Truer Wheels: A Tale of Emergency Repairs
Meeting Luke (the Savior), Bike Mechanic, Warmshowers Host, and American Expat!
April 18th 2024: Thanks ChatGPT for the title
With only about an hour to go riding from Arezzo to Umbertide, I heard a front spoke ping and snap off. With a huge wobble, I road as quickly (and slowly) as I could to the nearest bike shop, which happened to be BikeLand in Citta di Castella 🇮🇹
Unfortunately, the shop didn’t have any availability for me in between building €10,000 road bikes, so Luke (“Luca”) Mann, a freelance bike mechanic, and all-around great guy(!), who works primarily from home, came out to the shop to rebuild my wheel.
It’s always a good sign when the mechanic shows up on a bike!
But not just any bike. A 26” MTB converted into a longtail cargo bike using the XtraCycle conversion kit, essentially adding a whole lot of extra room for passengers or luggage!
Luke was kind enough to offer his help, replacing my chain and cassette, respoking my wheels and generally fixing up and preparing the bike for the next 3000km!
In his spare time, Luke restores unloved bicycles and donates them to local migrants enabling them to find their independence in the local area. Some of his bicycle builds are available to purchase on Subito, here.
Thanks to Luke & Dawn for the hospitality! You can find Luke and Dawn on the Warmshowers App, and their profile is linked here!
