How to Be At the Front of the Pack for Black Friday

November 15, 2012

US Pro Cycling Challenge Most cyclists, whether competitive or not, enjoy being at the front of the pack.  Sure, it’s safer, but it’s also cool to be in front.  As the Thanksgiving Holiday is right around the corner, now’s the time to position yourself to be at the front of the pack – shopping that is!

Leading out the shopping season is Black Friday.  Here’s your chance to cash in on bike components, apparel, bicycle parts including trainers and all sorts of bike goodies.  Why? Because there’s going to be a special website discount offered on Black Friday.  Head’s Up!  Look for the discount on the BikeParts.com  website on Friday, November 23, 2012.  A great chance to win big Friday through Sunday.

Sitting in the pack is Small Business Saturday.  This day, November 24th, is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide. Be a good domestique and share the love.   Peak Cycles has been pulling at the front by supporting four cycling race teams and generously donating product and time to the local community of  Golden, CO and the Greater Denver Area.

Last but not least, we’ve got Cyber Monday.  Not quite off the back, but Monday, November 26, 2012, Bikeparts.com  may be your best option for cyber shopping.  In addition to the store front, the website offers over 45,000 bike parts and accessories. Bikeparts.com not only carries road bicycle parts and mountain bike parts, but also complete bikes, nutritional supplements and much more.

So whether you go for a solo attack or a team tactic towards your cycling holiday shopping, one thing is for certain: Bikeparts.com has you covered.


How to Create a Bike Friendly Business Culture this Holiday Season

November 8, 2012

Bikes make healthy businesses.  Healthy employees, lower healthcare costs, decreased absenteeism, and more productivity — these are the hallmarks of a company that embraces bicycling.  There are benefits to bike commuters too – money saved, improved work/ life balance, and a healthier lifestyle.  So it’s makes good business sense that more and more companies, large and small, are supporting cyclists in the workplace.

Now that the holidays are underway, what are the best ways to celebrate our two wheeled friends and the ones that ride them?

Create a bike-friendly shopping program.  Many aspiring bike riding enthusiast appreciate a shop that offers quality bike components along with solid advice on bike parts and bike apparel. Convenience helps too.  Look for a shop that offers online and store front shopping to aid in your cyclist needs.  Fortunately, Peak Cycles offers both!

Create bike education programs.  Consider offering a bike safety class or participate in a bike maintenance class.   All tools aren’t created equal – some are good for mountain bike parts while others are designed for road bike parts.  Knowing which tools to use on the appropriate bike components can make all the difference in making bike maintenance easy.

Create a company approved “Go To” list of bike parts.  Guidance on approved items makes it easy for cyclist to explore the many benefits of commuting.  Take for instance, the employee that shops before or after work.  The  Burley Urban Trailer System allows you to tow, pull or carry your belongings. Go from the street to the store to the office with a twist of the wrist.  Or, provide a repair station with tools, lubrication, and tubes.

Bike commuting is a win-win for both businesses and individuals looking to reduce costs, embrace healthy living, and promote healthy businesses. What is your business doing this Holiday Season to promote a winning bike commuting culture?


Winterizing Your Bike: What’s In Your Tool Kit?

November 1, 2012

bicycle maintenance via http://www.cyclingcartoons.com/Lucky for us in Golden, Colorado – the bike commuting and racing season isn’t over yet!  While the off season may be underway, this is the perfect time of year for commuters and athletes to start bike maintenance preparation for the winter months.  Winter riding poses many threats so having a bike in good working order keeps you safe, warmer, and the opportunity for a more enjoyable ride.

For some, bike maintenance can be a chore, but having the right set of bike components and tools can make all the difference.  When prepping your bike for for the winter, there are several things you want to do to keep it in good working order for the winter months.

  • Wipe down and inspect the frame  – Rain, snow, ice, and road elements pose different cleaning challenges to your frame and bicycle parts.  Consider using a stiff, soft-bristled brush to knock off any chunks of dried-on mud that may be on your frame or wheels. Then, follow that up by taking a rag to your bike, wiping it down generally all over to get off any remaining dust or dirt.
  • Lube your chain and cables.  As unglamorous as chain lube is, it is a necessity for winter riding.  It will keep your bike parts in working order and squeak free! There are many lubes to choose – wet vs dry lube.  As conditions vary, you may want to have a couple of different choices on hand.
  • Inspect tires, wheels, and brake pads – Check that there is adequate air pressure in the tires. Check that there aren’t any cuts or nicks in the sidewall or tread of the tires. You’ll want to make sure the brake pads are not worn. And, remember to inspect where the brake pads hit the rim; they should contact the rim evenly on both sides and not rub the tire in any way that may cause a flat.

Granted, there are as many pre-ride bike checks and maintenance programs to follow.  Regardless of which ones you do, keep in mind building your collection of maintenance tool kits and bike components can be a great way of engaging in your cycling passion during the off season.


What Are the Best Bike Parts for Fall Commuting?

October 17, 2012

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.  ~Albert Camus

Fall bike commuting offers the chance to enjoy cooler temperatures, view the changing colors of the leaves, and reinvigorate our spirits with the freedom riding a bike inspires.  Bike riding isn’t just for recreational fun, it also contributes to good health and positive work/ life balance.  A Rodale Press survey found that Americans want to have the opportunity to bike to work instead of driving, with 40 percent of those surveyed saying they would commute by bike if safe facilities were available.   However, for many, fall bike commuting raises questions.

  • Do I need special bike components?
  • Do I have the right clothing?
  • Do my bicycle parts need extra attention?

Fear not!  Here’s a guide to get you pedaling through the colored leaves.

  • A good route.  Learn how to pick a route you like. Google maps for cycling is a good option.
  • Lights. A set of small, modern LED lights is sufficient.
  • A good helmet.  What do you call a cyclist who doesn’t wear a helmet?  An organ donor ~David Perry.  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.
  • Be visible. Think Bright colors and reflective materials on your person and on your bike.
  • Motivation. Stay motivated and keep after it! The more you do it, the more you love it!

Why is all this important?  Because having access to resources, tips, and a supportive environment makes it easier to enjoy all the benefits cycling has to offer.