"Disaster is Opportunity", Shane MacDonald, Bon Viveur

So what happened? I got distracted when replacing a pedal and only fixed it half way to the crank. The first time I stood on the pedal it flew off and span across the road. The bike said ouch.

Unfortunately for me, this mistake also broke the crank which needed replacing. The crank is connected to the chainset (which proved to be worn out), the chainset is connected to the chain (which needed to go so as not to damage the new chainset) and the chain is connected to the rear cassette (you get the idea).

My wallet said ouch.

But, disaster is opportunity as my splendid American friend used to tell me. If I needed to replace half the bike I might as well reconfigure it at the same time. I ride a Specialized Tricross which comes with a mountain-bike like gears. I was able to replace this with a new Shimano Sora chainset and cassette which has a ratio much more suited to road riding. Hopefully the ratio is also much closer to that I'll use for time-trialling later in the year.

Q Tell us about your job

Well, as a JD cycles mechanic i help people out with not only basic day to day mechanics but do full bike strip downs and re-builds. I prepare quotes and specifications. I also put together bikes that need to be built up to go on sale in the shop.

Q You recently replaced the chainset, cassette and chain on my commuter. We decided that Di2 was probably a bit too much for me, but you recommended Sora and a different ratio. Why?

You had asked for the gearing to be slightly harder on the flats as you be getting fitter so we looked at your ratios. We kept the `easier` gears for the hills but put smaller sprockets on the hub to give you more power on the flat. More importantly this also gets you downhill FASTER too! We chose the Sora gears as they are reasonably cheap and are a very good quality.

Q I broke my own crank thanks to some dodgy home maintenance and crashed in a heap on the road. What's the biggest home-maintenance cock-up you've seen in the shop?

Yours!! Seriously though, its normally people just putting pedals in to the wrong crank and also just not tightening up cables on gears and brakes. The biggest cock up was a chap, (no names, you know who you are) who to fit brakes pads dismantled the whole disc brake caliper ending up with 5 spare parts, oil everywhere and a red face when shown how easy it was to fit correctly.

Q I have no time to clean my bike as I ride every day for transport. If I find 15 minutes per week to clean and maintain it, what do you suggest I do?

Just wash it down with mild warm soapy water, dry it off and lube the chain. Simple.

Q project4cycling is about achieving goals in cycling and life. What are your goals?

I`d like to get into frame building. I would like to make my own brand of Mtb frames in the next year or so! I'm speaking to existing builders about the process of brazing and construction at the moment. Perhaps your readers can come up with a name?

Q What do you ride?

I ride all the shop demo bikes and get to ride every single bike i fix. I ride a Commencal Absolute 4x full custom build at the moment. If it snows I have a full custom ski bike. Yup, a bike with skis on it!

Q What would you like to ride?

Q Who are your cycling heroes?

Dan Atherton is great hero. Riding 4X and Enduro events the guy is a legend. Cameron Zinc is crazy, at last years Red Bull rampage he did a 360 on a 50ft drop. Insane. To do that you've to have big `cahoners` and style.

Q What's your top tip for bike commuters?

The biggest tip on the non-mechanic side is to `stay safe and stay bright`. On mechanics it would be to suggest to clean & lube. It may be that you want to try a single speed commute but if you want gears then go for a hub gearing system such as Rolhoff or Shimanos Alfine. These gears are in the rear hub and require little maintenance.

Q You are the first expert ever interviewed for project4cycling. Who would you like to interview?

In cycling it will have to be Dan Atherton. Last year he broke his back training and got back on to his bike as soon as he left hospital. Hes proper intense, didnt give up and was back racing & winning again within a year. In non cycling circles id like to `talk` with Jessica Alba.  :0)

Thanks Brogan. I look forward to seeing your own frames and your ski-bike. Ride safe.