Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol3 no10

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol3 no10
December, I believe it might be winter Edition.

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the letter “O.” Its cold outside, and there’s a large contingent of riders who don’t like the extreme cold, and if you’re one of them, perhaps now is the time to bring your bike in for an overhaul. As Travis points out, every bike can benefit from one, even with sealed bearings, sometimes, we need to replace ‘em to make things new. (Case in point, he’s over hauling a rear hub, after overhauling a rear wheel and coaster brake yesterday.) Now’s a great time to drop your bike off, and let us go to town. If winter riding is your thing, make sure you check out the Lake MXZ302 winter boots.

UBB and You
We’ve been doing a bit of cleaning, and reorganization. And we can’t be the only ones who prefer to engage in ‘spring’ cleaning’ outside of just spring. (I’ve never seen so much of my desk, and I don’t think Jason has ever seen so much of his bench.) If in your spring cleaning you realize that you’ve got a bike that might make someone else quite happy, and might just lead to a new bike for you, why not bring it in and have us UBB it. UBB is Used Bicycle Buyer, and they do exactly what their name says they do. It usually takes two days for us to inspect your bike and submit it for a quote, and from there you’re free to accept the quote or not, no questions asked.
The not-so-fine Fine Print: UBB quotes are good for 30 days. It’s a lot like selling a car: you’d get more if you did it yourself, but trading it in at the dealership is so much easier. You can use the credit from your trade in towards any parts, accessories, bikes, labor, etc. But you can’t have cash.

Ski Waxing Party?!?!
Now, I don’t ski, I admit that. I tried once, and I’d rather stick to ice skating and not being able to stop, than skiing and not being able to stop. But this whole ski waxing party thing sounds like fun. Friday December 14th at 7PM Wolverine Sports Club will be hosting a ski waxing party here. As the WCS newsletter points out, the waxing part of the Ski Waxing Party is Optional. There will be the Waxing part of the party, complete with a wax clinic for anyone who might need a refresher on waxing. And anyone means Wolverines and non-Wolverines alike. John promises specials, what kind of specials, we’re not sure yet. But specials there will be, along with hors devours, light snacks, and refreshments. Everyone is welcome to bring a dish to share (if you’d like) and its BYO(and shop)B.

Small Salsa, Still Spicy
Carbon bars are cool. They come in a variety of styles, wing bars, standard, oversized clam diameter, etc. You get the idea, I’m sure. What they don’t frequently come in is narrower widths, 38 and 36 centimeter bars can be hard to come by, but Salsa makes them. They’re light, they provide vibration dampening, and they’re narrow. Which, if you’ve got shoulders that warrant a 36 or 38cm bar, that’s important. So, if you or someone you know is looking for some narrow carbon bars, come on in and check out the Salsa bars.

Broken Bike Buddy?
Know someone who always gets to the start of the ride and needs to fix something on their bike? Or needs someone else to fix something on their bike? Consider getting them a gift certificate. We’re happy to do the work. And everyone will have a better riding experience with a well tuned bike.

Christmas Eve Hours
We’re giant procrastinators. And we get the feeling some of our clientele might have the same affliction. So to help you out, and for those of you who need us to hide the presents as long as possible, we’ll be open from 10AM to 2PM. But if its getting close to 2PM, give us a shout and make sure we’re still here.

A Note to our Canadian friends
The US dollar is not my friend. I’ve got grand ambitions to go to Europe sometime soon. The US dollar however, should make some Windsor natives happy. Don’t forget, you get more bang for your Canadian dollar, and we serve coffee to rival Tim Hortons. Well, maybe not rival Tim Hortons, but its free. So, please, come visit, and see how far your dollar can go.

Things that are important enough to be repeated:

• Get ‘em While They’re Hot! Arguably, the nicest child trailer out is the Burley d’lite, its lightweight, easy to attach to a bike, features that nifty little helmet pocket, and is generally a niiiice trailer. Well, we certainly think so, and obviously they’ve never been inexpensive trailers. But for 2008, they’ve gotten a little more expensive, to the tune of $90 over what they were in 2007, for a whopping $550 price tag. Now, since we’re not to crazy about that price hike, and Burley’s got a number of 2007 trailers still floating around, we think now might be the perfect time to get one. All 2007 d’lite trailers will be $430, (save $120 if you get it now, instead of in May), and layaways are our friend this time of year. If you’d like to reserve your Burley d’lite, drop us a line, and a little deposit so we know how many to get. They’ll be arriving sometime in early December, just in time to wrap and put under the tree.
• Repair classes Its that time of year. It’s always some time of the year… but this time I’m specifically talking about that winter tradition around here, repair classes. We’re wondering if there’s enough interest to hold them again this winter, beginning mid to late January. If its something you’re interested in, please drop us a note, and we’ll get you on the list. Repair classes cover everything in the Big Blue Book of Bike Repair from Park. Hubs, cones, tire changes, brake and derailleur adjustment are just some of the topics covered.
• Holiday Layaways A bike can be awfully hard to hide, especially in a small space. And bikes do make such popular presents… So we thought it was time to remind everyone that we do holiday layaways. And we will be open on Christmas Eve, if you need to wait until the last possible moment to pick your bike up, (or your trainer, Burley d’lite, rollers, Assos clothing… et cetera.) We’ve also got bikes starting at $250, that are really worth riding, and make the stuff you find at department stores look like pond-scum. So, if you know of someone who would really like a new bike, but doesn’t think they can afford one, point them towards us. We’re happy to work out layaway programs.

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol3 no1

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol3 no1

America’s Top 100 Bike Shops
Earlier this year, Michelob ULTRA picked what 100 bike shops in the United States that it thought delivered the finest selection, service and advice when you’re ready to build your dream bike, need an expert’s recommendation on which pedals best match your riding style, or want to connect and share stories with fellow bikers in the neighborhood. Continental Bike Shop is proud to inform you that we, along with Two Wheel Tango of Ann Arbor and Village Bike Shop of Grand Rapids, have been picked as one of “America’s Top 100 Bike Shops.” If you are interested in seeing a full list of all of the shops in the country, you may do so here.

Velo News now Available
We are proud to announce that Continental Bike Shop now carries the Velo News, the journal of competitive cycling. We have a few copies that will be coming off the shelves on December 18, so come in today and pick one up before it’s too late. Included in this copy are articles on Craig Gordon, winner of the 24-hour world’s mountain bike race, and 14 photo-filled pages of Interbike 2006.

New Ride Magazine now Available
Out of Australia, it has a unique perspective on cycling. Also unique is it’s 14 dollar price tag… Ahh, the price of a unique perspective. If you’re a big fan of Ride Magazine, come in today to get your new version, which has coverage of the 2006 Tour De France.

SRAM Transition
Most people who are familiar with the SRAM Corporation know that they have been making some of the best mountain bike components for quite some time now. A huge favorite of the mountain biking community has been the SRAM X.0 shifters and rear derailleur, or the X.9 if you didn’t want to spend quite as much money. But how is X.0 and X.9 suppose to show all those roadies out there how amazing the SRAM components are? Well roadies, for 2006/2007, SRAM came out with two amazing grouppo sets for you to feast your paws on. Some of the benefits… it is a quarter pound lighter than Shimano’s Dura-Ace set, it has a quarter of the moving parts (which means less to break), better Ergonomics, and as the grip gets wet, it gets stickier, instead of more slick. We’ve just finished pricing upgrade kits if you’re looking for a winter project. If you are interested in checking out the look of the levers or read a bit, check it out here.

Cannondale’s New Hardtail Line
For the last five years, Cannondale has been known for its amazing CAAD5 aluminum hardtail bikes. We thought it would be a while before they would come out with another amazing line to overcome the “F” series. Well, that time has come. For 2007, I has come out with its “Caffeine” frames to take over the hardtail line. The new frame is designed with oversized seat stays to make for a lighter and stiffer rear triangle, while the top tube is flared and formed for thinner walls and reduced weight. With the new frame out, I has cut its main line of hardtails down from nine in 2006 to seven in 2007. Does it make for fewer options? Most definitely it has not. It has just made for less contemplation for you when you get stuck between two bikes. They still have amazing options available in their amazing hardtail line. There is also a carbon version of the Caffeine, called the Taurine, prices starting at approximately 3400 dollars. To read more about the Caffeine, check out Cannondale’s Caffeine site.

Park Tool School
The Park Tool School is taught by your local bicycle retailer, experts in repairing and maintaining bicycles. The Park Tool School manual is now the BBB-1 Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair. If you are interested in taking the classes here at Continental Bike Shop, call us at (248) 545-1225. The classes are half lecture, half hands on, and cost 125 dollars (the book is included). Class sizes are limited, so leave a deposit to reserve your spot today. The Park Tool School will be running Wednesday’s from January 3, 2007 to January 24, 2007. The time of the school will be 7pm until whenever class ends.

Bianchi Enthusiasts
Finally, after years of veiled threats, the so called “Bianchi Boutique” has landed. We are now stocking about two dozen different Bianchi related items from coffee mugs to wool jerseys to bobble heads of Fausto Coppi. In stock now for your holiday gift-giving pleasure or good old fashioned self-indulgence.

Repairs on your Bicycles
Are you the kind of person who likes to get into the bike shop as soon as weather turns warm enough to ride? Well, you’re not the only one. During the spring and summer, your repair will most likely be put in line, looking at anywhere from one to two weeks for return time. So if you want to beat the hassle, bring your bike in this winter for a tune-up, drivetrain clean, or whatever you might need. That way, when the good weather comes around, all you have to do is fill up the tires and go. WE ARE NOT KIDDING!!!! BRING THEM IN NOW. REPEAT AFTER ME… “I will not forget to bring my bike in for repair in December or January.” Make this your New Year’s Resolution  . Thank you!

Gift Certificates Available at Continental Bike
Unlike your common gift card, the good old fashioned paper gift certificate from your favorite bike shop DOES NOT decrease in value with time or have any dormant charges. If you know that someone wants something from the shop, yet have no idea what to get them, this would be an amazing gift to stick in their stocking. We can do this over the phone if you prefer and save you the trip. We would, however, prefer your presence in the store so that we can sell you some things too. Any denomination – we got ‘em for Catholics, Jews, pagans, etc. – we really do mean ANY denomination!

Shop Locally – Act Globally
The bike shop you save may be your own. But seriously, over the last quarter, we have reduced our solid waste by 80-90 percent. In cooperation with a neighboring suburb and assistance from Hazel Park, we are now able to recycle our cardboard, office paper/magazines/catalogs, and metal (old wheels, chains, handlebars, etc.). We have cut our refuse expense by over half with only a minor bit of effort. So you think green while saving some at the same time. If your small business is in this area, we may be able to assist you with the same kind of program. Ask for John.

I thought you guys weren’t open on Sunday?
Continental Bike Shop’s hours have been the same for a long time now. Monday, Thursday, and Friday: 10am-7pm; Tuesday, and Wednesday: 10am-6pm; Saturday: 10am-5pm; Sunday: CLOSED. Well, for all of your Christmas shoppers and “pick up the layaway” people, Randy “Doc” Martin will be in the store on Sunday, December 24 from 8am until noon so that you can come by and pick up your layaways or make some last minute shopping. John T. Hall might, who wakes up around noon, might be in later in the day, but call before you decide to come down.

Get a Charge Out of your new bike
We are currently testing a Tres Terra Europa, an electric bicycle that gets up to 20miles per charge, at up to 20mph. Looking somewhat like a vintage small motorcycle, the Europa has no registration requirements. It is legally a bicycle as it can be pedaled. Pedaling it is not much different than a multi-geared cruiser. We’re not looking at this as a bike replacement for our typical client, but as a CAR REPLACEMENT for someone with a shorter commute or errands to run. It’s way more fun than it sounds. If you’d like to see it, call ahead of time by at least one day, as it is frequently not here. If you’d like to read a little more about the bike, so see some pictures of it, check out Europa’s website here. More to follow coming soon.

… And last but not least, a shameless plug for our Shoe Sale
We have about 75 pair of Diadora, and Sidi riding shoes, SPD or Road versions, on sale for 20-50 percent off. Most are 50 percent off, and have just recently been added to the sale pile. If you haven’t browsed lately, it would not be a bad idea to do so today! While we’re at it, we’re still running ladies summer clothing, in stock, at half off. Needless to say, warmer weather will reduce your selection.

There is hope
Men and women, boys and girls, allies and enemies, in one week we are proud to announce that the days will be getting longer, inching (centimetering) toward yet another fine riding season. Thanks for your patronage throughout the year. Peace.