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 no7

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol5 no7

June, almost July: Why, yes, Virginia, there really is a Summer, edition.

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the Y-wrench. One of the most useful, unless you’re Jason, and you hate them, Allen wrenches around, Y-wrenches are just that, Y-shaped, 3-way wrenches that have either a 4, 5 and 6mm Allen head, or a 2, 2.5, and 3mm Allen heads. Because of the shape, Y-wrenches offer great leverage, but they can sometimes be hard to maneuver under a seat or while trying to install a bottle cage.

But for a seat post clamp, they work great.

Charity Ride Ready

Speaking of Repairs…

Send a ‘Thank You’ to Rep. Switalski

Web Specials

Carbon Crank Sale

Getting Ready for the 4^th:

1. Car Racks needed?

2. Closed Saturday July 4^th.

Are you Charity Ride Ready?

It’s summer in Metro Detroit, any way you slice it. With some really hot days behind us, and some really hot days that are sure to follow, it can only mean two things:

1. That we will once again prove all meteorologists and weathermen wrong and nothing they predict weather wise will occur.

or

2. It must be Charity Ride Season.

Well, unless Hell freezes over this summer, I’m going to have to say both 1 and 2 are probably correct, but this isn’t about weather. This is about the impending WAM, MS-150 (or whatever they’ve named it), DALMAC, and whatever else you might be riding this summer. While Randy and the Bike Doctor Van will be making appearances on a lot of rides, he can’t be everywhere at once. Its much better to be ready to roll well before your ride than broken down on the side of the road.

Once July rolls in, Charity Ride repairs tend to take over, so please allow at least a week between when you bring us your bike and when you need to leave. Because, no, you may not bring your bike in for an overhaul, tune-up or drive train clean and have it back tomorrow.

Speaking of Repairs….

It’s summer, and we think you should be riding, especially this week, because it’s supposed to be beautiful Michigan weather, when its not raining. But, if you’ve brought your bike in for repair, and we still have it, that might be a little hard. So, if we’ve got your bike, please, pretty please, come pick it up.

Send a ‘Thank You’ to Rep. Switalski

In Mid-June, the Michigan House of Representatives passed transportation legislation that included Complete Streets language and Representative Switalski was instrumental in introducing that language. The LMB would like to make sure that Rep. Switalski feels the cycling love, so if you’re inclined, stop by the form the LMB created and fill it out. It only takes a few minutes, and can mean a lot for the future of the legislation. (make sure to put your whole name in the ‘Name’ field as there isn’t a separate spot for first and last name.) http://citizenspeak.org/node/1666

Web Specials

If you’ve visited our website lately, you may have noticed new items on the homepage, especially the track wheels and new 2008 Cannondale closeout bikes, (for the vertically challenged, and the very un-vertically challenged.) Keep an eye out there for one-ofs, last ones, and other specials that may pop up…

Specials You Say?

Need a new crank on your road bike? Something light, stiff and stealthy looking? An Easton EC-90 crank set might just do the trick. Light, stiff, carbon with aluminum chainrings and X-type bottom bracket, the EC-90 weighs in at about 690 grams, (give or take one bearing race that was left accidentally in the box and once plastic wrapper and grease that was left on). Originally priced at $800 for the bottom bracket and the crank set, we’ll let it got for $625 (plus tax, obviously.)

Getting Ready for the 4^th

Car Racks Anyone?

July 4^th is traditionally vacation time, and lots of times you might want to take your bikes with you. Which, if the vehicle you’re planning on using is packed with people and luggage, bikes can be difficult to cart around. Same goes for small vehicles into which the bike wont fit on a good day.

We have Saris Car racks in stock, both the hitch and trunk mounted varieties in stock for your rack needs. To see if a Saris trunk rack will fit your car visit them on the web: http://www.saris.com/sarisfitsearch.aspx?ddlMake=&Submit=Find+Rack

By the way, car racks are not available for rent, nor are they returnable after a holiday weekend. Sorry. It’s been tried, and makes us rather unhappy. And thanks for your understanding.

Saturday July 4^th Continental Bike Shop will be closed for independence day. And since we’re always closed on Sundays, We will also be closed on the 5^th. See you Monday morning.

Continental Bike Shop Presents The Spoken Wrench, vol5 no1

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol5 no1
January, is winter over yet? Edition.

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the Torque Wrench. Crank bolts, bottom bracket bolts, any bolt that has contact or clamps around a carbon surface, your wheel nuts… etc, use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt to spec, so nothing gets over tightened and cracks or some other such unpleasantness.

Advanced Repair Classes
If you’ve ever wanted to get down and dirty with your bike, in a much more detailed way than in the Basic Repair Class, we offer Advanced Repair Classes. The differences break down to the difference between a tune up and an overhaul, well, and you have to take the Basic Repair Class before you take the Advanced Repair class.

You’ll overhaul your bottom bracket, headset, hubs, replace a couple spokes, and a drive train clean. There’s not a whole lot you won’t be removing from your bike this time around.

Classes will run Thursday nights at 7PM, February 19th, 26th, March 5th, and 12th. Cost is $150 for 4 classes, and that covers the class and shop supplies, and us holding on to the pieces and parts that will rejoin your frame at a latter date. Like usual, a $50 deposit holds your spot. We’ve got room for 4-6 people… so if this is your cup of tea, or ball of wax, or… the bike related analogy fails me right now… let us know, and quick.

If you have any questions, please email us, liz@continentalbikeshop.com, or give us a call.

Closed February 9th.
We’ll be closed February 9th, its a Monday. Time for some shop bonding, a little training and general shop-ness. We’ll see you back on Tuesday February 10th.

‘Wrench ONLY Specials
Cannondale has a limited number of 2008 bikes left, and they’re on sale. Prices for 2009 have gone up substantially. And there’s a few bikes they’re not making any more. Ever wanted a Six-13, now’s the last time to get one. If any of these Cannondale’s look like something you’d be interested in, let us know.

The not so fine print: These are closeouts bikes, so they’re limited in number. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Call to check availability. First come first serve. Must be paid for in full at the time of order. The full list of what they have is available.  It’s current as of Thursday January 29th.

Happy Holidays!

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol4 no14

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol4 no14

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the letter ‘Z,’ our final alphabetically inspired Spoken Wrench, and from now on I’ll have to find some other way of introducing this each month’s Wrench.  If you have any suggestions, let me know!

Ah yes, “Z” for Zipp Speed Weaponry, better known as Zipp Wheels, Zefal pumps,  and other French goodies, and Zero Gravity, manufactures of super light weight and super strong brake calipers.

Repair Classes, once more, with feeling.
Bike Commuting and the Bailout.
Timely Information.

Repair Classes, once more, with feeling.
In the last edition I mentioned that the January repair classes would be on Tuesday evenings.  I spoke too soon.  The repair classes will actually be on Thursday nights.  New dates are January 15th, 22nd, 29th and February 5th.

Bike Commuting and the Bailout.
I think Bailout may have become a 4 letter word.  But, in all the hubbub, the government did do something we can celebrate.  Beginning in January, (I think…) bike commuters can qualify for $20 a month for significant use of their bikes to get to and from work.  I realize that $20 a month isn’t a lot, but its certainly enough to pay for some tubes (which with our roads, you’re going to need) and maybe a tire here and there (see previous statement about roads).  Its not perfect, and I’m not sure how exactly you get 15 months in a calendar year, but thats what the bill says.  What else it may say in relation to bike commuters has gotten lost in the jumble of ‘qualifications.’

If you want to actually read the bill, the Library of Congress hosts the full text.

Timely Information
AKA, Holiday Hours.
We’re closed for Thanksgiving.  We’re open on Friday 10-6, just like normal.  We don’t believe in Black Friday.  Come here and escape the chaos.

We’re open December 24th 8AM-12PM.  Thats all.  No procrastinators allowed after noon.  And we’re closed on the 25th.

We’re also closed January 1st.  Must sleep off the new year and watch some college football.   Maybe.  Whatever, we’ll be enjoying a lovely day off, and possibly the annual First Dozen ride.

http://tinyurl.com/firstdozen

Closed for Thanksgiving!

Interbike!