The Brake Room
34 Dundas Street E K8N1B5 Belleville, ON, Canada

ALWAYS BE PREPARED Last-minute bean pickups are open from 8-12 tomorrow. After that, we’re closing up shop until Monday. Reserve your beans and you’ll be notified as soon as your order is ready for pickup. ... https://checkout.square.site/buy/27NMWVADKDA5JKEN6AKH5OAX

What does another lockdown look like for The Brake Room? Thankfully, over the last few months, we’ve been able to revamp our cafe and bike shop to offer contactless services, take-out and more room to spread out. We’ve spent lots more time outside and heard from hundreds of you who are doing the same. These new lockdown measures reinforce our takeout-only approach. Indoor dining will not be an option at the cafe for the foreseeable future, but takeout is going strong. ...You can expect to see even more of our products available for curbside pickup and in-town delivery in the coming weeks. Our bike shop also continues to operate much the same as it has been since March. You can still book an appointment with our team for contactless bike service or a safe-distanced / virtual sales consultation at thebrakeroom.com. Repair timelines are on track, and winter is a great time to book your bike in so that you’re ready to ride come spring (or if you’re riding all winter long... we’re here to help you keep rolling!) Taking care of each other is an easy choice. We’re not out of the woods yet, but we’ll get there if we keep working together. See more

A little something extra goes a long way on Monday mornings. Our pick is a scoop of @itsblume Cacao Turmeric blend for an extra-cozy oat milk flat white.

Chicos Caribbean Crisps has an island-inspired menu for pickup at The Brake Room this Friday. Pro Tip: Save room for the pineapple tarts...

Are there still leaves to peep anywhere around here? Or is it time to embrace the base (layer)?

PURE SUNSHINE IN STOCK c/o Dahlia May Flower Farm!

Is it me you’re looking for?

The dirt is in the details. Sounds nice, but hell... cleaning bags is not as fun as getting them dirty. #ovejanegra #konabikes #roguepanda #gravgrav #bikepacking #bikepackingbags #baaw

We don’t want to jinx thingsor talk about the weatherbut rumour has it that tomorrow’s high is 22. I think that’s all the reason we need to celebrate. We’re taking sunny days seriously* around here, since we know that soon, the weather will send us back indoors for the season. See you tomorrow for coffee? *

Thanks for popping by this Saturday for your road trip fuel, your beans for home brewing and your Dahlia May Flower Farm beauties to bring joy to your table. Let’s all take some time to recharge this weekend. We’ll see you on Tuesday morning!

This is Hannah’s build. She used this to conquer her personal bests and challenge her fears of riding alone... at night... in the rain. This is a Kona Rove AL. It’s been a reliable starter bike for years, and this one has the scars to prove it. #rrbinthewild #konabikes #konarove #fairweatherbikes #bikepacking #bt700 #biketouring #apidura #cycletouring #thebrakeroom

I thought it was a good time to consider some new brackets while I was climbing up a rocky trail to grab a light that bounced off my bike. Sure, there are lots of little doo dads to solve this. However, no solution is as sufficient as the one I imagine. These brackets are the making of @richardmckellar. The first is a support made specifically for the @roadrunnerbags jammer. The second is a prototype for Serfas lights. The next version will use a GoPro bracket for versatility. Shout out to @voilestraps - each of our bikes had at least 10 of these little straps holding these together. #makersgonnamake #makersofinstagram #fredbar #bikepacking #rrbinthewild #bt700 #beautifulbike #lightbro

How about this Rocky Mountain from the late 90’s? We liked the salsa vibe that these sage tires from @panaracer_world provided. Do you have an old 90s MTB that could use a refresh? #vintagemtb #gravgrav #gravelking #mtb #upcycle #justride #dadbike

These dirty butts are the result of @bt700bikepacking. Our side of the story coming soon. #bt700 #bikepacking #offroadtouring #discoverontario #rrbinthewild #apidura #ovejanegra #konabikes

How about this Rocky Mountain from the late 90s? We liked the salsa vibe that these sage tires from @panaracer_world provided. Do you have an old 90s MTB that could use a refresh? #vintagemtb #gravgrav #gravelking #mtb #upcycle #justride #dadbike

By the end of 2017, this Kona Essato had been stripped down to just a frame. Given the shortage of bikes lately - we found a way to revive it into a light gravel bike. The new owner had an old Cervelo we used for parts. In the end we build a 21lb gravel grinder from upcycled parts! Thanks to Justin from @shoplostfound for the opportunity to build your noble steed! #gravgrav #lightbro #gravelbike #cervelo #nicebike #beautifulbike #bayofquinte

More time on the trails in 2021 calls for a commitment to #thesupplelife. We’re seeing more new bikes trickling in weekly, including the new Kona aluminum Libre. Watch the video for Russ’s quick take on what surprised him about the Libre on a test ride. The highlights, for those taking notes: This is a smooth gravel climber that won’t have you bouncing around unexpectedly on dirt or on asphalt.... You’ll travel over what we affectionately call chunky stuff (AKA: roads where no cars go) with comfort, a pleasant surprise on an aluminum setup. A wider bar allows space for baggage, which translates directly to more snacks on the road and less weight on your hands. The Path Less Pedaled

The news can often be front-loaded with sensational, clickable headlines. This makes it hard to remember, on a day-to-day basis, that there are still people out there every day in our community taking care of each other. We were still riding on good vibes from the Belleville General Hospital Foundation Freedom Ride for Health earlier this month when we read the headline Childs bike stolen and found out that Peytons Kona had gone missing. Did you know that Peyton won that... bike for raising $520 for the 2019 Freedom Ride? We were disappointed, and we werent alone. Its great to see a headline updated like this. In a year thats become notorious for bike shortages, bike theft is booming. If youre thinking about purchasing a secondhand bike, but you want to make sure youre not about to buy a bike thats been stolen, ask for the serial number of the bike from the seller. You can cross reference this with the Belleville Police who will have records of bikes reported missing.

More time on the trails in 2021 calls for a commitment to #thesupplelife. Were seeing more new bikes trickling in weekly, including the new Kona aluminum Libre. Watch the video for Russs quick take on what surprised him about the Libre on a test ride. The highlights, for those taking notes: This is a smooth gravel climber that wont have you bouncing around unexpectedly on dirt or on asphalt.... Youll travel over what we affectionately call chunky stuff (AKA: roads where no cars go) with comfort, a pleasant surprise on an aluminum setup. A wider bar allows space for baggage, which translates directly to more snacks on the road and less weight on your hands. The Path Less Pedaled

This bike turned out better than we’d even hoped. It’s an XL Surly Karate Monkey with a very mismatch part set. The 2.5 tires make the bike stout yet they don’t slow it down for a second. The 1x10 Microshift AdventX drivetrain set up nicely, and helped reserve some budget for the Rockshox Pike 150mm fork up front. We didn’t have a goal weight in mind for this big steel beast, but it settled in at 28lbs! That’s amazing for such a big bike. It’s fun working on these a la carte builds. The result is always so delightful. #bikebuild #baaw #surlybikes #karatemonkey #quintemtb #whatbars @ The Brake Room

This bike turned out better than wed even hoped. Its an XL Surly Karate Monkey with a very mismatch part set. The 2.5 tires make the bike stout yet they dont slow it down for a second. The 1x10 Microshift AdventX drivetrain set up nicely, and helped reserve some budget for the Rockshox Pike 150mm fork up front. We didnt have a goal weight in mind for this big steel beast, but it settled in at 28lbs! Thats amazing for such a big bike. Its fun working on these a la carte builds. The result is always so delightful. #bikebuild #baaw #surlybikes #karatemonkey #quintemtb #whatbars @ The Brake Room

Excitement’s mounting for Saturday’s @bghfoundation Freedom Ride for Health. We took a tour of the route this evening and it’s looking goodyou’ll see the route confirmation email shortly if you have already signed up. Registration has been capped at under 100 participants in keeping with public health regulations, big thanks to all who’ve registered to ride + support #BGHF this Saturday!

Last week we shared our 350km #HellaHastings bikepacking trip over on the @hastingscounty blog. As traffic has heated up south of the shop, we find ourselves northbound more often than ever before. Solitude. Sunshine. Starry nights. Can you guess where were heading this weekend for a little #S24O? #hastingscounty #hellahastingsbikeroute #bayofquinte #bikepacking #roadslikethese #discoveron #wildlyoutdoors #wildlyauthentic

Excitements mounting for Saturdays @bghfoundation Freedom Ride for Health. We took a tour of the route this evening and its looking goodyoull see the route confirmation email shortly if you have already signed up. Registration has been capped at under 100 participants in keeping with public health regulations, big thanks to all whove registered to ride + support #BGHF this Saturday!

Updated for 2020: our Ride Guide for the Belleville General Hospital Foundation Freedom Ride. If youre thinking of riding 16, 45 or 70 kilometres with us next weekend and want a primer, this is a great place to start. Register and join TBRs Team Bindle Squad at http://bit.ly/freedomride-register

Holiday Monday mood... And a friendly reminder that were here for your coffee fix tomorrow from 8-12. As of this week, the cafe is back to early-ish hours starting at 8 every day but Sunday. You dont have to show up for coffee matching with your pet, but if you do, well support it.

I feel like a lot of you will like this. Its a Benno Remi Demi. Its like a 70s moped and German touring bike crossed. Its as fun as it is practical. Youre welcome to try it when youre by next. Happy Saturday! #downtownbelleville #bayofquinte #bennobikes #bennoremidemi #remidemi #electricbikes #ebikes @ The Brake Room

A low-key three-day weekend is a-ok with us. If youre looking for a local route to scout or if you need something to look forward to on the horizon, let us know. Weve got three different routes planned for next Saturdays @bghfoundation #FreedomRide2020 and theres plenty of room on #TeamBindleSquad for everyone from cruisers to gravel grinders. #ridepec #bayofquinte #bellevilleontario #roadslikethese #bhgfoundation #quintehealthcare

Whenever I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the human race. Group riding has been up for debate for a few months, while we all try to navigate new ways to spend our time. Since becoming familiar with our six-foot personal bubbles and seeing our community respond to the crisis by taking care of one another, we feel ready to take on the coordination of a group ride while working with local healthcare professionals. Were so happy to be able to help bring back ...the Freedom Ride for Health this year, when fundraising efforts are needed more than ever. The Freedom Ride for Health was born in 2019, when we put our heads together with the @bghf to create a series of local routes to suit riders of all ages and abilities. For the August 8, 2020 edition, weve planned three routes, spaced to account for a range of rider needs and for physical distancing. New this year: the route starts in Rossmore, so theres no need to worry about climbing the Bay Bridge! Check out more information + register as part of TBRs Team Bindle Squad: http://bit.ly/freedomride-register View the 16km route: https://bit.ly/2020FRFH16 View the 45km route: https://bit.ly/2020FRFH45 View the 70km route: https://bit.ly/2020FRFH70

Bikes like this are for roads like that. #beautifulbikes #crustbikes #reneherse #brooksengland #baaw #bayofquinte @ Trent Hills, Ontario

Maybe youve seen, Rob around the shop. Maybe youve tried his bread (@small.scale). Here he stands with his Cannondale Topstone in the Murray Marsh. It was a great day for exploring! #cannondaletopstone #reneherse #bikeportrait #hastingscounty #bayofquinte

This Sunday evenings read was brought to you by The Radavist. Ive sought to weave the bike into my lifestyle, for environmental reasons, but also just as a preferred vehicle for taking in the world.

Kicking off our new Saturday hours tomorrow with a from Small Scale Bread: Bocadillo de Tortilla w/ Spanish style potato + onion omelette Roasted red pepper aioli... Fresh arugula Sourdough Brioche bun When theyre gone, theyre gone! Sammies come wrapped up securely so (if you can resist) you can save them for a beachside brunch or throw them in your bag to refuel on the trail.

Time off is a hot commodity. Weve watched and learned since reopening the cafe for takeout last month, and what weve found is that folks want to get the weekend feels rolling as soon as possible on Saturday mornings. Now that the Belleville Farmers Market is back in action, were ready to shift our Saturday hours so that were up and brewing when coffee is your top priority. Well be here starting at 8:00am as of this Saturday, July 18. There might even be some special Saturday treats when the stars align. The cafe will close at 1:00 on Saturdayswere chipping away at our goal of 10 bikepacking overnights this season and a couple of extra hours goes a long way towards achieving this. If you want to talk about outfitting your bike tripspop into our messages!

Weekend Plans: ride til we see water, rinse and repeat. The simple thingsa @roadside.burger, an ice cold soda, the perfect swimming holeare keeping us motivated during this marathon of a season. What are you doing with your days off?

What does Canada Day look like for you this year? The cafe will be open tomorrow from 10-3, ready to hook you up with takeaway coffeeor maybe a four-pack of local brews for the porch is more your style? (The bike shop will not be open tomorrow, see you Thursday.)

Happy Birthday... to the guy wholl always choose to be late to his own birthday dinner when it means getting your bike to you on time. We wouldnt be here without you, @citizen_vagabond. (Also - if youre reading this, were here without you and dinners getting cold.) @ Hillier, Ontario

Were starting from the ground up tomorrow. Adapting is a process that will be informed by new data every day. Were damn grateful youre along for the ride and look forward to seeing your socially-distanced faces in the sunshine.

Now, more than ever, were grateful to live and do business in a small town. Thank you for showing up, shopping local, and helping us embrace a new normal. It hasnt been easy to turn down folks knocking on the door, looking for a cappuccino and a cookie while the cafe has been closed. Were all craving a sense of normalcy and routine. But we want to do it right, while keeping both your families and ours as safe as possible. ...Continue reading

This is a bike that has its priorities straight. @surlybikes #disctrucker built with @jonesbikes and @brooksengland B17. Dont mind the knobby 47mm @wildernesstrailbikes sendero... they are fast yet confident out on the back forty. Ill build you one if you want. @ Belleville, Ontario

A bike rack ready for off-road under $1000. Check. The Kuat Sherpa. DM for details. #kuatracks @kuatracks #overlanding #hastingscounty #bayofquinte #pec #outsideisfree #gearporn #crustbikes

The flow has changed, but the hustle stays the same. I (Laura) will be the first to admit that being forced to slow down has had some real benefits. Guilt-free days off at one of the busiest times of year has done wonders for my state of mind. Still, after an initial adjustment period, we find ourselves filling our days quickly. Eight weeks in, the way well operate in the future is starting to take shape. One of the biggest pieces of this puzzle has been online ordering. I...t was a scramble to pull together within days something wed moved to the back burner for months and years, but now, in its earliest edition, its flowing like clockwork - at least the part that involves getting freshly roasted beans to your kitchen. Were working on bringing you more availability online, but as it stands, you can count on your favourite beans being available online on Mondays, and ready for pickup or delivery by Tuesday afternoon. As anyone who counts on a coffee to start their day knows, consistency is key. These days, my mornings start with an AeroPress of whichever single origin beans Ive got open at the shop, followed by checking on your incoming coffee orders and plugging away at preparing product listings, social posts and blog content while watching the door for curbside pickup. The flow is still happening, and the sunshines returning. --------------------------------------- Coffee will be here soon, so reserve your beans at thebrakeroom.com now. Youll get an email from us as soon as your order has been prepared.

Communities who ride together...