Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol3 no11

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol3 no11
December, Holiday of your Choice Edition.

Today, 20 December 2007, we received this note from a customer:

“Thanks for introducing us to the wonderful world of biking!”

When all is said and done, we figure that this is why we do what we do.

Thanks to each and every one of you for your patronage, support and friendship throughout the years.

Pick a holiday or 2 or 3, wish yourself a merry one, and enjoy ‘em.

Merrily,

The Crew at Continental Bike Shop

FYI, normal Spoken Wrenchliness will resume on Wednesday or there abouts next week.

Our hours are:
For the holidays, 10AM-2PM December 24th and 31st (Maybe a little after 2 on the 31st, but we cant guarantee anything….)
Closed December 25th and January 1st.
Normal Hours:
Monday and Thursday: 10AM-7PM
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 10AM-6PM
Saturdays 10AM-5PM
Never on Sundays.

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol3 no9

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol3 no9
November, I don’t even eat turkey Edition

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the letter “N.” This time of year the letter ‘N’ is usually accompanied by something that goes along the lines of ‘night riding’ or one of the many light companies whose names begin with ‘N.’ Since Nite Hawk was in the last issue, this time the spotlight is on Nitto. For very nicely made vintage looking parts, Nitto is the way to go. Need a mustache bar? They make it. Need a quill stem of a length other than the one on your bike? They’ve got that too. They also make some nifty other parts and whatnot, but if you want to know more, you’ll have to come in and ask.

Bianchi’s Day at the Races
It’s strange to see a pro peloton devoid of celeste, especially considering Bianchi’s long race heritage. But for the 2007 pro tours, there was no Bianchi team. Liquigas had become the Cannondale pro team. In 2007, Cannondale sponsored two pro teams, both of which made it to the Tour de France. For 2008, Liquigas will continue to race on Cannondales. Barloworld, on the other hand, will be racing for Bianchi. Now that’s cycling irony if I’ve ever seen it. To read more about Bianchi’s partnership with Barloworld, check out this article on Bianchi.com. I wonder how much red and celeste can possibly clash.

A Tandem for Town
Or a Townie Tandem? Well, not exactly Townie per se, but a tandem with the cranks out in front of the bottom bracket. (The thing that makes a Townie and all its knock-offs a Townie and all its knock-offs.) Yes, right, back to the tandem. For 2008, Sun has introduced the Brickell, a super low stand over tandem with easy to adjust stems, handlebars and seat heights, its great for new tandem riders. If you’re looking for a fun, leisurely ride, the Sun Brickell has definitely got it.

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.

New Bianchi’s
2008 brings a bit of change to the Bianchi line. Gone are a lot of their steel frames, with the noted exceptions of the Volpe, Pista, and San Jose, and in are the Nirone, with carbon fork and seat stays, and new T-Tube carbon frames. We’ve seen a few of the new Bianchis, both steel and aluminum frames, and we’re quite impressed. So, come out and test ride a few and let us know what you’ve got to say. We’ll have more on each of the new frames as we ride them. Look for a special edition of the Spoken Wrench full of reviews.

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, or leave a comment, 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.

Shoes for Spinning
Lake makes some wonderful winter shoes (which we have in regular and wide widths for your cold weather perusal) but they also make spinning shoes, and we’re stocking the I/O-1. They’re light weight shoes with Vibram soles, and plenty of super-Velcro to make sure they stay the heck on. They come in white or grey, and they run a little small. Smallishness aside, they are quite comfy, and certainly walk-able enough to get you from the locker room to your spinning class, or from the couch to your trainer.

Speaking of Shoes…
We’ve got some Sidi Winter boots on sale for $199. We’re happy to say they’re quite warm and will certainly less expensive than their brand-spanking new counterparts, which go for $299. So, maybe there should be winter shoes in your future.

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.