, here’s an explanation from the “Dummies” series:

Prior to every Tour stage, riders must sign in on a pre-race staging area. The procedure is required in part as tradition, in part to appease spectators gathered near the starting line, awaiting the arrival of their favorite riders minutes before a stage start. During road stages, riders and team managers must arrive at the signature registration area at least ten minutes prior to a start.

At the Tour de Suisse, these signatures are all collected on a large poster. What a collector’s item ! All the signatures of the riders on that stage in one place !
Yes, well…one of our lucky program participants will take this poster home with them ! How nice will that look in the office !

So, the stage starts will be just as exciting as the stage finishes. Here’s how we celebrated one of the stage finishes last year:

Details of our 2013 Tour de Suisse program

We’re putting the final touches on our program, contact us at info@bikeswitzerland.com to get on board !

We’re looking for a few strong cyclists !

We’re looking for a few strong cyclists !

Bike Switzerland is looking for a few strong bilingual cyclists (English/French) to lead or Thursday evening and Saturday morning rides from our shop behind the train station in Geneva. These rides begin on March 21st and will continue until late October.

Responsibilities include:

- Planning the itinerary and posting it on our calendar.

- Being on time to lead the ride ! (18h15 on Thursday and 9 am on Saturdays)

Thursday ride: 30 to 50 km, relaxed pace

Saturday ride: 50 to 80 km, training pace

Compensation:

The “Bike Switzerland Club Rides”, are fun and free, so we can’t pay much. However, cyclists committing to leading rides on a regular basis will receive:

Complete Bike Switzerland kit

10 – 40% discounts on all bikes, rentals and accessories (depending upon level of involvement)

Free drinks ! (Thursday night post-ride)

If interested and you live in Geneva (or very nearby) contact:  john@bikeswitzerland.com

Tour de Suisse

We are currently updating our website to include 2013 information about our Tour de Suisse program. We should have everything up in a week or ten days.

Until then, the information below will be helpful for those wanting to know more about the program.

You will also find maps outlining our itinerary at the bottom

June 9th: Arrival Day

Overnight: Interlaken

Fly into Zurich or Geneva and board the train for Interlaken directly from the airport. If you like, we can work with you to purchase train tickets before your arrival.

Keep in mind that Bike Switzerland will be furnishing brand new BMC racing bikes for this trip, so no need to pack more than your suitcase !

Once in Interlaken, you’ll take a 5-minute bus ride from the station to the lakeside hamlet of Bonigen to find your hotel. There you will meet your guides and unpack before going downstairs for your bike fitting. We’ll be enjoying an early supper this evening at the hotel so that you’ll feel refreshed for our start tomorrow morning.

June 10th: TdS Stage 3

Highlights:  Stage finish, VIP Tent, Handshakes and autographs with various teams and their crews.

Total Climbing: 1500 Meters

 Overnight: Interlaken

After a hearty bowl of muesli and several bowls of coffee, we’ll begin our cycling with a tough ascent up Grosse Scheidegg (1,962 m). Once at the summit, we’ll picnic on sandwiches and chocolate before plunging to our destination: Meiringen.

Leave your bikes with your guide: it’s time to experience the Tour de Suisse !

In the VIP tent we’ll sip wine and enjoy some warm dishes before watching the riders cross the finish line right under our noses !

You’re likely be very surprised by the cozy and intimate feeling at the TdS. Talking shop with former pro racers or team owners in the VIP tent happens every year. You’ll be amazed by the natural camaraderie that plays out between these professionals and yourself.

We’ll then walk through the TdS “village” and take in the carnival atmosphere and pick up some souvenirs. From there, we’ll make our way to the team buses to see the pros and their crews.

Although we cannot make any promises, Bike Switzerland’s close association with BMC means that we’ll likely get a special peek. If you’re a BMC fan, have your cap and pen ready for some autographs.

It’s been a long first day, so we plan to leave our bikes in the area and head back to Interlaken by train.

June 11th: Stage 4

Highlights: Morning boat ride, see riders on the starting line, Brunig pass climb

Our Itinerary: Meiringen to Lucerne

Distance: 65 KM

Climbing: 900 Meters

 Overnight: Lucerne

Although we plan to arrive in the town of Brienz with a panoramic boat cruise, our plans may change based on the Stage 4 start time. This stage begins at Innertkirchen, just a few kilometers down the road from Meiringen.

Then we watch the riders jockey for position as they take off on Stage 4. We’ll follow them out of town and get pumped up by the throngs of cheering fans lining the route!

We’ll double-back to Meiringen, where we will take a more scenic route up the Brunig pass and follow Swiss National Cycling Route 9 to the awe-inspiring city of Lucerne.

June 12th: Stage 5

TDS Highlights: Watch the pros struggle over the hills, Swimming party and BBQ

Our Itinerary: Scenic loop from Lucerne

Distance: 100 KM

Climbing: 1200 Meters

Overnight: Lucerne

We’ve seen a stage start and finish and so today we’re going to be on the side of the road as the riders haul themselves over the hills between Lucerne and Leuggern.

We’ll get an early start, maneuver into position and have our radios on to anticipate their arrival. Once the riders pass, we’ll take a scenic loop back to Lucerne.

You’ll have seen and done a lot today and so we’ll savor those memories on the terrace of a local bath we know. We’ll swim,  enjoy some BBQ and watch the sun set over Lucerne.

June 13th: Stage 6

TDS Highlights: Stage finish in VIP tent, Podium pictures

Our Itinerary: From Lucerne to Meilen. Train to Rapperswil.

Distance: 95 KM

Climbing: 100 Meters

Overnight: Rapperswil

We’ll be on beautiful car-free bike paths for most of todays riding. Today’s ride is an easy 80 km and so we’ll be in the town of Meilen in plenty of time for the finish and festivities.

The Tour de Suisse being a very intimate race, you’ll have easy access to the team buses, mechanic stations and former Swiss pros who are now TDS consultants. Local celebrities such as Beat Zberg ( Swiss National Champion) and Alex Zulle are just a few of the riders you’ll likely meet in the VIP tent.

Of course, you’re one of the VIPs ! There will be no doubting this, as we’ll make sure to get some pictures of you on the TdS podium this afternoon.

June 14th: Stage 7

TDS Highlights: Guided tour of event by TDS program director

Our Itinerary: Train to Meilen, with tough scenic loop returning to Rapperswil

Distance: 110 KM

Climbing: 1250 Meters

Overnight: Rapperswil

It’s our last day and we’ll take the train to Meilen for the start of Stage 7.

We’ll make sure to arrive early, as the TdS director himself plans on showing us behind the scenes. We’ll see the mobile drug-testing unit, the sign-in area and the various hospitality tents used by riders just before the race. Do you want to know what it takes to plan a world-class race ? There will be plenty of time to ask your questions this morning.

This will also give you the opportunity to bid farewell to the organizers and have a last look at your favorite riders.

We’re free to set our own itinerary today and plan to take you on the most scenic roads of the region while making sure to include at least one mountain pass to finish your vacation in style.

Cycling Day 1

Cycling Day 2

Cycling Day 3

Cycling Day 4

Cycling Day 5

Bike Switzerland’s 2013 TdS Program Announced

We’re happy to announce details for our 2013 Tour de Suisse program. The exact itinerary of certain days will not be known until we go over the exact route with the TdS organizers in the Spring. Until then, the information below should give participants a good picture of the overall program. All participants should be strong cyclists capable of riding 60 to 100 km per day for 5 days with some significant climbing on at least two days, (one of which will be a category 1 climb).

 

June 9th: Arrival Day

If flying, we recommend landing in Zurich then taking the train from the airport to Interlaken. If you like, we can work with you to purchase train tickets before your arrival.

Keep in mind that Bike Switzerland will be furnishing brand new BMC racing bikes for this trip, so no need to pack more than your suitcase !

Once in Interlaken, you’ll walk across the street to your hotel, meet your guides and unpack before going downstairs for your bike fitting. We’ll be enjoying an early supper this evening at the hotel so that you’ll feel refreshed for our start tomorrow morning.

June 10th: TdS Stage 3

Highlights: Grosse Scheidegg climb, Reichenbach Falls, TdS Stage Finish

Total KM: 70

Total Meters: 1750

After a hearty bowl of muesli and several bowls of coffee, we’ll begin our cycling with a tough ascent up Grosse Scheidegg (1,962 m). Once at the summit, we’ll picnic on sandwiches and chocolate before plunging to our destination: Meiringen.

Leave your bikes with your guide: it’s time to experience the Tour de Suisse !

In the VIP tent we’ll sip wine and enjoy some warm dishes before watching the riders cross the finish line right under our noses !

You’re likely to be very surprised by the cozy and intimate feeling at the TdS. Talking shop with former pro racers or team owners in the VIP tent happens every year. You’ll be amazed by the natural camaraderie that plays out between these professionals and yourself.

We’ll then walk through the TdS “village” and take in the atmosphere as we make our way to the team buses to see the pros and their crews. Although we cannot make any promises, Bike Switzerland’s close association with BMC means that we’ll likely get a special peek at the team and their crew. If youre a BMC fan, have your cap and pen ready for some autographs.

It’s been a long first day, so we plan to leave our bikes in the area and head back to Interlaken by train.

June 11th: Stage 4

Highlights: Boat ride across Brienz, Starting line photos, Brunig pass climb

Total KM: 65

Total Meters: 1200

Although we plan to return to Brienz with a panoramic boat cruise, our plans may change based on the Stage 4 start time. This stage begins at Innertkirchen, just a few kilometers down the road from Meiringen. We’ll make sure to arrive early, as the TdS director himself plans on showing us behind the scenes. We’ll see the mobile drug-testing unit, the sign-in area and the various hospitality tents used by riders just before the race. Do you want to know what it takes to plan a world-class race ? There will be plenty of time to ask your questions this morning.

Then we watch the riders jockey for position as they take off on Stage 4. We’ll follow them out of town and get pumped up by the throngs of cheering fans lining the route!

We’ll double-back to Meiringen, where we will take a more scenic route up the Brunig pass and follow Swiss National Cycling Route 9 to the awe-inspiring city of Lucerne.

June 11th: Stage 5

Highlights: Mountain stage, Swimming party and BBQ

Total KM: To be announced

Total Meters: To be announced

We’ve seen a start and finish and so today we’re going to be on the side of the road as the riders haul themselves over a the hills between Lucerne and Leuggern.

We’ll get an early start, maneuver into position and have our radios on to anticipate their arrival. Once the riders pass, we’ll take a scenic loop back to Lucerne.

You’ll have seen and done a lot today and so we’ll savor those memories on the terrace of a local bath we know. We’ll swim,  enjoy some bbq and watch the sun set over Lucerne.

June 12th: Stage 6

Highlights: TdS finish, Rapperswil

Total KM: 80

Total Meters:  550 

We’ll be on beautiful car-free bike paths for most of todays riding. Today’s ride is an easy 80 km and so we’ll be in the town of Meilen in plenty of time for the finish and festivities.

The Tour de Suisse being a very intimate race, you’ll have easy access to the team buses, mechanic stations and former Swiss pros who are now TDS consultants. Local celebrities such as Beat Zberg ( Swiss National Champion) and Alex Zulle are just a few of the riders you’ll likely meet in the VIP tent.

Of course, you’re one of the VIPs ! There will be no doubting this, as we’ll make sure to get some pictures of you on the TdS podium this afternoon.

June 13th: Stage 7

Highlights: Tds Start, Panoramic loop

Total KM: To be announced

Total Meters: To be announced

It’s our last day and we’ll train to Meilen for the start of Stage 7. This will also give you the opportunity to bid farewell to the organizers and have a last look at your favorite riders.

The last days of the TDS will be on the eastern side of Switzerland and so there is no need to chase after the pack.

We’re free to set our own itinerary today and plan to take you on the most scenic roads of the region while making sure to include at least one mountain pass to finish your vacation in style.

Price: 3,200 chf

What’s included:
6 nights in 3 and 4 star hotels
All breakfasts, all lunches *, 5 dinners
BMC racing bike with bottles, accessories and choice of pedals
Cell phones, GPS, maps
Professional Swiss guides
Luggage transfers
Van support**
Train transfers and bicycle transfers during TdS program**†
Exclusive TdS VIP pass and benefits **††

* Lunches will be mixed between catered and picnics
** Emergency support (no sag)
**† Does not include initial transfer to Interlaken or return to Zurich
 **†† As the only official TdS tour operator, Bike Switzerland will be offering exclusive VIP passes to all participants. This will allow access to VIP tents and grandstands at starts and finishes of various stages. Other VIP benefits of this package are outlined in the day-to-day description of our tour program.

Bike Switzerland’s helmets

See how our Bike Switzerland helmets are designed and manufactured

2012 BMC Liquidations

Promotion of our 2012 BMC bicycle liquidations.

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Cherchons Technician Vélo

Notre société de vélotourisme cherche un jeune technicien vélo Canadien pour entretenir notre flotte à Genève dés ce printemps 2013.

La personne engagé aura les qualifications suivants :

• Au moins 23 ans

• Au moins 2 ans d’expérience

• Maitirise de l’anglais et le francais.

• Disponible à partir de 1ier Avril

Si intéressé, merci de nous envoyer un dossier de candidature avec C.V., Photo et au moins 2 références professionnels au info@bikeswitzerland.com

Party

Our shop is going to close next week !
No worries. It’s just temporary. We’ll be back open mid-March.
Still, it’s a good reason for a party. So, next Wednesday (October 31st) we’re having a party.
And it’s Hallowen, so even better.
We’re also going to use the evening to let you know about:
•     Our Grand Canary tour in February ! (With a live-feed from our guide on the ground in Grand Canary !)
•    Our 2013 Club Rides (Will you be a leader ?)
•    BMC Bikes on liquidation ! Now is the time to buy !
Of course, we’ll be serving beer and wine and we’ll be raffling off lots of clothing items.

New Winter Jersey for Best Costume. So wear one !

We’ll also be showing the latest  episode of The Walking Dead at 9pm (So don’t watch it before Wednesday)

Hope to see you there. RSVP if you can. (john@bikeswitzerland.com)

JOHN

Bike Switzerland to Host Adventure Cycling Tour Director!

We have the honor of hosting Jim Sayer for a few days in Geneva this October on his visit to Switzerland for the Adventure Travel Association Summit.
While in Geneva, we’ve asked Jim to speak ! We hope you can come to the conference.

Conference: North American Cycling Routes
Date: October 3rd
Time: 7pm
Location: UOG / Place des Grottes

Mr. Jim Sayer, Director of the North American based Adventure Cycling Association ,will be in Geneva on October 3rd.
Mr. Sayer will be giving a giving a conference: North American Bicycle Routes

Established in 1973, the ACA is North America’s premier bicycle-travel organization with over 45,000 members.
In addition organizing guided tours and publishing a magazine, ACA researches and produces cycling maps .
The association is also currently developing the U.S. Bicycle Route System which will be the largest cycling route network on the planet when complete.

Seating is limited, so please R.S.V.P. At info@bikeswitzerland.com

 

Eric and I talk about our bags !

Eric and I talk about our bags ! And best of all, they are 20% off until September 1st at www.bikeshopswitzerland.com !!

Our 2012 Clothing

Our 2012 clothing



Every week I promise myself to create a new podcast. Then we start getting slammed with rentals and walk-ins and nothing happens.
We’re now in August and we haven’t talked about our 2012 clothing collection ! So, Erik and I woke up at 6am, had some strong coffee and made this new video where we describe all of the clothing…and helmets !
Yes, it’s long and not always pretty. But Eric and I thought it was fantastic, and so did Erik’s mom.