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 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.