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.

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

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 no4

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol3 no4
June 2007

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the letter “K” for Kona. Ever wonder if people really jump off mountains while mountain biking? They do. But generally mountains are required. The people at Kona believe that if you can ride it, they should make a bike to handle it. And they do. They also sponsor all sorts or advocacy and trail building. And the Kona Midwest Mountain Bike Team. All in all, we think they’re a pretty cool company, with a lot of style. Check them out at Konaworld.com

New Hours!
If you’ve seen our website, listened to our answering machine message or happened by, you’ve noticed our hours have changed slightly. Now, and until we decree otherwise, we’re open ever weeknight till 7PM! That’s right, Monday – Friday is now 10-7! The change is for the summer, or until we decide other wise, somewhere after the end of summer. We promise if things change, we’ll have just as much fanfare next time!
Back to the top

BRING YOUR REPAIR IN NOW!
Its summer, finally, in Michigan: those fleeting three to four months of riding when every charity ride known to humanity takes place in Michigan. This is a special reminder for all you charity riders out there, especially the WAM riders. Please! Please! Please! Bring your bike in now! If you bring it in the day before the ride, we won’t laugh at you, (or at least we’ll try not to) but we will politely remind you that there are 300-700 other riders who wanted the same thing. And no, you can’t have your bike back for the ride the next day, it’s just not possible. So, before it’s too late bring in your repair, and we should be able to get it back to you in about three days. I’m sure there are rides I missed, and we’ve got nothing against them. But that’s what the LMB calendar is for.

Knock out Lock out
Suspension is great. It helps keep your wheels on the ground and you on the bike. But what if you don’t want it right now? Can you turn your suspension off? If you’re not riding a Cannondale with a HeadShok, it can be a mighty large order to fill. But, we’ve got a solution for you. Actually, its Kona and Rock Shox that have the solution. Rock Shox Turnkey. Turn it on. Turn it off. Can’t get a whole lot easier than that. Rock Shox is now part of the lovely SRAM family, so you’ll hear no complaints on that from us. It’s easy to use, with a little knob on the top of the right side of the crown, which flips from on to off with little effort, but it’s not something that you’ll accidentally hit without meaning to. If that’s something you’re looking for in a mountain bike, don’t wait! If it’s a Kona, and I haven’t got it, it’s probably not elsewhere to be had. So don’t sit and twiddle your thumbs, come on, get acquainted with Turnkey!

Bianchi Celebrates Celeste
Celeste is one of those colors that you either love or hate. Very few people can manage to be ambivalent towards it. One thing is certain. When you see that color on a bike or jersey on a race podium, you know it’s Bianchi. To commemorate their 120th anniversary, Bianchi released the 1885 frame, in celeste, with ‘1885’ printed on the top tube. The 1885 features an aluminum frame with carbon fork and seat stays. To commemorate the three times a Bianchi team won both the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, (1949, 1952 and 1998) they released the ‘928 Carbon’ and ‘928L’ carbon lugged frame. With 120 years of experience we have to figure they’re doing something right. Both frames are available in a couple of different parts configurations, from both Shimano and Campagnolo. We’re personally fans of the 1885 with a Campy Veloce setup, and the 928L with Campy Chorus. And we unanimously agree that everyone should at least test ride them. (Well, I’m sure it would be unanimous if I bothered to poll anyone. But John definitely says “Test Ride one!”)

Did you know that supposedly celeste was the color of the Queen of Italy’s eyes? Thankfully, celeste has evolved over the last 120 years, from what Bianchi now calls ‘vintage celeste’ or ‘gang green’ (hazel green) into the very bright celeste we all know and love. I would worry if the queen’s eyes were modern celeste.

Salsa! MMMM! Spicy!
No, we haven’t started serving chips and salsa, even though it sounds yummy. Bike grease + salsa just doesn’t sound very tasty. However, we are serving up some Salsa frames. Last month was all about 29ers, and I may or may not have mentioned, that two of our 29ers are lovely Salsas. If you’re looking for a soft tail 29er, the Dos Niner is the way to go. For a less is more approach, the El Mariachi is the way to go. With a rigid frame and fork, and a 1 x 9 set up, its fun, and no frills, it’s as cool as a single speed, and more practical for those of is, (me included) who think gears are an important part of riding.

Single Speeds
Ever feel like you want to ride BMX, but maybe you’ve out gown it? I missed BMX, my parents rightly figured I’d try to jump over something I shouldn’t and would never let me try. But there’s something alluring about just having one gear, even though I pretty firmly believe in having at least three, preferably seven. So if you want to recapture those glory days, or try your hand at the BMX riding you never had before, try a single speed mountain bike. We’ve got quite a few to choose from.

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.