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 vol4 no12

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol4 no12
Post Interbike, in which I remove my foot from my mouth, edition.

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by Interbike. No letters this time. There’s still plenty we haven’t talked about, and a few corrections to be made. And an assurance to Jason and Travis that, yes, I do plan on posting what they thought about the bikes….

So without further ado, I will begin with the corrections and continue onto the other important stuff.

Corrections:
1.Repair classes.
2.Schwinn.
All Women’s Clothing 40% off!!!
Interbike…
Jason’s Picks
Travis’ Picks
My Picks
What really happens in Vegas.

Correction #1: Repair Classes.
Last time, I stated that Repair Classes were 6 weeks long. No, they are not. Each session is 4 weeks long. I apologize for any confusion. Jason corrected me first this Tuesday morning, so I’m passing that on.

Correction #2: Schwinn.
Ok, first of all, Schwinn of Chicago fame, the great American bike company that everyone grew up with? Yeah, they don’t exist anymore. Somewhere in the quest for money and world domination, they sold more than their souls. So from a historical standpoint, this is a monumental year for the name. From a ‘should I buy one standpoint?’ no, no you shouldn’t buy a Schwinn, you should buy a bike made by Richard Schwinn. And that’d be a Waterford.

Schwinn is not celebrating its 75th anniversary. The Paramount however, is. And its the first American made frame in, uh, decades. Two and a half of them to be exact. That frame is the one made by Mr Richard Schwinn, who happens to run Waterford and Gunnar. Its pretty and a piece of history. But not a bike we need.

Women’s Clothes!
All of our women’s clothing is 40% off. Now’s a good time to get some new jerseys, shorts, gloves, jackets and the like. Socks and shoes not included. Obviously, in stock only. Come on in ans try em on. Sale stuff like this is final.

Interbike…
Some day, we will get tired of talking about Interbike, but not yet. I had promised more commentary and reviews of stuff we liked, and that may be all well and good, but Jason also pointed out that this needs to be timely, and if we don’t talk about it now, it’ll be January before we’re done talking about new bikes. So without further ado, everyone else’s picks and then maybe some of the stuff that missed the mark.

Feel free to disagree with that last part. Actually, feel free to disagree always, at least with the opinion part of stuff.

Jason says:
Best Road Bike: Cannondale SuperSix. It’s light, stiff through the bottom bracket, responsive, and yet, won’t beat you up over Michigan roads, unlike a lot of other manufacturers who are making bikes too stiff for our roads.

Best Mountain Bike: Giant Trance XO. It’s super efficient, fast, light and has lots of travel. The Trance XO also sports the new 15mm QR standard. Yes, we admit, we thought it was a ploy. But Jason swears it tracks far better, its stiffer and its not just another QR standard.

One thing to take home: Campagnolo Super Record 11. With redesigned levers that are even more comfortable than the already super friendly Campy levers, Super Record 11 is really the next great grouppo. Who needs electronic shifting when you have 11 gears that run like butter?

Travis’ Picks

Best Mountain Bike: Kona Coilair

One Thing to take home: Truvativ HammerSchmidt. That’s a mouth full. What is it? Front derailleurs have long been the bane of lots of people’s existence. The are the first thing to go in search of less hassle, especially on a mountain bike. Well, Truvativ, as they say ‘Powered by SRAM,’ knows that. And they went in search of a better way to get two gears in the front, without all the moving parts. The HammerSchmidt has two planetary gears, like a three speed hub and works with an X-type SRAM shifter. The best part, like those three speeds, dirt, mud, muck and what not are no match for it.

My Picks. (Me being Liz.)
So, I missed Demo Days. I didn’t get to ride anything while in Vegas. I’m ok with that. Heat and dry and me didn’t get along last time anyway. So this is all the stuff I thought looked cool. And the Minxy, I’d take home in a heartbeat.

One thing to take home: Kona Minxy. I’ve never wanted a full suspension mountain bike. I have a Kona Lava Dome and I love it. But I’d take up mountain biking worthy of this bike if someone would give me a Minxy. Its a women’s specific frame. And I’m ok with that. Its not painted pink, purple, or any other unfortunate color. Its black with a nice angry looking tiger on the head and down tubes. It looks cool. I’m sure, since its a Kona and well, this is what they do, it would be perfect for the kind of riding I’m admittedly a little scared to try. But now, I really want to try it, and that’s probably the biggest hurdle to get over.

From Interbike 2008

Coolest Bike I didn’t pick to take home: That would be a tie between the Kona Kapu and the Bianchi Dolomiti. I have a soft spot for steel. I’ve never had the joy of owning a lugged steel road frame, but there is yet hope. Both the Kapu and the Dolomiti are lugged steel. And despite swearing I’d never own another yellow bike, the Kapu is growing on me. Celeste was also a color I’d really never planned on owning, but there’s something about a Campy equipped lugged steel frame that’s just perfect.

From Interbike 2008

From Interbike 2008

What really happens in Vegas.
Vegas is not necessarily where we’d choose to hold Interbike, given the chance. But, no one can come up with a better idea, and the show signed another five year contract with the Sands, so for the foreseeable future, Interbike will be in Vegas. None of us really gamble, but there’s plenty of other things we can get into. And fortunately or unfortunately, there’s usually photographic evidence.

From What really happens in Vegas

From What really happens in Vegas

From What really happens in Vegas

From What really happens in Vegas

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 vol3 no7

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol3 no7
6” Crescent Wrench version

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the letter “Q” for Quick little updates… Little stuff, in a timely manner. We will return to our regularly scheduled programming next time. We decided to call these the 6” Crescent Wrench, “little enough to go with you, big enough to do some damage.” Things like the monthly tips will be missing, in an effort to get you more news when it matters. Like right away while there are still sale bikes to be had.

We’re changing our Hours!
I promised that when we went back to our old hours schedule I’d let everyone know. Well hats what I’m doing. Sort of. But we’re not changing them back, we’re modifying them a little at the same time. Tuesdays and Wednesdays we’ll be closing at 6PM like we used to, but we’re adding Friday to that was well. So, beginning October 1st we will be open Monday and Thursday 10AM-7Pm, and Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10AM-6PM, and Saturdays, 10AM-5PM. Mark your calendars!

Konas are on sale!
Summer has unofficially ended, but around here that only means that the riding gets even better. Why ride in the oppressive July and August heat when you can ride in lovely September, October and (hopefully) November weather? At least that’s what we think, and one of the benefits of the weird schedule the bike industry seems to keep is that when the riding’s best in Michigan, so are some of the sales. Including one from Kona this year. Everything they’ve got left is 15% off! There’s not a huge number of things left, but it’s a nice variety. And if you’re looking for a Kula Supreme, they’re even more on sale! Fine print: Sale price does not include shipping charge.

Cannondale Sale!
Last time we told you about the Synapse framesets that Cannondale had on sale, and if you’re still interested, come and get one soon, there aren’t very many left. If you want a whole bike, the remaining F2, F3 and F2-9ers on sale. Maybe its time for a downhill, dirt jumping machine? They’ve got Perp 1 and 2 and chase 2 and 3s on sale. Like I said earlier, it’s the best time to ride, and Cannondale apparently thinks so too, or why else would the bike world have such a weird production schedule?.

The Not-Sale Sale
Confusing, no? Townies aren’t on sale, but nearly. This is your last chance to get them at their current prices. For next year everything is going up somewhere between a little and a lot. We’ve got a number of Townies hanging around, and if you’re interested, now’s the time to get them, before the global economy makes us cringe even more, and hike our prices $20 to $40 on everything- well, almost everything.

Get ‘em While They Roll.
Looking for a new set of wheels? Want to be able to run disc or v-brakes? Want them in black? (yeah, I’d want black too…) Then get yourself a shiny new pair of Mavic CrossRide wheels today. We’ve got three pair left, and why would we want to hang on to them when you might need them? Especially for the lovely price of $210 for the pair (plus tax, we have to pay the governess.) Cross rides are great wheels and work with any standard rim brake, and 6-bolt disc calipers. Once they’re gone, they’re gone, and we (and some others) are wildly confused by what, if anything they have morphed into for 2008.

Cyclocross for the Wee Ones!
Cyclocross frames tend to be really tall because of the high bottom bracket, meaning that even the smallest frames are probably to large for your average 7-9 year old. Perhaps, you know someone who’d like to go faster? Perhaps that 24” mountain bike isn’t cutting it keeping up on longer rides and weighs a ton? Redline has the solution for you. They make a 24” Cyclocross bike for kids, the Conquest 24. Nicely outfitted with Shimano Sora 8 speed components, small road bars and a 39cm frame this is the perfect bike for any kid who wants to go fast, and perhaps not have to worry too much about flat tires… They originally retailed for $670, now they’re on sale for $570! Can’t beat that for a fast little Cyclocross ride!

Shop Jerseys are Back!
Show us some love! We’ve got shop jersey’s back in stock, in black and yellow. Pay no attention to any whispers you might have heard saying we were re-designing our shop jerseys. Pshaw! We love them, and so apparently does everyone else. What was that? Its getting cooler? It is, and just for that purpose we’ve got long sleeved shop jerseys as well. The same as their short sleeved brethren, but with our web address down each arm. What could be cooler? Nothing!

Light N Motion’s Here!
Last week I mentioned that our Light N Motion lights would be arriving soon, and they’ve here! We haven’t had a chance to check out the new Stella lights in depth yet, but we will, and if you’d like to take a look at them, we’d be happy to show you. We weren’t expecting them for some another three weeks, so it’s a nice little surprise. Come in, check ‘em out and Be Seen!

Paris-Brest-Paris
There’s a lot if riding between Paris and Brest France, even more if you do it in reverse too. Which is precisely what the Randonneurs do when they ride from Paris to Brest and back, for 750 miles, in 90 hours. It’s a grueling ride, and we wanted to give a shout out to Mike Murray who rode the P.B.P. this year, and made it to the finish line in time. That’s some feat, and one most people don’t even want to think of attempting. Congratulations Mike!

Green Mountain Stage Race
Vermont looks like such a pretty place to ride, as long as you like hills. And mountains. What looks like lots of mountains, that over four days on Labor Day weekend, riders get to experience in the Green Mountain Stage Race. Congratulations go out to Dave Linden who took 11th place in the Masters 50+ category.

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol3 no6

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol3 no6
Pre-Labor Day 2007

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the letter “M” for Mavic, Marzocci, Manitou, and Mountain Biking. This time we’ll stick with mountain biking. Sometimes Gary Fisher gets the credit for inventing mountain biking. Not a perfectly accurate statement, but he certainly was the first to prove you could sell more than ten of them in a lifetime and make some money, so we do owe quite a bit to him. Since that first year, mountain biking has come a long way, from short and long travel suspension to a choice between 26” and 29” wheels, and bikes you might possibly be able to drop off the side of the mountain, there’s a lot more to choose from than ever before.

Da Vinci Tandems
Have you ever wanted a Da Vinci tandem with their Independent Coasting System, but weren’t sure about spending quite that much on a tandem? For the first time ever, da Vinci is offering a tandem that will retail for $2500-$3000. The frame will be made elsewhere (where exactly I don’t know…), but it will still feature the Independent Coasting System. The bike will be equipped Shimano Tiagra components, a standard triple crank, instead of the usual 4x front set up on the drive train. The bikes will be available in small, medium and large. We’re excited, and we’d love to tell you more, but we don’t know any more, yet.

Synapse Frameset Sale!
It’s not often that we get to say something like “Less than Wholesale!” around here. Things like that just don’t happen, usually. Cannondale has decided to change that. They are offering 2006 Synapse Carbon framesets for less than what we paid for them originally. Sizes and quantities ate limited, but they are available in most sizes from 47 through 63 for $1200! Synapse Carbon frames with SI double cranks are available in limited numbers in 56 and 60 for $1400. If you want one, let us know sooner rather than later, because deals like these won’t last forever. (Words were never thought we’d actually be able to use)
The not so ‘fine’ ‘fine print’: Frames are subject to availability, deposits are politely requested at the time of ordering, and will be refunded if the frameset isn’t available. Frameset includes frame, fork, and headset. SI frameset also includes crank and bottom bracket.

Proudly Brewing… Coffee?
The back counter looks deceptively like a bar counter when we clean the glass, and everything that has a place is in it, and since we can’t serve beer, we figured coffee’s probably the next best thing. So we’ve recycled the old register counter (from the era of the wall between the shop and the people), borrowed a coffee maker from Superior Coffee, and gotten everything on its way. So you’re invited to come in, take a break form the rest of the world, pull up a chair and have some good coffee. And it really is good coffee, because I’ll drink it, and I don’t drink coffee. We won’t bite and as a rule, won’t kick people out for loitering until its time to leave, and there’s a healthy chance there might even be doughnuts. (Or for an even better chance at doughnuts, always remember, we never turn down food.)

Jake (Not the Snake)
Cyclocross season is almost upon us, and soon racing through muck on tires that can make a mountain biker quiver with fear will begin. If Cyclocross is your thing, or maybe commuting on something faster than a hybrid with tires that wont get shredded by what passes for pavement around here is more your style, Cyclocross bikes fulfill a big duty. One of the most popular is the Kona Jake. We have a full set of Jakes on their way from the great western north. For 2008 the Jake will be running 9 speed Shimano Tiagra components while most of his lowly competition will still be running Sora 8 speed. In addition to the pretty new Tiagra components, Jake will have real wheels, the kind with at least 32 real spokes. Sure, paired spokes are pretty, but they don’t do a very good job of deflecting the twigs and other debris you’re likely to encounter on a Cyclocross course. As John says: “Real wheels and spokes for twig avoidance! Not only can you fit more cards in the spokes, you get better twig deflection.” There’s almost nothing more jarring than an aluminum fork, another sin committed by Jake’s rivals. Jake has a CroMoly steel Project 2 fork for a softer, friendly kind of ride. Don’t believe us? I had a Cyclocross bike with an aluminum fork, and my teeth have never been the same since. Jake landed on Friday, and Antoon’s been busy building them (and other stuff) since the wee hours. Jake comes dressed in classic black with white panels and yellow accents, and set to make this Cyclocross season the best yet.

This Month’s Tip!
So, summer is more than half over, and I point that out not because I’m looking forward to winter (even though I am), but because, there are only so many hours of daylight left. And if you haven’t noticed, they end a lot sooner than they do in June. So perhaps its time to discuss lights, not that they aren’t important when its dark and it is still early in the summer, but because there’s less light to be had, and it’s a whole lot easier to get caught out riding and find you need them.

We’re currently waiting for out new Light ‘n Motion and Nite Hawk orders to fit the ‘Option B’ lights described below. They should both land around the middle to end of next week. And for a little more variety in the ‘Option A’ Lights, take a look at the new Planet Bike Beamer lights. They’re compact, bright and feature quick release style handlebar clamps that really are quick release.

• • There’s two kinds of bike lights in this world: the kind that let drivers see you (Option A), and the kind that let you see everything (Option B). Where you ride, how dark it is, and how far you have to go all factor into which kind of light you need.
• Option A lights are usually fairly small and less expensive than Option B lights. The headlights usually mount with a quick release style handlebar clamp, and take AA or AAA batteries. They can be pretty bright, and have flashing and steady modes. No matter how bright they are, they’re usually not bright enough to illuminate everything in front of you. Their purpose is to make you visible to the car that otherwise would have never seen you coming. Sometimes they come with a tail light for a nice commuter set.
• Option B lights are brighter, but then, that’s the point. Some are handlebar mounted, some are helmet mounted. They tend to be a little heavier, and very few have an integrated battery. These are the lights endurance and 24 hour racers use, and anyone who really wants to see where they’re going. We’ve heard of people using them as headlights for go carts and dune-buggies to make them street legal.
• Tail lights are a separate matter most of the time. Some flash and chase and glow steadily, and some only flash. Which you prefer is up to you, unless you’re rising in the UK where flashing tail lights on a bike are illegal. Most, but certainly not all of our favorite lights will mount either on the seat post or seat stay, and some come with a clip to attach to a jersey pocket, or that little loop on most seat bags.
• If you’re a mountain biker, and you plan on doing any trail riding at night, Option B lights are definitely necessary. You don’t want to hit the tree just because you couldn’t see it, right?
• Helmet mounted lights are nice because the lights always going the way you’re looking. Sort of the bike’s answer to those expensive car headlights that pivot the direction you’re steering wheel is turned. Helpful for getting the attention of someone who might otherwise be getting a little too close to hitting you.

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol3 no2

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol3 no2
March 2007

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the letter “H” for Hadaka Steel. Makers and welders of some fine frames for Kona and Bianchi, and now the Salsa el Mariach 29’ Mountain bike. They are located on the lovely island of Formosa, also known as the Republic of China (ROC), or Taiwan, to most of us. (which we’re sure the PRC would rather become POC. Part of China…) Enough bad jokes for the captive audience, on with the show!

April Fools Day Sale!
No April Fools Day Sale on April 1! It’s Sunday, and we’re closed…. April Fools!

Its that time of year again, when the weather in Michigan LIES about what season it really is, and we all long for the warmth that summer promises… everyone but me. That means its time for our annual April Fools Day Sale! This year, everything is fair game for the sale, bikes, clothes, accessories and everything in between. Bring cash and save more. The credit card monster is eating us alive. Minimum 8% off on credit card purchases and 10% off cash purchases. See, bring cash, save money.

New for 2007
• Campagnolo Ultra-Torque Cranksets
If you’re looking into upgrading your crankset this season, then Campagnolo has got a great treat for you. With its 2007 range Campagnolo is introducing the new Ultra-Torque crankset with integrated bottom bracket. What are the advantages of going with the Ultra-Torque instead of the standard bottom bracket/crankset? All of the levels of the Campagnolo Ultra-Torque’s are lightweight, rigid, and ergonomic. Also, they are extremely easy to maintain, without worrying about blowing out bottom brackets.
• Campagnolo Skeleton Brakes
After upgrading your crankset, don’t forget to look into the new design that Campagnolo has for their brake calipers. The new skeleton brakes feature a highly evolved design. It is worth nothing that this design springs from an advanced structural analysis in which form follows function. The Skeleton brakes are of the differential type: a powerful front brake and a progressive rear one. The Skeleton brakes therefore constitute the new benchmark in terms of performance, lightness, life and design, projecting the great Campagnolo tradition towards the future.
• Stock Road bikes equipped with SRAM
Finally, the amazing SRAM Road Group’s (SRAM Force and SRAM Rival) are being put on stock bicycles. Bianchi is putting SRAM Force on their 928 Carbon SL/SRAM Force, and for a little less money, is putting SRAM Rival on their 928 Carbon L/SRAM Rival, and Virata. Along the Cannondale line, you’re looking at SRAM Force on the SystemSix Team Si 2. If you’ve never ridden a SRAM equipped road bike, come in today and try out this remarkable new system. If you want to try it before you buy it, we have a 56-cm Cannondale Six-13 Team demo bike equipped with SRAM Force on it, so come in today and take this amazing bicycle out for a spin.
• New look for Shimano’s MTB Components
For 2007, Shimano has given its components a whole new look on the mountain bike line, especially noticeable with the rear derailleurs. They’ve gone with a 3-D look to the logo’s, which makes them look very sharp, while still performing to the famous Shimano standards. Of course, they have to separate the best from the rest, so they give their XTR rear derailleur a much different look than the rest of their derailleurs… a nice, shiny “X” that spreads across the body of the derailleur. As for XT, and LX, they get 3-D emblems to make them stand out from the rest.
• A real treat for the road biking world
Back in 1999, Hutchinson tires was the first to come out with the TUBELESS Mountain bike tire. Now, 8 years later, they’ve decided to treat the road biking community with the same luxury. They have come out with two different models of TUBELESS Road bike tires: the Atom and the Fusion 2. At the current time, Shimano is the only company with a TUBELESS road wheel in production, the WH-7801-SL, which is a Scandium Dura-Ace wheelset.

Did you know we stock…
• Cannondale Headshok Road Bikes
Are you a die hard road biker, but have a problem finding a bike that goes easy on your tender wrists or upper body? Cannondale has come up with the perfect solution for you. They decided to take their famous mountain bike innovation, the Headshok, and put it on a road bike, just to see what the results would be like. It turns out it has been one of the best things they’ve created. It is a road bike though, so they downsized the travel from 110mm on the mountain bikes to 80mm on the road bike. It gives these bikes an amazingly comfortable ride, but on the other hand, makes it so that you’re putting your energy to the road, instead of into the suspension.
• Serotta Mei Vici Demo Bike
Any die hard road biker hears the name Serotta and automatically thinks, “High end, American made Carbon/Ti custom bikes.” Well for 2006, Serotta came out with their first fully customizable, full carbon bike. The Mei Vici (Italian for “My Victory”) is a bike that Serotta can proudly say has overtaken the Ottrott. Come in today, and you can take this absolutely breathtaking bike out for a spin around the area, fully equipped with Campagnolo Record Carbon. We only have one demo bike in the shop, a 58-cm slopping top tube.
• 2007 Cannondale Mountain Tandem
If you’ve looked at Cannondale’s mountain bike tandems in the past, but noticed there aren’t any for 2007, you’re right. But, we have come into possession of a 2007, discontinued mountain bike by Cannondale. It’s an L/S, with an amazing set of DT disc hubs with Sun rims. It’s got Avid BB5 disk brakes for great stopping power, and a Shimano XT drivetrain to keep you ahead of the game. Come in today and check out this beautiful bike, and maybe even take it out for a test ride. This is the only one, and we will not be able to get more after it is gone.
• Arkel Touring Bags
If you’re looking to take a long tour, let Arkel support all of your needs for the trip. Ranging anywhere from the TT-84 (84 liters per pair) to the Small Bar Bag at only 7.5 liters, Arkel is prepared to take you around the neighborhood or across Europe, wherever your passion may take you. And just to support how amazing the equipment is, the Lifetime, transferable guarantee will keep you going until the end of your touring days.
• Tubus Touring Racks
If you’re looking for a nice, high-strength rack for touring (maybe to support those awesome Arkel bags), then come in today and check out Tubus racks. Made of Tubed Chrom-Moly, these racks are amazingly strong, and will last a lifetime. They will fit any non-full suspension bike out there, and even fit some full suspension bikes. If you have any questions about it fitting your full suspension bicycles, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Shoe Sale
We have a bunch or riding shoes on sale… about 25 pairs, from a variety of manufacturers. Either SPD or Road versions are available, anywhere from 20-50 percent off. If you haven’t come in to look at our inventory of sale shoes, it would not be a bad idea to do so ASAP! Come in today and start getting ready for summer of ’07, while keeping some green in your wallet at the same time.

One Week for my Repair!?
When you bring your bike in for a repair during the summer months, are you usually disappointed that you can’t get it back the next day? Well bring in your repairs in the next month or so, and the turn-around time will be two or three days instead of a week or two. (And most people aren’t riding… so now’s a great time.) That way, when you’re ready to ride this summer, just fill her tires up with air and hit the streets, not having to worry about a week wait to get your bike back.

Have a Blast! A Kona Blast that is!
For 2007, Kona has outdone themselves. Two examples: a Best Buy $600 MTB with a ultra reliable 8 speed tranny and a RockShox Dart with adjustable preload, rebound and Lockout. For those of us who use our ATB’s in town as well, the capability to mute the bobbing of the front suspension with the turn of a dial is just about perfect. This is a classic case of ride it and you’ll see why. Certain aspects of a bike ride can only be appreciated by a Bike Ride and not by Lip Service. Come in for a test ride-the bike doesn’t care how cold it is and neither do we. If it’s light out and not icy, come on down. The other Best Buy from Kona is the base Kikapu. At a grand, it too features 8 speed reliability. This year’s upgrade (at no additional cost) is a RockShox air shock in the back. Rebound is also adjustable on this unit. We just received another 20 2007 assorted Konas so come in test ‘em, lay ‘em away or take ‘em home. (A few closeout still exist as well-supplies limited, in stock only, subject to availability, blah, blah, blah.)

Speaking of Closeouts. . . .
Another batch of 2006 Giants have arrived; in addition to the Giants, Cannondales and the Bianchis that are already here. Take one home before these great bikes start feeling lonely and unloved. We even do short term layaways on our units that are on sale. If you’ve been pondering a new set of wheels, come on down. The money you save may be your own.

Speaking of Heroes . . .
Kevin Degen, the King of many a charity ride in the past and many more in the future, got to see his new trike when it was presented on Sunday February 11th. Unfortunately, minor technical difficulties ensued, and the final prototype needs some, TLC and refinement. But, we wanted to make sure to say:

Thanks to many of you fine folks who have contributed funds over the past year or so.

In slightly unrelated, but heroic none-the-less news, our own Kevin Martin joined the Navy last month. He aspires to be a seal. (And if I could put a recording of John making seal noises in here, I would. This would be the ultimate in media experiences…) Wish him luck? Yes, Luck because seal training isn’t a walk in the park or the shop.

The Boys are Back in Town! (or The Return of the Wrench Wench!)
Your friendly neighborhood bike shop is happy to announce…. No that sounds wrong. I’m back. (I being Liz, and the Wrench Wench, I suppose.) Travis will be back… soon? We’re stolen him from the evil grips of capitalism, errr, his old job. And According to John we survived and audition. This means, apparently, that we passed, the audience has voted, and we’re the winner! Our grand prize? Jason. Who will be starting soon, like Travis. Soon, and for unknown amounts of time. Unknown to me at least.