Around 100 million Americans ride their bike every year, though few do so as their main means of transportation – as found in research conducted by the Breakaway Research Group. Because cycling does not place weight on the knees and since velocity and effort can be adapted with the change of gears, it can also be an ideal sport for those in their 50s, 60s, or 70s. The use of cycling for leisure purposes indicates the extent to which this sport is a pleasurable way to get around. However, it also wields a host of benefits that seniors, in particular, can take advantage of – for one, cycling can actually slow down aging!
Building Motivation is Key
If discussing the many health benefits of cycling isn’t enough to wrest gramps or gran from their favorite spot on the sofa, then finding the right way to motivate them is key. Research has found that self-determined motivation and perceived competence are vital pillars in getting a senior to exercise more. In a study by researchers at the University of Gothenburg, scientists discovered that the more seniors feel that they are able to make decisions for themselves, the more likely they are to stick to an exercise plan in the long-term. Therefore, instead of making cycling sound like a duty or scaring your loved one with statistics on the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, you might try gentler tactics such as showing your loved one photographs of the beautiful places you cycle to, revealing your physical transformation since you started cycling, or even showing them videos of other senior cyclists enjoying a great day out.
The Right Equipment Boosts Empowerment
It is important for seniors to feel comfortable on their bikes, so if they join you for a day in the sun and they express a wish to cycle more, investing in an appropriate bike is key. Features to look out for include weight, durability, and ease of gear changes. Bikes to consider are commuter bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes. The right bike may also need to have a suspension system that is good enough to absorb shock and reduce vibrations and a good brake, especially if your loved one will be riding in urban areas. The bike will also need to be ergonomic that can easily be adjusted to the right height and distance from the saddle. All bike parts should be easy to handle and replace; elderly riders may have joint conditions that will make manipulation of stiff or heavy parts painful. If you live in an area with numerous uphills, then an electric bike that will take the edge off the toughest hills will probably be well appreciated by a senior loved one.
If a grandparent or other elderly loved one craves to get out more and give their heart a good workout, cycling may be the perfect solution. Seniors who are highly self-motivated may already have the perfect bike but if not, accompany them so you can try out different bikes. Choose one that is comfortable, sturdy, yet light. The more pleasurable a bike ride is for your senior family member, the more likely cycling is to turn into a lifetime love affair.
Do you hear squeaks and creaks, clanks and clatters, or rattles and clicks coming from your bike? Are you in fear that your bike is haunted? That perhaps a competitor has put a curse on you? Or quite possibly your bike is possessed? It is Halloween after all! And frightful things can happen! Take it from our bike mechanics here at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, a frightful terror we have seen is the use of WD-40 as chain lubrication! The horror!
Given our bike maintenance experience, we can help you expel the frightful sounds originating from your bike. Granted, our tips and tricks won’t cover a full exorcism but you’ll be well on your way to fixing those annoying noises and back to peaceful pedaling.
Squeaks and Creeks – These super common sounds are usually due to dirty or dry bearings. You’ll often find that after riding your bike for a while or in harsh conditions these noises start to creep in. Areas to check if you’re hearing these noises would be:
Crankset/ Bottom Bracket
Headset
Pivots (MTB)
Derailleur jockey wheels or chain guide pulleys
Chain
Derailleur “clutch” or lockout area
Saddle rail clamp bolt
Clipless pedals
Clunks and Clatters – Another common noise that sounds a bit scarier is a clunk or clatter. This noise should scare you because it generally means something on your bike is loose! Here are some important bolts to check if you hear this noise:
Headset
Front/Rear wheel axles
Pivots (MTB)
Derailleur bolt
Water bottle cage (ok, this one’s not that scary… but super common!)
Rattles and Clicks – While there are countless recommendations on keeping your road bike or mountain bike in good, working order, try these tips to help with rattles, clicks, and the like. Pay Attention to Your Chain. If you’ve been training regularly then no doubt your chain is showing some wear and tear. Take time to actually clean your chain. For an easy-clean, scrub your drivetrain parts 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. As for the best chain lube, check out our post, Dry Pavement, Sloppy Slush, and A Muddy Trail: Which Chain Lube Works Best? for options.
Check your Wheels and Tires. Both your wheels and tires are essential for bike safety. Accompanying the snow and wet riding conditions are salt, debris, and miscellaneous items found in the cycling lanes and roads. Have you checked your tires lately? They may actually need replacing. Begin by cleaning 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. Next, replace your tires. If you aren’t up for doing this yourself, let us help you.
Inspect Your Brakes. Nothing is more frightening than shredding down a long, winding road and not having brakes! Bike brakes use brake pads to stop your wheels from turning. Brake pads wear down over time and especially so under wet and grimy conditions. Be mindful to examine your brake pads for any uneven or extensive wear. If you do find uneven abrasions, you probably need to get your brakes adjusted and/or replaced.
Replace old bike parts! 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.
Finally, if you can’t find the cause of the annoying noises, bring your bike into Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado. We’ll be able to zero in on the source and type of noise fast and efficiently and get you back to riding in peace and quiet in no time. See you soon and Happy Halloween Friends!
While the temps are soaring and the days are still long, soon – summer will come to an end. Now is the time to get rolling. All of the rides, races, and cycling adventures you hoped to complete this summer need to have a check mark next to them. Who wants to look back on the season with regret? No one! So get out your planner and make August your best month yet.
If you are competitive cyclist, you may still have the itch for more racing. Fortunately, in Colorado the cycling season finishes strong in August. Following are a handful of road races and mountain bike races happening this month:
Racing isn’t for everyone. If competition isn’t your thing, there are several Front Range rides you can do. Following are some of our favorites:
Historic Lariat Loop
Deer Creek Canyon
Bergen Park or Idaho Springs to Guanella Pass
Red Rocks Park Loop
Bergen Park or Idaho Springs to St. Mary’s Glacier (Alice)
Idaho Springs to Loveland Pass
Golden to Cold Springs Campground via Golden Gate Canyon
Bergen Park to Echo Lake
Idaho Springs to Juniper Pass
Manitou Springs to Pike Peak Summit Parking Lot (Pikes Peak Hill Climb)
Morgul-Bismark Route
Jamestown Canyon Ride
Flagstaff Hill Climb
NCAR Hill Climb
Lookout Mountain Hill Climb
Sunshine Hill Climb
Magnolia Hill Climb
Mt. Evans Hill Climb
Pikes Peak
Trail Ridge Road
The best way to make the most of your bucket list rides is be prepared: mentally, physically, and have fully inspected your bike parts. You want to make the most of your rides, don’t you? Of course! No one wants a mechanical during training or racing. Obviously, functioning brakes are essential on the long, fast descents. Proper gearing can make or break your chance of making a climb. And, having the right bike tools, cycling accessories, and extra bike parts on hand make a difference between a stellar ride and a bail out.
Better yet, why not get a new bike for your bucket list rides? Yep, that’s right – a new bike! Get 20% off all bikes $1000 and up and 10% off all bikes under $1000. Stop by the Peak Cycling Bike Shop for help or visit us at bikeparts.com for all your cycling needs.
July – the best month of the year! As cyclist, we all love July because the Tour de France is in full swing and so is the touring and racing season in Colorado. With envy, many cyclist watch the pro riders at the Tour de France and wonder how they can mimic the fitness and performance of such talented athletes. Cycling fans follow each day’s stage, drama, and favorite riders as the Tour unfolds.
Many find themselves inspired by the passion and prowess of the Tour riders and feel the call to unleash their own inner pro. Granted, we may not have the legs, power, endurance, or sprinting power of pro riders, but surely, each of us hears the calling to test our abilities – to push a little harder – to see if we have what it takes when the pressure is on.
So given you’re not riding in the Tour, you can still take on the ultimate cycling challenge. To do that, you need an event or race to test the limits. Fortunately, Colorado has some of the greatest road bike and mountain bike rides in the country. From bone-rattling descents to leisurely loops, locals and vacationers alike welcome the challenge of pushing the limits while taking in breathtaking views that only Colorado has to offer. To unleash your inner pro, you have to select an event.
Following are a list rides, road races, and mountain bike races from our friends over at Pedal Dancer for the month of July.
Next – plan! In your planning preparations, you’ll want to gather road ride or trail intelligence. Meaning, there are key elements you should know before heading out on any unfamiliar route:
Know the profile – How much climbing and descending should you expect?
Know the route – Where is the start or the trailhead? How long is the route? What is the technical difficulty? What type of terrain will you be riding? And, What are the current trail conditions if opting for a mountain bike ride?
Know the weather conditions before, during, and soon after you expect to ride. Colorado weather changes quickly and sometimes, radically. Be prepared.
Ultimately, the best way to unleash your inner pro is to be prepared: mentally, physically, and have fully inspected your bike parts. Functioning brakes are essential on the long, fast descents. Proper gearing can make or break your chance of making a climb. And, having the right bike tools, cycling accessories, and extra bike parts on hand make a difference between a stellar ride and a bail out.
Next time you are watching a stage in the Tour de France and you find yourself inspired to see what you’ve got – go for it! Pick a cycling event in July, get your bike and cycling accessories dialed in and go big! At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we’re cheering for you!
Get Your Dad A New Bike from BikeParts.com for Father’s Day!
Father’s Day is almost here, and it’s the perfect opportunity to show dad how much you care. Nothing says “I care about you” more than showing interest in someone’s life – especially their passions.
So, if you’re stuck wondering what to get your cycling Dad for Father’s day, then look no further! At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we’ve put together a list of spin worthy Father’s day gift suggestions.
Super Plush Gifts:
For those going all our for their cycling Dad, nothing beats a new bike! You might think, he already has one – maybe two- or even three bikes…how could he need another? Truth is, you can’t ever have enough bikes. Consider a new road bicycle or mountain bike for your Dad. Even better, opt for a fat bike!
Maybe a new bike is a bit of a stretch, but you really want to treat your Dad to something he might not purchase for himself. Give him power – a power meter that is! If your Dad is a data junkie, then this is the ideal gift for him! The main idea behind using cycling training tools is to dial in training to optimize performance as it relates to specific goals and objectives. Our post, The Best Training Aids to Launch into Spring Cycling, dives into the benefits of training with power. As for which power meter to purchase, consider our most popular one, Stages Power Meters, beginning at $1000. Stages Power meter is the lightest, smallest, most technologically advanced unit available today. Another option is the Pioneer Power Meter offered at $2000 and is a bit more sophisticated. A third option is a company that’s been around for a while now – PowerTap Power Meter.
Plush Gifts that Don’t Break the Bank: Does your Dad complain of hands falling asleep while riding? Or shoulder or neck pain after a long ride? Ease your Dad’s discomfort with a bike fit. A bike fit isn’t just for professional riders – they are for anyone who rides whether they are a beginner or advanced rider. A bike fit helps ensure riding comfort but it also impacts technique which is crucial to preventing overuse injuries and how an athlete rides. Give us a call (303) 216-1616 or stop by the shop in Golden to schedule your Dad’s bike fit. Not only can we help him with the fit, but we carry all the bike parts required to get the bike in the very best setup for his riding needs.
If you aren’t in the market for purchasing a new bike for your Dad, then gift him with a bike demo. One of our most popular demos is a fat bike! Riding a fat bike is a great new adventure. Renew your Dad’s cycling enthusiasm by trying out a new bike. Or, try out some new bike parts! What cyclist doesn’t love bike parts? Whether it’s a new saddle, shifters, brakes, seatpost, fork, pedals, hubs or wheels, your Dad probably wants it. The usual problem is how to know exactly what to get. Our answer, get a gift certificate.
Plush Gifts on a Budget: If Dad taught you to be thrifty, you may be looking for Father’s Day deals so you can get gifts for Dad that don’t break the bank
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 Dad likes to wear their cycling socks even when he isn’t riding? Why? Because they are so comfortable. Pick out a pair of socks you like for your Dad and maybe even get a pair for yourself!
Tires: Treat yourself to Dad to some new rubber! We have a ton of tires for road and mountain bikes.
Lube: Every Dad goes through it and we’ve got tons of it.
See how easy it is to get your cycling Dad a great gift for Father’s Day? If by chance you are still in need of ideas for creative Father’s Day gifts, stop by the shop in Golden, Colorado or give us a call at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop (303) 216-1616 and we’ll gladly help you out! Happy Father’s Day!
Are you stressing yourself out looking for the perfect holiday gift for your cyclist? Look no further! Surprise and delight your favorite cyclist with our list of best bike gifts for cyclist!
Stocking stuffer ideas are first and foremost! We mentioned in our post, Unique Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Cyclist, traditionally, stocking stuffers are smaller gifts that tend to pale in comparison to the main gifts under the Christmas tree. But with some creativity, don’t be surprised if our ideas for stocking stuffers turn out to be a big hit on Christmas morning. The usual suspects for stocking stuffers include multi tools, tubes, bottles, socks, head warmers, arm warmers, shoe covers, gloves, lube, energy bars, gels, chews and similar items. Smaller items that pack a big bang in your cyclist training regime include heart rate monitors and coaching gift certificates.
Combine these ideas with some items better placed under the tree, and you’re sure to delight your cyclist. And what might these gifts be? The very items that make cycling fun! This list of gift items includes a variety of cycling apparel: jerseys, shorts, tights, jacket, cycling shoes and…..a new bike! A new road bike, mountain bike, or even a fat bike might just be the very gift your cyclist is hoping Santa will deliver!
Another option – give the gift of experience! These are gifts that delight the whole year long!
Gift a Bike fit – Does your cyclist complain of hands falling asleep while riding? Or shoulder or neck pain after a long ride? A bike fit isn’t just for professional riders – they are for anyone who rides whether they are a beginner or advanced rider. A bike fit helps ensure riding comfort but it also impacts technique which is crucial to preventing overuse injuries and how an athlete rides. Consider the gift of giving your favorite cyclist a bike fit for Christmas. Not only can we help them with the fit, but we carry all the bike partsrequired to get the bike in the very best setup for their riding needs. Give us a call (303) 216-1616 or stop by the shop in Golden to schedule your bike fit.
Demo a fat bike! That’s right! Fat bikes are all the rage – they thrive in snow, sand, desert, bogs and mud as well as riding what is considered normal mountain biking. In fact, fat bikes are the fastest growing segment in the bike industry. Book a fat bike demo for your favorite cyclist that will up the giggle factor to their normal winter riding program. Who can’t smile while riding a fat bike?
Gift an App that keeps on giving – Smart phones, apps, and technology are paving the way for increased year round fitness. Consider giving the gift of paid apps to help keep your cyclist on track. The post, Top 5 Apps for Cyclists for Off-Season Fitness Gains, offers great suggestions including Lose it!, Strava, and Sleep Cycle.
We’ve talked about gifts for your favorite cyclist, but what about the bike? There are Gifts To Give Your Bike for Christmas! You haven’t forgotten about the two wheeled friend, now have you? Show some love for the bike this holiday season. Get it some presents!
Your favorite cyclists’ bike’s #1 holiday wish would be to drop the weight – on bike components that is! Consider getting a high quality wheel set. A good wheel set impacts ride quality, ease of pedaling, reliability, and functionality. Maybe purchase some new, lighter tires on your wheels. Another option is to reconsider the current crank set and pedals setup. You can help your favorite cyclist shave some weight there while also selecting lighter handlebars, a lighter saddle, and seat post. Loosing weight never seemed so easy!
And last but not least, what is a cyclist dream gift? Bike parts! What cyclist doesn’t love bike parts? Whether it’s a new shifters, brakes, seatpost, or fork, your favorite cyclist wants it.
See how easy it is to make your favorite cyclist smile this Christmas? Happy Holidays!
Have you noticed? Spring is here! And you know what that means, right? The cycling season has launched! Hurray!
Now is the time to check your bike for spring riding! Do you have a flat that needs changing? Are your brakes working properly? Is your chain lubed? Do you need new bike parts?
But wait! It’s not all about the bike, right? Spring is also the time to reacquaint yourself with bike safety, the rules of the road, and proper cycling etiquette. During the winter months, it’s easy to forget many of the basics to riding safely on the road. And, drivers forget to look for cyclist when they are driving as they transition from the winter to springtime. No fear – help is near!
Join us for a FREE class offered to all cyclists on laws are for cyclists. Learn what the laws are for cyclists; how you legally and appropriately ride on public roads; what the rules are for turning, stopping, passing; your rights and obligations; become educated on bike safety, commuting and much, much more! REGISTER HERE.
When:
May 5, 2014
6:30 PM
Where:
Peak Cycles
1224 Washington Ave #145
Golden, CO 80401
Who’s it For:
All cyclist – especially new cyclist. We will provide you materials and guidance, as well as the laws and etiquette you need to take to the roads and trails. You will leave feeling more informed, more secure in your rights and obligations as a cyclist, and more confident and comfortable as you embark on your cycling journey.
Don’t miss out! There will be food, drinks, cycling education, and even bike parts to drool over! Become a street smart, savvy, safe, educated, conscientious cyclist. See you on May 5th at 6:30!
Guess who is rocking the coolest bikes, the best bike parts, and crushing it in Colorado’s toughest mountain bike races?
You guessed it – Peak Cycles Racers!
We’re super proud of team riders Joshua Murdock and Weston Burcar who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in the overall Epic Singletrack Series at Winter Park! The Winter Park Epic Singletrack Series is a 6 series race with varying terrain, distances, and technical challenges. Navigating those challenging races takes skills, talent, and of course, good ‘ole reliable bike parts.
Congrats to all of our racers!
At BikeParts.com, we do all we can to support our competitive and non completive athletes. And while our racers can tell you, racing takes its toll on themselves as athletes, but also on their bikes. As we’re nearing the end of the XC and endurance mtb racing season, many are shifting their focus to the cyclocross season and to getting in as many good, long rides before we start seeing much cooler temps.
Good reminders for any race or ride includes starting your ride with a clean and lubricated chain, well lubed derailleurs, brake pads that are in good shape andtires have the appropriate air pressure. Stop by the Peak Cycles BIcycle shop to pick up any road parts or mtb parts you may need. Don’t forget to high five our racers!
Course strategies, break aways, riding in a small group or a large peloton – these are the thoughts and questions of cyclist wondering how to win at bicycle racing. With only about a month and half left of the Colorado cycling racing and touring season, many are filling up their calendars with the last big events of the season hoping to capitalize on the fitness gains made during the season. The Colorado races and tours on tap for August include:
08/17/2013
24 Hours in the Sage
Steamboat Stinger
TOUR de CURE Colorado
08/31/2013
Big Mountain Enduro – Durango
Grand Junction Off-Road
Steamboat Stage Race
Tour de Fat – Fort Collins
The best way to approach any of these rides is to come prepared: mentally, physically, and have fully inspected your bike parts. Functioning brakes are essential on the long, fast descents. Proper gearing can make or break your chance of making a climb. And, having the right bike tools, cycling accessories, and extra bike parts on hand make a difference between a stellar ride and a bail out.
Also, if you are looking to finish your season super strong, consider a bike fit. Leg strength, endurance, and fitness are at the heart of cycling speed, but without a proper bike fit, you are sabotaging your training efforts. The 2013 season is (almost) nearing the end. Let’s finish strong! Finish fast!
Dillon Turner – riding fast at UCI BMC World Championships in New Zealand!
Colorado bike races are more popular than ever. The physical challenge of Colorado’s altitude combined with amazing alpine views pair for a cycler’s dream.
What makes it even better? Cool bikes, new bike parts, and team riders crushing it in local, national, and international mountain bike races.
We’re super proud of our team racers at bikeparts.com.
Congrats to PeakCycles BMX Rider Dillon Turner – riding fast at UCI BMC World Championships in New Zealand!
High fives to Joshua Murdock and Taylor Shull for impressive showings at the Mountain Bike Nationals in Bear Creek, Pennsylvania!
Stellar finish for Stacy Moller at the Leadville Silver Rush 50!
Congrats to all of our racers! At BikeParts.com, we do all we can to support our competitive and non completive athletes. And while our racers can tell you, racing takes its toll on themselves as athletes, but also on their bikes. The season is in full swing and most venturing into the shop want to know how to ride faster, ride easier, and what they need to do either get their bike parts in order or keep them well maintained.
What can we learn from our podium finishers? For starters, they start their races with a clean and lubricated chain. They make sure to lubricate the moving parts of brakes and derailleurs. Their brake pads are in good shape and tires have the appropriate air pressure. And, most importantly, after they race, they inspect their bike and replace damaged bike parts.
Get in to the shop to hear about our racers most recent adventures and success stories. Let’s finish this season strong!
Colorado has some of the greatest road bike rides in the country. Some are shorter, convenient rides whereas others offer steeper, longer climbs and extended distances. Locals and vacationers alike welcome the challenge of pushing the limits while taking in breathtaking views that only Colorado has to offer.
The best way to approach any of these rides is to come prepared: mentally, physically, and have fully inspected your bike parts. Functioning brakes are essential on the long, fast descents. Proper gearing can make or break your chance of making a climb. And, having the right bike tools, cycling accessories, and extra bike parts on hand make a difference between a stellar ride and a bail out.
With so many to choose from, why not do them all this summer! Stop by the Peak Cycles Bike Shop to get the insiders scoop on any of our favorite 20 Colorado Front Range road rides.
Historic Lariat Loop
Deer Creek Canyon
Bergen Park or Idaho Springs to Guanella Pass
Red Rocks Park Loop
Bergen Park or Idaho Springs to St. Mary’s Glacier (Alice)
Idaho Springs to Loveland Pass
Golden to Cold Springs Campground via Golden Gate Canyon
Bergen Park to Echo Lake
Idaho Springs to Juniper Pass
Manitou Springs to Pike Peak Summit Parking Lot (Pikes Peak Hill Climb)
For many people, buying a new bike is a more difficult decision than buying a new car. Why? Because today, manufacturers offer more models than ever in a wider variety of price points. And there are an exceptional array of bike parts, wheels, brakes and shifting systems that operate like never before. Having a variety of choices is a wonderful thing but at BikeParts.com, we’re here to help you navigate the confusion to help you get the bike you want – and the bike you will ride.
First off, build your bike profile. Decide what type of riding you will be doing, how often, and the types of terrain you plan to ride. Because there are so many bike parts to build a new mountain bike or road bike, it’s important to get clear on what you are looking to do. Here are some questions you need to get you started:
What type of bicycle do I want? Will I be mountain biking, road cycling, or is comfort my biggest factor in a bike?
Am I interested in casual riding? Entry level competitive cycling? Full on racing?
How many miles might I log per week, or year?
What type of tires should my bike have?
What color bike do I want?
What size bike do I need? The size of the bicycle is critical for comfortable riding. It is helpful if the bike shop has a fit service. Fortunately, at Peak Cycles, we do! Learn more here.
Do I want a bike with gears? If so, How many?
Do I prefer squishy handlebar pads, hard ones, or ones with tassels?
What kind of seat do I want?
Cycling accessories – what matters to me most: high-tech gadgets or are simpler designs?
What kind of handle bars do I want? Straight or curved?
Am I interested in the highest quality bike parts? Or, can I get by with industry standard bicycle accessories?
How much am I willing to spend on a bike?
Finally, buy what you like. Feel good about what you’re buying, how it looks, how it rides. Because of our varied mountain bike trials in Golden, Colorado and road ride circuits along the Front Range, we are asked for our advice on other bike accessories cyclist may need or want. Of course, buy a helmet first, and wear it. There are many other products which can enhance the riding experience as in hydration packs, eye protection, cycling apparel as well as numerous books and magazines available to help you educate yourself about the nuances of cycling. We’re here to help you with all of it.
You couldn’t pick a better time to shop for a new bike. There are so many attractive choices today. Visit us at Peak Cycles in Golden or online at bikeparts.com and we can help with your decision making and offer advice you need to get you rolling on your new bike just in time for summer riding
What does the Ridgeline Rampage, Battle of the Bear, Eagle 40, and 12 Hours of Mesa Verde all have in common? Sure, they are all mountain bike races but they are also all races in which the Peak Cycles Race Team have all raced AND celebrated their success on the podium!
Congrats to all of our racers! At BikeParts.com, we do all we can to support our competitive and non completive athletes. And while our racers can tell you, racing takes its toll on themselves as athletes, but also on their bikes. The season is in full swing and most venturing into the shop want to know how to ride faster, ride easier, and what they need to do either get their bike parts in order or keep them well maintained.
So, what can we learn from our podium finishers that the rest of us can use to better our cycling season? For starters, they start their races with a clean and lubricated chain. They make sure to lubricate the moving parts of brakes and derailleurs. Their brake pads are in good shape and tires have the appropriate air pressure. And, most importantly, after they race, they inspect their bike and replace damaged bike parts.
What other things can we learn from our top racers? Find out for yourself! Stop by the Peak Cycles Bike Shop for the shop ride in Golden, Colorado, follow us on Twitter, or catch up on Colorado racing in our recent blog posts.
What’s next? Look for Taylor J Schmidt, Weston Burcar, Dan Dwyer and Joshua Murdock at this weekend’s RME Indian Creek race. Cheer them on, or better yet, get out there and race!
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.
Around 100 million Americans ride their bike every year, though few do so as their main means of transportation – as found in research conducted by the Breakaway Research Group. Because cycling does not place weight on the knees and since velocity and effort can be adapted with the change of gears, it can also be an ideal sport for those in their 50s, 60s, or 70s. The use of cycling for leisure purposes indicates the extent to which this sport is a pleasurable way to get around. However, it also wields a host of benefits that seniors, in particular, can take advantage of – for one, cycling can actually slow down aging!
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For many people, buying a new bike is a more difficult decision than buying a new car. Why? Because today, manufacturers offer more models than ever in a wider variety of price points. And there are an exceptional array of 
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