Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol5 no10

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol5 no10
November, Movies Movies! And more Parties!

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the Spoke Wrench.  This is the tool, according to Randy, that can either make you a hero or a scape goat.  Or, a little knowledge can kill you.  Truing your wheels is important, very important.  Doing it right is even more important.  A little tension goes a long way.  Too much tension, and your previously mostly true wheel can resemble a taco.  And while a spoke wrench is the key to a true wheel, at least as important is knowing what to do with that spoke wrench.  So watch for our classes in January, so you can learn to use this tool.

Movie Night and PARTY!
Repairs for Spring!
Trainers are In!
Road Bikes, Single Speeds and Cyclocross, Oh My!
Sugoi clothing
Electra offering a rebate!
Gift Cards!

Movie Night and PARTY!
Monday, November 30 7PM David, Art Bull and Trevor Smith will host a slide presentation on their Great Canadian Adventure to Montreal and Quebec this past summer.  This is also David’s good-bye party, as he embarks on a new adventure to New York City.  As usual, with movie nights, Hors d’œuvre and drinks will be served.  RSVPs are a must, call the shop, or email Randy, bicycledoctor@continentalbikeshop.com

Repairs for Spring!
I know, its not spring yet.  Its not even technically winter yet, but its been pretty cold, and then again, pretty warm this month.  But, now is the perfect time to bring your bike in.  You can get it back quickly, stock up on some cold weather riding gear, and most importantly, beat the spring rush.  Or, instead of getting your bike back quickly, you can leave your bike for its own vacation, and we can upgrade your kit, do a drive train clean and tune up, and make your bike better than new for spring.

Trainers are in!
Cyclops trainers are here!  We’ve got the Mag, Mag+, Magneto, Fluid2, and rollers in the store.  Trainers are a great way to get a head start on spring, and keep riding.  They’re also a great way to use up a mostly used tire that’s still got some life in it, because the last thing you want to do is put your brand new Vittoria tire on a trainer.

Road Bikes, Single Speeds and Cyclocross, Oh My!
700c go fast bikes are on sale!  From 15% to 25% off, depending on the bike!  Sale applies to in stock bikes only!  Come in and test ride before the bikes are gone and the snow flies!

Sugoi Clothing
Need some cool weather gear?  We’ve got it from Sugoi, the newest addition to our clothing line up.  We’ve got arm and leg warmers, balaclavas, gloves, tights, and shoe covers for your cool weather riding pleasure.

Electra Rebate!
Electra has decided to reward cool weather cruisers.  If you buy any Electra bike, with a retail price of $399 or more, between now and 12-31, you can get a $25 rebate right from Electra.  We’re not sure why they decided to do it, we’re just happy they are.  Every Electra you buy qualifies for the rebate, and if you buy two, then well, you get $50 back.  If your chosen Electra retails for less than $399, don’t worry, they will still send you a rebate.  This time for $10.

Gift Cards!
It is that time of year!  Get your holiday shopping done right!  Know someone who likes to shop at Continental?  Want to convert your ridding buddies into Continental customers?  There’s no better gift than a gift card then.  They never expire, we’ve upgraded to real cards, no more paper gift certificates, and we don’t charge pesky fees like some credit card companies do if you don’t use your card.  So stop in, or give us a call, and make your holidays a cheery yellow and black.

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol5 no9

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol5 no9
October, Trick or Treat, Mostly Treats, Edition

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the Headset Wrench.  Threaded headsets require a couple of wrenches to get them good and tight, otherwise you’ve got play in your headset and that’s never good.  Headset wrenches are designed to tighten the locking cups of a threaded headset.  Always good for your bike.

Park Tool School Classes!
SoSS!
Women’s Clothing Sale!
Rewards Program
Movie Night?
Road Shoe Sale!
Cyclocross on Sale!
Spinning Class?

Park Tool School!
There’s always more you can learn about a bike.  Always.  But you have to start somewhere.  One of the best places to do that is at the Park Tool School.  Over four weeks, you lean how to tune up your bike, everything from changing a flat to adjusting your derailleurs and brakes.  Classes cost $125, and a $50 deposit is required when you sign up to hold your place.  The cost of the class also includes a copy of the Park Tool School, Big Blue Book of Bike Repair.  Dates are November 10, 17, 24, and December 1.  Call the shop 248/545-1225 or email bicycledoctor@sbcglobal.net to RSVP.

SoSS!
No, we’re not sending out bad Morse code.  And we’re not a ship- last we checked.  SoSS is Sale of Single Speeds.  And when I say single speeds, I mean road single speeds, not cruisers, and only bikes we have in the store.  Bianchi San Jose and Pista, Kona Paddy Wagons, and Giant Bowerys are on sale, 15% off.

Women’s Clothing and Shoes!
Women’s clothing is on sale, 40% off!  So if there’s something that’s looked interesting, but you weren’t  ready to get, now might be the time.  Also, all women’s cycling shoes are 20% off.  Diadora, Cannondale, and best of all, Sidi shoes!  Need new shoes?  Needs a second pair of shoes?    Need Spinning shoes?  Now’s the time to get them.

Ride Club Rewards
If you haven’t signed up for the Ride Club, why not?  Members get money back twice a year for shopping at Continental.  This year’s rewards went out at the end of September.  They’re good on anything in the store, but you have to hurry, they expire on November 1!

Movie Night?
Do you have pictures, a Power Point presentation, video, or some other way you’d like to share a bike trip with us?  We love hosting these nights, we just need riders who aren’t afraid to get up and talk about their trips.  Past presentations have included everything from Mountain biking in Mexico, to Vintage road rides in Italy.  If you’re interested, let us know!

Road Shoe Sale!
We’ve got a bunch of road shoes still, and we’d really like to help them find new homes.  So, we’re putting them on sale too.  All in stock road shoes are 20%off!

Cyclocross on Sale!
Just in time for some great cool-weather riding or your local cyclocross race, we’ve got all of our cyclocross bikes on sale!  2009 Kona Jake’s and one lone Cannondale looking for a new home are all 15% off!

Spinning Class?
Calling all spinning class aficionados!  We’d like to host Spinning Classes this winter at Continental, but, we have a small problem.  None of us have any experience running a spinning class.  If you’re interested, give Randy a call.  Classes would be after hours once or twice a week depending on interest level.

Hey! Just a note.  If its on sale, its only on things that are actually physically in the store.  Special orders only if available from the vendor and PAID IN FULL up front.

That’s all for this edition of the Spoken Wrench.  Here follows the legal mumbo Jumbo.

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 no4

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol5 no4
April Fools! Edition.

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the pranksters that call Continental Bike Shop home.

In some years past, we’ve told you exactly what the sale is going to be and where and when and for how long. And we’ve had extended hours…

Well, not this year. April 1st is a Wednesday, and we’ll be open 10AM-6PM.

Stuff will be on sale, because that’s how the April Fools Day Sale works. But we’ll let you know what and how much stuff will be on sale on Wednesday morning.

The Never-going-to-be-fine Fine Print: We reserve the right to designate what will or wont be on sale. ALL APRIL FOOLS SALES ARE FINAL. Please test ride the bikes, try the clothes on, and generally verify that this is what you want, before you take it home. And once again, ALL APRIL FOOLS DAY SALES ARE FINAL.

Any questions? Email us, or drop us a line, liz@continentalbikeshop.com or 248 545 1225.

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol5 no2

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol5 no2

February, Really, Enough with the Winter, Edition. Please.

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the Torx Wrench. Not to be confused with the torque wrench, the Torx is a six sided driver designed to eliminate the rounded edges that wear out normal allen wrenches. The most common place to find a torx is on disc brakes, where you really want to make sure they’re not going anywhere. Usually, they drivers are found on larger multi tools, but sometimes that means giving up the pocket knife and bottle opener that get way more usage.

We’re Sick of Winter and Snow and Cold Sale!

We’re utterly done with winter. It could be done tomorrow, and that still wouldn’t be soon enough. But it won’t be, and we know that. (And winter and cold and freezing is good for the water levels in the Great Lakes, so its not all bad.) So we’re having a sale, on February 28th. A Gambler’s Sale. Do you like to gamble? Such a funny question coming from the girl who hates going to Vegas because it’s all casino’s and gambling, but this is so much more fun.

So here’s the details, its a progressive sale.

• From 10am to 12Noon, parts and accessories will be 15% off, and 08 and older bikes will be 10% off!
• From 12Noon to 2PM, parts and accessories will be 30% off, and 08 and older bikes will be 15% off.
• From 2PM to 4Pm, pats and accessories will be 40% off, and 08 and older bikes will be 20% off.
• From 4Pm to 5Pm, parts and accessories will be 50% off, and 08 and older bikes will be ?!?!% off! We’ll surprise you!

So here’s where the gamble comes in, you’ll save more later on, but we can’t say what will still be around come 4PM.

The NOT so Fine Print: ALL SALES ARE FINAL. All of em. Its on sale, and we’d really like you to keep it. 08 and older bikes are on sale. 09 are not. Parts and accessories means almost everything that’s not a bike. Labour’s not a part of that. Supplies are limited to what we have in the store, on hand, in stock. Special order stuff is not on sale. Any other questions? Call the shop and ask for Randy.

Repairs, Repairs, Repairs, They’re Everywhere.

We have returned to that time of year, when everyone is itching for whatever warmth we can find, and want to ride the minute it thaws and the snow’s gone, and the temperature is above freezing for more than a half an hour. So, bring your repair in now, while there might still be some snow on the ground, and before the MAD FIX MY BIKE NOW! rush starts. Please? Thanks.

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol4 no4

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol4 no4March Madness Make the Snow Stop! Edition

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the letter “R,” you know, as in repair. Spring has sprung in Michigan, despite the snow, and what anyone may think. April is just around the corner, meaning that better riding weather, longer days, and longer repair turnarounds will follow close behind… We’ve tried, for as long as we’ve been here to convince people that winter, when you’re not thinking of riding, not thinking about your bike is really the best time to have it worked on. Despite our best efforts, no one seems to listen. So, spring is here, and so is the need for a repair, and, no, I’m sorry, you will have to leave your bike, and no, you can’t have it back tomorrow.

The Big Dummy is Here!

No, we’re not calling anyone names, the Big Dummy is Surly’s answer to some very high gas prices. Think you can’t commute because you’ve got too much stuff to bring with you? Surly has solved that problem. Using Xtracycle’s Freeradical frame as a starting point, the Big Dummy can carry a week’s worth of groceries, a surf board (not that you really need a surf board in Michigan), another bike, your friends, a sheepdog, or just the day’s stuff. There’s endless ways to use your Big Dummy. We’ve been using ours to get to and from lunch and everywhere else in Hazel Park.

Let Levi Ride!

In 2007 Astana ran afoul of the ASO (the people who own the Tour de France) and the UCI. For 2008, the new home of Levi Leipenheimer, and Alberto Contador, winner of the 2007 Tour, Astana hasn’t been invited to the 2008 Tour de France. If you think Levi should ride (since he’s the English speaker pushing hardest to get Astana onto the Tour) visit LetLeviRide.com and add your name to the petition. If you think that two years worth of doping scandals means that Astana shouldn’t ride, well, don’t sign the petition, and I can’t necessarily disagree with you.

April Fools!

Tuesday is April 1st. April Fools’ Day is here, and with it comes our annual sale. Spring is here, just ignore the snow, and get ready to ride. We’ll be open 8AM -7PM for the sale, so everyone has enough time to make it in. We will not be extending the sale to Wednesday, it’s a one day only event. We hope to see you there, and as always, bring a friend! Its always more fun to ride with company!

.

It’s a mountain bike! No, It’s a Hybrid!

No, it’s both. It happens to be the 2008 Cannondale 29’er 4. 29’ers have been a hot topic of conversation for a while now, and we know why. If you really are planning on mountain biking, and yet you know you’re going to need to ride your bike on the road, a 29’er is the way to go. With larger wheels, you get better momentum, and with a quick change of the tire, you’ve got a very nicely equipped hybrid that can handle, literally, everything you might want to throw at it.

In the Navy!

Kevin’s keeping busy in the Navy, in Japan. In addition to being a Hospitalman, Kevin is part of the Auxiliary Security Forces (ASF). Here’s what the Navy says:

080317-N-4649C-022 YOKOSUKA, Japan (March 17, 2008) Hospitalman Kevin Martin, a native of Gregory, Mich., stationed at U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka, Japan, practices knee strikes as Grove Hill, Ala.-native Postal Clerk Seaman Apprentice Charles Motes, assigned to Fleet Industrial Supply Center (CFA) Yokosuka assists during auxiliary security force (ASF) training at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Sailors from various commands around Yokosuka make up the ASF team, which assists the CFA security force. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chantel M. Clayton (Released)

We’re Having a Sale!

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol4 no3
Leap Year, Still Cold, Edition

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the numbers 4 and 29.  Every four years, we have the opportunity to vote, watch the summer Olympic Games, and celebrate 366 days in the year.  To celebrate the 29th day of February, we’ve decided to have a sale.  See how that works, we want to celebrate, you get to save money.  Sounds good to me.

Hope to see you there!

Bring a friend, bring lots of friends.  Save lots of money!  (The bringing of friends is not necessary not does it mean greater savings, but it would make us <I>very</I> happy.)

Patent pending Spoken Wrench humor not included. See Shop for details.

 

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol3 no2a

Continental Bike Shop presents the Spoken Wrench vol3 no2a
March 2007a

This edition of the Spoken Wrench is brought to you by the letter “I” for Independent Fabrications, makers of some cool rides; inner tubes (not just for swimming…), don’t forget to stock up today. The last thing you want is your ride canceled because you’ve got a flat… And finally, index shifting, the best thing since sliced bread, maybe even better than sliced bread.

We know you love the Spoken Wrench so much that we’re sending out a supplement this month. Mostly because I need to clarify the terms of the sale…

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

It’s 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, 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. Everything that’s not a bike is fair game for the sale. If it’s a bike and its already on sale, well, it’s still on sale. (And there are lots of them on sale. About 30 models. Believe me, I counted). Here are the ever so important hours that we’ll be open. Three days means that we’re not getting up as early as we have previous years…

Procrastination…
If necessity is the mother of invention, then procrastination is the mother of disappointment. Last week we estimated two to three days for your repair. This week, we’re up to, well a week. Nice weather in Michigan is notoriously hard to come by, so before it gets any warmer and you lose any more riding days, bring your bike in, but remember, it’s going to be about a week.

It Takes Two to Tango… err Tandem
Let’s take a moment to mourn the passing of the Burley Tandem division. Now, onto happier news, they still make the best darn child trailers around, and to make sure tandems are still affordable, we’ll be stocking KHS tandems. They start at $900 (we don’t have any of those yet, but we will. I’ve got a feeling it’ll be in the newsletter when it happens) and we’ve got two right now, a 26’ and 700c variety, priced at $1400 and $1500 respectively. We’ve also got a Cannondale cruiser tandem, (26’ mountain tandem without the beefy disc brakes…), the only American made tandem we like for under $2000. We should also be seeing the new 07 Cannondale Road tandem soon. We’ll keep you posted.

Welcome! (Properly, This time)
We’d like to welcome Jason Stortz, formerly of Bike USA, as the newest member of our staff, he’ll usually be found in the back wrenching, but he’s a man of many talents, so you’ll see him on the floor a bit too. Jason’s a mountain guy with a love of Trek (don’t worry, we’ll fix him he mentioned something about Cannondale…), but he says he’ll ride anything with two wheels. He’s been doing something bike related for 6 years, with a little vacation in there somewhere. So, everyone, say Hi to Jason when you meet him and let him feel the love!

Feedback!
I admit, I’m greedy. I want to know what you think of the Spoken Wrench. It’s been so long since I did it on a regular basis, that I need to know what’s going on. So if there’s something you want to see more of, less of, or even none off (as long as it’s not none of my humor, that’s not possible) let me know! Hit reply and let the comments flow!

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.