When the clocks change and the nights draw in, cyclists have a decision to make: get in the groove with night riding and embrace the darkness. Or, hang up the wheels and miss out on hours of glorious saddle time.
Sometimes it’s a depressing thought, the nights closing in. However, night riding is also to be relished as one of the most rewarding experiences you can have on a bike, and especially when riding with a group. Riding in the dark heightens your senses, improves your skills and builds awareness. If you are a bike commuter, it’s easy to see winter commutes as a means to an end, but with a good set of lights, some warm clothing and some interesting ride options, it can offer a wonderful new take on your cycling.
Lights:
For those who need a really bright headlight check out the NiteRider Pro 1800 Race on the BikeParts.com website. Designed for mountain bike racing, and with 1200 lumens you can expect to get about 1 hour and 30 minutes of run time. At 700 lumens you should get 3 hours, 400 lumens yields 4 hours, 200 lumens 12 hours, and 80 lumens 25 hours. It takes about five hours to fully charge the four cell Lithium Ion battery. Apparently a battery this powerful requires a real charger, thus it’s not USB rechargeable.
Clothing:
It’s hard to know what to wear what to wear when it’s 50 degrees and sunny outside versus 30 – 35 degrees and cloudy. Winter riding can be a challenge! But, with clothing that is versatile, lightweight, and easy to pack down, you can find a winter cycling wardrobe that works for you. A couple of options to help you get the best gear: option 1, check out winter cycling apparel on our website or watch our BikeParts.com video, How to Dress for Winter Cycling.
Ride options:
Riding in the dark makes the riding of any technical section immediately harder than in the day. It takes a good while (most of the winter in fact!) to overcome this, so don’t set yourself a task to ride the most demanding trails you have. Ease yourself in as the nights start earlier and downgrade your expectations. Remember, you will inevitably ride and travel more slowly than in daylight. With that being said, be mindful that your route doesn’t exceed your lights battery capacities.
Riding at night may seem a little scary at first, yet it can be every bit as safe and fun as riding in the day when you follow a few basic guidelines.
What did Specialized do this year with one of the most successful hardtail race bikes on the market? Redesigned it and made it even better. Lighter, stiffer and packed with more technology than ever, Specialized still manages to blend innovation and simplicity in this impressive machine. Weighing in at 20 lbs. out-of-the-box for a size large, this year’s Stumpjumpers are lighter than ever. Jump past the break to see the features and bike parts that leave everyone drooling over this bike!
2014 S-Works Stumpjumper… completely redesigned, the bike is somehow even sleeker looking than the previous generation.
This week we received a small tower of Surly Rolling Darryl fatbike rims, as well as Fatback’s Sterling 4.25″ knobby tires! Pick out some fatbike hubs to lace these sturdy rims to, wrap them in Sterlings and hit the trails before this snowfall melts! Get in on the fun before it’s all gone!
What isthe best way to get good at cyclocross and have fun at the same time? Simple – race cyclocross – a lot! You’ll learn technique, skills and race strategy as you go.
But for those athletes who want to focus their efforts and manage their time, a good plan it to structure your cyclocross training week . But what does that look like? While training time, heart rate and power zones vary, a typical training week usually includes the following.
Monday – Off Recovery is equally as important as training. The recovery period is when fitness gains are made and you reap the benefits of the hard work you’ve done. Sleep, Stretching, Hydration, and Nutrition are the SSHNs of Recovery.
Tuesday – Hard Day with Efforts. Cyclocross races are very high intensity and extremely demanding. The racer is at or above lactate threshold for the entire race. As such, your training efforts need to prepare you for your cyclocross race, but not tax you either.
Wednesday – Tempo Ride. Also, a great day midweek to check your bike and bike parts. Replace broken bike parts and components and prep your bike for the race weekend ahead.
Thursday – Recovery or Skills day. Efficiency is Paramount. A great racer is not only fit, but also smooth and efficient. The energy saved through skilled bike handling and smooth transitions on and off the bike directly translates into a faster race pace. So, if you’re struggling with the technical aspects of ‘cross (barriers, runups, transitions on and off the bike, general bike handling), take the time each week to practice these skills until they become second nature during a race.
Friday – Travel Day and/ or Openers. The goal of the day is to “prime the engine” for the weekend. Intervals are meant to sharpen, not fatigue.
Saturday/ Sunday – Game ON! Race day! Good reminders to keep in mind on race day. Leading up to your race, it’s important to stay dry. Yet, during your race, keeping your hands and feet warm are critical. Opt for cold weather gloves and booties and shoe covers to keep your hands and feet warm. If you tend to have cold feet, opting for warmer socks may help too. While hard core racers opt to keep their clothing to a minimum, others opt for a few extra comforts including knee warmers, arm warmers, and hats. Once you have finished your race, it’s important to get undressed and get warm. You may consider bringing a few trash bags to stow your cycling kit, cycling shoes, helmet, gloves, socks, and anything else that is soaked and muddy. Also, it’s also a good idea to have on hand your favorite post race nutritional product.
Overall, have fun! Cyclocross is a sport meant to be fun, otherwise, there wouldn’t be beer handoffs, money pits, crowds heckling the pros, or pros heckling the crowd. Unless you’re aiming for World Cup titles, there’s no reason to take this sport too seriously. Train, race hard, but above all, remember that it’s supposed to be fun.
Peak Cycles is the newest Fatback dealer in the area and we already have two of their fatbikes in stock with more bikes and parts on the way! Carefully handcrafted in Alaska, these fully geared fatbikes weigh in under 30 lbs and are ready for whatever wintry race or adventure you can throw at ’em! Hydroformed alloy frames and forks keep weight down and performance up, offering all of the modern high-performance features and lightweight bike parts of a regular race bike, just adapted to fat tires. This isn’t the novelty fatbike of five years ago! Stop by the shop and check them out today! Can’t wait to get into the store? You can purchase the bikes HERE. Jump past the break and see why we’re so excited about these latest arrivals!
The new Fatback with SRAM X01 build. Handbuilt in the USA!
For trail riders seeking the ultimate thrill both up and down the mountain, the S-Works Stumpjumper FSR 29 delivers more than anyone expected. We have a size large in the store right now – come check it out! Here are a few of the features and bike parts you’ll love about this bike:
Delivering the same incredible performance as the 2014 model, the 2013 S-Works Stumpjumper FSR is the best bang for your buck when looking for an all-day trail slayer. Why? Well, it’s on sale! Originally $9,500, this bike is on sale for $6,650… that’s 30% off! We have one size medium and one size large in the store. Here some highlights of the this incredible bike’s features and bike parts:
Featuring 5 inches of travel and moderately relaxed geometry, the Stumpjumper FSR is ready to go fast up and down hill.
How important is managing your training and nutrition in the off-season? Is it a time of cross training, weight training, and core-strength training? Is it a time for the non-competitive or transitional season of your cycling plan? Or, does the off-season mean all fitness and weight control efforts are optional?
You’ve spent most of the year working hard, putting in long hours on the bike, sacrificing ‘bad’ foods to keep your weight down, and done your utmost to get as fit as possible. Surely, that affords you a good rest period; those long training hours must keep your fitness for quite a while, right?
Well, what you do in the off-season can mean the difference between winning and losing during the cycling season. Maintain your fitness just enough to avoid weight gain and you’ll set yourself up for a slow start. But if you use your time off the bike to gain strength, speed and stamina, you’ll power out of the gates when the weather warms up. What can you do to maintain fitness? The obvious answer is to keep training. However, for many people, the off-season will means taking a break. But, with a little help, managing the off-season can be a little easier. Following are 5 +1 bonus fitness apps to help you stay the course.
Lose It! What It Is: Want to drop some pounds? Lose It! users get a customized weight loss plan and then use the app to track food, measure activity levels, and connect with peers for group support to reach their goals. Why It’s Cool: Lose It! can sync up with most of the popular fitness tracking devices and wireless scales on the market. It also has a large food database for easy reference. Cost: Free. Available for iOS, Android, Kindle, and Nook.
Pumping Weight What It Is: Weight training can get complicated, but Pumping Weight helps to make tracking workouts simple with an easy to follow, smooth interface. View your workouts in calendar mode to see the weekly sweat schedule, and record individual reps and sets with their intuitive tracking system. Why It’s Cool: While Pumping Weight keeps things looking simple, the app gives users access to a goldmine of data on their progress. The app graphs strength gains over time and can remind you what muscle groups you’ve been neglecting. Cost: $2.99. Available for iOS.
Strava What It Is: Track bike rides and runs without lifting a finger. Strava lets users upload data from their iPhone, Android, or Garmin, and the app automatically logs workouts in its personal system. Users can then compare their workouts to previous runs and bike rides or see how they fare against other users. Why It’s Cool: This hugely popular app makes it easy to track progress in biking or running, with the option to get a little competitive. Other fancy features include the ability to find the most popular routes in a new location and to record the age of gear and equipment to know when it’s time to get some new stuff. Cost: Free for iOS and Android.
Sleep Cycle What It Is: Waking up is hard enough, but this app makes it a little less traumatic by analyzing users’ sleep patterns and rousing them when they’re in the lightest phase of sleep. Plus users get to go through troves of data showing how well (or poorly) they slept during the night. Why It’s Cool: Most sleep-tracking devices are pretty pricey and involve some fancy headgear. But Sleep Cycle’s just about the app. Users place their smartphones in their beds and the app senses what phase of sleep they’re in based on how much or little they’re moving. Cost: $1.99. Available for iOS.
Cardiio What It Is: Cardiio gives users insight into their health and fitness via one simple tool: heart rate monitoring. The app’s dashboard allows viewers to track their heart rate throughout the day, before and during various activities, and across the course of weeks, months, and years. Why It’s Cool: The app works by what can only be described as “magic” (or, you know, advanced technology). To measure their heart rates, users simply look straight into the front camera of their iPhone (4 or higher) — no chest straps or finger clips involved. The app also analyzes users’ heart rate data, assigns them a fitness level rating, allows them to set personal goals for their resting heart rate, and even estimates potential life expectancy. Cost: $1.99. Available for iOS.
iDrated What it Is: A hydration monitor, water log, drink alarmdesigned to keep users hydrated. The app is easy and simple to use. Thanks to a built-in tutorial, users don’t have to waste their time trying to figure out how to use it. Once launched, users must select either male or female. With the tap and press of a finger anywhere on the screen, users can then begin filling bottles with water to the appropriate amount of water that they just consumed by sliding up or down. Water may be measured in either liters or ounces. Why It’s Cool: The app then tells users how much more they need to drink along with an actual time estimate for when they should drink more water. iDrated keeps track of the current week’s hydration levels, and users earn medals for staying hydrated.
The most impressive feature about this app is the design and layout. Cost: $.99 Availavle for iOs.
What makes a successful cycling season? It is having a good coach? Having a really fast bike? Having the right bike parts for each race or event? According to Mike Ricci, head coach of the 2013 National Champion CU Triathlon Team, it is consistency that pays off. This means consistency in hitting your workouts week in and week out, month in and month out, and year in and year out.
As the 2013 cycling season comes to a close, now is a good time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t work in meeting your goals and objectives this past year. How did training consistency play a part in your success or lack of success this past year? How should you be planning for 2014? And, what other questions should you be asking yourself to improve upon this past year’s performance?
While the year may not be quite over, many are already planning their 2014 race and cycling season. Sure, it’s fun to have lofty new goals, new ambitions, and new venues to fuel your cycling passions through the winter months, but not pausing to reflect on what has recently come to pass is missing a valuable opportunity to make personal gains that only you can make. Personal reflection offers insights to truly optimize your training and racing regimen.
Good times were had this past Monday evening at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop! Women filled the shop to enjoy a fun and relaxing evening while making friends with new riding buddies, shopping for the new cold weather cycling apparel, and talking about our favorite subject – Bikes! We’d like to thank all of our lady cyclist for making the evening a great success.
In case you missed it, here’s what you missed!
Stacy from Specialized talked with us about how bike fit is important. Specialized Bikes focuses on comfort for their riders and use body geometry to design their bike parts, saddles and accessories (even gloves). Good to know!
Next, George Mullen shared with us why a bike fit is so important. With so many different approaches to bike fits, George shared how his goal is to connect people to the bike – not fit the bike to the person! Comfort rules! And, George’s vast experience and approachable nature made it super easy to ask questions. You can get your bike fit questions answered too. In fact, this time of a year is a great time to do a fit consult.
Finally, the evening wouldn’t have been complete without bling! Which road bike caught our eye? The Specialized Ruby – a great road bike. What made it so great? It’s a comfortable ride and a comfortable fit.
Need a visual fix? Check out our pictures on Facebook to get a glimpse of the fun event.
A huge shout out to Shimano, Specialized, Endura and POC for the goodies, raffles, and support. And, tons of cowbell cheer to our Ladies for joining us! Sipping wine, talking bike parts, and making new riding buddies – what more could you want on a Monday night? So, don’t miss the next one! Like us on Facebook, follow on Twitter, and stay connected on Google+.
How to choose winter cycling apparel? It’s hard to know what to wear what to wear when it’s 50 degrees and sunny outside
versus 30 – 35 degrees and cloudy. Winter riding can be a challenge! But, with clothing that is versatile, lightweight, and easy to pack down, you can find a winter cycling wardrobe that works for you.
What to wear in different weather conditions?
Why waterproof and wind resistant clothing matters?
What pieces of cycling apparel are necessities: Shorts? Leggings? Arm warmers? Knee warmers? Scull cap?
When do you wear fleece lined clothing? Base layers?
Depending on the type of ride, the duration of your ride, and the elements, your clothing options make the difference between a suffer fest or a great ride. We can help you at BikeParts.com for your winter clothing needs.
Ladies! Are you looking for riding buddies? Do you have questions on bike parts? Bikes? Or even what is the best cycling apparel to wear for winter riding?
Guess what? You’re in luck! Join us for Ladies Night at Peak Cycles Monday, October 28th at 7PM. We’ll be answering all of those questions and more. All levels and ages are welcome – including our guy friends! We’ve listened to what you have to say and know that when you have riding buddies to ride with, 42% of our lady cyclist say that having people to ride with would encourage them to ride more.
We also know that comfort on the bike is important. And, having confidence in changing a flat or having a little bike mechanical knowledge can go a long way towards getting on the bike for rides a little easier. That’s why we’re hosting Ladies Night at Peak Cycles. We want our lady cyclist to have a great community of friends to ride with – confidently! We’ll answer questions on how to ride smart, what the rules of the road are, what the differences are in mens and ladies bike geometry, what to wear when, and even share some of our favorite rides.
The best part? We’ll have free food and drink, clinics, raffle prizes from Shimano, Specialized, Endura and POC!
Mark your calendars now! Stop by that night of get ahead of the pack and RSVP on Facebook. Either way, Join us for Ladies Night at Peak Cycles in Golden, Monday October 28th at 7PM.
Learn which bike is best for you. Discover the best bike parts and clothing accessories needed for fall and winter riding. Bond with other female cyclist to share your favorite road routes, mountain bike trails, and even plan to ride together. See you soon!
For some cyclists, strength training is a welcomed part of the training process; however, for others, it is a necessary evil. Yet, to avoid injury as well as get stronger on the bike, strength training is becoming a critical aspect of year round training.
With that being said, how should you train year round? Is it a good idea to hit the weights while racing? Are there certain strength training exercises to accompany different aspects of the racing year?
Answering these questions, the post, Year-Round Strength Training for Cyclists states , “one of the main goals with sport-specific strength training is to target your prime movers as well as the assistance muscles that support your prime movers. With proper strength training, each time you press on the pedal, your primary group of muscles (those that take on the majority of the load) will be stronger and have a stronger group of assisting muscles to help produce power. Since you are only as strong as your weakest link, the stronger system you build as a whole, the more potential you have for cycling specific gains.
Another major goal with strength training for cyclists is to train more muscle aerobically. This includes the muscles in your legs and the muscles in your arms and core. The more aerobically trained muscle you have, the more potential you have to clear lactic acid, and the less overall body fatigue you will experience. A weaker core and upper body that fatigues fast will result in poor form and cause you to slow no matter how strong and aerobically trained your legs are.”
From this, we can see the importance of building a stronger core through year round strength training. But what exercises are best for more core strength?
The best way to train all parts of the body is through working with a full range of motion while strength training. A bench press, for example, will only work your arms and shoulders through a fixed range of motion. A great way to gain core strength and work full range of motion with many repetitions and longer durations is through practices that primarily use body weight such as yoga and pilates, for example. Ashtanga and power yoga are styles of yoga that are faster flowing, continuous, and challenging. Yoga is hands down one of the best way to work for aerobic strength gains throughout the entire body. Not only do you focus on many repetitions such as with pushups, squats, and lunges, you work each joint in a full range of motion while doing so, which focuses on core endurance, stability, and flexibility.
In a nutshell, a core group of muscles that fatigues less will allow you to work with increased power ranges for a longer period of time while riding a road bike or mountain bike. With more range of motion, increased flexibility, and a stronger core, you will not only feel better before, during and after each workout, you will be slightly more productive as well. The time you spend working on it now will greatly pay off throughout the entire year.
Specialized Epic Expert- Carbon, 2013 Size Medium. Sale price $4,500!
When does bike sale season start?
NOW!
It’s that time of the year when bikes, cycling apparel, bike parts, cycling gear all go on sale across the country. If you think redlining off the line at a race gets your heart rate going, you better think again. We’ve got some crazy, hot mountain bike sales going on at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop – a surefire way to get your adrenaline pumping.
Deal #1 – We are selling our demo bikes! There are some great deals to be had on Stumpjumpers, Cambers, Epics, and so many more. Stop by to take one out for a test ride now while the weather is still good and the trails are snow free!
Deal #2 – The HOT deal
This could be your new racing machine. Specialized Epic Expert- Carbon, 2013 Size Medium. It is priced at $4,500 a whopping discount off the regular price of $6000! We also have the exact same bike as a demo for $4200. Stop by and test it before it’s gone!
What if you aren’t in the market for a new bike? Guess what? Our daily deals offer ongoing specials for your to cash in on. Specials range from deals on bike parts, tires, shoes, pedals, lights, and all kinds of cycling accessories. To cash in on these deals, follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.
Bonus deal – On sale now! While supplies last!! Garmin Forerunner 910XT Get ’em while they’re hot!
As the seasons change, the Colorado mountain colors explode into a vibrant mix of autumn hues. What better way to enjoy the brisk temperatures and vibrant colors of the leaves turning than from the view of mountain bike or road bike? The added bonus is maintaining fitness through the fall and even building it well into the winter months.
In our recent BikeParts.com post, Cross Racing in Colorado 2013 we suggest cyclocross as a means for staying active yet enjoying the fall cycling season. In fact, across the Front Range and the entire state of Colorado, there are a variety of cyclocross races to test your fitness and take your cycling to another level. You might be wondering what bike parts you might need for this particular style of racing. Due to the nature of these events, you can show up on practically any bike (cyclocross, mountain bike, hybrid, road bike). Yet, because of the variety of terrain, obstacles, weather conditions and short course and race duration, you can expect to replace cycling accessories and bike parts on a more frequent basis.
Another option for enjoying the fall leaves and gaining fitness is bike commuting. While it is not as strenuous as cyclocross racing, it is a chance to enjoy cooler temperatures, view the changing colors of the leaves, and reinvigorate your spirits with the freedom riding a bike inspires. Because of the recent flooding in Colorado, there’s a few things to keep in mind for your commute:
A good route. Make sure your route is open! Learn how to pick a route you like. Google maps for cycling is a good option.
Lights. Days are getting shorter. Have a set of small, modern LED lights on hand in case you get stuck at the office.
A good helmet. Just because bike commuting isn’t as strenuous doesn’t mean you don’t need to be safe. Wear a bike helmet.
A repair kit. It’s good to carry a small multi-tool, a patch kit, a small pump, and a spare tube for those inevitable roadside repairs.
A lock. Invest in a quality lock and use it wisely.
A way to carry things. This could be as simple as a messenger bag or as elaborate as a set of touring panniers.
Whether you are enjoying the vibrant mix of autumn hues from a scenic country road, a bike path, or a cyclocross race course, fall bike rides in Colorado are the best way to get up close and personal with the season’s colors while filling up their lungs with crisp Colorado air.
For many competitive cyclist, the summer racing season has come to an end. While many transition towards casual, recreational riding to finish out the season, others opt for the fast, heart throbbing racing that cyclocross season offers.
True to form in Colorado, the autumn days are upon us and soon to be replaced with colder temperatures and less favorable riding conditions. Namely, wet, cold, and mud. Perfectly tuned conditions to what racers love about cyclocross racing.
But, how can racing in the cold, wet, and mud be fun? The trick is dressing for success. Here’s how.
Leading up to your race, it’s important to stay dry. Yet, during your race, keeping your hands and feet warm are critical. At BikeParts.com, we offer a fully array of cold weather gloves and booties and shoe covers to keep your hands and feet warm. If you tend to have cold feet, opting for warmer socks may help too.
While hard core racers opt to keep their clothing to a minimum, others opt for a few extra comforts including knee warmers, arm warmers, and hats.
Once you have finished your race, it’s important to get undressed and get warm. You may consider bringing a few trash bags to stow your cycling kit, cycling shoes, helmet, gloves, socks, and anything else that is soaked and muddy. Also, it’s also a good idea to have on hand your favorite post race nutritional product.
Cyclocross racing in the colder temps of Colorado can keep your fitness sharp and be a ton of fun. The trick is dressing for success!
While the cross country mountain bike and road bike race seasons may be winding down, the cyclocross race season is heating up. And, it’s not just heating up in Colorado but across the nation.
According to USA Cycling, cyclocross is the fastest growing field in cycling. Why? For starters, it’s fun! It is accessible with a ton of races, and it is by far, the ultimate specter sport.
Across the Front Range and the entire state of Colorado, there are a variety of cyclocross races to test your fitness and take your cycling to another level. You might be wondering what bike parts you might need for this particular style of racing. Due to the nature of these events, you can show up on practically any bike (cyclocross, mountain bike, hybrid, road bike). Yet, because of the variety of terrain, obstacles, weather conditions and short course and race duration, you can expect to replace cycling accessories and bike parts on a more frequent basis. No worries! We’ve got you covered! A little planning goes a long way. First, set your goals on the races you’d like to do.
In our own backyard of Golden, Colorado, we have the Back to Basics Cyclocross Series. Weekly practices on Wednesdays, September12 – October 17, take place at the Lookout Mountain Youth Center and cost $15 each, or $65 for the six-race series. Choose to enter one of four loosely defined categories based on your gender, how hard you want to race, and whether you’re planning to ride a singlespeed or not.
In other areas of Colorado, there are other cyclocross races to plan:
Boulder Cyclocross Series – September 16, 22, October 20, November 17, December 8
Frisco Cross September 29 • Fricso
Monarch High Cyclocross October 7 • Louisville
The New Belgium CUP October 13-14 • Fort Collins
Boulder Cup October 28 • Boulder
Cross of the North December 15-16 • Loveland
Colorado Cross Cup Challenge presented by BRAC.
So what’s stopping you? Plan your cyclocross season now, order your bike parts at bikeparts.com and grab your cow bell! See you at the races!
In its first year, Peak Cycles gravity race team took 2nd overall in the Winter Park Trestle Gravity Series! We’re super proud of our racers as they finished ahead of many long-established teams!
What make them so successful? Of course, their awesome handling skills and great talent. But, we also have to tip our hat to the great mtb bikes and bike parts that help them race their best. You can spot our racers sporting the best helmets to keep those noggin’s safe.
And of course, there’s those super fast yet grippy tires and safe pedals needed for downhill action
Guess who is rocking the coolest bikes, the best bike parts, and crushing it in Colorado’s toughest mountain bike races?
You guessed it – Peak Cycles Racers!
We’re super proud of team riders Joshua Murdock and Weston Burcar who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in the overall Epic Singletrack Series at Winter Park! The Winter Park Epic Singletrack Series is a 6 series race with varying terrain, distances, and technical challenges. Navigating those challenging races takes skills, talent, and of course, good ‘ole reliable bike parts.
Congrats to all of our racers!
At BikeParts.com, we do all we can to support our competitive and non completive athletes. And while our racers can tell you, racing takes its toll on themselves as athletes, but also on their bikes. As we’re nearing the end of the XC and endurance mtb racing season, many are shifting their focus to the cyclocross season and to getting in as many good, long rides before we start seeing much cooler temps.
Good reminders for any race or ride includes starting your ride with a clean and lubricated chain, well lubed derailleurs, brake pads that are in good shape andtires have the appropriate air pressure. Stop by the Peak Cycles BIcycle shop to pick up any road parts or mtb parts you may need. Don’t forget to high five our racers!
The 3rd Annual US Pro Cycling Challenge is well underway in Colorado. Being that Peak Cycles in Golden, Colorado participated in the first two years of the race, we’ve had a chance to field many of the questions asked by fans and sports enthusiast. In fact, just the other day, our friends, Team Jelly Belly were in the shop!
Pro rider’s bikes are a hot conversation topic. Many are curious as to what the pro’s are riding and what they can do to their own bikes to gain the advantages that the pro riders seem to have. Following are few favorite questions:
How much does a pro’s bike weigh? Typically, a road bicycle that the USA Pro Cycling Challenge participants race on will weigh around 15 pounds. You might be wondering, “What does a 15 pound bike feel like?” Light! See for yourself. We have a variety of road bikes and mountain bikes in the shop to try out for feel. You’d be surprised what a difference a lighter bike makes in climbing.
What makes the bikes so light? The bike frames in and of themselves are made of lightweight materials but having light weight bike parts and bike accessories keeps the bike light in addition to the light weight frame. For our customers, it’s easy to swap out older bike components with newer, lighter bike parts. Granted, it’s not the same as riding a pro riders bike, but every reduction in bike weight means you have the opportunity to go faster.
Where have the professional riders raced in Golden, Colorado and can I ride there? The last two years of the US Pro Cycling Challenge had racers ride through downtown Golden and up through Lookout Mountain. This year, if you are visiting Stage 6 Loveland – Fort Collins or heading over to Stage 7 Denver, stop by Peak Cycles bike shop and we’ll be happy to tell you the route.
We’re loving the good cycling vibe that the US Pro Cycling Challenge brings to our state. Good luck to all racing the ProCycling Challenge!
When the clocks change and the nights draw in, cyclists have a decision to make: get in the groove with night riding and embrace the darkness. Or, hang up the wheels and miss out on hours of glorious saddle time.
Posted by staffwriter8 
For some cyclists, strength training is a welcomed part of the training process; however, for others, it is a necessary evil. Yet, to avoid injury as well as get stronger on the bike, strength training is becoming a critical aspect of year round training.
For many competitive cyclist, the summer racing season has come to an end. While many transition towards casual, recreational riding to finish out the season, others opt for the fast, heart throbbing racing that cyclocross season offers.
The 3rd Annual US Pro Cycling Challenge is well underway in Colorado. Being that Peak Cycles in Golden, Colorado participated in the first two years of the race, we’ve had a chance to field many of the questions asked by fans and sports enthusiast. In fact, just the other day, our friends, 
Peak Cycles - BikeParts.com Blog 