Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol5 no9

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol5 no9
October, Trick or Treat, Mostly Treats, Edition

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the Headset Wrench.  Threaded headsets require a couple of wrenches to get them good and tight, otherwise you’ve got play in your headset and that’s never good.  Headset wrenches are designed to tighten the locking cups of a threaded headset.  Always good for your bike.

Park Tool School Classes!
SoSS!
Women’s Clothing Sale!
Rewards Program
Movie Night?
Road Shoe Sale!
Cyclocross on Sale!
Spinning Class?

Park Tool School!
There’s always more you can learn about a bike.  Always.  But you have to start somewhere.  One of the best places to do that is at the Park Tool School.  Over four weeks, you lean how to tune up your bike, everything from changing a flat to adjusting your derailleurs and brakes.  Classes cost $125, and a $50 deposit is required when you sign up to hold your place.  The cost of the class also includes a copy of the Park Tool School, Big Blue Book of Bike Repair.  Dates are November 10, 17, 24, and December 1.  Call the shop 248/545-1225 or email bicycledoctor@sbcglobal.net to RSVP.

SoSS!
No, we’re not sending out bad Morse code.  And we’re not a ship- last we checked.  SoSS is Sale of Single Speeds.  And when I say single speeds, I mean road single speeds, not cruisers, and only bikes we have in the store.  Bianchi San Jose and Pista, Kona Paddy Wagons, and Giant Bowerys are on sale, 15% off.

Women’s Clothing and Shoes!
Women’s clothing is on sale, 40% off!  So if there’s something that’s looked interesting, but you weren’t  ready to get, now might be the time.  Also, all women’s cycling shoes are 20% off.  Diadora, Cannondale, and best of all, Sidi shoes!  Need new shoes?  Needs a second pair of shoes?    Need Spinning shoes?  Now’s the time to get them.

Ride Club Rewards
If you haven’t signed up for the Ride Club, why not?  Members get money back twice a year for shopping at Continental.  This year’s rewards went out at the end of September.  They’re good on anything in the store, but you have to hurry, they expire on November 1!

Movie Night?
Do you have pictures, a Power Point presentation, video, or some other way you’d like to share a bike trip with us?  We love hosting these nights, we just need riders who aren’t afraid to get up and talk about their trips.  Past presentations have included everything from Mountain biking in Mexico, to Vintage road rides in Italy.  If you’re interested, let us know!

Road Shoe Sale!
We’ve got a bunch of road shoes still, and we’d really like to help them find new homes.  So, we’re putting them on sale too.  All in stock road shoes are 20%off!

Cyclocross on Sale!
Just in time for some great cool-weather riding or your local cyclocross race, we’ve got all of our cyclocross bikes on sale!  2009 Kona Jake’s and one lone Cannondale looking for a new home are all 15% off!

Spinning Class?
Calling all spinning class aficionados!  We’d like to host Spinning Classes this winter at Continental, but, we have a small problem.  None of us have any experience running a spinning class.  If you’re interested, give Randy a call.  Classes would be after hours once or twice a week depending on interest level.

Hey! Just a note.  If its on sale, its only on things that are actually physically in the store.  Special orders only if available from the vendor and PAID IN FULL up front.

That’s all for this edition of the Spoken Wrench.  Here follows the legal mumbo Jumbo.

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol5 no8

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol5 no8

August, What’s up with this weather? (again) Edition

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the Spanner Wrench. Most of the time spanners are used to remove bottom bracket parts, especially the cups. Red Park spanner wrenches are used to take apart Cannondale Headshoks, to rebuild, service, or otherwise make your Headshok do its thing a little better. Green Park spanner wrenches can also be used to service some Mavic hubs. Spanners have a variety of important and interesting uses outside of bottom cups.

Closed Monday!

Seeing as Monday is a national holiday, and we’re closed for those, (bank holidays don’t count) we will be closed on monday, enjoying weather that we should have been having most of the summer, like warm and sunny. We’ll see you on Tuesday bright and early at 10AM.

Get Ready for Fall!

Fall in Michigan provides some of the best and most beautiful riding of the whole season. Gone are most of the threats of 90 degree heat and 90% humidity, and here are the clear days with low humidity and beautiful fall colour changes. If its been a while since you rode your bike, or maybe you rode it more than you expected this summer, bring it in and we’ll take care of what ever might ail your bike.

2010 You Say?

Every year about this time, we in the shop begin looking at, drooling over, and wishing for all the cool new stuff we’re seeing. It also means that what we have, what we can get, and what’s no longer available are constantly in flux. So here are a few of the things we think are especially cool.

Lefty’s for All!

Cannondale has long been doing things its own way. Long being, you know, since they first made an aluminum frame back before aluminum was cool (but after Klein). They brought us zero pivot, four-inch-travel Scalpels, BB30, and of course, the best reason they’re cool, Head Shoks. So, you own a great frame, but the new 3D forged Lefty looks great, its light, and has lots of travel, what’s a mountain biker to do?

Kona Magic Link

In the middle of 2008 Kona developed a new suspension design, called the Magic Link. They used it first on the Coil Air, a 7″ travel full suspension bike, and it did everything they wanted it to. There were some issues, it was heavy, and the back end had some tracking issues. But otherwise, the Magic Link allowed the Coil Air to morph between a 6.4″ and 7″ trail bike. For 2010 the Newly redesigned Magic Link moves behind the crank, (supports Truvativ’s Hammershmidt) looks much less like a squid is attacking your frame, and now allows for suspenssion that morphs from 5″ to 7.7″. It also shaves 2.6 pounds off the the bike. For more on what’s new at Kona, check out www.konaworld.com and for more on the Magic Link http://bikemag.com/gallery/kona-2010-magic-link-bikes/.

Sidi Shoe Sale

There is nothing better than a pair of bike shoes that fit well, are light weight, and on sale. If Sidi shoes have always been a little out of budget, or your old shoes are on their last legs, maybe now’s the time to get new ones? We’ve got limited sizes in some models, and less limited in others, and they won’t last too particularly long at 20% off. The sale applies to all in stock shoes, no special orders at sale prices.

Road Bike Sale!

Fall is the best time to ride in Michigan, still plenty of light and warm days, without the sweltering 90s that August served up. So, if a road bike is in your future, we’ve got an idea for you. We’re offering 15% off all in stock road bikes, and 10% off all special orders. (You’ve got to pre-pay your special order in full, up front, but you get 10% off.)

Light ‘N Motion Sale!

Lights are essential for riding anywhere in Michigan after dark. Not only is it a good idea, its state law.  In an effort to make law-abiding riding easier, and more fun, we’ve got all Light ‘N Motion lights on sale, 20% off.  So whether you’re looking for a better commuting light and want to see where you’re going, or you need a light for that epic, 24 hour race you’ve always wanted to do, we’ve got the lights for you.  (Valid on in stock lights only.  No Special Orders.)

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol5 no6

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol5 no6

May, National Bike Month!

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the Adjustable Wrench. They are pretty much what they say they are, adjustable open end wrenches, that are great for hitch rack installations, seat clamp bolts, and much more.

Ride Club

National Bike Month

-Ride to Work Week

-Gentleman and Ladies Commuter Challenge

-Best and Worst Commute Stories Contest

Repairs, and the (Bike) Doctor is in, or is he out?.

Steel its Real

Burley Rain gear!

New and New and New and New and on and on and on………..

• Xtreme Sports ID

• Jimi Wallets

• Bike Brakes

• Giant Defy Alliance

• Bellwether Hightech High-vis Vests

• EuroStyle Chamois Butt’r

• Cateye Computers

Ride Club

Many, if not all of you, will have seen the flyer we sent out, (free tube and flat repair and 20% off one accessory coupons were there). At the top of the flyer, it mentions the new Ride Club. So I thought perhaps, we should explain.

Ride Club will, as of 1 May, replace the club discounts lots of people are used to. Wait, stop, read. Then ask questions. Instead of getting 10% off parts and accessories, that aren’t on sale, and whatnot, you will receive 5% back for all your purchases (except Labor, we don’t discount the guys in the back). Twice a year, in March, and September, you’ll receive a gift card telling you how much you’ve earned in Ride Club Rewards.

Everyone can participate, not just club members. It works pretty much the same way as the rewards programs you might find at REI, except, ours is free.

National Bike Month

First things first. Every month should be bike month. But then other forms things might miss out on their opportunity for celebration every year. This year we’re doing things a little differently.

First, we’re looking for your stories about commuting, we’ll feature them on our homepage, in the Spoken Wrench during May, and around the shop. We’d like stories about the best and worst commutes you’ve experienced.

Prizes for the best ‘best commute’ and best ‘worst commute’ stories. Fill out the for here, or email them to liz@continentalbikeshop.com.

Rules: Individuals may submit as many entries as they would like, however they may only win one prize. Submissions are due by 11 May 2009 at 10AM (EST). All submissions become property of Continental Bike Shop and may be used in the Spoken Wrench, www.continentalbikeshop.com, and around the store. Credit will be given to the writer.

We’ll also be running a Gentlemen and Ladies Contest for who commutes the most in May. Honour system here everyone. Please play fair.

Rules: Beginning May 1 2009 and ending May 31 2009, we will be running a Gentlemen and Ladies Commuter Challenge Contest. There will be prizes for those who commuted the most total miles and the most days out of the month. Please be honest. We wont know if you’re not, but someone will, and they might tell us. Entries due by Monday June 15 at 7PM.

You can find entry forms in the store.

And for those of you who don’t commute, but would like to, what would have to change? Changes to surface streets (which we’re working on in the 2009 Complete the Streets Act), showers at work, incentives from your employer or the Feds? We’ll pass your suggestions onto the people who need them most and see if we can’t make a bigger difference in how local road commissions view cyclists.

If you’d like to participate in any of these events and need more information, let us know at 248 545 1225 or liz@continentalbikeshop.com

Repairs, and the (Bike) Doctor is in, or is he out?.

Repairs have caught up, for now. A couple real spring sunny days, and that is sure to change. So, now, while its cold and rainy is the time to bring in your bike.

As always the Bike Doctor is out and about doing house calls, fixing bikes from the back of the Bike Doctor Van. House calls have a $25 house call fee, and then labor is billed at $75 an hour, in ¼ hour increments. So if you have more than one bike to be worked on, it saves you the trip and usually a little $$ as well.

Steel its Real

Bianchi learned their lesson last year when they decided to stop making steel road bikes. Unfortunately, they stopped making steel mountain bikes years ago. But when they discontinued production of steel road frames, well, there was nearly a mutiny. Our rep at the time was new, and probably still doesn’t like us.

Well, Bianchi listened to their dealers, and this year, brought the return of steel. As Bianchi says:

Its too easy to give up on steel road bikes – for all the wrong reasons. When its done right STEEL CAN RIVAL THE PERFORMANCE OF OTHER FRAME MATERIALS used in road bikes, particularly in the more accessible price ranges. Bianchi’s Road Steel series isn’t flashy – it doesn’t have to be because these bikes take the foundation of steel and dial up a true blend of stability comfort durability and low weight. The proof is in all the satisfying rides, and all the satisfied riders these bikes have supported over the years.

We couldn’t agree more. We’ve got Vigorellis and Imolas in stock for your riding pleasure. And they are a pleasure to ride, especially over the things we call roads around here.

Burley Rain gear!

We’ve still got limited sizes of Burley Rain gear, and enough of it to survive some kind of epic Ark-style flood. So come get yours before the limited becomes 3 sizes.

New and New and New and New and on and on and on………..

• Xtreme Sports ID

Ever think that there should be an easier way to carry all of your emergency contact information? Or an unobtrusive way to alert emergency personnel of Medic-Alert information? Xtreme Sports Ids are silicone wristbands that feature an 800#, 8-digit ID number, and Medic-Alert symbol. First responders know to look for medical alert information, and can call the number and find out everything they might need to know. They’re available in 6 colours and up to 4 sizes, for a reasonable $8.

• Jimi Wallets

Small, sleek, and easily attacked to a lanyard for security, Jimi Wallets are plastic and can hold up to 5 cards and three folded bills. Small enough to fit in a jersey pocket, it still holds enough to be useful.

• Bike Brakes

Don’t want a kickstand, but don’t want your bike falling over or rolling away? Put a Bike Brake around the left grip near the front brake and extend it around the brake lever, engaging the front brake. This keeps the front wheel from spinning, stabilizing the bicycle when placed upright against an object. Stored on the grip while riding, Bike Brake becomes an unobtrusive part of the grip. Unlike a rubber band, Bike Brake is made of a durable, long lasting material that will withstand the harsh, outside environment.

• Giant Defy Alliance

With an Aluminum/Carbon frame (the ‘black’ parts, are the ones that are carbon composite with a clear coat.) mostly Shimano 105 parts, traditionally laced Mavic wheels, and what giant calls an endurance riding position, (read more comfortable than your average butt up nose down racer position) the Defy Alliance is lightweight and a great ride.

• Bellwether Hightech High-vis Vests

Light and ergonomic, this is an essential item when the weather may take a turn. Extremely compact, this jacket can be compressed down to easily fit into a jersey pocket. And its That nice high-vis yellow that’s bordering on green. We also have matching Yellow Racer pant straps.

• EuroStyle Chamois Butt’r

Chamois Butt’r Eurostyle is formulated to produce a cooling and soothing effect for cyclists who prefer a traditional European-style chamois creme. It contains menthol and which hazel, and is not for the faint of hear. It even comes in the 8oz tub you see from manufacturers like Assos…

• Cateye Computers

  • Velo 5: The Velo 5 is CatEye’s entry-level computer. It features a new, larger screen and a large button for easy operation. Like all CatEye’s computers, it is ultrasonically welded and highly water resistant. The universal bracket and sensor mounts allow the Velo 5 to mount nearly any handle bar and fork. The five functions are Current speed, Maximum speed, Odometer, Trip distance, and Clock

  • Velo 8: The new Velo 8 computer is CatEye’s entry-level 8 functions computer. The bracket requires no tools and is simple to use. Like the Velo 5, It features a new, larger screen and a large button for easy operation. With all the same features and functions as the Velo 5 plus Average Speed, Trip distance, Elapsed Time, and (estimated) Calorie Consumption.

  • Vectra: The Vectra is CatEye’s entry level wireless computer. With 5 functions and one large button, it is extremely user-friendly and comes standard with one mount for both stem and handlebar set-up. The five functions are :Current Speed, Maximum Speed, Trip Distance, Odometer, and Clock. The Vectra also has a universal bracket and sensor mount making it easy to install no matter what size and style handlebars you have.

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol5 no5

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol5 no5

April getting ready for May edition

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the Open End Wrench.  Pretty much what it sounds like, open ended to slide easily on and off of bolts.  Most of ours are metric and hang by the Box End Wrench side on the mechanic’s benches.

Its not that we don’t love April, but I could do with a little less rain and no more snow, and way more sunshine, but there’s tons going on in May that we want to tell everyone.

Ride Club
Many, if not all of you, will have seen the flyer we sent out last week, (free tube and flat repair and 20% off one accessory coupons were there).  At the top of the flyer, it mentions the new Ride Club.  So I thought perhaps, we should explain.

Ride Club will, as of 1 May, replace the club discounts lots of people are used to.  Wait, stop, read.  Then ask questions.  Instead of getting 10% off parts and accessories, that aren’t on sale, and whatnot, you will receive 5% back for all your purchases (except Labor, we don’t discount the guys in the back).  Twice a year, in March, and September, you’ll receive a gift card telling you how much you’ve earned in Ride Club Rewards.

Everyone can participate, not just club members.  It works pretty much the same way as the rewards programs you might find at REI, except, ours is free.

National Bike Month
First things first.  Every month should be bike month.  But then other forms things might miss out on their opportunity for celebration every year.  This year we’re doing things a little differently.

First, we’re looking for your stories about commuting, we’ll feature them on our homepage, in the  Spoken Wrench during May, and around the shop.  We’d like stories about the best and worst commutes you’ve experienced.

Prizes for the best ‘best commute’ and best ‘worst commute’ stories.  Fill out the for here, or email them to liz@continentalbikeshop.com.

Rules:  Individuals may submit as many entries as they would like, however they may only win one prize.  Submissions are due by 11 May 2009 at 10AM (EST).  All submissions become property of Continental Bike Shop and may be used in the Spoken Wrench, www.continentalbikeshop.com, and around the store.  Credit will be given to the writer.

We’ll also be running a Gentlemen and Ladies Contest for who commutes the most in May.  Honour system here everyone.  Please play fair.

Rules: Beginning May 1 2009 and ending May 31 2009, we will be running a Gentlemen and Ladies Commuter Challenge Contest.  There will be prizes for those who commuted the most total miles and the most days out of the month.  Please be honest.  We wont know if you’re not, but someone will, and they might tell us.  Entries due by Monday June 15 at 7PM.

You can find entry forms in the store or here.

And for those of you who don’t commute, but would like to, what would have to change?  Changes to surface streets (which we’re working on in the 2009 Complete the Streets Act), showers at work, incentives from your employer or the Feds?  We’ll pass your suggestions onto the people who need them most and see if we can’t make a bigger difference in how local road commissions view cyclists.

If you’d like to participate in any of these events and need more information, let us know at 248 545 1225 or liz@continentalbikeshop.com

Repairs, and the (Bike) Doctor is in, or is he out?
Repairs have caught up, for now.  A couple real spring sunny days, and that is sure to change.  So, now, while its cold and rainy is the time to bring in your bike.

As always the Bike Doctor is out and about doing house calls, fixing bikes from the back of the Bike Doctor Van.  House calls have a $25 house call fee, and then labor is billed at $75 an hour, in ¼ hour increments.  So if you have more than one bike to be worked on, it saves you the trip and usually a little $$ as well.

Steel its Real
Bianchi learned their lesson last year when they decided to stop making steel road bikes.  Unfortunately, they stopped making steel mountain bikes years ago.  But when they discontinued production of steel road frames, well, there was nearly a mutiny.  Our rep at the time was new, and probably still doesn’t like us.

Well, Bianchi listened to their dealers, and this year, brought the return of steel.  As Bianchi says:

Its too easy to give up on steel road bikes – for all the wrong reasons.  When its done right STEEL CAN RIVAL THE PERFORMANCE OF OTHER FRAME MATERIALS used in road bikes, particularly in the more accessible price ranges.  Bianchi’s Road Steel series isn’t flashy – it doesn’t have to be because these bikes take the foundation of steel and dial up a true blend of stability comfort durability and low weight.  The proof is in all the satisfying rides, and all the satisfied riders these bikes have supported over the years.

We couldn’t agree more.  We’ve got Vigorellis and Imolas in stock for your riding pleasure.  And they are a pleasure to ride, especially over the things we call roads around here.

‘Wrench only!
To reward our loyal ‘Wrench readers, we’re giving you a coupon for discounts on some sunglasses.  (Maybe if we all wear our sunglasses, it will be sunny?  Maybe?  Please?)  So, Serfas sunglasses are 25% off.  And just in case you plan on spending some more time on the trail than the sun allows for, or your commutes occur at hours of the morning where I fully admit I’m still asleep. We have Light ‘n Motion lights 20% off.  You MUST must must must bring in the coupon  print it off, and bring your Spoken Wrench, and you must show it to us, or uhm, no discount for you.

Burley Rain gear!
We’ve still got limited sizes of Burley Rain gear, and enough of it to survive some kind of epic Ark-style flood.  So come get yours before the limited becomes 3 sizes.

New and New and New and New and on and on and on………..

• Xtreme Sports ID: Ever think that there should be an easier way to carry all of your emergency contact information?  Or an unobtrusive way to alert emergency personnel of Medic-Alert information?  Xtreme Sports Ids are silicone wristbands that feature an 800#, 8-digit ID number, and Medic-Alert symbol.  First responders know to look for medical alert information, and can call the number and find out everything they might need to know.  They’re available in 6 colours and up to 4 sizes, for a reasonable $8.

• Jimi Wallets: Small, sleek, and easily attacked to a lanyard for security, Jimi Wallets are plastic and can hold up to 5 cards and three folded bills.  Small enough to fit in a jersey pocket, it still holds enough to be useful.

• Bike Brakes:Don’t want a kickstand, but don’t want your bike falling over or rolling away?  Put a  Bike Brake around the left grip near the front brake and extend it around the brake lever, engaging the front brake.  This keeps the front wheel from spinning, stabilizing the bicycle when placed upright against an object.  Stored on the grip while riding, Bike Brake becomes an unobtrusive part of the grip.  Unlike a rubber band, Bike Brake is made of a durable, long lasting material that will withstand the harsh, outside environment.

• Giant Defy Alliance: With an Aluminum/Carbon frame (the ‘black’ parts, are the ones that are carbon composite with a clear coat.) mostly Shimano 105 parts, traditionally laced Mavic wheels, and what giant calls an endurance riding position, (read more comfortable than your average butt up nose down racer position) the Defy Alliance is lightweight and a great ride.

• Bellwether Hightech High-vis Vests:Light and ergonomic, this is an essential item when the weather may take a turn. Extremely compact, this jacket can be compressed down to easily fit into a jersey pocket.  And its That nice high-vis yellow that’s bordering on green.  We also have matching Yellow Racer pant straps.

• EuroStyle Chamois Butt’r: Chamois Butt’r Eurostyle is formulated to produce a cooling and soothing effect for cyclists who prefer a traditional European-style chamois creme.  It contains menthol and which hazel, and is not for the faint of hear.  It even comes in the 8oz tub you see from manufacturers like Assos…

• Cateye Computers
• Velo 5: The Velo 5 is CatEye’s entry-level computer. It features a new, larger screen and a large button for easy operation. Like all CatEye’s computers, it is ultrasonically welded and highly water resistant. The universal bracket and sensor mounts allow the Velo 5 to mount nearly any handle bar and fork.  The five functions are Current speed, Maximum speed, Odometer, Trip distance, and Clock
• Velo 8: The new Velo 8 computer is CatEye’s entry-level 8 functions computer. The bracket requires no tools and is simple to use. Like the Velo 5, It features a new, larger screen and a large button for easy operation.   With all the same features and functions as the Velo 5 plus Average Speed, Trip distance, Elapsed Time, and (estimated) Calorie Consumption.
• Vectra: The Vectra is CatEye’s entry level wireless computer. With 5 unctions and one large button, it is extremely user-friendly and comes standard with one mount for both stem and handlebar set-up.  The five functions are :Current Speed, Maximum Speed, Trip Distance, Odometer, and Clock.  The Vectra also has a universal bracket and sensor mount making it easy to install no matter what size and style handlebars you have.

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol5 no2

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol5 no2

February, Really, Enough with the Winter, Edition. Please.

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the Torx Wrench. Not to be confused with the torque wrench, the Torx is a six sided driver designed to eliminate the rounded edges that wear out normal allen wrenches. The most common place to find a torx is on disc brakes, where you really want to make sure they’re not going anywhere. Usually, they drivers are found on larger multi tools, but sometimes that means giving up the pocket knife and bottle opener that get way more usage.

We’re Sick of Winter and Snow and Cold Sale!

We’re utterly done with winter. It could be done tomorrow, and that still wouldn’t be soon enough. But it won’t be, and we know that. (And winter and cold and freezing is good for the water levels in the Great Lakes, so its not all bad.) So we’re having a sale, on February 28th. A Gambler’s Sale. Do you like to gamble? Such a funny question coming from the girl who hates going to Vegas because it’s all casino’s and gambling, but this is so much more fun.

So here’s the details, its a progressive sale.

• From 10am to 12Noon, parts and accessories will be 15% off, and 08 and older bikes will be 10% off!
• From 12Noon to 2PM, parts and accessories will be 30% off, and 08 and older bikes will be 15% off.
• From 2PM to 4Pm, pats and accessories will be 40% off, and 08 and older bikes will be 20% off.
• From 4Pm to 5Pm, parts and accessories will be 50% off, and 08 and older bikes will be ?!?!% off! We’ll surprise you!

So here’s where the gamble comes in, you’ll save more later on, but we can’t say what will still be around come 4PM.

The NOT so Fine Print: ALL SALES ARE FINAL. All of em. Its on sale, and we’d really like you to keep it. 08 and older bikes are on sale. 09 are not. Parts and accessories means almost everything that’s not a bike. Labour’s not a part of that. Supplies are limited to what we have in the store, on hand, in stock. Special order stuff is not on sale. Any other questions? Call the shop and ask for Randy.

Repairs, Repairs, Repairs, They’re Everywhere.

We have returned to that time of year, when everyone is itching for whatever warmth we can find, and want to ride the minute it thaws and the snow’s gone, and the temperature is above freezing for more than a half an hour. So, bring your repair in now, while there might still be some snow on the ground, and before the MAD FIX MY BIKE NOW! rush starts. Please? Thanks.

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol4 no9

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol4 no9
Its already September, Interbike and Fall is in the Air Edition.

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the letter “V” for Victory, Vigorelli, and Velox rim tape. Victory seems pretty self explanatory, and the parts of it that aren’t, well, this is not a political newsletter for a reason. Bianchi will welcome their much loved steel frames back for 2009, including a new version of the Vigorelli. And Velox rim tape may be the greatest thing to happen to a rim with spoke holes, ever.
Interbike!
Paddy Wagon rides anyone?
Bike Lights! And all that Fall stuff.
If you can spare your Monday…

Interbike!

The show is rapidly approaching, and we’re mostly ready, (though obviously not packed yet) for our annual trip out to Vegas. The shop will be closed September 21-24 for Interbike. Yes, we’re always closed on Sundays. But we just want to make sure everyone hears. We’ll be back Thursday 25 September, at 10:00 AM, no earlier. We’ll be sleepy, and probably in some serious need of caffeine, but we’ll be here with lots of new information on 2009 stuff.

Paddy Wagon rides anyone?
No, I’m not offering free rides in a police car, thats only for special people, the 2009 Kona Paddy Wagon’s are here. Now, the Paddy Wagon is a bit of a flasshy single speed, what with yellow wheels and all, but otherwise, the grey is good and understated. If you want understated. The yellow wheels do much for the not so understated look.

2009 Jakes are also in, just in time for cyclocross season. They’re red. And flashier than last year’s black. So if cyclocross, or the world’s greatest commuter bike, is in your future, stop by.

And remember, don’t get mad, get ‘cross.

Bike lights and all that Jazz.
It is September in Michigan, which, despite what the weather may do between now and the 21st, means that fall is definitely on the horizon. Which means that, well, riders are going to need some lights. (State law says, bikes must have a headlight and a taillight while riding between dusk and dawn.) So, that means, commuters, anyone who might believe that night is a perfectly good time to get ice cream, and anyone who might want to venture near Ferndale, needs a bike light. For everyone wanting to see where they’re going, as well as be seen, this year’s Light N’ Motion Stella lights have mostly arrived, as have the NiteRider MiNewt (which you can charge with a mini-USB cable). The MiNewts start at around $100, and the Stella’s we have in stock start around $130. There’s a $90 version that uses AA batteries, but those are due in October.

If you can spare some of your Monday….
Monday 8 September, the Public Health and Safety Committee for the Detroit City Council, will be discussing and hearing comments on the Detroit Non-Motorized Transportation Master Plan, hopefully, (as shakeups in the Mayor’s office and city government could possibly push back the hearing). It is the first step in getting the Master plan recognized by MDOT and getting their help. There’s a lot of plan in that master plan, but it calls for 400 miles of bike lanes and other ways to connect cycling destinations in the City.

So, if you’ve got the opportunity on Monday, go out and tell the Council, we need a more bike friendly city. And this is one part of that goal.

When: Monday, September 8th at 11:15 AM
Where: City Council, 13th floor of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, Jefferson at Woodward.

As I mentioned earlier, the meeting is supposed to be on Monday. But to be certain, please call the City Clerk for verification. 313.224.3266. Thanks to Todd Scott, the Detroit Greenways Coordinator for the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, for the heads up.

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol4 no7

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol4 no7
June-time and the Summer Sometimes Swelter Edition

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the letter “T,” Tubes, Tires, Tune-ups, Tandems, Tubus Racks, Townies, Torkers, Trikes, and plenty of Time to ride. Summer is here, despite what the temperature and calendar may say, and so are longer days, hence the plenty of Time to ride. The beginning of summer also means the charity ride season is in full swing. If you need a Tune-up before your charity ride, come see us today, not three days before you’re supposed to leave for the WAM, MS150, DALMAC or other charity ride. We don’t like short notice like that, and we certainly don’t like telling you that we can’t get to your bike before you need it.

Tubes and tires are ever important, without them, your bike isn’t going to get very far. Tandems are a great way to ride together if the person you want to ride with has a different skill level than you. As I mentioned in the last edition, that was, by the way improperly numbered, gas prices are a constant concern for every one. Torker makes cruisers for the more budget minded folks. (remember, we love ‘em, or we wouldn’t have ‘em in the store.) A nice reliable 3 speed is a great way to commute, that internally geared hub will withstand just about anything you can throw at it, short of a dip in a lake or river.

Giant’s Team High RoadNews You Can Use

There’s beer in them thar glasses! And Coffee too.

The 2008 Tour de France

Rising Prices of, well, everything

Charity Ride Season is (still) Here!

Giant’s Team High Road
Team High Road, formerly the T-Moblie/Deutche Telekom team, has a new sponsor, Columbia Sportswear. That’s all well and good, but thats actually not why I’m mentioning them. High Road/Columbia also has the most successful mens and womens squads this season. Congratulations are in order for them, and good luck at the Tour!

News You Can Use

There comes a time in everyone’s life, when they forget what they were typing and suddenly the newsletter article sounds funny. Hmm. Ah yes. News you can use, and we best share otherwise someone will be very unhappy with us. We will be closed for Independence Day. We will also be closed for July 5. That’s right, the shop’s taking a long weekend, like we anticipate everyone else in the state/country might be doing.

So I think it bears repeating. We will be closed July 4th and 5th, for the holiday. We will also be closed July 6th because we’re never open on Sundays, and we’ll see you all again on Monday, July 7th. Yep. We’ll be enjoying a real weekend too. So, Happy independence Day. Enjoy your barbeques, fireworks, and other festivities.

Also, Happy Canada Day to everyone on the other side of the border!

There’s beer in them thar glasses! And Coffee too.
A number of us are beer drinkers, and probably an equal, but not identical number of us a coffee drinkers. Why does that matter? Well, since the addition of a coffee machine last fall, we’ve noticed a large number of our customers are also coffee drinkers. So, Continental is proud to present new (and improved?) coffee mugs. We understand that not everyone likes coffee. I generally fall into that category, since what I drink is usually best described as ‘overpriced’ and ‘frou-frou’; is slightly coffee and mostly milk and sugar; and frequently takes way too long. (Just because we call them ‘coffee mugs’ doesn’t mean you can’t make tea or hot coccoa in them. We do that too.)

For the beer drinkers, and the pint glass collectors, we’ve also got new Continental Bike Shop pint and Pilsner glasses. They are spiffy and sport the Continental logo on them in black. We’re more than happy to drink out of them, and I think everyone else should be, too.

The 2008 Tour de France
Beginning on 5 July, (secretly, part of the reason we’re taking the day off, even if we don’t know it yet…) the 2008 Tour de France promises some surprises. If for no other reason, than the 2007 1st and 3rd place finishers, Alberto Contador and Levi Leipenheimer, respectively, won’t be riding. Their team, Astana, has been barred from racing in the tour, (actually they’d been barred from the Giro, the Tour and the Vuelta, but Astana was invited to the Giro at the last minute and Contador won) due to Astana’s involvement in doping scandals in 2006 and 2007.This year’s teams are, in alphabetical order (now with links to the team websites, or in a couple of cases, the only thing available in English…):

Ag2r-La Mondiale
Agritubel
Barloworld
Bouygues Télécom
Caisse d’Epargne
Cofidis, le Crédit par téléphone
Crédit Agricole
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Française des Jeux
Gerolsteiner
Lampre
Liquigas
Quick Step
Rabobank
Saunier Duval-Scott
Silence-Lotto
Team Columbia (Formerly Team High Road)
Team CSC Saxo Bank
Team Garmin-Chipotle (formerly Slipstream-Chipotle)
Team MilramHigh Road and Slipstream-Chipotle both changed names and title sponsors this month, and this is Gerolsteiner’s last year as a pro team. While I may not have mastered the intricacies of UCI pro racing, I think that about covers the basic things to note for the Tour de France. I’m hoping for an exciting, yet scandal free Tour, though based on recent years and no Astana, I’m not going to hold my breath.

Rising Prices of, well, everything
Its not often that we get a lot of advance notice about price increases, and changes. Most of the time we order something, and magically its more expensive this time. Gas prices are the prime example of rising prices, but so is food. And any and all rubber products.Thankfully? Maybe, this time we have warning. Now is a really good time to buy a bike. Not that now is ever a bad time to buy a bike, but now is a really good time to buy a bike. Just about every bike company has notified us that prices for 2009 will be going up in the neighborhood of 20%.

I am, unfortunately, completely aware of what I’ve just said. Its not something we’re looking forward to, nor is it something we really have any control over. So if a bike is in your future you might want to look at making it the very near future.

Speaking of the previously mentioned rubber products, its likely that in the near future tires and tubes will be seeing a significant price increase.

Charity Ride Season is Here
And that means its time to bring your bike in NOW, while there’s still a while, you know, more than a week, between now and your charity ride date. Its not like the rides have had a major date change, so possibly its time to bring your bike in now, and have lots of time to train and get ready for ride after its been tuned up and working like a dream. Yes? Please? Thanks.

And another friendly reminder, that if we’ve got your bike and your repair’s finished, we’d really rather you had your bike and we had a little more room to maneuver around the back room.

There’s nothing worse than that sinking feeling that you waited too long to get your bike repaired and now everyone’s scrambling to get ready for the ride. So please, please, please, give yourself some time between when you bring the bike in and when your ride it. Everyone involved will thank you.

Once again, Happy Independence Day!

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol4 no6

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol4 no5
May-Day and other Summer things, Edition

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the letter “S,” for Spring, Summer, SUN! and Saving Gas! Spring is here, summer’s on the way, and one day, we’ll see the sun again. Since gas prices are approaching what most people consider astronomical, perhaps its time to think about alternate means of transportation. Bikes are a great way to get around, and an even better way to get around and save money. Not only do you get to save money on gas, you also get to do something good for the environment. So, if you see one of us tooling down the road on a large, slightly longer than normal brownish green Surly Big Dummy, we’re doing our part to not pay those stupid high gas prices, and most times, it takes less time for us to get places by bike in Hazel Park than it does by car.

Bicycling’s Editor’s Choice Awards
Commuter Bikes Oh My
May is Bike Month!
The Ride of Silence
Charity Ride Season is Here
Speaking of Repairs
Fittings, Fittings, And More Fittings.
The Giro d’Italia
News and Notes

Bicycling’s Editor’s Choice Awards
Every year, Bicycling Magazine chooses their favorite products from the year’s latest and greatest in both bikes and stuff. This years bikes were announced at Sea Otter in Monterey California, back in April. Sometimes we agree with the folks over at bicycling, sometimes we don’t. This year, it seems we’ve got a lot in common. In four categories, the bikes we would have picked are indeed the ones Bicycling chose.

In the “Best Recreational Road Bike” category Bicycling selected the Cannondale Six13 5, saying that “Its hard to go wrong with a bike like this.” We have to agree.

In the “Best Women’s Road Bike” category is the Synapse Feminine 3.

In the “Best Trail Bike” is the Giant Trance X1, which feature’s Giant’s Maestro suspension platform and Fox front and Rear Shocks.

Finally, in a category they probably could have invented, Breezer took home the “Best Commuter Bike” with the Villager, their 7 speed fully outfitted commuter bike.

Congratulations are in order to the winners, though I don’t think I’d want to ride the exact bikes the editors of Bicycling have been testing, it sounds a little like they beat ‘em up before awarding any prizes. The complete list of bikes is in the June 2008 edition of Bicycling Magazine, which should be available now.

Commuter Bikes Oh My!

With the gas prices we’re been seeing, and $4.00 a gallon hovering in the near-to-already-happened-future, bikes are continuing to look like a really good option for commuting. Anything with two wheels could be a commuter, but in general, you want to look for smooth, high pressure tires, fenders to keep away the mud and other road muck, lights for safety and a rear rack so you can haul a change of clothes, your lunch and maybe a laptop computer with you somewhere else than on your back. Breezer makes a number of commuters designed to be efficient and simple, with internal gearing so that you never have to worry that the mud on your chain is going to stop you from shifting. Bianchi makes hybrids designed to get you places, as does Kona. Giant opts for the cushier option of getting there, and, well Electra’s Townies and cruisers are meant to get you places while looking cool. So go ahead, look cool, and be cool while you commute in a gas free way.

Bike Month!
Who would have thought that there’d be a whole month dedicated to bikes? Well, actually, it should be bike month all year long, but I didn’t make the rules. If I had made the rules, well, it would always be bike month, and we’d have more bike friendly streets (heck more car friendly too when we get rid of the potholes that can eat whole cars) to name a few things. But, since I’ve got to be content with one month dedicated to bikes, and so does every one else, we’ll celebrate however we can. Bike to work day is Friday, 16 May, and we encourage everyone to look into biking to work.

The Ride of Silence
Honoring cyclist who have been killed or injured, this year’s Ride of Silence will take place on 21 May at 7PM on Belle Isle at the Fountain. The ride will be approximately 10 miles, at no faster than 12 miles per hour. Helmets are required. For more information about the Ride of Silence, go to www.rideofsilence.org.

Charity Ride Season is Here
And that means its time to bring your bike in NOW, while there’s still a while, you know, more than a week, between now and your charity ride date. Its not like the rides have had a major date change, so possibly its time to bring your bike in now, and have lots of time to train and get ready for ride after its been tuned up and working like a dream. Yes? Please? Thanks.

Speaking of Repairs
The Bicycle Doctor’s on call. And if you need a repair but can’t seem to make it when we’re open, or maybe you’ve got a garage full of bikes and its next to impossible to get them all in at once, calling the Bicycle doctor might just be the answer to life’s many bike questions. There is a $25 house call fee, and then labor is billed at a rate of $75/hr in ¼ hour increments. If that’s more math than you want to think about, give us a call and talk to the Bicycle Doctor himself.

And another friendly reminder, that if we’ve got your bike and your repair’s finished, we’d really rather you had your bike and we had a little more room to maneuver around the back room.

Fittings, Fittings, And More Fittings.
It is somewhere between remarkably and ridiculously important for a rider to be comfortable on their bike. Better comfort = better efficiency. So, we wanted to let you know, that as of June 1 we’re going to increase our fitting prices. So if you’ve been thinking about getting a fitting, now is probably the time to do it.

Existing Bike fittings are going up to $175 from $125. Size Cycle fittings will be $200, from $150. We’re adding a new category for Time Trail and Aero bar fittings, at $250. Tandem clinics will also be going up to $175.

The Giro d’Italia
There are three big tours in cycling, the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España. Following the Northern Classics, the Giro is the first big stage race, running from 10 May to 1 June, (stage 6 has already finished for today, but I wont go spoiling the results). It’s also one of the Triple Crown Races, and part of the World Cycling Championship. You’ll find each of us rooting for a different rider this season, John and I are Magnus Backstedt fans (riding for Team Slipstream), while Jason’s rooting for Danilo Di Luca (riding for LPR), Randy’s not rooting for anyone, Dave’s not here for me to ask, and Chris is rooting for Paulo “the cricket” Bettini of Quick Step.

Cannondale is once again sponsoring Liquigas, Bianchi has taken over sponsorship of Barloworld and Giant is sponsoring Team High Road (formerly T-mobile/Deutsche Telekom). Hopefully with a promising start to the season, we can all enjoy a slightly more drama/doping/scandal free pro season. Well, we can hope, at least.

News and Notes

• Randy’s son Kevin Martin has earned his EMT certification while working as a hospital corpsman in Japan.
• We’ve got new counters, and if you haven’t seen them, come on in and take a look, and if your so inclined sample some of our complimentary coffee or tea.
• Fridays at 6:15/6:30ish PM is the Fix Detroit ride. Starts at the shop, anywhere between 15 and 20 miles, on single speeds, preferably fixed gears, and possibly the promise not to shift. Most Fridays when the weather’s nicer. If you’ve got any questions, give us a call and talk to Dave or Jason. (you can also email Jason@continentalbikeshop.com)
• This Month’s Tip will return at an as yet unannounced and unplanned later date this summer. As always, if you’ve got a question or a suggestion, drop us a line.

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol4 no5

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol4 no5
Spring Has Sprung April, No, you can’t have your repair back tomorrow Edition.

Just a small note to say that, well, we told you so. Spring has finally landed in Michigan, and for once, we’re pretty sure it might stay awhile, at least until May rolls around and summer suddenly appears out of nowhere. Repairs are a little behind schedule. Actually a lot more behind schedule than we like, but well, there is a reason that throughout the long winter months we ask nicely, and repeatedly that everyone bring their repairs in while there’s still snow on the ground.

So, we’re about a week for turn around on repairs. But the sooner you bring it in, the sooner you’ll get it back. Just saying…

And, If you happen to have a bike that’s already here, and done, we’d really like for you to come pick it up, and uhm, help us make a little more space.
This Month’s Tip
Bring your bike in for repair while there’s still snow on the ground, and there’s a reasonable expectation of there being more snow before you get a chance to ride the bike.

Now that that’s over, on to the real advice for the month, small things to do to make the season better:

• Make sure your tires are properly aired up ever before every ride. We know it sounds like something we shouldn’t have to mention, but properly airing your tires does a world of good. Fewer flats, (the glass-and-pothole-induced-flats aren’t included in this because, well, that stuff just needs to be avoided), better ride, and more efficiency. Basically everything they tell you about your car tires, sort of applies to bike tires.
• In the same vein, wear a helmet. Something like an 85% reduction in head injuries just from wearing a helmet. Helmets, however are not a license to do stupid sh*t..
• Lube your chain when it needs it, like if its making noise, or looking like you might be able to enter it in the “most rusted” contest. We use T-9 from Boesheild. Its waxy and doesn’t build up the way some of its competitors do. *cough*white lightning*cough* If you are going to lube your chain, with T-9, spray or drip it on, wait at least two hours, and wipe the excess off. Voila. Well lubed chain.
• Bring a multi tool, patch kit and/or new tube, tire levers and some sort of inflationary device with you. Just because you never know what you might run into, literally and figuratively, on a ride.

News and Notes
In 2007 the League of Michigan Bicyclists asked cyclists about both their impression of the LMB and how well (or possibly not) they were doing with bicycle advocacy and at the same time, asked what bike shops the preferred. Well, we’re happy to announce that we’ve been named one of the LMB’s Consumer’s Choice Bike Shop for 2007. Makes us happy. We love winning awards for doing what we do, but getting a consumer award, instead of an industry one rocks! So we wanted to say thanks for thinking of us as your bike shop, and if the LMB asks again this year, vote for us again! Thanks for making us your bike shop.

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol4 no4

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol4 no4March Madness Make the Snow Stop! Edition

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the letter “R,” you know, as in repair. Spring has sprung in Michigan, despite the snow, and what anyone may think. April is just around the corner, meaning that better riding weather, longer days, and longer repair turnarounds will follow close behind… We’ve tried, for as long as we’ve been here to convince people that winter, when you’re not thinking of riding, not thinking about your bike is really the best time to have it worked on. Despite our best efforts, no one seems to listen. So, spring is here, and so is the need for a repair, and, no, I’m sorry, you will have to leave your bike, and no, you can’t have it back tomorrow.

The Big Dummy is Here!

No, we’re not calling anyone names, the Big Dummy is Surly’s answer to some very high gas prices. Think you can’t commute because you’ve got too much stuff to bring with you? Surly has solved that problem. Using Xtracycle’s Freeradical frame as a starting point, the Big Dummy can carry a week’s worth of groceries, a surf board (not that you really need a surf board in Michigan), another bike, your friends, a sheepdog, or just the day’s stuff. There’s endless ways to use your Big Dummy. We’ve been using ours to get to and from lunch and everywhere else in Hazel Park.

Let Levi Ride!

In 2007 Astana ran afoul of the ASO (the people who own the Tour de France) and the UCI. For 2008, the new home of Levi Leipenheimer, and Alberto Contador, winner of the 2007 Tour, Astana hasn’t been invited to the 2008 Tour de France. If you think Levi should ride (since he’s the English speaker pushing hardest to get Astana onto the Tour) visit LetLeviRide.com and add your name to the petition. If you think that two years worth of doping scandals means that Astana shouldn’t ride, well, don’t sign the petition, and I can’t necessarily disagree with you.

April Fools!

Tuesday is April 1st. April Fools’ Day is here, and with it comes our annual sale. Spring is here, just ignore the snow, and get ready to ride. We’ll be open 8AM -7PM for the sale, so everyone has enough time to make it in. We will not be extending the sale to Wednesday, it’s a one day only event. We hope to see you there, and as always, bring a friend! Its always more fun to ride with company!

.

It’s a mountain bike! No, It’s a Hybrid!

No, it’s both. It happens to be the 2008 Cannondale 29’er 4. 29’ers have been a hot topic of conversation for a while now, and we know why. If you really are planning on mountain biking, and yet you know you’re going to need to ride your bike on the road, a 29’er is the way to go. With larger wheels, you get better momentum, and with a quick change of the tire, you’ve got a very nicely equipped hybrid that can handle, literally, everything you might want to throw at it.

In the Navy!

Kevin’s keeping busy in the Navy, in Japan. In addition to being a Hospitalman, Kevin is part of the Auxiliary Security Forces (ASF). Here’s what the Navy says:

080317-N-4649C-022 YOKOSUKA, Japan (March 17, 2008) Hospitalman Kevin Martin, a native of Gregory, Mich., stationed at U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka, Japan, practices knee strikes as Grove Hill, Ala.-native Postal Clerk Seaman Apprentice Charles Motes, assigned to Fleet Industrial Supply Center (CFA) Yokosuka assists during auxiliary security force (ASF) training at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Sailors from various commands around Yokosuka make up the ASF team, which assists the CFA security force. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chantel M. Clayton (Released)