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.

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.