August 23, 2018
The summer riding season is nearing its end. While there is still lots of riding to do, you and your bike may be feeling a tad worn down. Think of all the training miles, epic rides, races, and events you have done. Your wallet has had a workout too this season!
Add up all the bike parts, cycling accessories, and money spent towards bicycle maintenance. Don’t you think it might be time for a little rest and relaxation? If not that, at least it’s time to replenish and restore from all the hard efforts. At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we think of this time of year as the time to make continued gains – gains in bike parts that is! It’s that time of the year when bikes, cycling apparel, bike parts, and cycling gear all go on sale. You can ride into savings with our Summer Bike Blowout Event.
Whether you need a new bike, cycling clothing, bike parts or cycling components, you’ll find the best deals at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop. Maybe you don’t need anything “new” per se, but you need to stock up on bike parts that wear out with regular use. Don’t wait until you hear odd little noises or you notice that your bike is taking too long for the brakes to engage before investigating. Some parts of a bike have a set “wear life”. As you put in the miles, they gradually wear out and need to be replaced. Typically, this includes chains, cassettes, chainrings, brake pads, and cleats. Take advantage of the Summer Bike Blowout event and our close out and sale items to restock and save money at the same time.
It’s easy to do. Just stop by the shop to find out how you can save up to 30% on select bikes, and an additional 10% off ALL CLEARANCE ITEMS! Another option, click here for our close out and sale items that are up to 70% off! See you soon!
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Posted by staffwriter8
July 12, 2018
Adventure – we love it! That’s why we ride bikes, right? The feeling of freedom riding a bike gives us is intoxicating and liberating. Seeking adventure on our bikes just ups the game!
The thrill of riding uncharted territory and exploring new rides and routes is exhilarating. But sometimes, riding into the unknown can also be stressful – especially if you are doing it solo. Fears of “things happening” when you are by yourself. Fears about getting lost or getting hurt or even fears of bike mechanicals and having to walk a long distance. Sometimes, things do happen but with a proactive approach, you can easily navigate riding solo in remote locations with confidence.
Map it out. Sometimes it is fun to just get on the bike and see where the ride takes you. That is all well and good but when you are riding in a new location, it really is better to have some sort of a plan. Either scout out your ride on the internet, carry a map with you, use your Garmin or cycling navigation tool to have an idea of the distance and terrain you will be covering. The easiest way to ruin a ride is to get lost and spend countless, unnecessary hours trying to find your way back. You don’t need the stress of it all!
Carry more than you need. While you have an idea of what to expect on your adventure ride, expect the unexpected. It’s a good idea to have an oversized pack. Carry more water than you normally would and pack for a variety of weather conditions. A good rule of thumb is to carry a rain jacket, arm warmers, ear covers, extra food, and maybe a SPOT device if you are really headed to a remote location. Don’t forget basic bike maintenance tools and chain lube to combat any mechanical issues you may encounter.
Be safety minded. Obviously you want to be safe, but what does that really mean? Before you head out, check the weather and plan accordingly. Also, inform others of the direction you are headed and what time you expect to return. While it may be tempting to deviate from the plan when actually riding, avoid the temptation to do it. If something were to happen, it is wise to have others have a general awareness of your whereabouts. Also, check your bike frame and bike parts for a good inspection. It’s easier to ride new and unknown trails and routes with the confidence that your bike is in good working order. Besides, who wants to fix broken bike parts or cycling accessories on a ride? No one! So, give your bike a quick once over before heading out.
Ride within your limits. New ride routes and trails have a way of invoking cycling superpowers! That is, they inspire us to ride fast and get after it! That is all fine and dandy but when riding solo in remote or uncharted territory, it may be a good idea to pull back just a bit. Keep some reserves in your energy stores in case you do get lost or the ride takes you further from your final, planned destination. Be mindful of changing weather conditions that may tax your energy reserves and be proactive in eating timely and adding/ removing cycling apparel to make sure you keep your energy steady. Nothing adds more stress to a ride than getting lost and / or being too cold and not knowing if you can even get to your final destination.
Finally, relax! Enjoy the views! Bask in the thrill of exploration!
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Posted by staffwriter8
June 2, 2016
Avoid Muscle Cramps! PhysioPhyx LPR available at BikeParts.com
June is finally here! Welcoming the summer months also means riding in hotter temperatures. As the weather improves, it makes it easier to increase your mileage and saddle time. Yet, to the unprepared cyclist, riding longer in hotter weather can be counterproductive to training.
Over enthusiastic riders may take on too much, suffer from improper fueling, and maybe even fatigue from not having a properly fit bike or the ideal bike parts for the ride planned. The best approach is to ease into the summer riding months and aim to balance nutrition, hydration, recovery along with the increased mileage and intensity.
Not sure how to do it? Well, at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we’ve got you covered. Read our favorite posts to optimize recovery, avoid heat stress and unnecessary fatigue, and actually train effectively in the warmer temps.
There are lots of resources online for you to learn about recovery best-practices and get the fuel and equipment you need for adequate recovery. Bikeparts.com has lots of different types of nutritional supplements all in one place as well as bikes, bike parts, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel that can help you with your recovery training. And if you just want to talk to an expert, stop into Peak Cycles in Golden, CO to talk to one of our competitive cyclists. Have fun with your summer training!
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Posted by staffwriter8
May 12, 2016
Peak Cycles/Bikeparts.com cyclists enjoy the evening views off Lookout Mountain
Are you new in town? Or maybe you are just getting into mountain biking? If you are in the Golden area, you are in for a treat. We have a broad variety of trails that cater to a range of skill and athletic abilities. The mountain views will take your breath away (as well as some of the hills) and we can guarantee you’ll be coming back for more.
All of Golden’s trails can be found on the City of Golden website. For your convenience, however, we thought we would highlight some of our favorite cycling trails.
Chimney Gulch Trail
Skill Level: Moderate – Advanced
Not too far away from downtown Golden, Chimney Gulch is a visitor and local favorite because it ascends the well-known Golden landmark — Lookout Mountain. Chimney Gulch is mostly an uphill climb which winds through the Golden foothills and emerges at the top of Lookout Mountain. At the summit, you can park your bike to enjoy gorgeous mountain and city overlooks or visit the Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve. And the way down is all downhill!
Apex Trail
Skill Level: Moderate – Advanced
Similar to (but less popular than) the Chimney Gulch Trail, the Apex Trail winds up and up into Golden’s western foothills. For much of the way, the track is surrounded by pine forests, giving you a feeling that you are far away from the bustle of city life. The Chimney Gulch and Apex trails can actually be connected for an extended ride up one and down the other. If you are combining the trails, you may want to consider stopping at Buffalo Bill’s grave at the top of Lookout Mountain.
North and South Table Mountain
Skill Level: Easy – Moderate
Both North and South Table Mountain (located on the east side of Golden) offer a unique mountain biking experience. The flat-top mesa makes for relatively easy cycling, which gives riders the chance to enjoy the open prairie. Both mesas have multiple access points and extensive trails that weave on top and along the side of the mountains, just out of reach of urban Golden. We find that morning and evening light glancing off the prairies make for an especially special ride on these trails.
White Ranch Trail
Skill Level: Moderate
If you are looking for solitude, this is one of your best bets. On the north end of Golden, the White Ranch Park offers a different type of beauty from the rest of town and encompasses meadows, pine forests, views of buttes, and unique rock formations. It has about 20 miles of trails that wind through both rugged and gentle terrain.
Before taking your mountain bike for a spin, it’s important to be prepared. Having plenty of water, food and nutrition, extra tire tubes, and repair kits, as well as the right tires and maps will ensure you have an enjoyable and stress free experience.
If you need a bike, we have a large selection of rental bikes at our store – Peak Cycles in downtown Golden. Don’t hesitate to stop in to ask questions, take a bike for a spin, or peruse our array of bikes, bike parts, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel.
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Posted by staffwriter8
May 5, 2016
We’re excited for what the month of May holds. Do you know why? May is National Bike Month, and that means we get the share the streets with many more cycling aficionados.
If you want to join in the fun, consider leaving your car in the garage and using your bike to commute to work. In fact, we will give you 7 essential gear items to make your bike commute safe, enjoyable, and utilitarian.
- Bike — Choosing a commuter bike will depend on what you are carrying and how far you are traveling. Most people have to haul a load to work, so you are going to want something sturdy with a wide-range of gearing. Many touring and commuter bikes, like this Detroit Bikes A-Type bicycle are already built for towing your luggage. For a little longer ride, you might consider something like this Cinelli Mystic Rats bicycle (on sale!) or even a road bike.
- Helmet — For those who want to get on the bike the next morning, this is a given. We love the POC Octal helmet which is light and comfortable.
- Fenders — If you don’t want to get your cloths wet or muddy, buying fenders is a wise decision. Particularly in May, there are quite a few puddles on the roads that you might have to ride through. Fenders come in all types of shapes and sizes but full coverage fenders are ideal to keep your legs, feet, and butt dry.
- Pump and Repair Kit — While it is unlikely you will have to use a pump or repair kit very often, having them in a pinch could save you from making major excuses to your boss. A full size frame pump will make it easier to pump your tire.
- Panniers, Backpacks, and Racks — People are carrying their things in all kinds of contraptions these days. Most, however, use either a pannier or a backpack. Axiom and Banjo Brothers provide a variety of options included…wait for it…a backpack pannier!
- Lights — When you’re riding on the streets in the morning or evening, a bike light might just be your most valuable item on hand. Essentially, it allows you to be seen by other cars and be alive the rest of the month to bike commute. We recommend a front light that has at least 1000 lumens as well as a couple of tail lights.
- Shoes — Bike shoes help with efficiency. Especially if you are biking a long way, a clipless shoe will keep your foot on the pedal and get you to work faster. One of our favorites that we have in store is the Specialized 2FO Cliplite. This is a good all-around shoe that has a stiff sole for efficiency but can easily be walked in off the bike.
For more gear, don’t hesitate to visit our website or stop into our store – Peak Cycles in Golden, Colorado. We have tons of advice, as well as bikes, bike parts, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel.
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Posted by staffwriter8
April 28, 2016
It’s inevitable, if you are riding your bike on trails in the spring you are going to hit mud. But a muddy trail shouldn’t be the doom of your ride. Knowing how to prepare for and ride in muddy conditions will help you be a successful wet-weather cyclist.
Preparation
Start by doing your research before a ride to get a sense of what the trails will look like. Ask a friend who has ridden recently, read online forums or social media updates, or scope out the trail yourself (this is especially important if you are racing on a potentially muddy course).
Know which bikes, bike parts, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel are appropriate for the trail and weather conditions. Some important considerations include:
- Extra Wheels — Cyclists will often have multiple sets of wheels in preparation for mud and grime. Riding in poor conditions can be disastrous to your bike! It’s not fun to have to deal with broken spokes, loose skewers, and cemented mud, especially while racing. If you have a set of wheels in the pit, you can make a change and be underway pretty quickly.
- Tires with Traction — Choosing the right tires really hinges on you doing your homework before your ride. Really muddy conditions sometimes warrant extra grippy bike tires with aggressive edges and sticky rubber. But these kinds of tires usually also add some extra weight. For less severe wet-weather conditions, you might want to choose something a little less aggressive. If you’re unsure about which tire is best for your upcoming event, stop by Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop and we’ll help you dial it in.
- Chain Lube — As on any ride, taking care of your drive chain is one of the most important considerations for your bike. Using a wet lubricant during soggy and muddy conditions is ideal because it is thick enough to stay on the chain and thin enough to penetrate all of the small moving parts.
- Wet-Weather Apparel — If mud is on the ground, then there is a chance that you might face wet weather on your ride. Keeping warm and staying dry, especially in a race, is key. Layering with base layers and jackets that won’t absorb water is your best option.
Knowledge
Now that you have your bikes, bike parts, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel in gear, you should make sure that you know how to ride in mud. During your ride or race, mud threatens to slow you down or topple you over. Your ability to (1) select a good line and (2) pedal smoothly through mud will likely keep you moving and maybe even give you an edge over other riders. See Bike Radar’s article, “Technique: Winter Skills — Mud Master” for more tips.
Cleaning
After your bike ride, it’s very important to TAKE CARE OF YOUR BIKE. If you like your bike and want to keep it for a while, giving it a good cleaning is of upmost importance. This doesn’t have to be a laborious process but we recommend being thorough. Grab a good brush and do some scrubbing. See How To Clean Your Mountain Bike in 10 Easy Steps from Singletracks for a more thorough explanation.
For more information, or to get a bike check-up after a sloppy ride, stop into our store – Peak Cycles in Golden, Colorado. We have tons of advice, as well as bikes, bike parts, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel.
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Posted by staffwriter8
April 21, 2016
There are so many things to pay attention to in order to prepare for a race. As a competitive cyclist, you have to be savvy in a number of different key areas such as cycling nutrition, bike maintenance, repairing or replacing bike parts, and knowing how to use various cycling accessories such as power meters and heart rate monitors to maximize performance.
If you also have a full-time job, it’s a lot to think about! In this article, we’re going to help take the load off your mind by focusing on a very specific aspect of race prep – eating before, during and after a race. Hopeful you can glean some useful information for you upcoming competition.
Keep in mind that eating changes depending on the distance and intensity of your race/workout. Not all suggestions may apply.
Before:
We typically find lots of articles that talk about what you should eat after a race, but not as many about what you should eat before. The key is, if you are already eating healthy and balanced meals, you probably don’t have to change much before a race.
One thing you want to make sure you are including in your pre-race diet the night before a race are carbohydrates. Carbs store glycogen in your muscles, which will be burned during the race the next day. Foods like pasta, breads, and rice are carb-heavy that could be on your dinner plate. Try to keep protein dense foods at a minimum.
If you have a long or particularly intense race the next day, you can do what’s called “carb-loading.” Cycling Tips explains that carb-loading typically takes place 2 days before your race. Male athletes can typically store about 1,500 to 1,900 calories of carbs in the blood, liver and muscles combined. And after two hours of exercise, glycogen levels will be depleted. Cycling Tips recommends eating 10 grams of carbs per kg of body weight daily in the two days before the race.
During:
There is no formula that stipulates how much you should eat during a race because different body types and habits cause athletes to have different eating patterns. Some of the variables that determine how much athletes should eat include: lean body mass, metabolic efficiency, intensity, race distance, and environmental conditions.
CoachLevi.com offers some valuable insights into what cyclists might eat during rides at varying distances and intensity.
If you feel that you should be eating differently, here are some questions from Training Peaks that guide your eating habits:
Do you find that you have enough energy for your workouts and races?
- You should finish strong but spent, not crawling home or hitching a ride!
- Eat more often if you bonk!
Do you ever get “grumpy” during a long session?
- If so, you likely aren’t consuming enough carbohydrates.
Do you experiencing GI distress?
- You might be consuming too much or need to combine different sources of carbohydrate (i.e., glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltodextrin).
- You can try fewer calories or read labels to find products made with multiple carbohydrate sources and try different brands of products.
- You might also work on metabolic efficiency to see if you can reduce the number of calories you need.
Do you seem to be able to eat whatever you want, even when the intensity is high?
- No reason to back off if it is working for you!
After:
Right after a race you want to digest simple carbohydrates such as bananas, a bagel, or maybe even a slice of pizza. These things are often offered at the end of a race. Eating caloric-dense foods will restore your glycogen levels in your liver and muscles and getting some protein will help your muscles recover.
Stay away from the really fatty foods and foods high in protein. We know that some of you may be craving potato chips and whole pizzas, but its not the best thing for you.
See the article, “Maximize Your Post Race Recovery“ from Training Peaks for more information.
For more information, don’t hesitate to visit our website or stop into our store – Peak Cycles in Golden, Colorado. We have tons of advice, as well as bikes, bike parts, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel.
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike maintenance, bike parts, bikes, cycling accessories, cycling apparel, cycling nutrition, cycling tips, eating smart, heart rate monitors, peak cycles, power meters, race nutrition, training peaks | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
April 14, 2016
For those of you preparing for endurance trail races, we know that you are getting ready to ride long, get dirty, and have the time of your life. And while some you may have trained through the winter months, many have not. So we warn you winter sofa spuds that the alluring call of gorgeous spring days will tantalize you to ride too hard, too fast. This could lead to injuries, poor performances, and an overall unhappy 2016 cycling season.
Here are some ways not to meet that unfortunately end:
Endurance trail cyclists are on the cusp of some of the most favored mountain bike races in Colorado and the American west — races like Rocky Mountain Endurance Series, Thaw Massacre, 18 Hours of Fruita, Desert RATS Classic, 12 Hours of Mesa Verde, and The Half/Original Growler. And being success in these races requires you to closely monitor early season training.
Key points to keep in mind include training intensity, duration, and frequency. There are coaches and coaching plans to assist with specific and customized training. Or, you can create your own training program.
Regardless of your approach, for precise bio feedback to align your training plan, you’ll need to use cycling accessories available to you – such as power meters, GPS computers, and/or heart rate monitors. Early season training lends itself to “false” feedback. Meaning, because you may be fresh, your perceived effort on the bike may be low causing you to push too hard, too soon. As a result, your training suffers later due to increased recovery time or even injury. By monitoring your efforts with specific data, you objectively know when you are pushing beyond your targeted indictors, as well as when you aren’t pushing hard enough. This allows your body to adjust to increased training load over time and in a manner that meets your 2016 cycling season goals.
Now, just because you can’t go all-out in your early training, doesn’t mean that you can’t build the mental toughness and focus that you will need during an endurance race. As described in the post, Developing Mental Toughness: Are you Tough Enough?, “mental toughness is your ability to persevere in the face of challenges, to keep going even when things get hard, and to have an unrelenting commitment to your goals. When you develop your mental toughness, obstacles are only temporary and one bad performance doesn’t shake your belief in your ability.”
For more information, don’t hesitate to visit our website or stop into our store – Peak Cycles in Golden, Colorado. We have tons of advice, as well as bikes, bike parts, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel.
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Posted by staffwriter8
April 7, 2016
Joshua Murdock (Peak Cycles/bikeparts.com team cyclist) climbing Old Three Mile Highway in Linnville, North Carolina.
When spring comes around every year, the temptation for many cyclists is to jump into race training with all the intensity, determination, and vigor they can muster. While these are positive mentalities to have, its important that competitive bicyclists not let their excitement for spring training cause them to overwork themselves. One of the key stages of training where this takes places is cycling recovery.
While it may not always seem like it, a recovery ride is just as important to a cyclist’s race training as a workout. Together, recovery and workouts are the ‘yin and yang’ that balances a riders preparation and optimizes performance. Three key areas of recovery to pay attention to include post-workout recovery, post-race recovery, and balanced nutrition.
Post-Workout Recovery
One of the easiest ways to undermine training is to ride too hard during a recovery ride. The article, “7 Ways to Nail Your Recovery Rides” from Bicycling Magazine explains this well –
When you train hard you do damage—that’s part of the plan. Your workout breaks down your muscle, empties out your fuel stores, and generally taxes your metabolism above and beyond its status quo. When you recover, your body repairs the damage so you can come back stronger and ready for more. If you skip the recovery part, you’re cheating yourself out of the maximum return on your hard work.
Even though it seems counter intuitive, recovery rides should feel easy! Here are some ways to ensure that you are getting a proper recovery:
- Ride by yourself. You won’t be tempted to keep up with anyone else.
- Pull out the beater bike. If you have an older bike, you can spin easy and not be tempted to go faster.
- Get casual. Wear cloths that will make you feel like you’re just out for a cycling stroll
- Use a bike computer. Let your gadgets tell you if you are going too fast
Post-Race Recovery
Races are often the hardest workout cyclists will do. They redline for longer periods of time than their training workouts and expend more energy. As a result, the mind sends signals to the body that aren’t always what the body needs – such as exclusively eating junk food and sitting on the sofa for the rest of the day. The article, “Maximize Your Post Race Recovery“ from Training Peaks offers some ways that you can recover more quickly from a race:
- Right after the race, eat simple carbohydrates. Go for that orange slice, banana, and slice of pizza offered at the race.
- Supplement your post-race pizza and beer with other nutritional and caloric dense foods. Getting some protein will help your muscles recover (high protein intake is not good post-race, however) and caloric-dense foods restore glycogen levels in your liver and muscles.
- Stay away from really fatty foods and foods that are high in protein.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
- Get your feet up after the race. Yes, we’re giving you permission to chill and get off of your feet. This is best if done right after you are off the bike.
- Take a walk later that day. Getting up on your feet and moving around a while after the race helps speed the recovery process.
There are lots of resources online for you to learn about recovery best-practices and get the fuel and equipment you need for adequate recovery. bikeparts.com has lots of different types of nutritional supplements all in one place as well as bikes, bike parts, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel that can help you with your recovery training. And if you just want to talk to an expert, stop into Peak Cycles in Golden, CO to talk to one of our competitive cyclists. Have fun with your Spring Training!
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike computer, bike parts, bikes, cycling accessories, cycling apparel, cycling nutrition, Cycling recovery, cycling training, early season training, nutrition, nutritional supplements, peak cycles, post-race recovery, post-workout recovery, spring training | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
March 31, 2016
You know that dark place in the garage where you never go? You know, the area where all the spiders hang out and no human dares approach for months on end. Well, we are aware that some of you store your bike there over the winter months. But now that spring is here and the roads are clear, you’re going to have to find some courage and release your bike from its dungeon; It’s ready to be ridden.
Before you mount your neglected steed, however, you should conduct a bike maintenance and safety check. Here are some steps that you can follow to make sure your bike are in tip-top shape for the spring cycling season:
- Clean Your Bike: Chances are that if your bike has been sitting in the garage for a while, it has accumulated some dust. Dust somehow finds its way into all of the secret nooks and crannies that often don’t see the light of day, so being thorough and methodical in the way that you clean your bike is to your advantage. Grab a rag, a brush, and a biodegradable cleaner and clean everything — the frame, chain, chain rings, cassette, derailleurs, pedals, brakes, and seat.
- Paying Attention to Your Chain: When you are cleaning your bike, you are going to eventually get to your chain and cassette. You will want to pay extra attention to these as they are essential for making your bike go. For an easy clean, scrub your chain and cassette with a brush and eco-friendly degreaser and re-lubricate the chain when you are done. For something more thorough, you could buy a chain cleaner like Park Tool’s Cyclone Chain Scrubber, fill it with a non-aerosol degreaser like Pedros Oranj Peelz, turn your crank 15-20 revolutions and let your scrubber do the job for you.
- Check your Wheels and Tires: Both your wheels and tires are essential for bike safety and efficiency and are important to inspect before jumping on the saddle. Clean the wheels with rubbing alcohol and dry with a cloth. Check the rims for damage and examine for loose spokes. Your wheel should run smoothly without any side-to-side wobble.
- Inspect Your Brakes: When your shredding down a long, winding road or a steep trail grade, what’s going to stop you? Your brakes! Bike brakes use brake pads to stop your wheels from turing. Brake pads wear down over time so you should examine your brake pads for any uneven or extensive wear. If you do find uneven abrasions, you probably need to get your brakes adjusted.
Some basic bike tools that you’ll want to have include:
If you are interested in learning more about how you can maintain your bike, we’d be happy to share information with you. And all the bikes, bike parts , cycling accessories, and cycling apparel you’ll need can be found on our website – bikeparts.com. We also highly recommend that you get a tune-up by a professional before taking it out on serious rides. Call or stop in to Peak Cycles in Golden, CO to schedule your bike for a full tune-up. We encourage you to think ahead because we get a large influx of bike tune-up requests in the spring.
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike cleaning, bike maintenance, bike parts, BikeParts.com, bikes, bio, biodegradable cleaner, cycling accessories, cycling apparel, eco-friendly degreaser, Park Tool Cyclone Chain Scrubber, Pedros Oranj Peelz, spring cycling | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
March 17, 2016
When you get sized for a bike in a bike shop, most people generally think, “will I need a small, medium, or large frame?” But the reality is that there is much more to a bike fit than the size of a frame. Even if you have had your bike for a long time, you might not actually “fit” your bike.
Bikes come in all sizes and shapes, and are endless bike parts and cycling accessories that can be added or swapped to make bikes a better fit for you. When considering a bike that will actually fit you, most bike experts consider things like frame size, frame dimensions, saddle height, top tube and stem dimensions, knee and cleat position, handle bar size, crank length and body angle. While each of these things are important, they don’t cover a complete bike fit.
At Peak Cycles, we believe that there is much more to fitting a cyclist to his/her bicycle than just the physical dimensions of a bike. Each cyclist has a different history, experience, comfort level, and goal on the bike; each of these variables are important to the bike-fit process.
George Mullen runs our fit studio at Peak Cycles and, through his experience, he has learned that understanding the athlete’s needs are by far the most important component in the fit. With over fifteen years of fitting experience, over 3000 fits, certifications from Serotta Elements™ and Serotta Advanced Fit™ courses as well as Specialized™ Body Geometry fit school, George has learned that simple but significant questions like these drive a proper fit:
- What are your body’s dimensions? Are you long in the inseam or long in the torso?
- What is your injury history?
- What does your flexibility look like?
- What is your sustainable core strength like?
These questions help channel an understanding of your body type, experience, ability level, and past riding technique to inform a more complete fit using an eleven element functional movement screen. This 3-dimentional assessment covers things like:
- Detailed personal profile interview (cycling history, injuries, nagging pains, goals, etc.)
- Functional movement screen (in-depth body flexibility testing and assessment)
- Pre-fit assessment of your current riding position on your bike
- XYZ plane adjustments (X=horizontal/length reach adjustment, Y=vertical/height seat adjustment, Z=frontal area adjustment)
- Pedal/cleat adjustment(includes verus/valgus cleat shimming as necessary for pedaling alignment)
We also have a new Chamois fit system, which matches the right chamois size with the right bib size (again small, medium, and large doesn’t usually cut it). If you would like to learn more about how you can get a complete and proper bike fit, please stop into Peak Cycles and ask.
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike fit, bike fit expert, bike fit studio, bike frame, bike parts, bikes, Body Geometry Bike Fit, cycling accessories, fit consult, peak cycles bike shop, Serotta Advanced Fit, Serotta Elements, Specialized BG fit school | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
March 10, 2016
If you are a cyclist, you don’t just own a bike. At a minimum, you have a helmet, bike pump, and water bottle; you might also own bike shoes, bike gloves, various sets of tires, bike tools, bike lights…the list goes on! The fact is that keeping yourself and your bike in tip-top riding condition throughout the year requires the use of various bike parts, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel. And that can get expensive.
But taking advantage of yearly sales like our Spring Savings event throughout March eases the cost burden. Here are some of our favorite cycling accessories that are marked off between 35-45%.
Specialized Ambush and Airnet Helmets
These are both simple and stylish helmets that modestly boast a lightweight and ventilated structure. The Specialized Ambush has the support and durability for anything from easy-going trail rides to enduro races, and the Specialized Airnet has ultra-light and cooling technology for any type of road adventure.
Specialized Men’s Comp MTB and Women’s Motodiva Bike Shoes
Both shoes offer an all-mountain experience that is hard to compete with. They have a stiff sole that improves efficiency when pedaling and SlipNot™ rubber outsole for traction when walking around on rough terrain. We are big fans of the Boa® S2-SV adjustable dial that is easy to secure and doesn’t slip! For additional features, see these links for the Specialized Comp MTB and Specialized Motodiva.
Specialized Enduro and BG Grail LF Gloves
For serious trail riders, the Specialized Enduro glove offers a variety of advantages including comfort, mobility, durability, and protection. Airpreen® knuckles keep your fingers protected and Wiretap™ technology give you access to your phone while you’re on the bike!
Specialized BG Grail LF gloves are ergonomically designed to reduce hand numbness by improving circulation and equalizing pressure on the soft tissues of the hand. With Internal Equalizer™ padding and external gel padding, you won’t be regretting this comfortable glove for your long rides.
If you want to see all of our bikes, bike parts, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel on sale, don’t hesitate to stop into our store – Peak Cycles in Golden, Colorado. We also have tons of bikes, bike parts, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel online at http://www.bikeparts.com/.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike gloves, bike lights, bike parts, bike pump, bike shoes, bike tires, bike tools, bikes, cycling accessories, cycling apparel, Helmet, peak cycles, specialized ambush, specialized bg grail lf, specialized comp mtb, specialized enduro, specialized motodiva, water bottle | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
March 3, 2016
It’s that time of year again when we have fantastic deals on bikes, bike parts, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel. We’re talking 35-45% off! So we’re going to highlight three of our favorite and most popular bikes that are now on sale.
Mountain Bike – S-Works Camber FSR 29 or 650B
This bike is currently the cadillac of mountain bikes. With a suspension that easily soaks up bumps and offers a gentle ride, you’ll be biking over challenging terrain with ease and comfort. Described by Specialized as the “do-anything” trail bike, the Camber gives you superb handling without compromising your ability to efficiently climb hills. If you are looking to have fun on trails without a ton of extra effort, this is the bike for you.
Road Bike – S-Works Roubaix SL4 Disc
The S-Works Roubaix SL4 Disc is designed to be to a smooth ride on some of the toughest road conditions. The carbon frame maximizes vertical compliance and Zertz inserts and a CG-R seatpost work to absorb feedback from the road giving you the comfort you need for long rides and races. And as an added bonus, they hydraulic disc brakes give you more control.
Fat Bike – Specialized Fatboy
If you’re looking for some good old classic fun on a bike, a Specialized Fatboy is a good way to go. The Fatboy can be ridden at anytime of year – in the snow, slush, mud, and hard-packed trail. The security and control that come from the jumbo wheel system is unparalleled. Similarly, if you’re looking to test your endurance and skills, you can get a Fatboy with a lightweight carbon frame, fork and wheelset (see Specialized Fatboy Expert Carbon) that will be race-ready from the get-go.
If these bikes tantalize your bike senses, stop into Peak Cycles in Golden, Colorado to see what you might find at our sale. We have over 50 different types of bikes on sale and even more different types of bike parts, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, bike sale, bikes, cycling accessories, cycling apparel, S-Works Camber FSR 29, S-Works Camber FSR 650B, S-Works Roubaix SL4 Disc, Specialized Fatboy, Specialized Fatboy Expert Carbon, spring bike sale | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
July 23, 2015
Racing at Peak Cycles / BikeParts.com
Before a race or a big event, do you ever feel overwhelmed? Nervous? Anxious? For the most part, experiencing those sensations is normal. Yet, oftentimes, negative self talk can exasperate the problem.
Thoughts like, “I haven’t trained enough” or you find yourself caring too much about what other people think. Maybe looking around the start of an event you take a mental inventory and think other cyclist look more fit or have better bikes. Worst case scenario, you notice the weather and assign its condition as to how you think you will perform.
Whatever the case may be, managing self sabotaging thoughts and behavior is well within your scope of control. Being mindful of your pre- event thoughts allows you to fully maximize your training efforts while reaching your race day or event goals. Granted, pretty much everyone that enters an event suffers from nerves of some sort. However, the post, 5 Simple Strategies for Overcoming Race Day Nerves, guides us through easy ways to shift the perspective of nervousness to be an enabler of positive sports performance. And there are other ideas for managing self defeating behaviors too.
Develop race day strategies that work for you. Preparing mentally, physically, and being bike ready will instill confidence leading up to the event. When your mind drifts to negative self talk, re- direct it to the strategies you’ve set for yourself. As an example, develop personal race day rituals. Crafting a pre-event routine is an important part of building a successful race experience. Consider having a checklist of race day activities to 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. You will show up on the line having confidence in your bike, your bike parts, and nutrition so that you can solely focus on the event ahead of you and not what other cyclist are doing or riding.
A little preparation can aid in reducing anxiety too! Know the course and the conditions. Check the weather ahead of time. Do a mental dress rehearsal of the event using this information. Visualization offers you the chance to “try things on” in a way so that you get more comfortable at adapting to the random things that occur during events.
Ultimately, the more at ease you are going into an event allows you to be more relaxed and focused on the start line Limit any self sabotage you have by preparing in advance. You’ll enjoy your event and it will also pave the way for a longer and enjoyable cycling career.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, bike tools, bikes, hydration, nutrition, Race Day Nerves, race day rituals, race day strategies | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
July 16, 2015
The Tour de France is under way, and the buzz has never been so great! The world’s fastest cyclists and bike manufacturers have sharpened this year’s competition with increased fitness, improved road bikes, better bike parts – leaving us all inspired and gripped on the watching the next day’s stage.
With the addition of GoPro Hero 4 on the riders bikes, it has changed forever how we watch the Tour de France. Ultimately, as spectators, we gain a greater perspective of the event along with a longing for the gear, bikes, and thrill experienced by the pro cyclist. Granted, we may never race in the Tour de France, but we do have access to the great gear the pro cyclist ride!
Watching the Tour de France might give you the itch for a new road bike and it’s perfect timing because shortly our 2015 road bikes and mountain bikes in our Golden, Colorado Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop will be going on sale to make way for the 2016 product releases. Here’s what’s coming in and a brief description of why we like them.
If you can’t stand the wait and are looking to get that new bike thrill now, check out a really nice S-works bike in our store with Shimano XTR components and 11-speed in back. It’s light and fast for racing – just like the tour riders like it!
Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to keep up with news on bikes, bike parts, and new product releases.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, bikes, Cycling Clothing, Endura FS260 pro race cape, Endura Singletrack mountain bike gloves, Endure lite gloves, Giant - Liv shorts and jersey, Giant 2016 TCR Advanced SL, Giant Any Road Gravel Grinder, Giant Trance Advance 27.5, GoPro Hero 4, road bike, Specialized Fuse 6Fattie, Specialized S-Works Stump Jumper FSR 6Fattie, Specialized S-Works Venge Vias DI2 USA, Tour De France | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
December 27, 2012
2013
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!
7 Comments | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike commuting, bike maintenance, bike parts, bikes, goals, Local Events, motivation, New Year's Resolutions, training tips | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
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