To the rescue

It's hard to believe that the capital area, in the great state of Maine, is without a bicycle shop at the present time. It seems almost difficult to comprehend such an absence. And, believe me, it's not because no one rides bicycles around here.

Mind you, I think by the start of next year's cycling season — or possibly sooner — the void will no longer exist. But what about now? Nothing is more irritating than having a two-wheeled machine that isn't operating correctly. Fortunately, someone has come to the rescue.

John has been repairing bikes for 32 years.

John Waller, my former colleague at Mathieu's Cycle & Fitness, has decided to take the plunge and open his own bicycle shop. The new business is called JW Bicycle Repair and it is located in Augusta. I can honestly testify that John really knows his stuff. Let's go a step further. I believe that John is so good, that even if a new bike shop were to open in the Augusta vicinity, I'm guessing most people will stick with him.

Recently, I rode my Trek Domane over to John's place to check it out. I was quite impressed. To help my friend and his new adventure, I offered to do a question-and-answer profile. Here's what John had to say.

Q. Please tell us how many years of experience you have as a bicycle mechanic and the names of the previous places you have worked?

A. I’ve been at it a total of 32 years. I worked at Auclair Cycle & Ski for nine years, Kennebec Bike & Ski for 10 years, and, most recently, at Mathieu’s Cycle & Fitness in Farmingdale for 13 years.

Q. What services are you providing at JW Bicycle Repair?

A. Any and all types of repairs, plus routine maintenance on bicycles — all brands. I also will stock a few basic accessory items as well, such as lubricants, pumps, water bottles, cages, tubes, multi-tools, etc. My plan is to have available 90 percent of what someone might need for a bike repair.

Q. Will you have the capability to deal with e-bikes?

A. I will gladly address any issues, minus the electronic components, on shop-quality e-bikes.

John deals with all brands of bicycles.

Q. Why did you decide to open your own bike shop?

A. I’ve considered opening a shop several times over the years, but honestly, the reason I was motivated to actually pull the trigger this time was out of necessity. I had two options when I heard the shop — Mathieu’s — I had worked for the last 13 years was closing. One, get a JOB or two, open my own bicycle service shop!

Q. What is the goal/aim of JW Bicycle Repair?

A. Quite simply, it is to offer the best quality bike repair service in Central Maine, while also providing a fun way to earn a living.

Q. Any time for riding?

A. A little, but not as much as I would like. I've been pretty busy finishing up at Mathieu's and setting up my business.

Q. What is your contact information for obtaining an appointment?

A. You can find JW Bicycle Repair on Google and Facebook. The website address is https://jwbicyclerepairs.com. However, the site is currently under construction. You can also contact me by way of email at jwbicyclerepair@gmail.com or phone 207-248-9862.

So, please don't hesitate to reach out to John for any bicycle repairs. I understand that this information doesn't help any of my out-of-state blog followers, but any and all good news having to do with bicycles is worth sharing. Stay safe!

Welcome to JW Bicycle Repair in Augusta, Maine.