Back to Basics: Getting Kids on Bikes (even during the Coronavirus)

April 23, 2020

As we wrote last week, if you are looking for ways to keep your family healthy and also release stress associated with managing the coronavirus pandemic, then a family bike ride might be in order. But that assumes that your children have been riding bikes for a while. Given that our temperatures are warmed up and the state is reopening to some businesses, there is more opportunity to get around town more and enjoy the outdoors by bike. Use our suggestions to get your kids riding bikes. 

It all starts with having the right bike.  We mean it! This means having a bike that fits. If you need to purchase a new toddler or youth bike, make sure you avoid the common mistake of buying a bike that they’ll “grow into.” Doing so can set your child back a couple of years. When shopping, be aware that children’s bikes are measured by their wheel size (not frame size). The right size is one where your child can comfortably get on the bike and stand with his or her feet on the ground. If you have questions on the right size bike for your child, visit our staff at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop. We’re more than happy to help you select the right size bike for your child. Given the current circumstances, we are continuing to take safety precautions during this time to maintain the safety of our employees and customers. Consider calling ahead so that we can coordinate some time to best help you, while also maintaining social distancing and safety measures. 

Another important factor in getting your kids to ride their bike with you is to have the proper clothing. Dress your kids for cycling success. Investing in a well-fitting helmet, along with a jersey, cycling shorts, and a good pair of gloves inspires your kids and affects enjoyment levels and performance. If your child is comfortable, they are going to want to ride. We have bike parts and cycling accessories that include windbreakers, gloves, shorts, jersey’s, chamois, pedals, hats, backpacks, and bikes that kids love. Most importantly, we have reflective materials to put on your child’s bike to make sure they are visible.  If you aren’t sure about sizes, again, we’re happy to help dial those details in.

Before heading out for a ride, review the rules of the road with your child. Know what the bicycle laws are in your area, and follow them. In most areas, they are going to be very similar to vehicular traffic. Make sure you stop at stoplights and stop signs, signal before turning, and ride on the street. It’s important to model good behavior and teach your children the rules on the road. Also, do a pre-check ride with your child to make sure your child’s bike is in good working condition. Doing this together helps instill good cycling habits for years to come. 

There are countless benefits of bike commuting with kids. Sure, it does take a little effort to bike commute with children, but most good things in life do. Bike commuting as a family provides quality time together, as well as, the opportunity to exercise in the natural environment and reduce stress and anxiety during this unprecedented time. 

If you are looking to purchase a new children’s bicycle or upgrade bike parts or cycling apparel, keep in mind that Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop is the only store in Golden, CO that serves kids cycling needs. We are open during this crazy time and we are continuing to practice safety guidelines related to COVID-19.  So, do stop by the shop or visit us online at www.BikeParts.com.  We’re here to help you and your family make the best of our current situation and inspire your kids to fall in love with bike riding. 


Holiday Gifts for Every Cyclist On Your List 

December 19, 2019

As the holiday season is in full swing, you may find yourself reflecting on what to buy your favorite cyclist for the gift-giving season.

Fortunately, whether your favorite cyclist is interested in racing, commuting, or recreational bike riding, at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we’ve got your gift ideas covered.

From stocking stuffers to big presents to place under the tree, read through this list and find exactly what you need! 

  1. Tubes: This is one gift you can have confidence will get used. Make sure you get the right size of tube. If you aren’t sure, stop in the Peaks Cycles Bicycle Shop and ask one of our friendly staff to help you. Or, visit us online at bikeparts.com
  2. Tires: While you’re getting tubes, you might as well get some new rubber! All Continental tires are 10-20% off.
  3. 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, as in Gu or nutrition products. 
  4. Socks: Did you know cyclists 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!
  5. 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.  The nice thing about these is that they fit nicely in a holiday stocking in as much as they do a cycling jersey!
  6. Gloves: Say bye-bye to smelly gloves. This is another item that every cyclist already has, but which every cyclist can always use more of. 
  7. Is your favorite cyclist a bike commuter? We’ve got 15% off Kryptonite lights and 10% off Kryptonite locks. The ideal bike safety combination for bike commuting.
  8. Bike nutrition: Think energy bars / gels / chews.  Instead of chocolate, fill the stocking (or water bottle) with nutritional items, bars, gels, and drinks.
  9. Lube: Every cyclist goes through chain lube and we’ve got tons of it. 
  10. A gift for off the bike.  Maybe your favorite cyclist would enjoy a pint glass, a poster, or some other bike parts goodie.
  11. 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 parts required 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.
  12. 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.   Book a fat bike demo for your favorite cyclist.
  13. What if your favorite cyclist is a kid? We all know, the best Christmas Gift for a Kid is a bike! Lucky for you, we have a huge selection of kids bikes, children’s cycling apparel, helmets, and cycling accessories. This includes windbreakers, gloves, shorts, jersey’s, chamois, pedals, hats, backpacks, and all the cool things that kids love. Stop in the shop to see our huge selection of children’s cycling apparel and gear.
  14. For the cyclist that loves to do their own bike maintenance, surprise them with the Starter Kit from Park Tools and pair it with the Feedback Sports Work Mechanic Workstand. You’ll have a happy cyclist for sure!
  15. A cyclist dream gift?  Bike parts! What cyclist doesn’t love bike parts? Whether it’s a new saddle, shifters, brakes, seat post, fork, pedals, hubs or wheels, your favorite cyclist wants it.  The usual problem is how to know exactly what to get. Our answer, get a gift certificate.

Bonus gifts. These are for you! If you’re looking to save a little money and you want to win big with your favorite cyclist, then you’ll love these sales. 

  1. Super Specialized Sale on bikes, tires, helmets, saddles, shoes, socks, bike frames. In fact, we’ve got over 500 Specialized Bicycles on sale right now, including E-Bikes! Check it out!
  2. Save up to 50% off last year’s cycling shoes
  3. 20% Off ALL WTB Products!
  4. Closeout sale. Get 5-70% off before it’s gone!
  5. And, we offer free shipping on orders over $75.00. Yay!

Here at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we feel that the true Christmas spirit of cycling is the love of the bike.  It’s the adventure cycling brings – the challenge of a new ride, the experimentation with new or different bike parts, the joy of connecting with friends in meaningful ways, and the building of camaraderie with teammates.  These are all the very blessings we wish for you and your family this holiday season.  Merry Christmas from Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop and BikeParts.com!