How important are brakes? When you don’t have them, or they aren’t working properly, then you know the importance of well maintained brakes for your mountain bike. Sure, brakes help stop your bike but they also aid in redirecting the bike, navigating technical terrain, cornering, and overall balance. As the cycling season starts up, bike maintenance for mountain bike parts becomes essential.
Demonstrated by our staff, at Peak Cycles Bike Shop, using the Avid Professional Bleed Kit are step by step instructions on how to bleed your brakes for strong and reliable stopping power.
Set Goals – For some, early season races are just about getting harder efforts in and saddle time. However, having defined goals can help reduce pre race anxiety and also help you better evaluate your performance post race. Identify what you want to accomplish with this event whether it be a targeted Heart Rate or Power zone, a solid nutrition plan, or attacking certain areas on the race course.
Race Route – Know the course and the conditions. Spring weather can alter race course conditions considerably. Take into consideration the bike parts you’ll be racing and confirm you have the bike components and gear needed to successfully race the course. For mountain bike components – consider tire selection carefully when riding wet and muddy trails.
Race Day Rituals – Designing and refining a pre-event routine is an important part of building a successful race season. Does having a checklist of race day activities help structure your preparation to the start line? Include items such as nutrition, hydration, clothes, gear, extra bike parts and basic bike tools. This way, you won’t be forgetting anything as you prepare for your start. Maybe visualization, mantras, and breathing exercises are your thing. Regardless, early season races offer a chance to build on race day rituals that have helped you in the past and also enhance your support for the season going forward.
Start Line Mental State – Your thoughts, emotions, and pre race behaviors are components of your mental state, so take inventory of your mental state and align them with your goals. It’s easy early Season to compare your training and fitness to others. Here is where having your race plan and goals specific to this event comes in handy.
Success Parameters – Evaluate your results based on your goals. What worked? What didn’t? What can you do next race to get a better result? Be objective and explore how your mental and physical training helped prepare you for this event. Remember to evaluate your bike and cycling accessory selections. Did you race the right bike? Would a different wheel set make a difference? Did you suffer from mechanicals? Now is the time to dial in, replace, and buy the bike parts that you need going into your next event.
Do you have any race strategies you’d like to share? Post them here or stop by the Peak Cycles Bike Shop in Golden, Colorado! We’d love to hear them!
Mountain bike riders this time of year start hearing the call of the trails as the temps get warmer and the days get longer. Not quite dry yet, but soon to be, is one of the Front Range’s best trail system: Buffalo Creek.
Located an hour west of Denver, or about 45 minutes from our Peak Cycles Bike Shop in Golden, the Buffalo Creek trail system is a hands down favorite trail in the greater-Denver region. Why? With a diverse trail system consisting of 20 plus miles of sweet single track and 2,700 feet in elevation gain, you’ll enjoy mountain views, majestic rock formations, great downhills, smooth roller coasters, and almost ALL single track. Here’s what you need to know.
Where it’s located: Buffalo Creek Trails, Pine, Colorado
Directions: From the Denver foothills, drive west up Highway 285 past Conifer to Pine Junction. Take a left (southeast) onto County Road 126 (Pine Valley Road) and continue 5.5 miles toward the town of Pine. Take a right onto Crystal Lake Road and follow it to the parking lot.
Trail Map: There are literally dozens of trail combinations in the buffalo creek area. Meaning, you can make this a short or long ride covering 30 or 40 miles in an afternoon. The two long downhill trails are arguably the best in the Buffalo Creek trail system: Sandy Wash Trial and the Strawberry Jack Trial. Like most of the trails in the system, you will find a lot of gravel and sand under your tires, not too many rocks, not too bad of a killer technical ride, but your legs will most likely feel it on the climbs. Because there are many possible loops in this area, it is easy for it to be confusing. Be sure to stop by the shop to get a map of the system before heading out.
Trail Ratings: The trails are good for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. All of them fun and several can be challenging. Note, The Black Jack Trails are advanced trails and require advanced skills and bike control. Getting through this section of trail might call for a dropper seat post and maybe a full faced helmet.
Bike Parts and Components: As always, you are going to want to have your basic essentials: full fingered gloves, a hydration pack, sunscreen, and dialed in bike components. The last thing you want to be doing on this trail is fixing your bike. Wondering what type of bike is best suited for the Buffalo Creek Trail system? You have several options and you can’t go wrong with any of them. A full suspension bike, like the Specialized Stump Jumper 29er, might be best for longer or more casual rides; however, opt for a hardtail like the Specialized Carve Expert 29 for a good workout and speed. Singlespeed bikes are a good option as well.
When to Ride: The trail system is mostly isolated from storms and the trails tend to dry quick after Summer rains. Spring can be wet but Summer and Fall are a must.
There you have it! Make a point to get out and ride the Buffalo Creek Trail System – you won’t regret it!
Unquestionably, wheels matter! They impact ride quality, ease of pedaling, reliability, and functionality. The question is, once you’ve decided it’s time for a wheel upgrade, how do you know how to select the best ones? There are different wheel types, a variety of options for tube or tubeless wheels, and ideas to consider in tubular wheels, rim shape, spoke count, and hub options.
While it seems like it can get overwhelming, it’s really straightforward. We answer these questions on a day to day basis in our Peak Cycles Bike Shop in Golden, Colorado. Whether you are thinking about road bike wheel sets, mountain bike wheel sets or just getting some thoughts together on wheel buying parameters and how your wheel set will affect your overall ride and other bicycle parts, this video will guide your way.
Wheelsets demonstrated in the video are available in our shop or on the bikeparts.com website. For your convenience, here are some suggestions to consider in your wheel set upgrade.
For some, the Colorado road racing season has already started; however, for many, it is just around the corner and many athletes may be pondering which tours and races to plan for in 2013. Whenever you want to achieve something, you have to have a definite goal. As such, it’s important to plan your season right. Whether you are a casual rider or a competitive cyclist, training, racing, recovering and having the appropriate gear, tools, and bike setup are critical to reaching your goals.
For starters, what are you’re 2013 cycling goals? As mentioned in our recent blog post, it’s important to make your goals SMART. As in, specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. With that being said, Colorado offers world class riding and racing. Now that you are thinking about what your goals are, you need to pick the right events during the cycling season to help you best achieve those goals.
Notably, not all events are equal. Some are harder than others and as such, competitive cyclist can use different course profiles, distances, and bike part options to mindfully select A, B, and C type races according to their training plans and race goals. When you’re working toward a goal that’s important to you, the last thing you want is to face an obstacle or unexpected challenge. A successful season starts off right by planning ahead, getting your road bike in order and getting the gear and resources you need. By selecting the best races based on your specific goals and having the best bike parts associated with your riding style, you are successfully preparing for a rewarding 2013 cycling season.
Now, which races will you do? While there are many tours, races, and events to choose from in Colorado, at BikeParts.com, here are some of our favorites:
Rocky Mountain Road Cup (RMRC) Road racing events range from March through August. The Rocky Mountain Road Cup is a season long points competition featuring a three-tiered points system that provides competitive cyclist with a great racing calendar. Click here for a downloadable calendar of these events
The Koppenberg May 5, 2013 The Koppenberg race featuring a 17% grade climb is the queen of the spring time cycling events in Colorado.
Elephant Rock Cycling Festival: May 31–June 2, 2013 This year’s Elephant Rock Cycling Festival notes the 26th annual pilgrimage to Castle Rock for the Rocky Mountain region’s premier cycling festival. Riders of all ages turn out for this event.
Ride the Rockies June 8 – 15, 2013 The 28th annual tour will feature 3 scenic mountain passes, a trek over the highest suspension bridge in the U.S. and 20,400 vertical ft. over 7 days and 513 miles.
Coldwell Banker Denver Century Ride June 15, 2013 The Denver Century Ride features bicycle courses for all skills levels and benefits BikeDenver. This healthy lifestyle cycling event is Colorado’s premier urban bicycle ride and is open to the public.
Mount Evans Hill Climb: July 2013 Race up 7,000 feet in elevation in just 28 miles on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway.
Triple Bypass July 13 – 14, 2013 A two day ride from Evergreen to Avon.
Copper Triangle August 3, 2013 The Copper Triangle is a 78-Mile course with an elevation gain of almost 6,000 feet over three mountain passes. It has has long been considered one of Colorado’s classic alpine road rides Graced with breathtaking scenery, gorgeous roads and three challenging climbs.
If grueling climbs, steep and narrow descents and tight switch-backs are your thing, then White Ranch may be the trail for you. White Ranch Trail, located in Golden, Colorado near the Peak Cycles bicycle shop, offers an extensive trail system of 20 miles of multi-use trails over both gentle and rugged terrain. Here’s our take on this popular trail.
The Good:
With steep grades, loose rock, and fast descents along sloping terrain, this trail is a favorite for advanced mountain bike riding on the Front Range. Rugged and rocky steep climbs challenge even the best of riders while smooth and gentle meadow shots offer a release from the death grip on the brakes. Your hard climbing efforts are rewarded with sweeping views of the Great Plains and the Denver skyline.
The Bad:
It all depends on what you call “bad.” Starting at Belcher Hill with an extended, technical climb up can be a challenge. If you aren’t up for that, you might consider that a negative. Also, with two foot + drop offs, you need to be ready for technical sections and not a walk in the park type of ride. Take note: hissing isn’t just for aggravated riders or flat tires. There are plenty of snakes on this trail.
The Ugly:
Not having the right bike parts or gear. A full suspension mountain bike is recommended to easily navigate rocky sections, water bars, steps and drop offs. Also, because of a majority of the park is exposed, the sun exposure in the summer months can be brutal. A hydration pack is recommended not only to carry plenty of fluids but also for easier drinking riding over technical terrain.
Either way, White Ranch offers cyclist living close to Golden, Boulder, and Denver a more advanced area to mountain bike and better yet – it offers a great escape from city riding.
To go tubeless or not tubeless that is the question. Or is it? For anyone who wants higher performance and less flats but doesn’t mind a little extra installation time and maintenance, going tubeless is the best choice. The trick is having the right set up and knowing which bike parts or products to use.
Demonstrated in our recent instruction video, How to use Stans NoTubes by BikeParts.comare step by step instructions to help you go tubeless.
From a performance standpoint, going tubeless is hard to beat. It decreases rolling mass and a tubeless setup will allow you to run a lower tire pressure for better traction without risking pinch flats. A properly installed tubeless tire system is capable of handling any condition and riding style. Aside from our instructional video, following are the bike accessories you’ll need to get started.
A favorite to endurance mountain bike cyclist in Colorado and the surrounding areas is the Rocky Mountain Endurance Series, aka RME. A race series consisting of 6 races, the Ridgeline Rampage, Battle the Bear, PV Cycle Derby, Snake River, Indian Creek, and Breckenridge 100, offers new and experienced racers a fun race series spanning from late April to mid July. Peak Cycles Race Team members have raced this series in the past. Here is a sneak peak as to what to expect from the series.
Pros:
The race venues are mostly local to the Front Range.
The trails are accessible to all skill levels.
The series offers a range of races: cross country, half marathon, and marathon.
Each race venue offers a diversity of terrain.
It’s fun to get to go to different places around the state.
Compared to other big races, the series is cost effective.
Pre-Race organization is well done.
Race starts go off on time.
Cons:
Due to overlapping start/ finish of different disciplines, there can be some overlap on the course with different groups going off. For instance, faster cross country racers starting as marathon racers are finishing or overlapping age groups in the same discipline.
Unfortunately, as in all racing, there are some inconsiderate racers.
From years past, it appears the race promoters focus results on the pros and the men’s field and not those of the age groups.
There is a tendency for the aid stations to close down while slower riders are out there on the course.
What to ride?
For faster but maybe not quite as comfortable riding, one option is a hard tail Stump Jumper or Giant XTC Composite hard tail.If you don’t mind a little extra weight but want a more comfortable ride, the Epic Carbon Expert is a good choice or the Giant Anthem. Both are full suspension bikes. Whether you go the hard tail option or with a full suspension bike, having the right bike parts and mtb parts is going to make a difference over the long haul in terms of performance and comfort. Because these are lap races, there are a few bike components you will want to have on hand.
Some like to race on bottles while others prefer a hydration pack. If you are new to racing or don’t plan to pre-ride the race course, a hydration pack is your best bet. It allows you to focus on the trail without concern as to trail conditions and timing when to drink. Also, you have the option to refill as you pass through on your remaining laps. Keep in mind, these races are going to take some time – as in, a few hours. Comfort is a consideration. Consider good grips like those made by ESI or Ergon and new, good fitting shoes to avoid hot spots.
What other things might you keep in mind? Basic necessities. Make sure you have a good helmet, confirm your bike is tuned up, have on hand plenty of C02 cartridges, and tool kit.
Other than that, you are good to go! Online registration for the series opens March 1, 2013. See you there!
Valentine’s Day Bike Love: Giant TCR Advanced 1 and Giant TCR SL 2
Valentine’s day is a day to celebrate what you love. Sure, the traditional Valentine’s Day expression includes flowers, chocolate, and a card, but why not ride something HOT this Valentine’s Day! Bikes that is. And hot bikes we’ve got! Sharing the Valentine’s Day love we offer the Giant TCR Advanced 1 and SL2.
Here’s what they have in common:
Both are manufactured by Giant.
Both have a race aggressive geometry.
Both have a lifetime warranty on the frame and a year for bike parts.
Here’s where they differ:
Giant TCR Advanced 1 Because the frame is made of carbon fiber, it is light weight, stiff, and capable of epic climbs and descents. Notably, it is very responsive and absorbs vibration. What type of rider is this hot bike best suited for? It is ideal for established racers and competitive cyclists. Or, someone who rides a lot, as in 4-5 times a week. A special feature about the Giant TCR Advanced 1 is that it
includes an integrated sensor compatible with any ANT Heart rate monitor, power meter, or cadence sensor.
Giant TCR SL 2 This bike is an aluminum frame. With this bike you get the benefits of the stiffness of the frame but at a lower price point. It is great for the budget minded cyclist looking to get into a high end feel. Or, if you are an entry level cyclist, weekend warrior, or entry level racer, this may be the bike for you. The Giant TCR SL 2 is an option if you are considering criterium racing yet have a fear of crashing. The aluminum frame may be the way to go.
So, what is the main difference between the two? Of course, they are offered at two different prices. Aside from the material difference of carbon and aluminum, the biggest difference is in the crank. With the Giant TCR Advanced 1 you get upgraded drive train components which are stronger, more responsive, and they stay in adjustment longer.
Now that you’ve got a hot bike to ride, you need bike parts to woo the Valentine’s day love. For starters, you’ll need to track that beating heart – with a monitor of course. For the Giant TCR Advanced 1, because it has a sensor, you might consider the Garmin without cadence but you will need this if heart rate is needed. For the Giant TCR SL 2 you may opt for the Garmin with cadence & heart rate.
Whether new to the area, a resident, or vacationing in the greater Denver area, recreational and competitive cyclist are always looking for options to get their rides in. While Colorado is blessed with amazing single track, finding a dry trail during the winter season can be a challenge.
Green Mountain (a.k.a. William F. Hayden Park), a fun, intermediate mountain bike ride about 20 minutes west of Denver and close to the Peak Cycles bike shop in Golden, Colorado is a trail to be ridden year round. A special perk to this nearly treeless trail is that it can be enjoyed by both novice riders and competitive cyclists. In general, the trail options are numerous. Novice riders may forgo the steeper climbs and opt for an easier route while those looking for a challenge have a few hill climbs and intermediate descents to conquer. The trick to riding the trail well is having the right mindset, bike and gear.
Mindset: Because Green Mountain is less technical than some of the surrounding trails in Golden, some consider it to be boring. Yet, to others, it can be a great trail to do intervals or even test ride a new bike or dial in new bike components before heading out to a more challenging trail. For some, Green Mountain offers the mental ease of road riding, but on dirt. For others, it’s an opportunity to work heart rate and power zones. Either option works, but having a workout objective when riding Green Mountain trail can spice up the trail to those who consider this trail boring.
Bike: Hardtail or Full Suspension? The trail is hard packed but it also has loose and bobble head sections. A full suspension bike, like the Specialized Stump Jumper 29er, might be best for longer or more casual rides; however, opt for a hardtail like the Specialized Carve Expert 29 for a good workout and speed. Some ride cyclocross bikes.
Gear: Fortunately, the trail is nearby so it’s not as critical to be as prepared for epic rides. Do keep in mind, Green Mountain is exposed. Sunscreen is important. During the Summer months, thunder and lightening storms can roll in fast. Be prepared with the right gear. A hydration pack may be your better option during the warmer, summer months but opt for bottles for shorter and faster rides.
What else is great about Green Mountain? It is awesome for night riding. Of course, be safe – get a good light and be mindful of the evening critters.
Green Mountain may not be the most technical nor scenic trail Golden has to offer, but its accessibility and appeal to a range of cyclist for year round riding makes Green Mountain a keeper.
Enthusiastic recreational riders and competitive athletes can make early season training errors. Namely, taking on too much physical activity too quickly. Going too fast, exercising for too long or simply doing too much of one type of physical activity can strain your muscles and lead to an overuse injury. Understanding how to pace yourself while getting fit is crucial. What are suggestions for avoiding injury during early season training?
In a sport based on such a highly repetitive action, like pedaling, the first line of defense against injury is a proper bike fit. Whether you’re just starting to ride or you’ve been cycling for a long time, consider the benefits of a professional bike fit. Fit impacts comfort but also technique which is crucial to preventing overuse injuries.
What to look for? Notice any bike parts that need to be replaced. Saddle injuries are the result of poor seat position, height, angle or design. While your saddle may look and feel fine, looks can be deceiving. Materials and composition deteriorate beyond what is visible. Also, neck, shoulder, and bike pain can result of an improper fitting bike. Handlebars, stems, and bike position all contribute to a rider’s stability, endurance, and safety.
Also, keep in mind to pace yourself. Be mindful of your current activity level and build upon your program gradually. During the winter months, it is tempting to opt for longer or high intensity rides when the weather is good. However, compressing your physical activity for the week into a few days can lead to an overuse injury. Instead, keep to your ride schedule and spread out the workouts over a longer time frame.
Training is all about stressing your body with hard workouts, and then letting your body adapt to that load. If you do not allow your body to recover and adapt to the training load you’ve imposed on it, you simply will not be able to train and stress your body as hard the next workout. While many riders understand that recovery between workouts is key to building fitness, recovery is also a commonly overlooked injury prevention tool. Recovery, defined as stretching, hydrating, and resting, are traditional tools used by athletes. Some opt for compression gear, as in socks or tights, which are designed to improve recovery and aid in overall sports performance.
Plan for a successful cycling season by training right early season. A good bike fit, steady riding, and active recovery paves the way for a healthy, injury free 2013.
When we catch ourselves visualizing or fantasying about racing, winning or accomplishing something big in our race dreams, rarely do we visualize ourselves falling apart. On the contrary, we view the victory as coming rather easily. Even if the scene involves us digging to the depths of our inner being to pull something out of nothing, that agonizing pull from our inner selves is viewed in fantasy world as masterfully manifested.
In real life, we all know it doesn’t actually work like that. Many of us can suffer but there are breaking points and limitations to the line we cross. And while we aspire to be our better selves and pull out the magic in a moment of victory, the magic won’t be there if we don’t train it to be there. Sure, we know how to train the body for suffering on the bike. But the real master to train is the brain.
How are you training your brain? Daily workouts offer opportunities to dig deeper. Extended minutes at threshold heart rate or within specific power zones offer challenges. Conquering a hill climb or masterfully navigating technical sections on the mountain bike build confidence. While these rides garner motivation to go beyond our limits, bigger challenges garner insights to training your brain for mental suffering. Take these early season races and rides as an example.
Compare your mental attitude, preparation, and willingness to “get after it” when considering a race like the Triple Bypass or the Copper Triangle versus a training ride with a group of spirited athletes. The level of digging deep and mental suffering for a race exceeds that of a fast paced training ride.
Bigger challenges help to prepare for the mental suffering athletes are bound to encounter during the season. They also help build mental fitness and confidence. On the other hand, it is true, some athletes and recreational enthusiast focus on the bike itself. As in, “Is it light enough?” “Does it have the latest and greatest bike parts?” Granted, having the right bike components and bike accessories makes a difference but to perform your best, you have to train your brain.
For those who think they don’t have time to get into shape and start moving, now is the time to take action. The 2013 ride and race season planning in Colorado is well underway. Sure, the motivation to train in the winter months can be taxing. Staleness or burnout from the previous season may linger, or maybe just the colder temps and shorter days weaken our resolve to get on the bike. Yet, there are ways to combat the winter blues. Here’s how!
1. Support Structure
Create a supportive environment that supports your goals. Is there a time of day that works best for you? Then, schedule your training time. Do you train better with a partner? Then, enlist the help of your family and friends. Is your bike riding properly? Check out your bike components, determine which bike parts you need, and get your bike in proper riding condition. Your primary objective in creating a support structure is to foster an environment in which you are supported and held accountable.
2. Atmosphere
Does it matter where you ride? Winter months create weather and lighting challenges. Yet, there are definite options. Inside riding on a trainer or rollers can offer consistent pedal time and the ability to focus on heart rate and power easier than riding outside. If you enjoy listening to music, don’t just play the hard stuff. Consider modulating your listening to slower and medium tempo tunes that simulate heart rate goals and tempo riding. Also, visual cues offer stimulation. A well lit room can create inviting energy and a unique atmosphere to train in.
3. Visual Effects
Sometimes seeing is believing! Pop in a DVD training video or select a few YouTube clips to get your mind in the game. Posters, a vision board, books, maps , or pictures of upcoming races can trigger your motivation to not only get on the bike, but maybe even dig a little deeper than you would have otherwise.
4. Competition Sparks Motivation
One way to stay motivated during longs stretches of training with little competition is to set small training goals. Working to achieve small training goals will make every training session meaningful. It will also provide small successes offering a sense of accomplishment while training for future competitions. In fact, have you scheduled your 2013 races yet? Here are a few worth checking out:
An essential element to being a successful athlete is staying motivated throughout the year. Remember, cycling is supposed to be fun. Set small goals, create a supportive structure and atmosphere for your training environment, and you’ll be amazed at what you can do in 2013!
The holidays have passed, the New Year has come and gone, and now, the 2013 Ride and Race Season planning is underway. Whenever you want to achieve something, you have to have a definite goal. As such, it’s important to plan your season right. Whether you are a casual rider or a competitive cyclist, training, racing, recovering and having the appropriate gear, tools, bike setup to reach your goals is critical.
For starters, what are you’re 2013 cycling goals? As mentioned in our recent blog post, it’s important to make your goals SMART. As in, specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. With that being said, Colorado offers world class riding and racing. A few of our top race and ride recommendations include:
How do you plan to train? Riding in cooler temps and shorter days tugs at motivation. However, having a few rides and races on your radar can help you maintain determination. Remember, buddying up, eating well, or even joining us for our local shop ride in Golden, Colorado can help build training momentum.
Is your bike ready? Our post, Winterizing Your Bike: What’s In Your Tool Kit? offers some great tips for bike maintenance during winter riding. But is your bike set for the 2013 season? Do you need a new bike or maybe even need to replace old bike parts? Sometimes getting a bike fit can help better position you for a season of successful riding.
When you’re working toward a goal that’s important to you, the last thing you want is to face an obstacle or unexpected challenge. Set up your 2013 right by planning ahead, getting your road bike or mountain bike in order, and getting the gear and resources you need. With the right mental attitude and the best bike parts, your successful training and race prep is well underway.
New Year’s has always been a time for reflecting on the past year, and more importantly, looking forward to the coming year. It’s a time to reflect on the changes we want to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. However, for all too many resolutions, failure is virtually assured at the offset because the resolutions are not made with serious intent and deliberation.
The first trick is to choose the right resolution, for the right reasons, and making them SMART. When you make your resolutions SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound), not only do you boost your chance of attaining your goals, but you also become a better cyclist in the process. Aside from the traditional resolutions to ride more, to loose weight, and to explore new rides, consider taking on some different resolutions.
Set a personal goal for the miles you want to ride in 2013. Using a cycling computer, heart rate monitor, or power meter offers options in calculating mileage and other fitness related variables. Try a new tool and see if it makes adding up the miles a little easier.
Learn to maintain your own bike. For some, bike maintenance can be a chore, but having the right set of bike components and tools can make all the difference. Consider creating a pre-ride bike check or an ongoing maintenance program to follow. Bike maintenance can be a great way of engaging in your cycling passion the whole year long.
Bike commute and do it more often. Bike commuting improves fitness, health, saves money, and also benefits the environment by keeping one less car on the road. If you aren’t a bike commuter now, maybe in 2013 you will be. And, if you already bike commute, perhaps resolve to commute by bike more frequently.
Inspire others to get out and ride. Bike inspiration comes in many forms, from DVD‘s, to books, to new bikes and bike parts, to riding with others. Share your bike passion with others in ways that are meaningful and inspiring to them. How many friends do you think you could inspire to be two wheeled friends in 2013?
Give Back. Cycling by nature brings out the best in us all. Consider volunteering your time, skills, or resources at local bike races and bike events. Event participants will be in your gratitude but you may get back more than you give! Many volunteers are inspired to participate, race, or take on bigger goals than they previously imagined due to volunteering and helping others to reach their goals.
Commit to a Positive Attitude. Nothing is more contagious than a positive attitude! Resolve in 2013 to embrace power thoughts and bike parts that motivate you to get on your bike and ride. Surround yourself with fellow cyclist aiming for similar goals. Remember, your attitude determines your altitude.
For cyclist, attaining goals is part motivation, part perspiration, and part having the right tools to help you reach your goals. Here’s to a bright and rewarding New Year ahead!
Holiday lights, whimsical accents and outdoor Christmas decorations are trademarks of the season. One of the best way to enjoy all the glittering Holiday splendor is to view a brilliant light display by bike. See your neighborhood as it sparkles. Enjoy nighttime views and the ambiance of your town.
But nighttime riding doesn’t have to occur only during the holidays. There are benefits to training at night for cyclist. Switching up the training regime can freshen your attitude, spark some fun, and maintain fitness.
The trick to capturing the benefits is to outfit your bike with a good light system. Whether you are bike commuting, going for a holiday stroll, or getting in base miles, being visible is critical. Here are some tips to getting the right bike parts.
A Well Lit Bike
You will want lights for the front of your bike. Consider having multiple lights for the front of your bike. One on your helmet so you can shine side roads and traffic and have a second light on your handlebars so you can see at least 10 ft. or more in front of you.
For the rear of your bike, opt for a rear red light- particularly one that blinks. A blinking red light is much more likely to get the attention of a passing motorist who might otherwise not notice you.
A Well Lit Cyclist
Purchase apparel that is visible. There are options to choose from including vests and ankle bands.
Also, reflective tape is a good idea. 3M makes black reflective tape that is great to put on black wheels. You do not notice it during the day and it shows up white at night.
So, let there be light! Enjoy strolling through your neighborhood enjoying the Holiday season or prepare for training in the New Year. Be safe and have fun by lighting up your bike!
You’re making your list and checking it twice, but have you remembered everybody on your list? As we’re officially into the holiday shopping season, you have about two weeks to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list:
– Spouse – check
– Parents – check
– Siblings – check
– Children – check
– Bike – ???
You haven’t forgotten about your two wheeled friend, now have you? Let’s think about this. The holidays are for sharing gifts celebrating the special relationships you have with others. Doesn’t your bike create fun, fitness, and basically, the greatest feeling in the world for you? Show some love to your bike this holiday season. Get it some presents!
Your bike’s #1 holiday wish would be to drop the weight – on bike components that is! The trick is where to start? Since you already feel bad about forgetting your bike on your holiday list, you might as well opt for the best weight reductions you can get for your bike. Consider getting a high quality wheel set. A good wheel set impacts ride quality, ease of pedaling, reliability, and functionality. So, get the best you can afford. Add some new, lighter tires on your wheels and your bike will thank you for the bling!
Another option is to reconsider your crank set and pedals. You can shave some weight there while also selecting lighter handlebars, a lighter saddle, and seat post. Loosing weight never seemed so easy!
Once you get lighter bike parts on your bike, not only will you notice how nice everything is, but your bike will gift you right back with another season of joyful riding. Here’s to sharing the holiday spirit with our two wheeled friends! Happy Holidays!
Healthy Holidays! Holiday parties, shorter days, cooler temps, all temptations pulling us away from time on our bikes. While this time of year poses unique challenges, there are ways to maintain fitness, reduce the holiday stress levels, and prepare for next year’s riding season.
Eat Well: The holidays offer irresistible food temptations adding extra pounds to our waste lines and robbing us of precious energy. Instead of reaching for the holiday goodies, opt to choose your bike nutrition when you need it most- on the bike. Being mindful of your food choices can positively affect your energy levels and help maintain your ability to ride and perform better.
Buddy Up: Shorter days creates less motivation and time to ride. Combat the winter woes by asking a friend to join you for a trainer session. Committing to a time, place, and a friend creates structure and accountability.
Get Visual: Trying something new like a training video or dvd can add a new dimension to your riding schedule keeping it fresh and inspiring you to get on the bike even during the hectic holidays.
Shop Ride: Join us on Sunday mornings at Peak Cycles in Golden, Colorado at 9:00 AM for our shop rides. Nothing is more fun that joining a group of passionate cyclist out for a morning ride.
Relax: If you just can’t find the time or motivation to ride during the holiday season, at least feed your velo passion with pictures of new road bikes , new mountain bikes, and cool bike parts. It will feed your spirit and breathe life into next year’s bike season.
Maintaining a holiday fitness plan doesn’t have be hard. Be flexible, mix it up, and enjoy!
The Holiday Season is full on and if you have a cyclist or occasional bicycle rider on your Christmas list, it may be difficult to find just the right bike-related gift. But have no fear! We’ll help you blaze through your holiday shopping list and keep the holiday cheer. For starters, we’ll focus on small things — stuff that fits in a stocking.
Tubes: This is one gift you absolutely positively will get used. Make sure you get the right size of tube. If you aren’t sure, stop in the Peaks Cycling Store and ask one of our friendly staff to help you. Or, visit us online at bikeparts.com
A good bottle: Every cyclist has a ton of bottles, but that’s not the same as having good bottles. Buy a good bottle and stuff it with other goodies.
Socks: Did you know cyclist like to wear their cycling socks even when they aren’t riding? Why? Because they are so comfortable. Pick out a pair of socks you like for your cyclist and maybe even get a pair for yourself!
Warmers: We’re talking about head warmers, ear warmers, arm warmers, leg warmers, and shoe covers – all the necessities to keep your favorite cyclist warm and comfortable out on those chilly winter rides. They nice thing about these is that they fit nicely in a holiday stocking in as much as they do a cycling jersey!
Gloves: Here’s another thing that every cyclist already has, but which every cyclist can always use more of.
Bike nutrition – as in Energy bars / gels / chews: Instead of chocolate, fill the stocking (or water bottle) with nutrition, bars, gels, and drinks
your cyclist can use on the bike.
Lube: Every cyclist goes through it and we’ve got tons of it.
A gift for off the bike. Maybe your cyclist would enjoy a pint glass, a poster, or some other bike parts goodie.
Now, for bigger items, are you unsure of what to get? Check out popular mountainbike bike parts and popular road bike parts on our website for gift ideas. Another option? Give a gift that’s easy on the pocket book and light on the bike with PEAK CYCLES BICYCLE CLOSEOUTS!!! With 5-70% off on top products and over 2200 closeout and overstocked items you’ll be sure find a few bicycle components or cycling goodies your favorite cyclist will enjoy!
See how easy it is to purchase bike parts for your favorite cyclist? Happy Holidays!
Thanksgiving: A day to eat turkey, watch football, and give personal thanks for the fortunes of the year. It is also an opportunity to reflect and give thanks. With that in mind, we celebrate the joys of cycling:
Guilt free consumption of mass quantities of calories – well earned, of course!
The best reason to be grateful for cycling at Thanksgiving? Big savings on bike parts. Be At the Front of the Pack for Black Friday there’s going to be a special website discount offered on Black Friday. Look for the discount on the BikeParts.com website on Friday, November 23, 2012. A great chance to win big Friday through Sunday. LINK
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we’d like to share our gratitude to our staff, customers, racers, race teams, and all the passionate cyclist sharing the joy our two wheeled friends bring us. Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by staffwriter8 
The Spring Racing Season in Colorado is here! With upcoming events like the 
Mountain bike riders this time of year start hearing the call of the trails as the temps get warmer and the days get longer. Not quite dry yet, but soon to be, is one of the Front Range’s best trail system: Buffalo Creek.
A favorite to endurance mountain bike cyclist in Colorado and the surrounding areas is the 
Whether new to the area, a resident, or vacationing in the greater Denver area, recreational and competitive cyclist are always looking for options to get their rides in. While Colorado is blessed with amazing single track, finding a dry trail during the winter season can be a challenge.
Enthusiastic recreational riders and competitive athletes can make early season training errors. Namely, taking on too much physical activity too quickly. Going too fast, exercising for too long or simply doing too much of one type of physical activity can strain your muscles and lead to an overuse injury. Understanding how to pace yourself while getting fit is crucial. What are suggestions for avoiding injury during early season training?
When we catch ourselves visualizing or fantasying about racing, winning or accomplishing something big in our race dreams, rarely do we visualize ourselves falling apart. On the contrary, we view the victory as coming rather easily. Even if the scene involves us digging to the depths of our inner being to pull something out of nothing, that agonizing pull from our inner selves is viewed in fantasy world as masterfully manifested.
For those who think they don’t have time to get into shape and start moving, now is the time to take action. The 2013 ride and race season planning in Colorado is well underway. Sure, the motivation to train in the winter months can be taxing. Staleness or burnout from the previous season may linger, or maybe just the colder temps and shorter days weaken our resolve to get on the bike. Yet, there are ways to combat the winter blues. Here’s how!
Healthy Holidays! Holiday parties, shorter days, cooler temps, all temptations pulling us away from time on our bikes. While this time of year poses unique challenges, there are ways to maintain fitness, reduce the holiday stress levels, and prepare for next year’s riding season.
Tubes: This is one gift you absolutely positively will get used. Make sure you get the right size of 
Thanksgiving: A day to eat turkey, watch football, and give personal thanks for the fortunes of the year. It is also an opportunity to reflect and give thanks. With that in mind, we celebrate the joys of cycling:
Peak Cycles - BikeParts.com Blog 