Employee portrait: Niki, technician at our Mascouche shop

In our employee portrait series, we introduce the people who keep our shops running. Today we meet Niki, a technician at our Mascouche workshop for the past two years. A hockey player first and foremost, he came to cycling through his first triathlon, then to bike mechanics by working on his own bike. He tells us about his path, the Scott Addict 30 he adopted this season, his three essentials and three simple maintenance tips to keep your bike in good shape.

Niki, technician at our Mascouche workshop.

Who is Niki?

"I've been working at the Mascouche shop for two years as a technician." When it comes to riding, Niki describes himself as an occasional cyclist who rides in a group: "I ride very occasionally with friends, every now and then. I'm not the type to ride alone."

Cycling is his outlet: "Cycling has always been a way for me to burn off energy, get my legs moving and not think about it at the same time."

How did he get into cycling and mechanics?

It all started with a first taste of competition: "Four years ago, I had my first competitive experience at the Laval triathlon. I rode 20 km. That's kind of what got me into the cycling world. I've never looked back since."

Mechanics came the same way, hands-on: "I started doing a bit of mechanics by chance on my own bike. The more I worked on it, the more I got into mechanics."

Hockey, his first sport

"Cycling isn't my number one sport. For me, it's hockey." Niki has played since he was a kid, and he sees a direct benefit on the bike: "Hockey gave me a lot of team spirit. It also gave me the legs to keep up with my co-workers on the bike."

Junior B champions at the 2022 Monteuil Laval provincial tournament. Photo: Niki's collection

His bike of the season: the Scott Addict 30

"It's a bike I was lucky enough to try at the start of the season. It's really my favourite this year." The Scott Addict 30 is a carbon-frame road bike, and Niki likes it for two reasons: "What sets it apart is the electronic 105 Di2 drivetrain and the carbon wheels."

The Scott Addict 30, Niki's favourite this season.

One detail caught the technician's eye: "A little feature I like on this bike is the tools hidden in the handlebar here, so you can fix your bike wherever you are."

Tools stored in the bar end, for roadside fixes.

His three cycling essentials

For Niki, three items never miss a ride. First, a helmet, "for safety and for style". Then glasses, "to block the wind and be more comfortable". Finally, a water bottle, because staying hydrated keeps the ride enjoyable from start to finish.

Helmet and glasses: Niki's first two essentials.

Niki's three maintenance tips

1. Keep your bike clean. "It'll keep parts from wearing out faster than they need to." Dust and mud wear out the chain, cogs and chainrings much faster than you might think.

2. Check chain wear often. "At least once every two months, I'd say. Especially if you ride a lot." A chain replaced in time "keeps your drivetrain healthy" and helps you "avoid replacing parts that don't need to be replaced".

A well-watched chain spares the cassette and derailleur.

3. Keep an eye on your brake pads. Niki recommends checking them at least once a season, for a simple reason: "it's not after you've crashed that you need brakes." To go further, our bike maintenance and cleaning guide walks through each step.

Frequently asked questions

How often should you check bike chain wear?

Niki recommends checking it at least every two months, and more often if you ride a lot. A worn chain wears out the cassette and chainrings in turn: replacing it in time costs less than replacing the whole drivetrain.

When should you check your brake pads?

At least once a season, according to Niki, and as soon as braking feels weaker or noisier. A quick check at the workshop is enough to know whether they need replacing.

Where can you get your bike serviced in Mascouche?

At our Mascouche shop, where the workshop team handles tune-ups, repairs and wear checks, by appointment.

Thanks to Niki for taking part. Like the rest of our team, he is part of what has allowed us at Bicycles Quilicot to sell and service bikes since 1915: people who ride, repair and share what they know. Next time your bike needs some attention, stop by the Mascouche workshop.

Interview conducted in French; quotes translated.