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Earlier sunsets and cooler mornings are slinking into our routines, which means it’s time to assess your current layering system and see if any upgrades are in order. Along with warmer layers, we’ve also got some handy reusable straws, a Suunto watch with crazy good battery life, and a whole new way to explore the water in this week’s edition of what’s new:

## MEC Mission Possible Top


Add a light layer of warmth to your winter running, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing or outdoor training. This versatile midlayer has a stripped-down design that makes it easy to pack, giving you something cozy to grab if the temperature drops earlier than you expected.



Plastic straws may be convenient, but they’re not great for our planet and its ocean life. This platinum silicone straw is flexible, durable and non-toxic, so you can feel better about your choices, one sip at a time.



With an aircraft aluminum V-ring belt buckle and burly webbing, the Last Chance light duty belt won’t let you – or your pants – down. Wide 38mm profile sits snugly in most belt loops.



Rugged denim ages gracefully, earning a broken-in look that money can’t buy. Snap front placket and cuffs mean no time wasted fussing with buttons. Good to know: Levi’s sources more than 17% of its cotton through the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). The BCI is a not-for-profit association committed to a holistic approach to sustainable cotton production.



A hint of spandex means they won’t hold you back if you feel a high kick coming on. 5-pocket layout for all your day-to-day necessities.



Whether you’re racing an ultra or trying to beat your PB, Suunto’s 9 Baro has the power to be with you every step of the way.

- Battery life is 25 – 336h (up to 120h in activity tracking or GPS tracking mode).
- One key reason that Suunto is able to achieve these runtimes is its FusedTrack system. FusedTrack™ uses data from the internal sensors to plot your route between GPS points. By combining the data, you get a track that mirrors your actual track, while only checking into GPS once or twice a minute. All of that means a greatly increased battery life. Currently only works for running and trail running, with open water swimming in the works.
- Over 80 activity modes.
- Pre-set intelligent battery profiles change modes to get specific runtimes and features out of the remaining battery.



If you’re a planning a snorkelling trip or are aiming to progress to freediving, check out the masks, fins and floats from Omer or Sporasub.



When temperatures dip and snowflakes start to fall, these warm winter jacket help kids stay out longer. Fully taped seams ensure water won’t eventually work its way in.

- Waterproof-breathable and Primaloft Black Eco insulated construction for mixed-bag conditions.
- A powder skirt keeps snow on the outside when the drifts are thigh-deep.
- Soft fleece-lined collar and chin guard is comfortable, even when the jacket’s zipped all the way up.
- A helmet-compatible hood, secure zippered pockets, and a D-ring for a lift pass for winter days on the slopes.



## Helly Hansen Vertical Insulated Bib Pants


Every toboggan crew needs the right uniform. These insulated, waterproof bib pants are adjustable to last through a growth spurt or two before it’s time to hand them down. Reinforced seat, knees and legs stand up to the demands of snow day after snow day.



A warm jacket with a lot to hide – it’s secretly also a rain coat and a light down layer. Wear them separately in between seasons and together in the deepest parts of winter. The classic style is totally waterproof-breathable with a DWR finish and sealed seams – always welcome on cold November mornings when the streetcar’s running late.



A wearable field guide. Made of soft organically grown cotton, the Forest Flora tee lets you practice your plant identification skills in between hikes. For every product sold, United By Blue removes 1 pound of trash from the world’s oceans and waterways.



Stay sure-footed this fall and winter. The waterproof leather upper and sealed seams keep rain and puddles out. An insole made of memory foam means they’re as comfortable as they are nice-looping, and the slip-resistant outsole adds extra traction to your tracks.



## Related articles
- [All about clothing layers](/en/explore/clothing-layers)
- [How to prepare for a long trail run](/en/explore/how-to-prepare-for-a-long-trail-run)
- [How to choose a wetsuit ](/en/explore/how-to-choose-a-wetsuit)



Fresh picks for fall (yes, it’s coming), along with unique items for year-round activities.

What’s new this week | MEC Blog

What’s new this week

*Planning some epics? We checked with MEC Ambassador [Joshua Lavigne](/en/ambassadors/joshua-lavigne) – who has committed his life to climbing – for his picks on the gear that hasn’t let him down. Here’s Joshua’s favourite mountain gear for alpine big wall climbing and alpine climbing, and why they made the list:*

## Therm-a-rest Neoair Xtherm Sleeping Pad


It’s expensive but it’s worth it. Lots of alpinists don’t like using air mattresses, but I’ve found that if you’re careful and make sure that you keep the mattress fully inflated, then you can sleep directly on rocky surfaces and it won’t breach. You don’t want this to fail when you’re out there.

I’ve stopped bringing sleeping bags on big climbs and only use a tarp and NeoAir mattress if it’s not going to be colder then -5°C. A hot water bottle on my belly, a tarp, a good spooning partner, ear plugs and some sleeping pills usually do the trick.



A great stove for melting water and cooking quickly. It doesn’t work well for simmering, so keep an eye on your soup so it doesn’t boil over.



I’ve found the Sterling rope to be a great lightweight rope for alpine missions. It’s a little skinny for granite big wall climbing, especially if you’re planning on jugging, but it’s proven to be light, supple and durable in most conditions.



The T3 hoodie has been my go-to winter and alpine climbing base layer for years. It’s the perfect combination of lightweight, durable and breathable. I love the long zipper and the snug hood.



Highpoint Pants are durable and stretchy climbing-oriented mountain pants. They have a slim fit and are very breathable. They have a no fuss minimalist design with a nicely constructed cargo pocket, a simple drawcord at the waist and eyelets on the ankle hem to add a cord to keep them tight over your boots. I find them a little light for winter climbing, but they’re great the rest of the year.



## Scarpa Phantom Tech Mountaineering boots


An incredible alpinist boot. Lightweight, technical and durable. The zipper is a little long and needs to be maintained, but I haven’t had any issues with many seasons on my boots.



This is great down sleeping bag with 800+ fill. It has a beautiful fabric that feels like being wrapped in a silk kimono, but it’s still water-resistant and durable. The Talon hasn’t just kept me warm, it’s saved me and my partner after becoming hypothermic in an Arctic rainstorm on Mount Asgard.



If lightening your load is critical to success, then these cams are the bee’s knees. They can cut 25% off a rack of cams and still offer the range of protection as the traditional BD Camalots. I’d suggest that the grey 0.4 has a fat stem that’s a little too big in some circumstances, but the rest are featherweight and robust.



Camalot™ Ultralight

These tools have been perfected over years of development and craftsmanship. The slim yet solid design is what separates these tools from the pack, but the weight and swing really deliver the goods on steep alpine ice and rock.



## Related articles
- [Gear I love: a Canadian climbing champ’s bouldering essentials](/en/article/gear-i-love-a-canadian-climbing-champs-bouldering-essentials)
- [Gear I love: one pro climber’s summer essentials](/en/article/the-gear-i-love)
- [How to plan an expedition](/en/article/how-to-plan-an-expedition)



Been there, climbed that, and here’s the gear that helped make it happen. For big wall missions and alpine climbing.

Gear I love: Alpinist Joshua Lavigne’s gnarly gear picks | MEC Blog

Gear I love: Alpinist Joshua Lavigne’s gnarly gear picks

Climbers, runners, campers, cyclists and travellers: we’ve got something for all of you in this week’s edition of new products landing at MEC. One of the most exciting things to arrive? It’s for kayakers – and it’s the first-ever MEC recreational kayak. Get a closer look at all this outdoor-activity potential below.

## BioLite FirePit


There are some things you could just watch forever, and one of them is a campfire. This stainless steel portable firepit gives you a 360-degree view of the blaze through X-ray mesh side panels.

- Inside the pit, there’s a rechargeable battery-powered fan with 4 different flame settings.
- The fan is Bluetooth-compatible, which means you can control the intensity of your campfire from the palm of your hand or across the campsite.
- Thanks to 51 airjets that improve burning efficiency, this pit produces less smoke than a traditional fire.



There’s hand cream, and then there’s hand cream for climbers. Apply ClimbSkin an hour or two before your climb to let it start working its magic.



## Hoka Hupana Knit Jacquard Cross Training Shoes


Road running shoes with responsive midsoles that feel cushy but springy as you rack up the kilometres. The svelte knit upper is ultra-breathable and light, so it feels like an extension of your foot.



Snap these on and be visible. These clip-on magnetic reflectors are easy to use on any piece of clothing – great for cyclists, dog walkers or runners.



Fantastic for travelling. Made from streamlined nylon, it’s light enough to carry all day but also durable enough to survive jostling under your train seat or close encounters while sightseeing. What’s more, the whole thing packs away neatly into its own pocket to make for fast storing or packing into your checked bag.



The first-ever recreational kayak from MEC! This super-stable Rover Kayak is a comfortable, easy-to-manage boat that’s great for exploring the shoreline near your cottage or getting in a little cross-training on the weekend.

- A wide, flat hull helps it hold steady as you paddle about, and a sharp bow entry line lets it track well for such a short kayak.
- Durable shell stands up to lots of launches from the beach or dock
- Watertight compartment lets you pack lunch with confidence, knowing your treats won’t wind up waterlogged.



A slim seat bag to hold a spare tube and CO2 inflator. It expands with a quick zip when you need to cram in gloves, a helmet liner or arm warmers.



Show what you’re about – wild places, mountains, road trips – with these new graphics on classic tees. As always, the shirts are made of soft, organically grown cotton, are Fair-Trade Certified, and are Bluesign®-approved fabric.



Soft and lightweight fabric to keep you comfortable when you’re running errands or exploring the next town over. Plus, pockets! Made of naturally wicking and odour-controlling Tencel sourced from responsibly forested eucalyptus trees.



## Related articles
- [All about kayaks](/en/explore/about-kayaks)
- [What to pack in your carry-on travel capsule wardrobe](/en/article/what-to-pack-in-your-carry-on-travel-capsule-wardrobe)
- [What’s new this week: last week’s edition](/en/article/whats-new-this-week-10)



A first-ever product for MEC is part of this week’s list, along with new items to make your climbing, running, camping, biking and travelling summer keep getting better.

*MEC Ambassador [Louis Rousseau](https://meccms.imgix.net/wp-json/ambassadors/louis-rousseau) shares the story of an expedition in April and May 2017 with climbing partners Adam Bielecki (Poland), Rick Allen (Scotland) and Felix Berg (Germany). Written by Rick and Louis, with collaboration from Adam and Felix.*

## Video: Annapurna One


Annapurna One - Movie

## The story behind our attempt
Everything started in spring 2017. We’d planned to open a new route in alpine style (no fixed ropes, no supplemental oxygen, self-supported) on the north face of Cho Oyu in the Himalayan mountain range – the sixth-highest summit in the world.



Among the eight-thousanders (mountains above 8000m), Cho Oyu is generally considered the easiest to climb – if you go the normal route. But scaling the north or south face is a different story. The north face is steeper than Everest’s north face (45°) and about even with K2’s or Dhaulagiri’s north faces (+50°). In 1988, a [Slovenian team climbed the north face of Cho Oyu](http://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/12199835202/Asia-Tibet-Cho-Oyu-New-Route) for the first time.

Since then, there have been only two other successes on the north side. With some research and help from members of the 1988 expedition, Louis put together a plan to establish a new line on the north face in the middle of the 4km-wide wall that’s about 2000m high, and invited Adam, Rick and Felix to join him.



## Rough start for the dream team
Before we started the expedition, a perfect storm of professional, personal and bureaucratic obligations put an end to our Cho Oyu plans. Our original expedition plan to the far end of the world ended before it even kicked off, but we wouldn’t let this setback stop us.

Since we were already in Katmandu, we sat in the hotel garden with a laptop and looked for a new line that would inspire us. What about Annapurna? According to the accident stats, it’s the most dangerous 8000m peak. But what about the northwestern flank? It was steep with mixed ice, snow and rock, but relatively safe.

So we made a new plan: the great Annapurna, 8000m, climbed for the first time in 1950. It inspired generations of climbers. We were on our way, smiling and highly motivated as the Cho Oyu dream slowly faded away.



Annapurna was our new goal, but we needed another mountain to acclimatize if we wanted to summit in true alpine style. We scanned the map to find a 7000m peak close to our main objective, something with a gentler slope where we could get in time with our ice axes and crampons, and also multiply our precious red blood cells to prepare for altitude. Tilicho Peak, at 7134m, had a ridge at 6200m followed by a long safe climb to the summit. This was going to be our prep for Annupurna.

## Getting to know Tilicho
We were relieved to leave Katmandu for the mountains with our new plan. It took 10 hours on a bumpy bus ride to reach Besishahar. At that time of the year, the road is passable by jeep past Manang (but it made the bumps from the day before pale in insignificance).



On April 18, we trekked to Tilicho Lake (the locals call it the highest lake in the world), which was completely ice covered. From there, we had a great view of Tilicho Peak, and admitted it was quite impressive, dominating the skyline northwest.

The next day, we left the comfort of the lodge and set out to reach the far end of the lake to establish our true basecamp for the next 10 to 12 days. But we’d underestimated how hard it was to trek in Nepal: it took a lot of effort to cross the 5340m Tilicho Pass in worsening weather with our heavy packs. After an 8-hour hike, we reached a fine spot close to the foot of our objective. We had huge respect for our porters who’d crossed the pass with heavier loads.



We spent April 20 resting and organizing basecamp, and the next day, we finally headed out to climb. The steep scree and snow slopes led to the first broken, rocky pillar, which we climbed quickly without touching the old, faded and unreliable fixed rope (indicating that this line had been followed by previous teams). We reached the ridge that was our goal for the day, and then set about finding a spot to establish camp. Climbing down about 80m on the other side of the ridge, we found a comfortable and safe site on top of a line of seracs (ice cliffs).



When we reached the windy crest, we quickly realized this was an inhospitable place to set up our second camp. Luckily, Adam found a canyon created by an old crevasse in the seracs. It seemed we couldn’t have asked for a better end to a good day, but at night, the wind shifted and our crevasse became a wind tunnel. We battled incoming snow in our prototype high-altitude tents, and our bodies suffered from the first night at 6150m. After sleepless hours and having accomplished our goal of acclimatization, we decided to descend.

Climbing down such steep terrain isn’t easy, and the safest option was a series of long rappels. We made good use of the pitons abandoned by previous expeditions that Louis had thoughtfully collected during the climb. Adam navigated the complex terrain and efficiently set up fresh anchors and we progressed quickly. We reached basecamp safe but tired, just in time for a late lunch. Sleep came easily. The next few days, we spent time in our newly installed mess tent that doubled as a perfect place to play chess.



## too optimistic
On April 27, we headed out again up Tilicho Peak to continue our acclimatization. About 9 hours later, we reached our wind-tunnel crevasse; most of us had a bad night and we postponed pushing further until the next day. We woke up at 2am, but the wind was even stronger and wasn’t relenting. Finally, at 6am, we reluctantly decided to begin the descent to basecamp, and were happy to reach it a few hours later.



For the next few days, heavy snow fell repeatedly and left about a metre of snow on the ground at basecamp. We spent the time resting and digging out our tents. At this point, we had to admit that our plan for a quick acclimatization on Tilicho Peak was proving to be too optimistic. Louis also had less time to complete the expedition than the rest of the team, and on May 3, he had to make the difficult decision to return home to Canada.

## The team continues on
After Louis left, the weather allowed the remaining team members to head straight on upwards, moving together over soft, deep snow patches and hard neve, over crevasses, through rock bands and around seracs to reach the summit of Tilicho. Satisfied with this fine, 7134m peak, the three of us – Adam, Rick and Felix – snapped some photos and saw our next destination: the northwest face of Annapurna.



We were sharing the open slopes above the north Annapurna glacier with small Italian, Spanish and Chilean teams who were all on the mountain, pushing for the summit via the 1950 French route. This period of low wind enabled the established teams to complete their ascents while the new arrivals could only look at the longer term forecast of strong summit winds (90kph) in frustration. When the successful pairs descended, their tales of avalanche risk and serac collapse confirmed the dangers associated with the classic route, and re-affirmed our team’s choice of Tilicho Peak for acclimatization.

The Annapurna line that we’d chosen beckoned: it was extremely challenging yet feasible. Acclimatized and ready to go, we hoped that mother nature would be kind to us and that the violent winds would die down before monsoon season began.



## 3 days, 2 sleepless nights
The team was waiting for a 3-day weather-window of low wind at 8000m, combined with little to no precipitation, to tackle the climb. As time passed, we realized this wasn’t going to happen. So we lowered our expectations and took advantage of a single day of low wind followed by a day of high snowfall. We set out on May 17 for a pure alpine-style attempt on the northwest face of Annapurna.

Our chosen route took us to the edge of the glacial lakes at the foot of the north Annapurna glacier (200m below our base camp at 4100m). From there, we slowly climbed over boulder-strewn terrain toward the moraines below our face. The glacier was extremely fractured and we toiled over alternating rocky ridges and abruptly icy slopes separating deep fissures of crevasses before we reached a snowy glacier in late afternoon. We pitched our tent on a flat spot at about 5000m and enjoyed the last few rays of the evening sun.



The next morning, after an hour’s walk, we arrived at the base of a huge triangular buttress and an icy couloir that ran up its right side. We crossed the bergschrund (major crevasse) which separated from the glacier face and began to climb.

The couloir started as a snow slope, but increasingly hard icy streaks predominated at an average of 55°. It was long – longer than we’d estimated – and afternoon snow showers didn’t help the situation.

There was no break in the angle to provide any relief for a bivouac site, so we cut a ledge in the ice at the foot of a rock wall where we could secure the rope. Torrents of spindrift poured intermittently down the wall. We were alert to the possibility that a full avalanche may develop.



At sunset, the snow relented and we had a glimpse of the sun and eastern flanks of Dhaulagiri. Finally, we had enough of a ledge for half a tent and we sat in a row, belayed inside our tent fabric with a single pole keeping it off our faces and our legs hanging free. We cooked a simple meal, brewed many hot drinks and lapsed into fitful rest. Through a tiny vent, we watched a clear, starlit night over the central Nepal Himalayas.

Getting moving in the morning was slow. We melted more snow for hot drinks, carefully unwound the safety lines that attached everything to the wall, and packed up. The icy slope angled right from the top of the couloir and we roped up; one climber led and placed ice screws as the other two followed simultaneously.

A mostly sleepless night, the efforts of the 2 previous days, and the brittle, thin ice over the rock made progress slower than before. Snow started falling again and at the end of the day we were in a place where there was nowhere to set up our tent.



Descending spindrift clouds added urgency to our search for a place to bivouac. An hour before dark, we tried to make something of a rock ledge at 6500m. It sloped alarmingly and gathered so much snow that we ended up hanging in our harnesses from our belay points, shrouded in tent fabric. There was no way to take off our boots to slip on dry socks or change into warmer clothes.

It took a lot of effort, but Felix did manage to melt some snow so everyone could have a little bit to drink. The previous night’s bivouac seemed like luxury compared to this one. We spent most of the night shivering and constantly disturbed each other as we shifted positions to mix up the pressure points from our harnesses.

When one careless movement created a rip in the tent (not designed to be hung like this) we suddenly had a new view of the world… through the hole in floor to the glacier far below. If that wasn’t enough, we lost a sleeping mat to the abyss overnight, and in the morning a sleeping bag slipped through the cellar door and disappeared as well.



In the morning, we seriously evaluated the situation and considered whether we should go on or turn back. On the one hand, we’d climbed half of the northwest face, had confidence we could handle technical difficulties, and had ample food and gas. On the other hand, the incessant afternoon snowfall was alarming, our progress had slowed and after 2 sleepless nights, we weren’t going to get any faster.

From here onwards, retreat would become much more serious and breaking through to the summit ridge would require full commitment. When you added on the loss of one member’s sleeping bag, it all tilted the decision firmly in favour of descent.



Nine hours, 20 rappels on Abalakov ice belays and several pitches of down-climbing later, we were back on the glacier, relieved and glad to pitch our wounded tent on flat snow. We cooked up our first meal in 2 days, and listened to the sound of powder snow avalanches pouring down the face, which confirmed our decision to descend. Another full day took us back down the glacier and its moraines to the welcoming tents of basecamp.

As we toiled back up from the glacial lakes, evening sleet continued to fall and it became clear that the weather window we’d needed to climb the northwest face of Annapurna never materialized.

*The decision-making on this kind of enterprise is crucial and most of us would say we would only contemplate seeking a route with someone we have climbed with extensively. Adam, Felix, Rick and Louis had never climbed together before but would gladly do so again. That is one measure of success.*

## Essentials Louis used on this expedition:


- [MEC Synergy Jacket](/en/product/5047-705/Synergy-Jacket)
- [MEC Synergy Pants](/en/product/5047-699/Synergy-Pants)
- [MEC Talon -10 Down Sleeping Bag](/en/product/5035-437/Talon--10-Down-Sleeping-Bag)
- [MEC Light Obsession Hoodie](/en/product/5045-076/Light-Obsession-Hoodie) (“It’s the best,” according to Louis.)
- [MEC Merino T1 Short Sleeve Crew](/en/product/5045-078/Merino-T1-Short-Sleeve-Crew)
- [MEC Alpinelite 42 Backpack](/en/product/5042-084/AlpineLite-42-Backpack)
- [MEC Reactor 3.8 Sleeping Pad](/en/product/5025-647/Reactor-3-8-Sleeping-Pad)



*Top photo:**Last vertical section before Tilicho Peak. Photo: Felix Berg*

## Related articles
- [Record-setting climb: Naomi Prohaska’s Mount Logan Sumit](/en/article/record-setting-climb-naomi-prohaskas-mount-logan-summit)
- [Who bolted that awesome line?](/en/article/escalade-le-travail-dans-lombre-des-ouvreurs-equipeurs)
- [About climbing ropes](/en/explore/about-climbing-ropes)



When it comes to 8000m mountains, things don’t always go as planned. Watch the video and read the story of MEC Ambassador Louis Rousseau’s team expedition.

Attempt on the northwest face of Annapurna | MEC Blog

Annapurna attempt: the northwest face

It’s rad to hear about all the summer adventures members are getting up to, from quick-hit weekend getaways to long trips where you finally settle into a vacation groove with morning coffee on day 5.

To set you up for good times, the latest batch of new gear to land at MEC includes some excellent travel items, a headlamp that you can use as a bike light, easy to pull on kids’ Blundstones, the redesigned MEC Uplink Jacket and lots more.

## Ecco Soft 7 Sneaker


Classic lace-ups are elevated by a rich, dark leather upper to carry you through from morning commute to happy-hour tacos. A surprisingly lightweight chunky rubber sole stands up to the daily grind.



Why carry your bulky winter coat on fickle-weather days or weekend getaways? This lightweight insulated jacket packs up into its own pocket for deployable protection whenever you need it – or to become a pillow on long flights or overnight train rides.



No rope left behind. The Escaper lets you rappel a full rope length and then release the rope from the anchor, making it a solid backup in case your rap line becomes lost, stuck or damaged. Loop it through the anchor and back through itself, attach it to one end of your rope to create a strong hold, then descend normally. Once you’re at the bottom, tug it free.



## Portland Design Works Pathfinder Headlight


The Pathfinder has a custom reflector that focuses light down into your riding line where you need it most. Light above the riding line helps keep you visible, but it also wastes power and dazzles those around you.

- Custom-engineered reflector focuses up to 200 lumens down to your riding line.
- To make sure you don’t drop off anyone’s radar, 2 surface-mounted LEDs flash brightly.
- Easy USB charging means you can top up your battery nearly anywhere you go.
- Weatherproof housing means if you’re willing to ride in it, the Pathfinder will light your way.



This full-sized backpack is ready to trek through Thailand and converts to a suitcase for checking into respectable hotels when you’re tired of roughing it. Once you’ve checked in to your temporary home, grab the integrated fully featured daypack and go explore the area.

- Panel covers the shoulder straps and hipbelt to safely check it for a flight. Panel stows when not in use.
- Large zippers let you access the main compartment and an integrated spill gate keeps your gear from falling out when you unzip.
- Integrated rain cover keeps your belongings dry.



## Garmin Vector 3 Pedals Dual-Sensing Power Meter


This dual-sided power-meter provides plenty of cycling dynamics data including left/right balance, time spent in and out of the saddle, power phase analysis as well as platform offset centre, which measures where you’re applying force in relation to the centre of the pedal. With an industry-leading 1% accuracy and measurements taken at the pedals, you can confidently say that every watt it picks up was produced by you.



Sandbagged by an abrupt change in the weather? Whip this super-light technical jacket out of your pack or unclip it from your harness and slide it on. The close cut and elastic quilting underarm and back panels keep the outline lean and eliminate air spaces. Thermolilte synthetic insulation retains warmth when wet.



These pint-sized versions of the iconic Australian slip-on boot have nifty grab loops that make them easy to pull on. An extra footbed helps it fit growing feet through a growth spurt or two.



The Snap is fully dimmable, allowing you to choose how much light you need from 0–200 lumens. The modular housing lets you take the light off its strap and snap its magnetic base to nearly any metal surface for broad area lighting. Extra included mounts let you easily attach your light to your bike’s handlebars, or anywhere you would hook a carabiner.



In case you stumble across a farmers market or interesting pop-up shop, be prepared with this 13L bag. The Travel Light Tote Pack folds up into its interior pocket, making it easy to toss into your purse, pannier or suitcase. Carry it like a tote bag or deploy the hidden backpack straps for heavier loads.



The vívoactive 3 Music stores up to 500 of your favourite songs and plays them over Bluetooth so there are no cords to get in your way. Plus it has the latest-generation Elevate optical heart-rate monitor to read your pulse information straight off your wrist. Some other highlights:

- GPS and an internal accelerometer track training metrics like speed and distance information, turning your movement into data.
- Internet Live Tracking during activities (through a connected smartphone) allows you to share your location and heartrate with friends, family or coaches.
- Follow daily highs and lows by tracking stressors (monitoring your heart-rate variability). When stress levels are high, a relaxation timer walks you through steps to reduce them.
- Built-in activity modes for biking, running, walking, swimming (indoor only), strength training (with rep counter), and more.



A soft and timeless layer that keeps your neck toasty. The soft organic cotton blend has just hint of spandex for an easy stretch.



## Related articles
- [Travel checklist](/en/explore/travel-checklist)
- [The ultimate travel pants](/en/article/the-ultimate-travel-pants)
- [How to choose bike lights](/en/explore/choose-bike-lights)



Have a trip coming up? Travel’s a big part of this week’s latest, along with a headlamp that you can use as a bike light, kids’ Blundstones, the redesigned MEC Uplink Jacket and more.

What's new this week

Locals know that there’s no shortage of outdoor havens in the Greater Edmonton area. From river ecosystems and accidental beaches to an extensive network of hiking and biking trails, Edmontonians have plenty of opportunities to get outside. I’ve raved about some of Edmonton’s best [day hikes before](/en/article/5-day-hiking-trips-near-edmonton), but what if you don’t have a car? Thankfully, the city’s transit system and Parkbus has you covered, so even without your own set of wheels, the great outdoors are still within reach.

## 1. Elk Island National Park
Located to the east of the Edmonton City Centre, [Elk Island National Park](https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/elkisland/activ/experiences/a) is one spot you don’t want to miss. Grab your friends and spend the day exploring (and bison searching) on the park’s numerous trails, ranging from short and easy boardwalk loops to longer and more challenging tracks. Bring a picnic lunch to hang out on the beach after your hike, or rent a paddleboard on-site to float on the lake.

**How to get there**: Elk Island National Park is now accessible via [Parkbus](https://www.parkbus.ca/elkisland), an initiative supported by MEC that helps transport Canadians to their next outdoor adventure. And for 2018, it’s a free day trip shuttle! Be sure to make your [reservation online](https://www.parkbus.ca/elkisland) to guarantee a spot.

**Good to know**: The shuttle is free, but if you’re over 18 there’s a $7.80 national park entrance fee.

> “When we pick up people from the park, it’s great to see everybody’s smiling faces and hear all the stories from passengers on board as we make our way back to the city.” – Alex and Boris, Parkbus co-founders
>
## 2. Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park
A giant aquatic ecosystem right on the western edge of the Edmonton and St. Albert city limits? You got it! Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park is home to some of the best bird watching in the area, as well as an 8km lake and an interpretive boardwalk and wildlife viewing area. The best part is that it’s totally accessible via the Enjoy Centre stop on the St. Albert Botanical Loop.

**How to get there**: The [St. Albert Botanical Loop](https://stalbert.ca/city/transit/routes-schedules-and-maps/botanical-loop/) is a hop-on, hop-off free transit loop touring some of the best botanical themed locations in the area, and runs on Saturdays in summer. There are plenty of buses from Edmonton to the St. Albert Centre Transit Exchange where you can join the loop (check out the [ETS Trip Planner](https://www.edmonton.ca/edmonton-transit-system-ets.aspx) to plan out your day).

**Good to know**: The bus also stops at the St. Albert Farmers Market and the Enjoy Centre, two great places to spend some time after a morning of nature. More info is available on the [Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park site](https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/central/lois-hole-centennial-pp/).

## 3. Red Willow Trail System
The City of St. Albert has some really well organized trails and parks of its own. [The Red Willow Trail System](https://stalbert.ca/rec/parks/trails/) boasts over 85km of recreational use trails that link all of the city’s neighbourhoods and parks, many of which run along the Sturgeon River. The trails are multi-use, so you could also bring along your running shoes or your bicycle to start exploring.

**How to get there**: The Edmonton Transit system runs regular buses to the St. Albert Centre Transit Exchange. Download ETS’s easy-to-use mobile app, [ETS Live to Go](https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/apps_mobile/app-ets-live-to-go.aspx), for quick trip planning.

**Good to know**: The Red Willow Trail System is open and maintained year-round so brave hikers can get some steps in even on a brisk winter day.

## 4. Kinnaird Park Highlands Hiking Trail
How could I leave out the stunning North Saskatchewan River Valley? Famous for its well trafficked multi-use trails, this network of parks and paths – extremely accessible with public transit – is just waiting for adventures to be had. The area features about 160km worth of trails in total; the [Kinnaird Park Highlands trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/kinnaird-park-highlands-hiking-trail), a 4.3km inner city loop, is a great place to start.

**How to get there**: Kinnaird Park is accessible via a simple one-bus ride from the [downtown Edmonton MEC store](/en/stores/edmonton). Take the #2 heading east on 104 Avenue for less than half an hour. The bus will drop you off at 79 Street and 112 Avenue, which is just a short walk from the entrance of the park.

Not owning a car is no reason to miss out on experiencing some of Edmonton’s natural attractions, and whether you’re a seasoned or novice hiker, there is something for everyone in this pocket of Alberta.

Have questions about how to get ready for a day hike? Stop by the [MEC Edmonton Downtown store](/en/stores/edmonton) or the [MEC South Edmonton Common Store](/en/stores/south-edmonton) to chat with helpful staff.

## Tips before you go
Stay safe and be prepared. Check out the weather before you leave, tell a friend where you’re going and when you plan to return, and bring first aid supplies and proper clothing. For more tips, check out [day hiking for beginners](/en/explore/day-hiking-for-beginners) and [how to plan for overnight hikes](/en/explore/planning-for-overnight-hikes).



## Related articles
- [The 10 essentials for hiking](/en/explore/the-10-essentials-hiking-camping)
- [How to choose and fit a backpack](/en/explore/choose-and-fit-a-backpack)
- [Hidden gems: 5 campsites to check out from Edmonton](/en/article/hidden-gems-5-campsites-to-check-out-from-edmonton)



How to escape the city limits and get into nature, even without your own vehicle. Edmontonians have plenty of opportunities to get outside, from river ecosystems to wildlife hotspots.

Discover the best hiking spots in Edmonton to visit without a car

Where to go hiking in Edmonton if you don’t have a car

*Whether you like to pull on plastic or daydream about dry rock, part of what makes bouldering rad is the minimal gear requirements. We checked with [Alannah Yip,](https://meccms.imgix.net/wp-json/ambassadors/alannah-yip) Canadian Climbing Team member and MEC Ambassador, for her favourite gear picks for the gym or the crag:*

## Scarpa Crux Approach Shoes


These [Scarpa Crux approach shoes](/en/product/5057-422/Crux-Approach-Shoes) are comfy and have Vibram rubber on the sole. That means you never have to worry about slipping when you’re scrambling up/over/around/below rocks searching for that climb the guidebook *definitely* said was around here somewhere…

*(Looking for the men’s version? The*[*men’s Scarpa Crux Shoes*](/en/product/5057-420/Crux-Approach-Shoes)* exist too.)*

## Scarpa Instinct VSR Rock Shoes


I like climbing outside in the [Scarpa Instincts](/en/product/5051-112/Instinct-VSR-Rock-Shoes) because of the stiffness and their amazing heel and toe hooking abilities. And when in Squamish, this is of great importance.

## Sumi Boar’s Hair Brush


If you want a *serious* brush, the [Sumi Boar’s Hair Brush](/en/product/5039-801/Sumi-Boar%27s-Hair-Brush) is the best one out there. With one thick end and one thinner, angled end, you can reach every nook, cranny and nubbin on those crux holds on your proj.

## Flashed Tool Bag Chalk Bucket


A [simple bouldering bag](/en/product/5021-645/Tool-Bag-Chalk-Bucket) that holds an entire 312g bag of Flashed chalk, plus a few brushes. What more do you need?



In my opinion, this is [the best chalk](/en/product/5015-940/Chunks-Chalk-312g-Bag) on the market. It has no additives and won’t break the bank.

## Flashed Podium Chalk


This is my [favourite liquid chalk](/en/product/5059-719/Podium-Chalk) ever because it stays on and dries out my sweaty fingers for the longest period of time, hands down.

## Flashed Ninja Crash Pad


I love the [Flashed Ninja Crash Pad](/en/product/5029-442/Ninja-Crash-Pad) because it’s small, light and easy to pack up when you’re moving between boulders, yet still heavy duty enough to keep you safe on your project.

## Picky Bars Smooth Caffeinator Energy Bar


I’m a terror when I’m hangry so I always bring snacks out climbing. The [Smooth Caffeinator Picky Bar](/en/product/5049-929/Smooth-Caffeinator-Energy-Bar) is one of my favourite energy bars ever because it’s delicious (coffee, chocolate, hazelnuts!) and doesn’t weigh you down like other popular energy bars. It also has a stellar ingredient list so you feel good about what you’re eating.



Sometimes I struggle to stay warm when I’m out bouldering because of the long breaks between attempts. A packable warm jacket is easy to throw on over top of my climbing top and keeps me nice and toasty – I love the new [Uplink Hoodie](/en/products/clothing/jackets/insulated-jackets/c/270?sort=newest&text=uplink+hoodie&org_text=uplink+hoodie), it’s warm, light and packable.

## Nalgene Wide-Mouth Water Bottle


I don’t know about you, but I climb better when I’m hydrated properly. This [Nalgene water bottle](/en/product/5017-275/Everyday-Wide-Mouth-Loop-Top-Water-Bottle) holds 1L of liquid and is the perfect size for a day outside.



## Related articles
- [15 things I wish I knew before I started climbing](/en/article/15-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-i-started-climbing)
- [How to choose climbing shoes](/en/explore/choose-your-climbing-shoes)
- [The gear I love: one pro climber’s summer essentials](/en/article/the-gear-i-love)



You don’t need much gear, but you do need a few basics (so choose wisely). Alannah Yip shares her favourites for the gym and the crag.

Gear I love: a Canadian climbing champ’s bouldering essentials | MEC Blog

Gear I love: a Canadian climbing champ’s bouldering essentials

Weekends hanging out at the cabin or cottage are about to get more fun, thanks to Yeti cooler backpacks, dehydrated cocktail mix, and snorkels to help you find the sunglasses that someone inevitably drops in the lake. If wheels are more your jam, we’ve got new bike stuff landing, alongside burly alpine layers and gear made for speed.

Dig in to our latest picks:

## Aerobie Squidgie Disc


What’s a trip to the beach without a floating plastic disc? The Squidgie’s aerodynamic design makes for easy throwing and pinpoint accuracy no matter your skill level.



BarCountry dehydrated cocktails distill your favourite mixed drinks into compact, easy-to-carry packets. To make any hour Happy Hour, just add water and a measure of your favourite bourbon, mix and enjoy. Each waterproof pouch has a fill line, making it easy to add the perfect amount of water.

Comes in Cherry Infused Old-fashioned, Coconut-Lime Margarita and Pickled Caesar mixes.



There’s no height restriction when it comes to crushing it. In a world with kid-sized carbon race bikes, the Radar EV XS Sunglasses make sure the quality of their optics matches the level of their ride.



Looking for a pair of burly active pants? The Ferrata Pants take you through 4 seasons of climbing, touring and mountaineering. Warmth coupled with wind resistance is a winning combo for long days at the mercy of Mother Nature. Tons of technical features like stretch, articulated knees and an integrated webbing belt help you push further up the skin track or ascend a particularity challenging ridge.



This technical midlayer is lightweight and breathable enough for alpine terrain. Low-loft fleece provides a good level of insulation for ticking your way up a pitch, and its smooth outside slides easily under outer layers when the temperature drops or it’s time to ski down.



## Fathom Varadero Mask with Dry Snorkel


Dive and return to the surface without taking in water. This combo lets you venture deep below the surface. It’s easy to equalize and offers a great field of view. Any water that does enter can be purged through the mouthpiece valve.



Super light, super fast. These sleek racing flats stay true to the road warriors who fell in love with the originals. Secure fit, stable chassis and REVlite midsole let you eat up the road that stretches out ahead. Great for races and fast training runs.



## 808 Audio Earcanz Bluetooth Headphones


Streamlined Bluetooth headphones that bring big sound from a small package, whether you’re listening to music or taking calls.

- Up to 3 hours of music or talk time on a single charge.
- Integrated button lets you answer calls and control your music.
- 3 different sizes of ear pads and ear fins let you find the perfect fit.



## Race Face Turbine R 457/150 Dropper Post


Built on the same platform as the FOX Transfer dropper, with the aesthetics that matches the rest of your Race Face R series build. This dropper post blends a cable-actuated post’s ease of maintenance with the responsiveness and reliability of a hydraulic post. 150mm of travel, and post length is 457mm.



A premium 29er, and in fact, one of the finest 29ers available anywhere in the world. Detailed and engineered for XC excellence, the Primer’s hyperlight carbon frame and top-tier Pro Build components deliver a ride that’s competent, flickable and fully race-ready.

- i-BOX Pivot System allows for compact seatstays and a shortened wheelbase for a remarkably nimble and efficient ride.
- Buttery RockShox Pike RCT3 fork and Monarch RT3 rear shock both feature multiple travel positions for a dialled ride on any terrain.
- 1×12 SRAM X01 Eagle groupset, with GX shifter, leverages a massive 10-50 cassette.



## Outdoor Technology Calamari 3-in-1 Charging Cable


The Calamari bundles the 3 most-used charging tips into a single cable, meaning you no longer need to carry a nest of wires with you everywhere you go. Includes Apple’s Lightning tip, a USB-C tip and a micro-USB tip.



Carry your cooler on your back and free your hands to help you scramble. A seriously rugged semi-soft backpack cooler, the Hopper BackFlip is designed to hold up to 20 355ml cans and enough ice to keep your beverages cold.



## Related articles
- [How to choose a wetsuit](/en/explore/how-to-choose-a-wetsuit)
- [2018 Intense bike lineup: A run down](/en/article/2018-intense-bike-lineup-a-run-down)
- [Gift ideas for people who love cabins and cottages](/en/article/gifts-for-people-who-love-cabins-and-cottages)



Weekends hanging out at the cabin or cottage are about to get more fun, thanks to Yeti cooler backpacks, dehydrated cocktail mix, and snorkels to help you find sunglasses that someone inevitably drops in the lake.

Deal alert: 25% off MEC Label bikes, tents, packs + more. Ends July 4.

Fresh deals alert, just in time for your plans

Have a gift card? Find something you like

Phone: (250) 448-7637

Our bike mechanics can do it all, from installing fenders to building wheels from scratch. Not sure what work your bike needs? Bring it in for a free safety inspection and we’ll let you know. Call us to set up a bike shop visit. Small repairs can be done while you shop.

Bike fitting services are temporarily paused.



## Tune-up packages
###### *Parts are not included in tune-up prices.* **Add-on services for all Tune-up packages: bike cleaning fee $20, hub repack (single) $20, spoke replacement $10 (spokes and nipples not included).



#### Basic Tune-up $100
*For when your bike hasn’t had a tune-up after a season of light use. Designed to get you rolling smoothly again by solving your drivetrain issues, imprecise shifting, loose feeling brakes, or when the whole bike is feeling slightly off.*

- Full bike safety check; all bolts, pivot points, and components inspected for proper torque and wear levels
- Light cleaning -- Frame and fork wiped down and inspected 
- Tires inflated, chain lubricated, and grease applied to seatpost
- Bearing adjustments -- including headset, and front and rear hubs
- Brake systems adjusted -- including cable adjustments and pad position 
- Shifting systems adjusted  -- including cable adjustments and hanger alignment
- Minor wheel truing -- lateral truing and light radial adjustments (spoke replacements extra)
- Minor components installed (chain, cassette, brake pads, tubes) 

#### Advanced Tune-up $140
*For when your bike hasn't had a tune-up after a season of regular riding or has issues caused by dirt, component wear, or light damage. If your bike has poor or inconsistent shifting, soft brakes, or the wheels aren’t straight, this package is for you.*

- Includes every service from the Basic Tune-up, plus:
- Major wheel truing as needed -- including tension and dish adjustments
- Drivetrain removed and fully washed, lubricated, and reinstalled
- Frame, fork, and wheels cleaned -- including braking surfaces
- Installation of up to 2 cables, with housing **parts extra

#### Advanced Plus Tune-up $220
*A comprehensive service for well-used bikes that need of some TLC.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced Tune-up, plus:
- Headset and Wheel bearings cleaned and repacked
- Hydraulic brakes bled, or the installation of all cables and hosing for non-hydraulic systems
- Installation of intermediate-level components (bottom bracket, spoke replacements, tubeless sealant refresh) **parts extra

#### Premium Tune-up 
*Available in Road and MTB specific packages. This complete service gets your bike looking and feeling brand new.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced PLUS Tune-up, plus:
- Complete tear down and rebuild (MTB includes linkages)
- Full frame, component, and wheel detailing
- ** NOT included -- Specialty services such as: Suspension services, dropper post services, and wheel building.




### A la carte bike services
 
|**Wheels**|**Price**|
| ---|--- |
| Tire or tube install| $12|
| Specialty Tire or Tube Install (e-bikes, fat bikes, etc)| $20|
| Wheel true| $15 – $20|
| Wheel build| $70 and up|
| Hub adjustment| $10 – $20|
| Hub overhaul| $25|
| ---|--- |
|**Brakes**|**Price**|
| Brake adjustment| $15 – $25|
| Brake bleed| $30|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
| ---|--- |
|**Drivetrain**|**Price**|
| Gear adjustment| $15 – $20|
| Chain installation| $8 - $17|
| Bottom bracket replacement -- *BB Removal, frame prepped, installation (parts not included)*| $30|
| Shimano internal geared hub service -- *Disassembly, fluid replacement, and lubrication*| $70|
| Shimano Di2 reprogramming and firmware update -- *call for store availability*| $35|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
|---|--- |  
|**Other services**|**Price**|
| Headset adjustment| $10|
| Headset overhaul| $30|
| Miscellaneous accessory install| $10 – $35|
| Bar tape installation -- *Tape extra*| $25|
| Bike boxing -- *Partial disassembly and packaging for shipping or airplane travel*| $60|
| General repairs -- *Minimum shop charge is $5*| $80/hr|





Bike shop

Your local MEC store is more than just a place to get gear – it’s a hub for your outdoor community. MEC All Out (our community program) has all kinds of ways to help you get outside:

### Local events
Year-round, MEC offers low cost (or even free) clinics and workshops. Find [MEC events](https://events.mec.ca/&organization=mec) near you see what’s happening in store, learn new outdoor skills from friendly staff instructors, and spark ideas for your next outdoor trip.

### Grants and donations
Our community program has given tens of millions of dollars to help people in Canada get active outdoors. Have an awesome outdoor idea? Check out our [community grants](/en/explore/spring-and-fall-grants) and [grassroots product donations](/en/explore/grassroots-product-donations) for criteria and applications.



### Free meeting room
*We’re taking precautionary steps due to COVID-19, and pausing all bookings of the Community Room for the moment.  We take your health seriously and are following the recommendations of public health agencies to practice social distancing and limit gatherings. We will continue to monitor and reassess the situation as it evolves. For groups with a current booking, we’ll contact you by email to ensure you can plan accordingly.  *



Community

If you love trails, snow, water or fresh air, this is your store. Visit MEC Kelowna for outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration.

Located in the heart of the city, MEC Kelowna is a prime location for Okanagan residents and visitors. The store opened in 2016 after doing extensive renovations to an existing building, which included updates to make the space more energy efficient. Here are some of the green features:

- Moved into an existing building, which saved on construction materials and the embodied energy costs.
- Significant updates to the roof insulation, since that’s a major spot to cut down on heat loss (just like people, buildings can lose a lot of heat through their highest point).
- Rooftop solar system pre-heats the hot water for the building to cut down on energy required.
- Upgraded to a high-efficiency HVAC to reduce energy use, and a heat recovery ventilator reduces the amount of energy required to heat the building.
- Furniture is certified by Level, a third-party sustainability certification program that looks at environmental and social impacts.
- To cut down on materials required, there are minimal floor coverings.
- To reduce energy consumption, we use predominately high-efficiency LED lighting controlled by auto dimmers and occupancy sensors in some areas, and on automated schedules elsewhere.
- Landscaping uses non-invasive species that encourage bird and insect populations, and doesn’t need irrigation except for in drought conditions.
- Low-flow fixtures such as toilets, urinals and shower heads reduce overall water consumption.

Like all MEC buildings, we’re proud to say that this store is carbon neutral. We purchase Green Electricity Certificates and Green Natural Gas Certificates from [Bullfrog Power](https://www.bullfrogpower.com/), which means that Bullfrog procures renewable energy (wind, micro-hydro and biogas) on our behalf for electricity and natural gas.

MEC aims to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impacts in our stores. Learn more about our [green buildings](/en/explore/green-buildings).



Green building features

For the safety of staff and members, we are pausing in-store gear repair services for a while. Thanks for your understanding. Want to try some repairs on your own? Learn how to fix your own gear with these [how-to articles and videos on popular gear repair topics](/en/explore/product-care-and-maintenance).

### Recycling
If you bought any of the items below at MEC, you can bring them back to our store for recycling:

- Batteries (no broken or corroded ones please).

Have a question about something that’s not on the list above? Give us a call or contact your local municipal recycling program.



Repairs and recycling

Professional ski and snowboard shop services to set you up for the season. Some services may not be available year-round. Call us to set up a visit.

Buy two of the big three – board/skis, bindings, boots – from MEC and we’ll mount your bindings for free. This offer applies to all types of snowboard and ski equipment sold at MEC. If you’re shopping online, take advantage of this deal by calling your store to arrange an appointment to mount your bindings before you visit. Our ski techs get busy, and we don’t want to let you down.



| Mounting| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Classic| $30|
| Skate| $30|
| Alpine| $50|
| Alpine touring| $50|
| Binding removal -- *With purchase of new binding or skis*| Free|

| Base tune-up| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| General repairs -- *Minimum shop charge is $5*| $70/hr|
| Hot wax (hand)| $35|
| Pine tar -- *Call for availability*| $30|

| Additional services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Boot liner molding -- *With purchase of boots*| Free|
| Boot fitting| $20|

| Snowshoe services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Binding replacement| $70/pair|
| Rivet replacement (per rivet)| $15/unit|
| Binding strap replacement (per strap)| $15/unit|



Ski services

Canada Day

British Columbia Day

Labour Day

Thanksgiving Day

Rememberance Day

Christmas Day

Boxing Day

Store Pickup

We are following the advice and guidance of local health authorities to ensure we are providing the safest possible environment to MEC members and staff.

We aim to provide a safe environment that respects everyone’s comfort level and risk tolerance. Thanks for looking out for each other.

Order online and [pick up](/en/explore/in-store-pickup) at this location.

You can [return](/en/explore/covid-19-shipping-and-returns-updates) products to any store.



Welcome

Phone: 705.792.4675

Our bike mechanics can do it all, from installing fenders to building wheels from scratch. Not sure what work your bike needs? Bring it in for a free safety inspection and we’ll let you know. Call us to set up a bike shop visit. Small repairs can be done while you shop.

Bike fitting services are temporarily paused



## Tune-up packages
###### *Parts are not included in tune-up prices.* **Add-on services for all Tune-up packages: bike cleaning fee $20, hub repack (single) $20, spoke replacement $10 (spokes and nipples not included).



#### Basic Tune-up $100
*For when your bike hasn’t had a tune-up after a season of light use. Designed to get you rolling smoothly again by solving your drivetrain issues, imprecise shifting, loose feeling brakes, or when the whole bike is feeling slightly off.*

- Full bike safety check; all bolts, pivot points, and components inspected for proper torque and wear levels
- Light cleaning -- Frame and fork wiped down and inspected 
- Tires inflated, chain lubricated, and grease applied to seatpost
- Bearing adjustments -- including headset, and front and rear hubs
- Brake systems adjusted -- including cable adjustments and pad position 
- Shifting systems adjusted  -- including cable adjustments and hanger alignment
- Minor wheel truing -- lateral truing and light radial adjustments (spoke replacements extra)
- Minor components installed (chain, cassette, brake pads, tubes) 

#### Advanced Tune-up $140
*For when your bike hasn't had a tune-up after a season of regular riding or has issues caused by dirt, component wear, or light damage. If your bike has poor or inconsistent shifting, soft brakes, or the wheels aren’t straight, this package is for you.*

- Includes every service from the Basic Tune-up, plus:
- Major wheel truing as needed -- including tension and dish adjustments
- Drivetrain removed and fully washed, lubricated, and reinstalled
- Frame, fork, and wheels cleaned -- including braking surfaces
- Installation of up to 2 cables, with housing **parts extra

#### Advanced Plus Tune-up $220
*A comprehensive service for well-used bikes that need of some TLC.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced Tune-up, plus:
- Headset and Wheel bearings cleaned and repacked
- Hydraulic brakes bled, or the installation of all cables and hosing for non-hydraulic systems
- Installation of intermediate-level components (bottom bracket, spoke replacements, tubeless sealant refresh) **parts extra

#### Premium Tune-up 
*Available in Road and MTB specific packages. This complete service gets your bike looking and feeling brand new.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced PLUS Tune-up, plus:
- Complete tear down and rebuild (MTB includes linkages)
- Full frame, component, and wheel detailing
- ** NOT included -- Specialty services such as: Suspension services, dropper post services, and wheel building.




### A la carte bike services
 
|**Wheels**|**Price**|
| ---|--- |
| Tire or tube install| $12|
| Specialty Tire or Tube Install (e-bikes, fat bikes, etc)| $20|
| Wheel true| $15 – $20|
| Wheel build| $70 and up|
| Hub adjustment| $10 – $20|
| Hub overhaul| $25|
| ---|--- |
|**Brakes**|**Price**|
| Brake adjustment| $15 – $25|
| Brake bleed| $30|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
| ---|--- |
|**Drivetrain**|**Price**|
| Gear adjustment| $15 – $20|
| Chain installation| $8 - $17|
| Bottom bracket replacement -- *BB Removal, frame prepped, installation (parts not included)*| $30|
| Shimano internal geared hub service -- *Disassembly, fluid replacement, and lubrication*| $70|
| Shimano Di2 reprogramming and firmware update -- *call for store availability*| $35|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
|---|--- |  
|**Other services**|**Price**|
| Headset adjustment| $10|
| Headset overhaul| $30|
| Miscellaneous accessory install| $10 – $35|
| Bar tape installation -- *Tape extra*| $25|
| Bike boxing -- *Partial disassembly and packaging for shipping or airplane travel*| $60|
| General repairs -- *Minimum shop charge is $5*| $80/hr|





### Free display space
Not-for-profit groups and local clubs that share MEC values can use our floor space to tell people what’s going on. Let people know about outdoor issues, collect input on plans, or just get the word out about your club. For more info, please email bar_aa@mec.ca or phone the store.

*We’re taking precautionary steps due to COVID-19, and pausing all bookings of the Community Room for the moment.  We take your health seriously and are following the recommendations of public health agencies to practice social distancing and limit gatherings. We will continue to monitor and reassess the situation as it evolves. For groups with a current booking, we’ll contact you by email to ensure you can plan accordingly.  *



If you love trails, snow, water or fresh air, this is your store. Visit MEC Barrie for outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration.

Located on the way to northern Ontario’s outdoor playgrounds, MEC Barrie opened in 2010. Compared to a conventional retail building about the same size, it was made to be 70% more efficient than those built during the same period. Here are some of the green features:

- A high-efficiency building envelope reduces the amount of energy needed, and has significantly more thermal insulation than conventional buildings.
- The wood, concrete and steel structure is designed to be disassembled and repurposed when the building reaches the end of its useful life.
- To cut down on the amount of energy required for heating and cooling, a concrete slab floor acts as a thermal reservoir which is warmed or cooled by a geo-exchange system that pumps fluid through embedded piping.
- The sawtooth-shaped roof is oriented so the less-intense northern light can help naturally light the store. The more-intense southern light hits the long side of each “tooth” and gets captured by a photovoltaic array.
- Many high clerestory windows at roofline reduce the need for artificial lighting. The lights we do have turn down or off automatically when there’s enough natural light to save energy (for both the lights and the energy needed to cool heat from the bulbs).
- A solar thermal collector on the roof preheats hot water used in the kitchen and bathrooms. The residual heat from this grey water is partially captured and used to preheat other potable water.
- The combo of low-flow fixtures and grey water usage cuts potable water requirements by half.
- Captured precipitation (stormwater) provides water for all non-potable uses, such as toilets. Stormwater gets retained and infiltrated on site and won’t discharge water to municipal storm drains (except under extraordinary circumstances, like an enormous storm).
- Landscaping uses non-invasive species that encourage bird and insect populations, and doesn’t need irrigation except for in drought conditions.

Like all MEC buildings, we’re proud to say that this store is carbon neutral. We purchase Green Electricity Certificates and Green Natural Gas Certificates from [Bullfrog Power](https://www.bullfrogpower.com/), which means that Bullfrog procures renewable energy (wind, micro-hydro and biogas) on our behalf for electricity and natural gas.

MEC aims to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impacts in our stores. Learn more about our [green buildings](/en/explore/green-buildings).



For the safety of staff and members, we are pausing in-store gear repair services for a while. Thanks for your understanding. Want to try some repairs on your own? Learn how to fix your own gear with these [how-to articles and videos on popular gear repair topics](/en/explore/product-care-and-maintenance).

### Recycling
If you bought any of the items below at MEC, you can bring them back to our store for recycling:

- Batteries (no broken or corroded ones please).
- Bike tires (no tubes) – they can get ground up for tarmac or playground surfaces.

Due to safety concerns, we do not accept used flammable goods, including camping gas canisters, stove fuel, flares, bear bangers and bear spray. Please contact your local waste management office to find out how to properly dispose of these items.

Have a question about something that’s not on the list above? Give us a call or contact your local municipal recycling program.



| Mounting| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Classic| $30|
| Skate| $30|
| Binding removal -- *With purchase of new binding or skis*| Free|

| Base tune-up| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| General repairs -- *Minimum shop charge is $5*| $70/hr|
| Hot wax (hand)| $35|
| Pine tar -- *Call for availability*| $30|

| Additional services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Boot liner molding -- *With purchase of boots*| Free|
| Boot fitting| $20|

| Snowshoe services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Binding replacement| $70/pair|
| Rivet replacement (per rivet)| $15/unit|
| Binding strap replacement (per strap)| $15/unit|



**MEC is closely monitoring provincial government guidelines to ensure the safety of all members and staff.**

#### Safety measures
- Number of people inside stores is limited and controlled at all entrances.  
- Social distancing guidelines are posted outside and inside stores.
- Lineup areas have two-meter markers on the floor.
- Staff are required to wear personal protective equipment, including masks.
- Hand sanitizer stations are set up for members and staff to use.  
- Staff practice and promote everyday preventive behaviours including frequent hand washing and social distancing.  
- Common areas including doors, staircases, cash desks, and bike fitting areas are regularly disinfected.  
- Cleaning processes are enhanced for the entire store. 
- Restrictions on the type of clothing and gear members are permitted to try on.  
- Plexiglass shields are installed at cashier stations. 

#### Service updates  
- Climbing walls and play areas are closed.  
- Clinics, events and community room bookings are paused.  
- Rental services are paused.  
- Repair shops are open for bike and ski repairs only.

#### Facilities and supply chain
- We are following all government advisories regarding gathering sizes and retail operations  
- We remain committed to our responsible sourcing practices. MEC continues to uphold standards for the health and safety of people who make and distribute the products we sell.   









(418) 522.8884

Our bike mechanics can do it all, from installing fenders to building wheels from scratch. Not sure what work your bike needs? Bring it in for a free safety inspection and we’ll let you know. Call us to set up a bike shop visit. Small repairs can be done while you shop.

Bike fitting services are temporarily paused.



## Tune-up packages
###### *Parts are not included in tune-up prices.* **Add-on services for all Tune-up packages: bike cleaning fee $20, hub repack (single) $20, spoke replacement $10 (spokes and nipples not included).




#### Basic Tune-up $100
*For when your bike hasn’t had a tune-up after a season of light use. Designed to get you rolling smoothly again by solving your drivetrain issues, imprecise shifting, loose feeling brakes, or when the whole bike is feeling slightly off.*

- Full bike safety check; all bolts, pivot points, and components inspected for proper torque and wear levels
- Light cleaning -- Frame and fork wiped down and inspected 
- Tires inflated, chain lubricated, and grease applied to seatpost
- Bearing adjustments -- including headset, and front and rear hubs
- Brake systems adjusted -- including cable adjustments and pad position 
- Shifting systems adjusted  -- including cable adjustments and hanger alignment
- Minor wheel truing -- lateral truing and light radial adjustments (spoke replacements extra)
- Minor components installed (chain, cassette, brake pads, tubes) 

#### Advanced Tune-up $140
*For when your bike hasn't had a tune-up after a season of regular riding or has issues caused by dirt, component wear, or light damage. If your bike has poor or inconsistent shifting, soft brakes, or the wheels aren’t straight, this package is for you.*

- Includes every service from the Basic Tune-up, plus:
- Major wheel truing as needed -- including tension and dish adjustments
- Drivetrain removed and fully washed, lubricated, and reinstalled
- Frame, fork, and wheels cleaned -- including braking surfaces
- Installation of up to 2 cables, with housing **parts extra

#### Advanced Plus Tune-up $220
*A comprehensive service for well-used bikes that need of some TLC.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced Tune-up, plus:
- Headset and Wheel bearings cleaned and repacked
- Hydraulic brakes bled, or the installation of all cables and hosing for non-hydraulic systems
- Installation of intermediate-level components (bottom bracket, spoke replacements, tubeless sealant refresh) **parts extra

#### Premium Tune-up 
*Available in Road and MTB specific packages. This complete service gets your bike looking and feeling brand new.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced PLUS Tune-up, plus:
- Complete tear down and rebuild (MTB includes linkages)
- Full frame, component, and wheel detailing
- ** NOT included -- Specialty services such as: Suspension services, dropper post services, and wheel building.




### A la carte bike services
 
|**Wheels**|**Price**|
| ---|--- |
| Tire or tube install| $12|
| Specialty Tire or Tube Install (e-bikes, fat bikes, etc)| $20|
| Wheel true| $15 – $20|
| Wheel build| $70 and up|
| Hub adjustment| $10 – $20|
| Hub overhaul| $25|
| ---|--- |
|**Brakes**|**Price**|
| Brake adjustment| $15 – $25|
| Brake bleed| $30|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
| ---|--- |
|**Drivetrain**|**Price**|
| Gear adjustment| $15 – $20|
| Chain installation| $8 - $17|
| Bottom bracket replacement -- *BB Removal, frame prepped, installation (parts not included)*| $30|
| Shimano internal geared hub service -- *Disassembly, fluid replacement, and lubrication*| $70|
| Shimano Di2 reprogramming and firmware update -- *call for store availability*| $35|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
|---|--- |  
|**Other services**|**Price**|
| Headset adjustment| $10|
| Headset overhaul| $30|
| Miscellaneous accessory install| $10 – $35|
| Bar tape installation -- *Tape extra*| $25|
| Bike boxing -- *Partial disassembly and packaging for shipping or airplane travel*| $60|
| General repairs -- *Minimum shop charge is $5*| $80/hr|



Welcome back! MEC in Quebec is open with limits to the number of people inside, plus reduced hours and services. We are following the advice and guidance of local health authorities to ensure we are providing the safest possible environment to MEC members and staff.

Note, we are not yet accepting returns in person. For the safety of MEC staff, we are accepting returns by mail only.



If you love trails, snow, water or fresh air, this is your store. Visit MEC Québec City for outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration.

The space we are taking over provides great potential to bring the MEC brand to life inside and out.

The design will be in-keeping with the new architectural embodiment of the MEC brand, with a distinctive floating canopy to mark the store’s entrance and wood-infused interiors to define the store and display merchandise.

All MEC facilities are subject to our internal green building program, which establishes minimum performance standards. MEC’s new Quebec City store will be no different.

Two of the most important aspects of green buildings are the building envelope and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (or HVAC) system. The new Quebec City store will provide R40 and R60 thermal performance in the walls and roof, respectively, and feature a best-in-class roof top HVAC system.

Energy efficient lighting will also be used throughout the store. Plus, Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) will be purchased for all energy consumed by MEC’s Quebec City store.

MEC aims to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impacts in our stores. Learn more about our [green buildings](/en/explore/green-buildings).



For the safety of staff and members, we are pausing in-store gear repair services for a while. Thanks for your understanding. Want to try some repairs on your own? Learn how to fix your own gear with these [how-to articles and videos on popular gear repair topics](/en/explore/product-care-and-maintenance).

### Recycling
If you bought any of the items below at MEC, you can bring them back to our store for recycling:

- Batteries (no broken or corroded ones please).
- Bike tires and tubes – they can get ground up for tarmac or playground surfaces.
- Climbing rope – it could become dog leashes, acoustic insulation or stuffing.

Due to safety concerns, we do not accept used flammable goods, including camping gas canisters, stove fuel, flares, bear bangers and bear spray. Please contact your local waste management office to find out how to properly dispose of these items.

Have a question about something that’s not on the list above? Give us a call or contact your local municipal recycling program.



| Mounting| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Classic| $30|
| Skate| $30|
| Telemark| $50|
| Alpine touring| $50|
| Binding removal -- *With purchase of new binding or skis*| Free|

| Base tune-up| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| General repairs -- *Minimum shop charge is $5*| $70/hr|
| Hot wax (hand)| $35|
| Pine tar -- *Call for availability*| $30|
| Base cleaning| $10|
| Base binder application| $10|

| Additional services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Skin fit and shaping -- *Call for availability*| $25|
| Boot liner molding -- *With purchase of boots*| Free|
| Boot fitting| $20|

| Snowshoe services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Binding replacement| $70/pair|
| Rivet replacement (per rivet)| $15/unit|
| Binding strap replacement (per strap)| $15/unit|



Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day

National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

Phone: (514) 788-5878

Our bike mechanics can do it all, from installing fenders to building wheels from scratch. Not sure what work your bike needs? Bring it in for a free safety inspection and we’ll let you know. Call us to set up a bike shop visit. Small repairs can be done while you shop.

Bike fitting services are temporarily paused.



## Tune-up packages
###### *Parts are not included in tune-up prices.* **Add-on services for all Tune-up packages: bike cleaning fee $20, hub repack (single) $20, spoke replacement $10 (spokes and nipples not included).




#### Basic Tune-up $100
*For when your bike hasn’t had a tune-up after a season of light use. Designed to get you rolling smoothly again by solving your drivetrain issues, imprecise shifting, loose feeling brakes, or when the whole bike is feeling slightly off.*

- Full bike safety check; all bolts, pivot points, and components inspected for proper torque and wear levels
- Light cleaning -- Frame and fork wiped down and inspected 
- Tires inflated, chain lubricated, and grease applied to seatpost
- Bearing adjustments -- including headset, and front and rear hubs
- Brake systems adjusted -- including cable adjustments and pad position 
- Shifting systems adjusted  -- including cable adjustments and hanger alignment
- Minor wheel truing -- lateral truing and light radial adjustments (spoke replacements extra)
- Minor components installed (chain, cassette, brake pads, tubes) 

#### Advanced Tune-up $140
*For when your bike hasn't had a tune-up after a season of regular riding or has issues caused by dirt, component wear, or light damage. If your bike has poor or inconsistent shifting, soft brakes, or the wheels aren’t straight, this package is for you.*

- Includes every service from the Basic Tune-up, plus:
- Major wheel truing as needed -- including tension and dish adjustments
- Drivetrain removed and fully washed, lubricated, and reinstalled
- Frame, fork, and wheels cleaned -- including braking surfaces
- Installation of up to 2 cables, with housing **parts extra

#### Advanced Plus Tune-up $220
*A comprehensive service for well-used bikes that need of some TLC.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced Tune-up, plus:
- Headset and Wheel bearings cleaned and repacked
- Hydraulic brakes bled, or the installation of all cables and hosing for non-hydraulic systems
- Installation of intermediate-level components (bottom bracket, spoke replacements, tubeless sealant refresh) **parts extra

#### Premium Tune-up 
*Available in Road and MTB specific packages. This complete service gets your bike looking and feeling brand new.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced PLUS Tune-up, plus:
- Complete tear down and rebuild (MTB includes linkages)
- Full frame, component, and wheel detailing
- ** NOT included -- Specialty services such as: Suspension services, dropper post services, and wheel building.




### A la carte bike services
 
|**Wheels**|**Price**|
| ---|--- |
| Tire or tube install| $12|
| Specialty Tire or Tube Install (e-bikes, fat bikes, etc)| $20|
| Wheel true| $15 – $20|
| Wheel build| $70 and up|
| Hub adjustment| $10 – $20|
| Hub overhaul| $25|
| ---|--- |
|**Brakes**|**Price**|
| Brake adjustment| $15 – $25|
| Brake bleed| $30|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
| ---|--- |
|**Drivetrain**|**Price**|
| Gear adjustment| $15 – $20|
| Chain installation| $8 - $17|
| Bottom bracket replacement -- *BB Removal, frame prepped, installation (parts not included)*| $30|
| Shimano internal geared hub service -- *Disassembly, fluid replacement, and lubrication*| $70|
| Shimano Di2 reprogramming and firmware update -- *call for store availability*| $35|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
|---|--- |  
|**Other services**|**Price**|
| Headset adjustment| $10|
| Headset overhaul| $30|
| Miscellaneous accessory install| $10 – $35|
| Bar tape installation -- *Tape extra*| $25|
| Bike boxing -- *Partial disassembly and packaging for shipping or airplane travel*| $60|
| General repairs -- *Minimum shop charge is $5*| $80/hr|




Your local MEC store is more than just a place to get gear – it’s a hub for your outdoor community. 

### Local events
Find [MEC events](https://events.mec.ca/&organization=mec) near you to see what’s happening in store, make connections with interesting people and get active outdoors. Year-round, MEC offers low cost (or even free) clinics and workshops from friendly staff instructors, plus events happening in the larger community – everything from backcountry navigation classes to film screenings.

### Outdoor Impact
MEC has given tens of millions of dollars to help people in Canada get active outdoors. Our [Outdoor Impact program](https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/outdoor-impact) includes national partners, local partners, and community grants and donations. We invest in groups that are actively working to break down barriers of access and increase equity in the outdoors.



### Free display space
Not-for-profit groups and local clubs that share MEC values can use our floor space to tell people what’s going on. Let people know about outdoor issues, collect input on plans, or just get the word out about your club. For more info, please email mon_aa@mec.ca or phone the store.

### Free meeting room
*We’re taking precautionary steps due to COVID-19, and pausing all bookings of the Community Room for the moment.  We take your health seriously and are following the recommendations of public health agencies to practice social distancing and limit gatherings. We will continue to monitor and reassess the situation as it evolves. For groups with a current booking, we’ll contact you by email to ensure you can plan accordingly. *



If you love trails, snow, water or fresh air, this is your store. Visit MEC Montreal for outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration.

MEC Montreal opened in 2003, and was our first store in Quebec. It was also the first retail building in Quebec to meet the national C2000 Green Building Standard, and the amount of energy it consumes is nearly 70% less than was required by the Model National Energy Code at the time of construction. Here are some of the green features:

- The wood deck inside the curved roof was salvaged from the Seagram’s distillery in Ville Lasalle. Salvaged wood is also used in the entrance canopy and railings.
- To reduce material waste, the concrete slabs contain 27% blast furnace slag (a by-product of steel manufacturing).
- 50% of the materials used in the building are made of recycled content, by weight.
- Walls are insulated with cellulose fibre from recycled newsprint to cut down on energy consumption (they provide about twice as much thermal insulation as conventional retail buildings from the same era).
- Captured precipitation (stormwater run-off) from the roof is stored in a 45,000L underground cistern, and is used for landscaping and toilet water – this cuts our potable water use in half.
- To keep energy usage down, the concrete floor acts as a thermal reservoir that’s warmed or cooled by fluid pumped through embedded piping. Twelve geothermal wells pump extracted heat in winter and disperse heat in summer.
- There’s mostly natural ventilation with fresh air coming in through underground tunnels. In summer, warm air rises and escapes through roof vents and motorized window openings.
- CO2 sensors keep a good balance of fresh air coming in, so energy isn’t wasted in heating or cooling.
- Lots of daylight reduces the need for artificial lighting. The lights we do have shut off automatically when there’s enough natural light to save energy (for both the lights and the energy needed to cool heat from the bulbs).

Like all MEC buildings, we’re proud to say that this store is carbon neutral. We purchase Green Electricity Certificates and Green Natural Gas Certificates from [Bullfrog Power](https://www.bullfrogpower.com/), which means that Bullfrog procures renewable energy (wind, micro-hydro and biogas) on our behalf for electricity and natural gas.

MEC aims to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impacts in our stores. Learn more about our [green buildings](/en/explore/green-buildings).



| Mounting| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Classic| $30|
| Skate| $30|
| Telemark| $50|
| Alpine touring| $50|
| Binding removal -- *With purchase of new binding or skis*| Free|

| Base tune-up| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| General repairs -- *Minimum shop charge is $5*| $70/hr|
| Hot wax (machine)| $15|
| Hot wax (hand)| $35|
| Machine sharpen and wax| $35|
| Pine tar -- *Call for availability*| $30|

| Additional services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Skin fit and shaping -- *Call for availability*| $25|
| Boot liner molding -- *With purchase of boots*| Free|
| Boot fitting| $20|
| Boot punching (First punch)| $50|
| Boot punching (Additional punch)| $25|

| Snowshoe services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Binding replacement| $70/pair|
| Rivet replacement (per rivet)| $15/unit|
| Binding strap replacement (per strap)| $15/unit|



National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Thanksgiving

**MEC is closely monitoring provincial government guidelines to ensure the safety of all members and staff.**

#### Safety measures
- Masks are optional for staff and customers. We support every individual’s personal preference and model our respect for those choices in how we treat each other.
- Hand sanitizer stations are set up for members and staff to use.  
- Staff practice and promote everyday preventive behaviours including frequent hand washing and social distancing.  
- Common areas including doors, staircases, cash desks, and bike fitting areas are regularly disinfected.  
- Cleaning processes are enhanced for the entire store. 
- Plexiglass shields are installed at cashier stations. 

#### Service updates  
- Climbing walls and play areas are temporarily closed.  
- Clinics and events are being offered, community room bookings are available.  
- Rental services are paused.  
- Repair shops are open for all bike and ski services. 

#### Facilities and supply chain 
- We remain committed to our responsible sourcing practices. MEC continues to uphold standards for the health and safety of people who make and distribute the products we sell.   









Phone: 519.896.4972

Our bike mechanics can do it all, from installing fenders to building wheels from scratch. Not sure what work your bike needs? Bring it in for a free safety inspection and we’ll let you know. Call us to set up a bike shop visit. Small repairs can be done while you shop.

Bike Fitting services are temporarily paused.

### Free meeting room
*We’re taking precautionary steps due to COVID-19, and pausing all bookings of the Community Room for the moment.  We take your health seriously and are following the recommendations of public health agencies to practice social distancing and limit gatherings. We will continue to monitor and reassess the situation as it evolves. For groups with a current booking, we’ll contact you by email to ensure you can plan accordingly.  *



It’s small, but it does the trick. Available for use by local outdoor clubs, environmental groups and NGOs that have a similar mandate as MEC. Please email at least a month before your event to reserve the space.

- Space: fits 15–20, large windows, natural light
- Equipment: Wall-mounted TV with HDMI, projector with HDMI input, mobile projector display, dry erase whiteboard, MEC guest wifi
- Seating and tables: long tables, office chairs, folding chairs



MEC Kitchener is a new purpose-built store that has been constructed to our specifications. The store will join the co-op’s growing portfolio of high-performance green buildings.

All MEC facilities are subject to our internal green building program, which establishes minimum performance standards. MEC Kitchener will be no different. Like all MEC buildings, we’re proud to say that this store will be operationally carbon neutral.

The building incorporates key elements of MEC’s renewed architectural brand, including a distinctive floating canopy to mark the store’s entrance and wood-infused interiors to define the store and display merchandise.

Green building features will include:

- A high-performance building envelope and heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) system
- A high R-value thermal barrier, allowing for superior insulation and energy savings.
- Energy-efficient LED lighting and low-flow fixtures throughout the store.

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) will be purchased for all energy consumed by MEC Kitchener. We purchase Green Electricity Certificates and Green Natural Gas Certificates from [Bullfrog Power](https://www.bullfrogpower.com/). Bullfrog procures renewable energy (wind, micro-hydro and biogas) on our behalf for electricity and natural gas.

MEC aims to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impacts in our stores. Learn more about our [green buildings](/en/explore/green-buildings).



| Mounting| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Classic| $30|
| Skate| $30|
| Binding removal -- *With purchase of new binding or skis*| Free|

| Base tune-up| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| General repairs -- *Minimum shop charge is $5*| $70/hr|
| Hot wax (hand)| $35|

| Additional services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Boot liner molding -- *With purchase of boots*| Free|
| Boot fitting| $20|

| Snowshoe services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Binding replacement| $70/pair|
| Rivet replacement (per rivet)| $15/unit|
| Binding strap replacement (per strap)| $15/unit|



Phone: (416) 221-0030

Our bike mechanics can do it all, from installing fenders to building wheels from scratch. Not sure what work your bike needs? Bring it in for a free safety inspection and we’ll let you know. Call us to set up a bike shop visit. Small repairs can be done while you shop.

Bike fitting services are temporarily paused.



## Tune-up packages
###### *Parts are not included in tune-up prices.* **Add-on services for all Tune-up packages: bike cleaning fee $20, hub repack (single) $20, spoke replacement $10 (spokes and nipples not included).




#### Basic Tune-up $100
*For when your bike hasn’t had a tune-up after a season of light use. Designed to get you rolling smoothly again by solving your drivetrain issues, imprecise shifting, loose feeling brakes, or when the whole bike is feeling slightly off.*

- Full bike safety check; all bolts, pivot points, and components inspected for proper torque and wear levels
- Light cleaning -- Frame and fork wiped down and inspected 
- Tires inflated, chain lubricated, and grease applied to seatpost
- Bearing adjustments -- including headset, and front and rear hubs
- Brake systems adjusted -- including cable adjustments and pad position 
- Shifting systems adjusted  -- including cable adjustments and hanger alignment
- Minor wheel truing -- lateral truing and light radial adjustments (spoke replacements extra)
- Minor components installed (chain, cassette, brake pads, tubes) 

#### Advanced Tune-up $140
*For when your bike hasn't had a tune-up after a season of regular riding or has issues caused by dirt, component wear, or light damage. If your bike has poor or inconsistent shifting, soft brakes, or the wheels aren’t straight, this package is for you.*

- Includes every service from the Basic Tune-up, plus:
- Major wheel truing as needed -- including tension and dish adjustments
- Drivetrain removed and fully washed, lubricated, and reinstalled
- Frame, fork, and wheels cleaned -- including braking surfaces
- Installation of up to 2 cables, with housing **parts extra

#### Advanced Plus Tune-up $220
*A comprehensive service for well-used bikes that need of some TLC.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced Tune-up, plus:
- Headset and Wheel bearings cleaned and repacked
- Hydraulic brakes bled, or the installation of all cables and hosing for non-hydraulic systems
- Installation of intermediate-level components (bottom bracket, spoke replacements, tubeless sealant refresh) **parts extra

#### Premium Tune-up 
*Available in Road and MTB specific packages. This complete service gets your bike looking and feeling brand new.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced PLUS Tune-up, plus:
- Complete tear down and rebuild (MTB includes linkages)
- Full frame, component, and wheel detailing
- ** NOT included -- Specialty services such as: Suspension services, dropper post services, and wheel building.




### A la carte bike services
 
|**Wheels**|**Price**|
| ---|--- |
| Tire or tube install| $12|
| Specialty Tire or Tube Install (e-bikes, fat bikes, etc)| $20|
| Wheel true| $20 – $25|
| Wheel build| $70 and up|
| Hub adjustment| $10 – $20|
| Hub overhaul| $25|
| ---|--- |
|**Brakes**|**Price**|
| Brake adjustment| $15 – $25|
| Brake bleed| $30|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
| ---|--- |
|**Drivetrain**|**Price**|
| Gear adjustment| $15 – $20|
| Chain installation| $8 - $17|
| Bottom bracket replacement -- *BB Removal, frame prepped, installation (parts not included)*| $30|
| Shimano internal geared hub service -- *Disassembly, fluid replacement, and lubrication*| $70|
| Shimano Di2 reprogramming and firmware update -- *call for store availability*| $35|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
|---|--- |  
|**Other services**|**Price**|
| Headset adjustment| $10|
| Headset overhaul| $30|
| Miscellaneous accessory install| $10 – $35|
| Bar tape installation -- *Tape extra*| $25|
| Bike boxing -- *Partial disassembly and packaging for shipping or airplane travel*| $60|
| General repairs -- *Minimum shop charge is $5*| $80/hr|




Bike services

Every purchase at MEC supports your community. From helping people get to Rouge National Urban Park, to leading nature walks and teaching families how to plan their first camping trip, these local organizations and programs make getting outside just a little bit easier. MEC works with many groups in the North York community, including:



Never camped before? Don’t know where to start, or just want a refresher before your next trip? With support from MEC, [Parks Canada’s Learn to Camp program](https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/serapprocher-connect/ltc-dlc) introduces you and your family to the basics of camping in Canada’s beautiful natural settings. Through overnight experiences and daytime workshops, you’ll learn camping skills like how to set up a tent, plan a camping menu and cook outdoors.



MEC and the Canadian Wilderness Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) are working together to create community support for conservation in Rouge National Urban Park and around the GTA. As a chapter of CPAWS, [Wildlands League](https://wildlandsleague.org/)’s mission is to protect the natural world that supports us with a connected network of wild lands and protected natural areas, and to promote recreation and resource use in ways that are sustainable for nature, communities and the economy.



MEC partners with [Parkbus](https://parkbus.ca/index) to help thousands of Canadians visit national and provincial parks from major cities across Canada – including a free shuttle from Toronto to Rouge National Urban Park. From day trips and family camping weekends to wilderness expeditions, Parkbus offers accessible transportation options to help city dwellers connect with nature.



[Healing in Nature: Bereavement Network](http://bereavementnetwork.ca/) (HNBN) is a non-for-profit project that provides grief support for youth and young adults through nature walks. They host walking groups on local trails for youth and young adults who are grieving, including newcomers to the community and refugees.



If you love trails, snow, water or fresh air, this is your store. Visit MEC North York for outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration.