Looking to enhance your cornering game? That makes two of us! Whether you are trying to shave seconds off your PR or just looking to feel more confident in the corners, these tips from 5 Time World Cup Champion Aaron Gwin will help take your cornering confidence to the next level. Be sure to take it slow and build on these foundational elements over time. Using the correct body position when cornering may feel awkward at first but will pay dividends in the long run.
Keeping Your Head and Chest Square Over the Bike
Imagine sliding across a hardwood floor in socks. You can do this by being light on your feet. The harder you press into the ground the less you glide, right? The same goes for mountain biking. Being light on your tires is how you wash out, downward pressure is how you get traction. So how do you generate downward pressure in a corner? Keeping your head and chest square over the bike will generate the maximum amount of downward pressure on your tires. This is how you can prevent the bike from washing out from under you.
Dropping The Outside Foot
Again, this is all about traction. When you drop the outside foot, it shifts your weight to the outside pedal. Doing this increases the downward pressure you are putting on the bike the same way your square body positioning does. The outside pedal keeps the weight on top of the bike, while the inside pedal pushes the weight laterally. Dropping your outside foot in flat corners is extremely helpful, but is less necessary in a berm or rut.
Cornering Drills
Later in the video, Aaron provides a few cornering drills to help practice body positioning techniques. Luckily, you don’t need to drive over to a trail to practice these drills, just a parking lot or patch of dirt will do fine! Good luck out there and let us know in the comments below if you found these tips and drills helpful for your cornering abilities.
The Liv Embolden has been one of the most popular mountain bikes in the lineup since it launched in 2016. Until recently, this bike was only available with 27.5″ wheels but now Liv has added a 29″ wheel option to the mix.
This brand new 29″ version of the Embolden has 120mm of rear travel using a FlexPoint Suspension design with a 130mm fork up front. The 27.5-inch wheel models are available in XS, S and M, and 29-inch wheel models are available in S, M, and L. This bike packs a ton of value and performance at its price point. The Embolden 1 is $2,250 USD and the Embolden 2 is $1,800 USD.
Details
• 120mm (rear) / 130mm (front)
• 67-degree head tube angle (29″)
• 27.5 and 29″ options
• ALUXX-Grade Aluminum frame
• FlexPoint Suspension design
• Sizes: XS, S, M (27.5″) + S, M, L (29)
• MSRP: $1,800 – $2,250 USD
All models come with dropper posts, tubeless-ready wheels, a Liv Sylvia trail saddle, 1x drivetrain, and a 35mm handlebar and stem setup. Stay tuned for when we will be getting these in stock at Peak Cycles!
Thinking about tinkering with your bike? Check out this video from Trek and SRAM where they show master mechanic, Sean Murphy, of Fluid Function in Squamish, B.C. assembling one of the two builds Brandon Semenuk used during Red Bull Rampage where he was crowned with a 4th championship title.
Single crown fork at Rampage?
With big travel and big trick potential, his custom 27.5 / 26 mulleted Trek Session was set up with a one-of-a-kind BlackBox AXS drivetrain, and a 190mm single crown RockShox ZEB Ultimate. Master mechanic, Sean Murphy, of Fluid Function in Squamish, B.C. assembled one of his two builds that he rode at Red Bull Rampage. The use of the single crown fork gave Semenuk the competitive advantage to unlock tricks that are impossible with a double crown fork.
Frame: Custom built Trek Session 27.5″ / 26″ Mullet
Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate DH with MegNeg air can | 270 PSI, 4.5 tokens in Positive, 2 Bands in Negative, Rebound 5 clicks to closed, LSC 9 clicks to closed.
Front Brake: SRAM Code RSC | Routed through Zeb steerer tube.
Rear Brake: SRAM Code RSC | Extra long brake hose for 3 full rotations of handlebars.
What do you think of Brandon’s Red Bull Rampage build for 2021? It worked well enough for him to take an unprecedented 4th win at Rampage. Will we see other riders make the switch to single crown forks next year? Only time will tell.
Commuting by bike can be a big step towards a healthier lifestyle that’s better for the environment and friendly on your wallet. With a bike, you can commute distances that would be totally impractical on foot. You aren’t constrained to bus or train schedules, and there are no fees or tolls to get you where you want to go. A bike is obviously much cheaper to purchase than a car, but a bike’s only required fuel is burned calories.
The hardest part about bike commuting is just getting started, so with the help of a few ideas from Liv Cycling, here are 5 tips to help you begin the journey of bike commuting.
1. You Can Commute On Any Bike
Fear not, whatever bike you have will likely do the trick for commuting. Often times it is better to have a cheaper bike that wouldn’t be a huge loss if it was stolen. But, if you’re looking to purchase a new bike specifically for commuting there are a few things to consider.
How far will you be riding and how fast do you want/need to get there?
Will you have to lift your bike or carry it up stairs?
Will you be riding on rough roads or off-roading?
Are you going to be climbing hills or is your commute relatively flat?
Will you be riding in rain and snow?
Are you a confident cyclist?
What is your current fitness level?
Road/ Hybrid bikes: For long-distance commutes that might involve lifting your bike and carrying it up stairs, road or hybrid bikes are a great option if you are riding on paved surfaces.
Gravel or Mountain bikes: Bikes with wider, knobby tires can be beneficial for commutes that involve rough roads, unpaved bike paths, or nasty weather conditions. Sometimes, a suspension fork can make your commute more comfortable.
E-bikes: If you’re looking to get where you’re going faster and have the ability to choose how much of a workout you’re in for, E-bikes are a great option. They are also a great option if you will be hauling a heavy load, such as doing grocery shopping or towing the kids in a trailer. An E-bike might not be the best option if you must carry your bike at any point in your commute (up stairs at the office or to your apartment).
Used Bikes: You don’t have to purchase a new bike to start commuting. Check out the local used bike listings and secondhand stores, chances are there is a bike that can get you from A to B. If buying used, do make sure the bike fits you and is in decent working condition. An ill-fitting bike that is constantly breaking down isn’t very motivating and it could make you late for work!
2. Be safe and prepared.
Any time you jump on a bike, make sure you and your bike can be seen and you’re equipped for what could go wrong.
Be aware of the local laws in your community. Bikes are sometimes required to have front and rear lights to ride on the road. Regardless, it’s always a good idea to have lights if you are riding on the road with cars.
Know the rules of the road and practice safe bike handling techniques, like using hand signals.
Use a bell when riding in the city and on multi-use bike paths.
Carry a spare tube, patch kit, pump, multi tool, and the knowledge of how to use them. Gettin a flat tires is always a possibility.
With regular maintenance, you can keep your bike running great for your daily commute. Plan a trip to your Peak Cycles for a service.
3. Any clothes can be biking clothes.
You don’t have to look like you’re riding the Tour De France on your bike commute. If you feel comfortable and your clothing is not impairing your ability to ride a bike, you’re good to go. That said, there are a couple things you might want to consider when preparing for bike commuting.
Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing near any part of the bike that moves (like the gears and wheels). Secure wide-leg pants with a strap or by rolling up the pant leg. Watch out for loose scarves or long jackets.
Dress in layers. Sometimes the temperature when you arrive to where you are going can be different than when you left, plus you may work up a sweat!
If you plan on commuting by bike in wet conditions, rain pants, waterproof shoes, rain jacket, and waterproof bags would be a smart investment.
When biking to work, consider bringing a change of clothes or even stashing some work-appropriate attire at the office.
4. Find a way to carry your stuff.
When commuting by bike, you can pack your gear on your bike, your body, or both. It all depends on how much you’re hauling and what kind of bike you have. Some bikes, like gravel bikes and hybrids, have mounts for racks that can help you haul your bags. Other bikes may not have as many options. When choosing a way to carry your gear, make sure any bag you carry on your body fits snug and does not move around while riding. Waterproof bags are a good choice if you plan on commuting in a variety of weather conditions.
5. Lock your bike.
You can never 100 percent prevent your bike from being stolen. However, you can take steps to help reduce the risk of it being stolen.
Be thoughtful about the location. Lock your bike to an object that cannot be cut or moved and make sure the area is well-lit.
Remove all accessories from your bike that are not locked to it.
Get a good lock. Most bike locks have ratings, check them out and get something you are comfortable with.
If your wheels and seat post are quick release, get a locking skewer and collar or lock your wheels separately with a cable lock and remove your saddle.
If your bike cannot be easily replaced, don’t leave it out of your sight.
We are selling a select number of our hybrid bikes rental bikes for $175 each. On the Men’s side, we have the Giant Escape 2 in size Large and XL. On the Women’s side, we have the LIV Alight 2 in Extra Small, Small, and Medium. While supplies last!
Giant Escape 2 – Size Large and XLLIV Alight 2 – XS, Small, and MediumLIV Alight 2 – XS, Small, and Medium
This just in from COMBA, construction has begun on Phase 1 of the Virginia Canyon Mountain Park in Idaho Springs. With an expected opening in Spring 2022, Phase 1 will establish the main multi-use trail and a hiking spur to one of the Peak Overlooks at 8,400′ feet. This multi-use trail will be for ascending only, while the next two phases will bring the top-to-bottom mountain bike descents. Nearly 4-miles of trails will be built during this Phase, creating access from the Argo Mine and allowing riders to connect directly to the Clear Creek Greenway Trail.
The Virginia Canyon Mountain Park encompasses 400 acres and is located just north of Idaho Springs, above the iconic Argo Mine and Mill which can be seen from I-70. The terrain is steep and rugged, providing a great landscape for this new trail network. COMBA has approximately 12 miles of trail planned, with a combination of multi-use, hiker-only, and bike-only directional options. Most of the trails will be rated blue and black, with some double-black technical trail features on the more advanced lines.
The fundraising process is ongoing for phases two and three. Funds raised by the community will help not only with construction but also assist the City of Idaho Springs in acquiring matching grants. You can learn more about this project, here. Looking for some mountain bike trails locally in Golden? Check out this article here.
Are you the DIY type and looking to take care of your own lower-leg fork service? While this job isn’t easy by any standard, if you have the right tools it is doable. Keeping up on this service will keep your fork feeling good and help prolong the life and overall performance. This video from Pinkbike does a great job of breaking down how to do get the job done and check out our list of essential items you will need to tackle this job at home. Let us know if you decide to take on this job yourself in the comment section below! If you decide that leaving it to a professional is for the best, we don’t blame you. Check out Dirtlabs for all of your suspension and dropper post-service needs, and just in case you didn’t know, we are an Authorized Dirtlabs Drop Off Location.
“The Giant Trance 29 3 is an excellent trail bike, and our Top Pick for Short Travel in this price range. This 29er may only have 115mm of rear-wheel travel paired with a 130mm fork, but that doesn’t slow this bike down. In fact, this playful and lively ripper is a quick climber and downhill shredder. The Trance 29 is a new breed of shorter travel bikes with modern geometries, this bike is only limited by its modest travel numbers. This quick-witted ride is reasonably lightweight with a nice build for the price. If you’re looking for a versatile and well-rounded short travel rig for ripping the local trails, consider the Trance 29 3.”
How It Stacked Up Against The Competition
The Trance 29 3 scored an 83/100 on Outdoor Gear Lab’s overall score. Compared to other bikes in the same category and price range, it ranked number two falling just shy of the Polygon Siskiu T8. We were impressed to see the Trance 29 3 scored higher than other brand-name bikes like the Kona Process 134 29 and Trek Fuel EX5. It also seemed to impress the reviewers. They described the bike as having an “energetic playful feel, lighter weight, 12-speed drivetrain, and modern trail bike geometry.” Giant has come a long way in recent years in terms of its high-performance bikes, and the Trance 29 3 is no exception.
Test Ride The Giant Trance 29 3
At Peak Cycles, we know it’s hard to decide on the right bike. That is why we offer test rides at our shop in Golden Colorado. Take the bike out for a spin to test out the suspension, the fit, and overall feel. A test ride goes a long way to making sure it’s the right bike for you. When you know, you know! We have the Trance 29 3 in stock in a variety of sizes and colors, but inventory is starting to dry up. Come check one out now before they are gone for good.
If you are like most of us, you know what it feels like to have a saddle that just doesn’t sit right with you. You know, one that rubs you the wrong way? Maybe you don’t like the one that came on your bike or maybe you might just be curious as to what goes into picking a saddle. While there is no straightforward answer to this question, there are a few guidelines to help get you there. Here are our three tips for finding the perfect saddle.
Shop for saddles from brands like Prologo, WTB, and Ergon here.
What Type Of Bike Is It For?
Most saddles are designed for a specific type of bike because each riding discipline has a varying set of demands. Road cyclists might want a saddle that is stiff and lightweight while a bike commuter might want one that is cushy and comfortable. The difference between saddles can be so different that some brands focus on only one type of riding. Take WTB for example, which only makes saddles for mountain biking. So, start with the type of bike and discipline you are going to be doing and then go from there.
Find The Right Shape
Often the shape of the saddle is determined by the type of riding it was intended for. Mountain bike saddles are designed with a flatter profile, which makes it’s easy to slide on and off the back. Also, most mountain bikers sit in an upright position, so the padding and cutouts are placed with that in mind. As for road biking, riders are usually bent forward so the cutouts and padding are placed to better support that type of position. Road saddles also have a slightly curved profile which helps keep you from sliding back and forth. We won’t lie. The best way to find the right saddle is by sitting on it, but it’s possible to find the right one online. Use your imagination when looking at each saddle and visualize if the shape will work for you.
Know Your Sit Bone Measurement
Most people don’t know that saddles actually come in different widths. The width of your saddle might come in a standard measurement like medium or large. Often times though, the saddle width will be measured in millimeters. The right saddle width for you depends on the distance between the points of your sit bones. These are the bones that support you on the saddle. Generally speaking, men have sit bones between 100mm – 140mm wide and women range between 110mm – 150mm. You can measure your sit bones at home or come visit us at Peak Cycles and we can do it for you. By knowing your sit bone measurement, you can really start to hone in on the perfect saddle for you.
Hopefully, these tips will help guide you to a more comfortable ride. For those riders who really want to get into the finer details, a bike fitter is the next best step for maximizing your comfort and performance on the bike. To learn more about our in-house bike fitter, click here.
Stretching before and after cycling is one of the best ways to prevent injury and increase mobility. While it may be tempting to lay on the couch after a long and grueling ride, stretching will pay dividends in the long run for your overall health and cycling performance. If you are interested in knowing some of the best stretches that will target the muscle groups used in cycling, you’re in the right place. According to an article from bikeradar.com, these are some of the best stretches you can incorporate into your routine. If you are going to perform these stretches before a ride, be sure to warm up for about 4 to 5 minutes before.
Calf Stretch
Photo by Lauren Dangles.
To perform a calf stretch, start by standing in front of a wall with your toes pointing forward. Extend your arms in front of you and place your hands against the wall at shoulder height. Bring one leg behind you and place your foot flat on the floor.
Slowly lean forward over your front leg, keep your back knee straight, and your heel flat on the floor. You should feel this stretch in your calf. Hold for a few seconds on each side then switch.
Downward Dog
Photo by Lauren Dangles.
Downward dogs are a fantastic stretch to loosen up the hamstrings, but the benefits don’t stop there. This stretch will lengthen and release tension in your back, engage your core, and help activate your shoulder muscles too. Most people will aim to have their heels planted in the ground but if your hamstrings are tight like mine, touching the heels to the ground can be achieved by a slight bend in the knees.
Quad Stretch
Photo by Lauren Dangles.
This quad stretch is a great way to undo hours of being hunched over on your bicycle. This stretch will help open up your quad muscles, hips, chest, and shoulders. Start by taking a knee on your right leg and leaning into your right hip. To increase the intensity of the stretch in your quad, you can lift your back foot or prop it against a wall. Make sure to breathe and ease into this stretch as your quad muscles loosen up.
Figure Four
Photo by Lauren Dangles.
Figure four is a great stretch for addressing tight hips and glutes. To do this stretch lie on your back with your knees bent and both feet planted flat on the floor. Place your left ankle over your right knee and then bring your right leg close to your chest. Thread your arms between your legs and interlace your fingers behind your right leg. Pull your right knee toward your chest, pausing when you feel a stretch in your right glute and hip. Hold there for a few seconds then release and repeat on the opposite side.
Side Lying T Stretch
Photo by Lauren Dangles.
Lie on your right side with your arm out in front of you and knees bent at a 90-degree angle. While keeping your right arm on the ground and legs squeezed together, bring your left arm up and over your body while keeping your gaze fixed on this arm. As you open up your chest and rotate your torso to the left, try to touch your arm down on the floor behind you. In this position, your upper body will form a “T” shape. If you can’t reach the floor, go as far as your body will allow and hold for a few seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat for a few repetitions, then switch sides and repeat.
We hope this article was helpful and that you learned some new stretches to incorporate into your cycling routine. Happy cycling!
“A video on how to best use your feet to increase braking performance and safety on the trail. This might feel a little strange at first but be patient. Remember, the steeper the trail and harder you brake, the more dropping your heels will help. If you are not braking very hard or on a flat trail, you do not need to drop your heels as far. Hope this helps!” – Aaron Gwin
Mountain bikes tires don’t just come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They also come in different treads, casings, and rubber compounds. These various combinations are used to create tires for specific trail conditions and riding styles. Specialized has developed their own rating system for tread compounds, similar to the Maxxis MaxxTerra, MaxxGrip, and MaxxRace.
Tire compounds are important because they play a major part in the feel of your bike. Tire engineers combine hundreds of ingredients to create different compounds with precise hardness, elasticity, durability, and rebound. At Specialized, these compounds are separated into different T ratings for the level varying levels of damping and grip.
T5
The T5 tread compound is highly durable, has low rolling resistance, and is a great option for cross country racing. Tires that have the T5 compound include the Renegade and Fast Trak which come stock on bikes like the Epic and Chisel. If speed is the priority, look for the T5 compound.
T7
T7 is the standard trail tread compound for Specialized. It has low rebound and low hardness which makes for a grippy and supple feel while maintaining durability. This tread compound can be found on popular models like the Eliminator and Purgatory and is a great option for trail and enduro style riding. A T7 used in the rear with a T9 in the front makes for a great combination, too!
T9
Specialized developed the T9 tread compound for those riding the gnarliest terrain, where grip is essential. This compound can be found on the Hillbilly and Butcher. While it excels in the grip category, it is lacking in durability and speed. Rocky terrain will wear this tread out quickly, so we recommend this for tread compound for loamy and softer trails.
T5/T7/T9 Combinations
Certain tires like the Fast Trak and Eliminator come with a combination of tread compounds like T5/T7 and T7/T9. These tires use a faster rolling compound center tread and grippier compound shoulder lugs, for a combination of speed, durability, and cornering traction.
Time may be dwindling to finish all of your holiday shopping, but there is still plenty to choose from here at Peak Cycles. Skip the long lines at big-box retailers and avoid the possibility of shipping delays by shopping local at your favorite local bike shop. After a year and a half of supply chain issues and low inventory, we are excited to be finally filling our racks with new road bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes, and kids’ bikes! In addition to these new rides, we have plenty of cycling apparel, protective gear, components, and stocking stuffers to get all of your Christmas shopping done in one place.
Nothing Says Christmas Like A New Bike
It’s been a crazy year and a half for the cycling world. Many of the most anticipated bikes of the year have been delayed due to supply chain issues and shipping delays but the wait is over. We have some of the hottest bikes on the market here at Peak Cycles, like the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO. We also have bikes like the budget-friendly Giant Stance and a new shipment of Specialized Rip Rock kid’s bikes. Call the shop for availability or come give us a visit in person!
Gifts For Any Price Point
Last Christmas we wrote an article Christmas Gifts For Any Budget, so be sure to read that for a breakdown of gifts by cost. It can be challenging to choose gifts for a cyclist, especially because there is a lot of personal taste and preference to factor in. There are some safe bets that remove the element of personal preference like lift tickets to the bike park, a bike fit from a professional fitter, or a gift card! If it’s been a while since their bike has been to the shop, a tuneup from a bike shop can be a gift that feels good and has utility!
Stocking Stuffers
Looking for some odds and ends to stuff into a stocking? We have plenty! Tubes, chain lube, multi-tools, nutrition, water bottles, and gift cards just to name a few. Our staff of expert cyclists will help you pick out all of the essentials for the cyclist in your life. If you would prefer to shop online, check out http://www.bikeparts.com, and if you are local to the Golden area choose free in-store pickup for the fastest and cheapest way to get your gifts!
Plenty of riders are ditching their backpacks for a more comfortable option they can strap around their waist. Yes, the fanny pack has taken the mountain biking world by storm. But why? Well, there is quite a bit of stuff to carry when venturing out for a ride. Spare tubes, extra layers, snacks, water, and a multi-tool are all pretty common items that are usually brought along. The backpack was a standard option for a lot of riders and for good reason, they have a ton of space. Anyone who has ridden with a backpack knows how hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable they can be. To the point that many choose to ride without a backpack at all, risking being unprepared for the price of comfort. The fanny pack briges the gap between carrying nothing and wearing a backpack.
What Are The Benefits Of A Fanny Pack?
There are many reasons to jump on the fanny pack train, but the top benefits are comfort, utility, and performance. Wearing a fanny pack will shift the weight off of your back and shoulders down to your hips. The lower center of gravity helps with balance on your bike and will help keep your back from getting fatigued. One of the big downsides of wearing a backpack is how sweaty things get on your back. We will say that there has been major improvements in backpack ventilation, but having said that, it is really hard to beat having nothing on your back. With a fanny pack you get of the benefits of carrying stuff without the discomfort or sweatiness.
Should I Ride With A Fanny Pack?
Depending on how much you normally bring on a ride, wearing a fanny pack might be a great option. This is especially if you have a Specialized SWAT Door, but if your bike can’t store a Chipotle burrito in your downtube, fear not. There are plenty of options for on bike storage that you can purchase after market and they won’t break the bank. The EDC Lite Tool from OneUp, the Lezyne Bar End Kit, or a simple frame strap are all examples of ways to stash stuff directly on your bike. Wait, I thought this article was about fanny packs? The more stuff you can get on your bike, the less you need to carry, and the more viable a fanny pack becomes.
Get A Fanny Pack
We can’t deny that riding with nothing on your body, other than clothes, pads, and a helmet, feels amazing. As the old saying goes, better safe than sorry, so it’s probably worth bringing along that spare tube or extra layer on your ride. With the widespread ability to stash more and more things on your bike, a fanny back is more than enough to carry everything you need.
The Stumpjumper EVO Elite Alloy is a new bike in the Specialized lineup, and it’s paying homage to mountain biking roots. While the trend has certainly been towards carbon fiber, aluminum still has its time and place, especially when it comes to cost. Specialized was able to add some serious value to the EVO Elite Alloy with the suspension aficionado in mind. This build also features the same adjustable head tube angle, 150mm of travel, the adaptability of S-Sizing, and SWAT™ Door integration as the more spendy carbon version.
What Sets The EVO Elite Alloy Apart?
As mentioned before, this build packs in a ton of value when it comes to the suspension package. Featuring a FOX Factory Series 36 fork and FLOAT DPX2 Factory shock, the total value on just the suspension alone is over $1600. The FOX Factory Series is designed to exceed the demands of pro-level riders and feature that slippery smooth, ultra-durable Genuine Kashima Coat. As mentioned earlier, this build comes with many of the same features as its carbon counterpart, our favorite being the SWAT™ Door integration. You’ll never need to wear a backpack again, maybe just an EVOC hip bag.
Who Is The Stumpy EVO Elite Alloy For?
As cliche as it sounds, the Stumpy EVO Elite Alloy is really a do it all bike. It climbs and descends and is best suited for enduro-style riders who are going to pedal all the way up and then descend all the way down. It would be able to handle the bike park, shuttle laps, the whole enchilada, white ranch, enchanted forest, and more. For those who want a bike they can climb but won’t hold them back on the descent, the Stumpy EVO Elite is it. If you geek out over suspension, then look no further than the Stumpjumper EVO Elite Alloy.
Why Chose The Stump EVO Elite Alloy
This bike is for the enduro rider who does not want to compromise when it comes to suspension. It’s a bike for the person that wants all of the latest features common on today’s mountain bikes including adjustable geometry, integrated bike storage, sleek internal cable routing, a 12-speed drive train, etc. We think the combination of these features makes for a kick *** mountain bike at a reasonable price point. Act soon though, there is only one left in stock! Call the shop today for availability.
Knowing when it’s time to replace bicycle tires can puzzle even the seasoned cyclist. While there is no short answer for when it’s time to change them out, there are several signs to look for that indicate it’s time for fresh rubber. Keeping tires in good shape is important for a variety of factors including safety, traction, and reliability. Plus, a worn tire is more likely to flat or puncture and who likes that?
Worn Tire Tread
This is the most obvious way to tell if it’s time for a new tire. Missing tread from the center of the tire is a good indicator that it’s time to replace it. This is more obvious on mountain bike tires which have big knobby tread that will turn smooth over time. Road bike tires on the other hand might feature a wear indicator, which makes it easy to know when it’s time to replace them. Oftentimes, the rear tire first will wear out first. If that’s the case, you can get away with replacing only one tire. We recommend moving the front tire to the back, so long as it’s still in good shape. Then put your new tire on the front wheel and call it good until the rear tire wears out again!
Flat Spots
Flat spots are more of an issue with road bike tires, which are smooth all the way around. This usually happens from locking the brakes and skidding the tire. We know you would never do that, but your friend might have! Flat spots can cause issues at higher speeds or in corners. If a tire has noticeable flat spots, it’s worth replacing.
Gashes, Cuts, and Holes
You may notice holes and gashes in your tires, especially on a road bike. This is due to all the crud and debris on roadways. Naturally will happen slowly break down the tire over time. This type of wear is harder to see on mountain bike tires but usually results in a flat tire. Lots of visible gashes, cuts, or holes in a tire are a good sign that it’s time for a new tire. Any gashes or cuts in the sidewall of the tire should be replaced with a new tire immediately!
Cracked Rubber
Most tire wear usually comes from normal wear and tear, but cracked rubber is usually a sign of a tire that’s too old. If a bike is left out for years in the garage it is probably a good idea to replace the tires. Cracked rubber is bound to fail eventually and present a safety hazard. Get it replaced!
Worn Casing and Constant Flats
The casing of a tire is what holds it all together, sort of like rebar in concrete. A tire that’s past its shelf life will start to show the casing. Depending on the type of tire, this can look like white threads or wires. Another tell-tale sign of worn casing can be constant flats caused by wires poking through the tube. Time for new tires!
We hope this article was useful in helping you determine whether or not it’s time for new tires on your bike. Browse our selection online or visit us in-store at Peak Cycles to shop for the latest tire technology on the market.
Oveja Negra is a Colorado-based company that manufactures top-of-the-line bike bags with fun colors and bomber USA sourced materials. They are a rider-owned and operated business with a total of 16 employees, 20 sewing machines, and all of the manufacturing happening right in Salida, Colorado.
The company started making bags in 2012 in a 300 square foot shop up in Leadville but has since moved its operations down to Salida. They are committed to supporting US manufacturing and reducing their environmental impact, sourcing over 90% of raw materials from domestic suppliers. If you have never seen one of their bags, they are fun, functional, and designed to last a long time. The quality and attention to detail in every bag are obvious!
Who is Oveja Negra for? While they are most certainly designed with the bikepacker in mind, these bags are useful for anyone who wants to carry stuff on their bike. Bike commuters, townie bikes, kids, mountain bikers, etc can all benefit from an Oveja Negra bag. Some of our favorite bags here at Peak Cycles are the Snack Pack and the Super Wedgie frame bag. Whether it’s a mission to ride the continental divide or a daily commute on the Cherry Creek bike path, Oveja Negra makes a bike bag for the job.
The Specialized Riprock is by far one of the most popular kids mountain bikes we sell at Peak Cycles. It was introduced to the Specialized lineup in 2018, comes in 20-inch and 24-inch wheel sizes, and is geared for kids ages 5 through 12. What makes the Riprock different from other kids mountain bikes are the big beefy 2.8-inch tires which give plenty of traction and an added level of cushion to the ride.
Specialized designed the frame to have a very low standover height. This makes it easy for kids to put their feet on the ground! Mountain bikes for kids have traditionally been heavy and hard for kids to ride. The Specialized Riprock changes the game by tailoring the bike with younger riders in mind!
Just like the rest of the Specialized lineup, there is no boys or girls version. The Riprock is designed to work for everyone and it comes in some sweet colorways, too. The 20-inch version is great for kids 5-9 years old who are just under 4 feet tall. The 24-inch version will work for kids 8-12 years old over 4 feet tall.
The Riprock comes loaded with features found on most adult mountain bikes. Hydraulic disk brakes give added safety and more breaking power than traditional rim brakes. They make it easier to squeeze the brakes and will cause less fatigue. This means more riding! Many of the components including the saddle, handlebars, and cranks were engineered specifically for kids. The reason was to make the bike more comfortable and let kids progress faster with more confidence.
We have several Riprock models in stock at Peak Cycles but they are also available on Bikeparts.com! Come on in and check them out for yourself.
Earlier this month, riders from around the world competed in the 2021 Red Bull Rampage. This year’s roster included long-time veteran riders Kyle Strait, Kurt Sorge, and Brandon Semenuk along with first-time riders Brage Vestavik and Jaxson Riddle. After a few riders took some hard crashes during the practice day, so the field was whittled down to 12 riders who battled it out on the 20th anniversary of Red Bull Rampage. This year’s venue took place at the 2017 Rampage site, where many of the rider’s lines still exist.
Red Bull Rampage Ends a COVID Hiatus
The first-ever Red Bull Rampage took place back in 2001, and since then, there have been 14 different events and 9 different winners, according to Red Bull. The level of riding has skyrocketed, tricks have gotten crazier, lines are steeper, and jumps are over the top. Aside from being the 20th anniversary, this year was special because last year’s Rampage was postponed due to COVID, so riders were eager to return back to Virgin after a two-year hiatus.
Brandon Semenuk Breaks The Internet
The defending champion Brandon Semenuk ended up taking the number one spot on the podium, being the first rider to win Red Bull Rampage 4 times. His winning run started off with a massive double stager drop but what followed is what set him apart. Deciding to ride with a single crown fork, he was able to do tricks that are impossible with a double crown fork like a bar spin, the first-ever tail whip off of a flat drop, and a backflip tailwhip to finish off the run. Semenuk came prepared with a bag of tricks that was both hard and impossible for most of the competition to top. We certainly enjoyed watching this year’s Red Bull Rampage. Let us know what you thought of the contest in the comments below.
Whether it’s road, singletrack, or gravel country road: there is something about the feeling of riding a bike that is liberating. There are many reasons and influences that draw us into cycling, but this feeling is what keeps us coming back. It can be the antidote for challenging life situations, like kids screaming at home or a micro manager boss that keeps breathing down your neck. Cycling can be a blank canvas, with every ride being a new adventure to create and explore. Other times it can be comforting to go back to what we know, riding the same trail over and over, like watching a child hood movie for nostalgia.
Cycling can be something to enjoy on your own and a time to go inward and reflect. For introverts, this can be one of the few times in our busy world to recharge the battery. Cycling forces us to focus on what’s in front of us and be in the moment. Phone calls and text messages can wait, and Strava times probably don’t matter much either.
It can also be a time for connection with friends and family. Bring people together outdoors and sharing the adventure is something that stays in the memory, rather than being a fleeting cheap thrill. Cycling bring us to different destinations, to explore new places and different environments that would be hard to see if not for bikes. It can be hard to meet new people and make friends, but cycling creates a common thread to bring strangers together into a community.
There are many reasons we got into cycling, but the same common thread is what keeps us riding. It doesn’t matter the form, skill level, or intent, it’s the spirit and joy that matters the most. Here is to cycling!
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Peak Cycles - BikeParts.com Blog 