Learn the essentials of riding during the fall. We’ll cover pre-ride preparation, proper layering, staying warm and dry, and a hack for finding weather windows!
The leaves are turning and temperatures are dropping. Yes, Fall is certainly in the air but don’t put those bikes away just yet. The cooler temps can make for a comfortable outing and you may find it to be less crowded. At the same time, you also run the chance of being caught in a freak snow/hail/rain/sleet storm. Especially here in Colorado! But with a bit of preparation, you can prepare yourself for the elements. Bringing along the proper layers will help keep you warm, dry, and hopefully smiling on your fall bike ride.
Grand Teton National Park on a Fall Day. Featuring the 2020 Specialized Tarmac Sport. 📸 Hunter Swanson
Pre Ride Preparation
It’s best to check the weather before you head out. Using an app like MyRadar can be invaluable for seeing what the weather is doing. We’ve been able to sneak in some rides on days where calling it quits looks like the only option. If you plan things right, you might be able to find a weather window and enjoy your ride with minimal crowds. It’s also worth noting the type of riding you’ll be doing. You might need fewer layers when mountain biking, since your moving speed is typically slower. Road biking, on the other hand, can feel colder since you’re moving quickly. Know the type of riding and know your own tolerance for cold and wet conditions.
Layering Up
What type of person are you? Be bold, start cold? Bundle up at first then shed layers? There isn’t a right or wrong answer here but you’ll often hear that it’s best to not sweat, as this will make you colder in the long run. For that reason, it’s best to wear breathable, wicking layers that will keep you dry when you’re putting down the watts. We recommend avoiding cotton as it’s not known for quick-drying properties. Being prepared for precipitation is important too, so bringing along a packable windbreaker often does the trick. Keep in mind windbreakers won’t keep you completely dry if it really starts coming down. The plus side is, they’re often lighter weight and more compact than a full-on rain jacket. You make the call!
The S-Phyre booties from Shimano are fire! Note the Patagonia Houdini jacket stuffed in the water bottle cage! 📸 Hunter Swanson
Staying Warm and Dry
Stay warm but avoid sweating! Good areas to layer up include your head, hands, and feet. Something as simple as a buff under your helmet or long finger gloves can make all the difference if the weather turns south. As you’re riding try to shed layers as necessary. This is where apparel like arm and leg warmers, booties, or overshoes can come in handy. They don’t take up much space and if it gets too warm, you can easily stash these in your jersey, saddlebag, or SWAT tube. Look for fabrics that dry quickly like polyester, rayon, or Lycra.
Get Out For a Ride!
Fall is a great time to ride and enjoy the cool weather. Doing a pre-ride preparation by analyzing the weather goes a long way. Bringing along the right layers that will keep you warm and dry. Remember to bring layers that are breathable and packable while keeping in mind your personal tolerance for cold weather and plan accordingly. Happy fall everyone!Â
Wondering what to do with your day off this upcoming Memorial Day weekend? Ride, of course!  As the cycling season kicks off, there are plenty of casual and competitive cycling activities to do.
Rescheduled from a previous date, the infamous Koppenberg Race leads the weekend actives for competitive road bike athletes. The Koppenberg Race featuring a 17% grade climb and is considered the queen of the spring time cycling events in Colorado.  This event jump starts the cycling season with an impressive 5.5 mile road race circuit, with 300ft of elevation gain per lap, and includes 2 miles on a packed dirt road.  Join in the fun if you are ready for a lung burning, leg twitching feast! More information can be found here. And, while you’re at it, you can prepare to recover well from this race with our compression gear and nutritional recovery supplements- specifically bars, gels, and recovery drinks.  You have to get ready for the next ride, right?
Speaking of next rides, the 2016 – Cafe Velo Gran Fondo is on Sunday.  This event starts and finishes in Monument, Colorado at the Pikes Peak Brewery.  What’s great about this ride is that you have the option to choose from 1, 2, 3, 4 or up to 5 loops (110 miles, 9110 foot elevation gain) making it a great recovery ride from the Koppenberg Race or a great season starter if you are just now getting back on the bike. The ride covers a scenic 22 mile loop with an 1822 foot elevation gain through scenic Northern El Paso County; so plan according to your level of fitness.
While not local to the Front Range, this weekend also hosts the famous Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in Durango, Colorado.  The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is one of the oldest cycling events in the country (since 1972) and is a multi-event bicycling weekend for cyclists of all levels.  Beautiful 10,000-foot mountain passes on the ride or race to Silverton on Saturday. Wonderful Sunday events in downtown Durango including kid races, the costume ride, road circuit race and mountain bike race. Monday completes the weekend with an individual time trial.
You’ll want to visit their website for more information.
If road riding isn’t your thing, consider making the trip to Gunnison, Colorado for The Original Growler endurance mountain bike race. This popular event usually fills up so fast you generally can’t get in to the event. Fortunately, this year’s Sunday’s Full – Growler and Half Growler are still open for registration.  Keep in mind, the course takes place in rugged, isolated backcountry terrain. That means, check your bike for the right bike parts, have your hydration pack full, bring your nutritional items, and have all your necessary cycling apparel on hand.  Why? Because the event is remote, organizers responding to mechanicals or an injured rider could be time consuming and difficult on this course.  Plan accordingly.
Out with the old – in with the new. That’s pretty much the motto of the New Year.
As we transition from the last year into the new one, it causes many to reflect on the past. Thoughtfulness and evaluation of cycling progress and fitness gained, review of goals achieved, as well as, forward thinking dreams and compelling images of a future to live into. What will 2015 bring?
At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we invite you to join us on a visual journey of years past.  We also hope 2015 will bring more of what we’ve accomplished in servicing our customers these last few years.
Staring with humble beginnings here in Golden, Colorado, not only has our shop grown locally, but it has also expanded world wide with our BikeParts.com website.
Reflecting on our growth, it’s easy to attribute our growth to carrying quality brands like Giant, Specialized, Pearl Izumi and specialty bike parts. Our highly rated bike parts and components have become favorites among many.
But offering the best cycling apparel and bicycles isn’t what has really fueled our growth. No different than training, maintaining dietary and fitness routines, and racing to optimize fitness, our bike shop has focused on our own training regimen:  Quality customer care. Timely services repairs. Educated and informed product use. Excellent bike fits.Â
Fun shop rides. And most of all, fully supporting our local community and customers. Looking to the past, it’s been rewarding to bring the Pro Cycling Challenge to Golden, Colorado. We’ve embraced the sponsoring of bicycle recycling programs, local racers, and community events.
As we reflect on year’s past, it’s with gratitude to our customers, the City of Golden, and our fellow cyclist that we celebrate how far we’ve come. More so, it is with enthusiasm and full commitment to serve and help our customers that we look to a bright and prosperous future.
Wishing you a year that is filled with all the joys, personal rewards, and the grand adventure that cycling brings. Happy New Year 2015.
Just days away from the start of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge, Colorado sports enthusiasts and cycling fans around the world wait with anticipation of yet another phenomenal pro race.  With stunning Colorado backdrops, high adrenaline , high altitude thrills of pro cycling, what’s more to like? Anticipation.  Watching the race unfold as leaders compete for different classification wins is thrilling. Yet, here in Golden, Colorado, we anticipate our very own Lookout Mountain may be the deciding factor in the KOM race.
The 2014 USA Pro Challenge takes place August 18-24 and will test riders’ strength and endurance over a 550-mile course.  The final stage, Stage 7, while titled Boulder – Denver, Golden is where the real racing will happen.  A a breakaway will stick or be caught by the time the riders complete what locals call the Lariat Loop. The climb up Lookout mountain is short and steep and possibly the decider in the KOM race.  The post, On the path of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge – Golden, shares details on what you need to know about the stage and Lookout Mountain.
STAGE 7 : 78 miles  Stage Map PDF   Stage Profile PDF
Boulder – Golden – Lookout Mountain – circuits in Denver Race Begins: Approximately 12:30 p.m. Race Ends: Approximately 3:50 p.m. State Highways Impacted: SH 93, US 40, SH 391 (Kipling Street), SH 121 (Wadsworth), SH 95 (Sheridan), I-25. (Route and Street Closure information)
Lookout Mountain Closure Friday – Sunday
Lookout Mountain will be closed to all vehicle traffic between white pillars and Buffalo Bill’s entrance. 3:00pm Friday 8/22/14 through 2:00pm Sunday 8/24/14.
About the climb of Lookout Mountain
Length: 5.1 miles
Total elevation: 1,438 ft
Average Grade: 5.3% (7%) (steeper in the corners)
Lookout Mountain climb is called Pillar to Post for the landmarks at the start and finish.
This final stage can be a make it or break it for the KOM race.  The climb up and the descent down the treacherous Lookout Mountain provides an intense challenge on the tour’s final day.  Where’s the best place to watch the pro cyclist on Lookout Mountain? Stop by the Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop for details on what to do near Golden and the best local places to ride in Golden. Need help before the race? Visit us at BikeParts.com
The lifestyle here in Colorado celebrates the great outdoors. Even better, Colorado has some of the greatest road bike and mountain bike rides in the country.  Some rides are shorter and convenient 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.
According to ColoradoInfo.com, what makes Colorado so special is that it claims 53 peaks higher than 14,000 feet and the cycling and hiking trails ascending them are very popular and demanding. The state is something of a mecca for both long-haul road bikers and mountain biking enthusiasts. Bike paths are abundant on the Front Range from Fort Collins, Boulder, Denver, and Colorado Springs to Pueblo. In the mountains there are paved bike paths as well as hundreds of miles of single-track trails for off-road biking.
With that being said, which are the destination hotspots for cycling in Colorado?  No doubt, there’s too many great rides, trails, and locations to name them all, but following are a few of our favorites.
Now, aside from selecting your ideal riding location, there are a few additional elements to lock in to ensure a successful cycling adventure. Extra considerations include preparing for riding in Colorado’s altitude.  The post,  Racing at Altitude. What You Need to Know, gives some quick tips on acclimation and don’t forget about having your cycling essentials on hand. Meaning, make sure you have your maps, bike parts, hydration pack, and arrange in advance the details if you are shipping your bike.
Now, all you have to do is visit!  At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we invite you to visit Colorado’s cities, towns and mountain communities. Join us on road and mountain bike rides across the state and embrace all the beauty this glorious  state has to offer!
The USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships are underway!
With an enthusiastic ‘cross culture and a permanent course  at the Valmont Bike Park, the 2014 Cyclo-cross Nationals in Boulder, Colorado is providing an exciting atmosphere for some hotly-contested races for Stars-and-Stripes jerseys.
Here is your guide to event planning, course intel, who to watch and where to heckle! Get your cowbell on!
Never one to be left out of all the fun, Specialized has joined Trek and many small brands in debuting a fatbike for the 2013/2014 winter. Â However, unlike Trek and many other brands, the Fatboy is mass produced in great numbers and available world-wide. Â With a carbon fork, press-fit bottom bracket and Sram 2×10 drivetrain, the Fatboy is definitely one of the more race-ready fatbikes available. Â The Fatboy also shares the same geometry as the legendary Specialized Stumpjumper, the first and longest mass-produced mountain bike in the world. Â Not just for racers, though, the frame has rear rack mounts for long rides and multi-day fun!
We’ve got a Fatboy in the shop just in time for winter here in Golden. Â Jump past the break to see what bike parts and features make this fatbike stand out from the rest!
If you are living anywhere along the Front Range in Colorado, you’re living in a sea of white.  Snow that is.  Dreading the bicycle rainer and missing the outdoors, what are your options?  Get a fat bike. You know you want it. Who doesn’t?
Fat bikes were originally invented for winter trail riding and racing in sub-arctic Alaska and simultaneously, for touring the deserts of New Mexico. But they have gained severe popularity! Their utility has expanded to include all forms of cycling; 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.
The biggest plus in newer fat bike models is they’re getting lighter. Bike parts and fat bike tires are easier to get. And, there are more models to choose from.  The best part?  There are just more people out there riding fat bikes.
There are races too! The 2014 – Abominable Winter Adventure Run and Fatbike Race scheduled for January 25, 2014 is held at over 10,000 feet. This fun fat bike race is an opportunity to get some fun, winter FATtire competition. around an amazing groomed terrain and a Rocky Mountain backdrop.  Get off the trainer and on to your new fat bike!
Discover the fat bike craze for yourself! Look at it. It is waiting for you to come get it. The Fatback 190 20″ at Peak Cycles in Golden, Colorado.
The Fatback 190 20in at Peak Cycles in Golden, Colorado
What did Specialized do this year with one of the most successful hardtail race bikes on the market?  Redesigned it and made it even better.  Lighter, stiffer and packed with more technology than ever, Specialized still manages to blend innovation and simplicity in this impressive machine.  Weighing in at 20 lbs. out-of-the-box for a size large, this year’s Stumpjumpers are lighter than ever.  Jump past the break to see the features and bike parts that leave everyone drooling over this bike!
2014 S-Works Stumpjumper… completely redesigned, the bike is somehow even sleeker looking than the previous generation.
As the seasons change, the Colorado mountain colors explode into a vibrant mix of autumn hues. Â What better way to enjoy the brisk temperatures and vibrant colors of the leaves turning than from the view of mountain bike or road bike? The added bonus is maintaining fitness through the fall and even building it well into the winter months.
In our recent BikeParts.com post, Cross Racing in Colorado 2013  we suggest cyclocross as a means for staying active yet enjoying the fall cycling season.  In fact, across the Front Range and the entire state of Colorado, there are a variety of cyclocross races to test your fitness and take your cycling to another level.  You might be wondering what bike parts you might need for this particular style of racing.  Due to the nature of these events, you can show up on practically any bike (cyclocross, mountain bike, hybrid, road bike).  Yet, because of the variety of terrain, obstacles, weather conditions and short course and race duration, you can expect to replace cycling accessories and bike parts on a more frequent basis.
Another option for enjoying the fall leaves and gaining fitness is bike commuting.  While it is not as strenuous as cyclocross racing, it is a chance to enjoy cooler temperatures, view the changing colors of the leaves, and reinvigorate your spirits with the freedom riding a bike inspires.  Because of the recent flooding in Colorado, there’s a few things to keep in mind for your commute:
A good route.  Make sure your route is open! Learn how to pick a route you like. Google maps for cycling is a good option.
Lights. Days are getting shorter.  Have a set of small, modern LED lights on hand in case you get stuck at the office.
A good helmet. Â Just because bike commuting isn’t as strenuous doesn’t mean you don’t need to be safe. Â 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.
Whether you are enjoying the vibrant mix of autumn hues from a scenic country road, a bike path, or a cyclocross race course, fall bike rides in Colorado are the best way to get up close and personal with the season’s colors  while filling up their lungs with crisp Colorado air.
For many competitive cyclist, the summer racing season has come to an end. Â While many transition towards casual, recreational riding to finish out the season, others opt for the fast, heart throbbing racing that cyclocross season offers.
True to form in Colorado, the autumn days are upon us and soon to be replaced with colder temperatures and less favorable riding conditions. Â Namely, wet, cold, and mud. Â Perfectly tuned conditions to what racers love about cyclocross racing.
But, how can racing in the cold, wet, and mud be fun? Â The trick is dressing for success. Â Here’s how.
Leading up to your race, it’s important to stay dry.  Yet, during your race, keeping your hands and feet warm are critical.  At BikeParts.com, we offer a fully array of cold weather gloves and booties and shoe covers to keep your hands and feet warm.   If you tend to have cold feet, opting for warmer socks  may help too.
While hard core racers opt to keep their clothing to a minimum, others opt for a few extra comforts including knee warmers, arm warmers, and hats.
Once you have finished your race, it’s important to get undressed and get warm.  You may consider bringing a few trash bags to stow your cycling kit, cycling shoes, helmet, gloves, socks, and anything else that is soaked and muddy. Also, it’s also a good idea to have on hand your favorite post race nutritional product.
Cyclocross racing in the colder temps of Colorado can keep your fitness sharp and be a ton of fun. Â The trick is dressing for success!
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 and tires 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!
The 3rd Annual US Pro Cycling Challenge is well underway in Colorado. Being that Peak Cycles in Golden, Colorado participated in the first two years of the race, we’ve had a chance to field many of the questions asked by fans and sports enthusiast. Â In fact, just the other day, our friends, Team Jelly Belly were in the shop!
Pro rider’s bikes are a hot conversation topic. Â Many are curious as to what the pro’s are riding and what they can do to their own bikes to gain the advantages that the pro riders seem to have. Â Following are few favorite questions:
How much does a pro’s bike weigh? Typically, a road bicycle that the USA Pro Cycling Challenge participants race on will weigh around 15 pounds. You might be wondering, “What does a 15 pound bike feel like?”  Light!  See for yourself.  We have a variety of road bikes and mountain bikes in the shop to try out for feel.  You’d be surprised what a difference a lighter bike makes in climbing.
What makes the bikes so light? Â The bike frames in and of themselves are made of lightweight materials but having light weight bike parts and bike accessories keeps the bike light in addition to the light weight frame. Â For our customers, it’s easy to swap out older bike components with newer, lighter bike parts. Â Granted, it’s not the same as riding a pro riders bike, but every reduction in bike weight means you have the opportunity to go faster.
Where have the professional riders raced in Golden, Colorado and can I ride there?  The last two years of the US Pro Cycling Challenge had racers ride through downtown Golden and up through Lookout Mountain.  This year, if you are visiting Stage 6 Loveland – Fort Collins or heading over to Stage 7 Denver, stop by Peak Cycles bike shop and we’ll be happy to tell you the route.
We’re loving the good cycling vibe that the US Pro Cycling Challenge brings to our state. Â Good luck to all racing the ProCycling Challenge!
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. Â Leg strength, endurance, and fitness are at the heart of cycling speed, but without a proper bike fit, you are sabotaging your training efforts. Â The 2013 season is (almost) nearing the end. Â Let’s finish strong! Finish fast!
What is all the Leadville hype about?  For starters, the start and finish of the race are in the heart of Leadville, Colorado at 10,200’. More than 90 percent of the race is on dirt or double track roads featuring steep climbs and serious descents. There is a seven-mile climb to the 50-mile turnaround at 12,600′ and an approximate 14,000’ elevation gain. Whew!  That’s exhausting just thinking about it!
Not only is the race tough, but it’s gained national attention due to Colorado cyclist, Dave Wiens winning the event six years in a row. Levi Leipheimer won in 2010 and Specialized racer, Rebecca Rusch, has finished first in the last four races — 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.  For non professional athletes, what are successful race strategies to help conquer this demon of a race?
1.  Plan Right!  Sure, getting your bike parts  in order, lubing your chain, checking your tires are all good to do to prepare before the race.  But, what happens out on the course?  Crazy stuff can happen out there!  Be sure to carry an extra tube or C02 with you, have extras in your drop bag along with some tires , bike nutrition, and extra clothing.  Lube is good to carry on hand too if the course is dry.  Not sure if a certain bike part will hold up?  Have an extra one handy with some bike tools in your drop bag to keep you in the race.
2.  Fuel Right! Proper nutrition leading into a race is critical.  Yet, staying properly hydrated and taking in appropriate levels of protein and carbs during your race will not only help keep your energy up, but it will help keep your mind fresh and alert for those technical sections.  Consider stocking up with bars, gels, and an assortment of nutrition requirements to have in your jersey and in your drop bags.  Also, consider how you are getting your fluids: bottles or hydration pack?  It’s important to plan your water intake between aid stations so if you think it will be a while between them, opt for a hydration pack.
3.  Pace Yourself! While the nerves are high and the muscles and energy are fresh, it’s easy at the start of the race to get after it and go out too hard and too fast.  Keep in mind, the more you spike your heart rate at the beginning of the race, the less you have available to pull from at the end of the race.  The trick to finishing this race is to ride a steady ride keeping your heart rate in check and knowing when to back off.  Use your cycling computer to keep yourself in check.
4.  Get Your Mental Game On!  Check in with your mental attitude, preparation, and willingness to “get after it.”  The level of digging deep and mental suffering for this race exceeds that of training rides or even shorter (60 miles or so) races.  Be prepared with mantras or mini goals to keep yourself going with the going gets tough.
There you have it! Â Success strategies to get you to the finish of the Leadville 100 Mountain Bike race. Â Good luck to all racers at the Leadville 100 this weekend!
These are beautiful days on our Colorado mountain bike trails. Â What makes them even better? Â Cool bikes, new bike parts, and team riders crushing it on the Front Rage trails and mountain bike races. Â Check out some of team riders styling with our latest mtb parts.
Team Rider Josh Murdock on the podium after crushing it on his Specialized Stumpjumper.
Team rider Sam Cory has been crushing it lately on his Specialized Demo 8!
Team rider Taylor Schmidt at Apex Park in Golden, Colorado
Team riders at the Rocky Mountain Endurance Series Ridgeline Rampage
What’s next on tap for the Peak Cycles race team?  Lots! Visit us at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop to find out or look for our bike parts.com team tent at upcoming races!
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! Â 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. Â Why? Â 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. Â 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. Â 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. Â Here are some questions you need to get you started:
What type of bicycle do I want? Â 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? Â 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
For some, the Colorado road racing season has already started; however, for many, it is just around the corner and many athletes may be pondering which tours and races to plan for in 2013. Whenever you want to achieve something, you have to have a definite goal.  As such, it’s important to plan your season right.  Whether you are a casual rider or a competitive cyclist, training, racing, recovering and having the appropriate gear, tools, and bike setup  are critical to reaching your goals.
For starters, what are you’re 2013 cycling goals?  As mentioned in our recent blog post,  it’s important to make your goals SMART.  As in, specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound.  With that being said, Colorado offers world class riding and racing.  Now that you are thinking about what your goals are, you need to pick the right events during the cycling season to help you best achieve those goals.
Notably, not all events are equal.  Some are harder than others and as such, competitive cyclist can use different course profiles, distances, and bike part options to mindfully select A, B, and C type races according to their training plans and race goals.  When you’re working toward a goal that’s important to you, the last thing you want is to face an obstacle or unexpected challenge.  A successful season starts off right by planning ahead, getting your road bike in order and getting the gear and resources you need.  By selecting the best races based on your specific goals and having the best bike parts associated with your riding style, you are successfully preparing for a rewarding 2013 cycling season.
Now, which races will you do? Â While there are many tours, races, and events to choose from in Colorado, at BikeParts.com, here are some of our favorites:
Rocky Mountain Road Cup (RMRC)  Road racing events range from March through August.  The Rocky Mountain Road Cup is a season long points competition featuring a three-tiered points system that provides competitive cyclist with a great racing calendar.  Click here for a downloadable calendar of these events  Â
The Koppenberg May 5, 2013  The Koppenberg race featuring a 17% grade climb is the queen of the spring time cycling events in Colorado.
Elephant Rock Cycling Festival: May 31–June 2, 2013  This year’s Elephant Rock Cycling Festival notes the 26th annual pilgrimage to Castle Rock for the Rocky Mountain region’s premier cycling festival.  Riders of all ages turn out for this event.
Ride the Rockies June 8 – 15, 2013  The 28th annual tour will feature 3 scenic mountain passes, a trek over the highest suspension bridge in the U.S. and 20,400 vertical ft. over 7 days and 513 miles.
Coldwell Banker Denver Century Ride June 15, 2013  The Denver Century Ride features bicycle courses for all skills levels and benefits BikeDenver. This healthy lifestyle cycling event is Colorado’s premier urban bicycle ride and is open to the public.
Mount Evans Hill Climb:  July 2013  Race up 7,000 feet in elevation in just 28 miles on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway.
Triple Bypass July 13 – 14, 2013  A two day ride from Evergreen to Avon.
Copper Triangle  August 3, 2013  The Copper Triangle is a 78-Mile course with an elevation gain of almost 6,000 feet over three mountain passes.  It has has long been considered one of Colorado’s classic alpine road rides Graced with breathtaking scenery, gorgeous roads and three challenging climbs.
If grueling climbs, steep and narrow descents and tight switch-backs are your thing, then White Ranch may be the trail for you.  White Ranch Trail, located in Golden, Colorado near the Peak Cycles bicycle shop, offers an extensive trail system of 20 miles of multi-use trails over both gentle and rugged terrain.  Here’s our take on this popular trail.
The Good:
With steep grades, loose rock, and fast descents along sloping terrain, this trail is a favorite for advanced mountain bike riding on the Front Range.  Rugged and rocky steep climbs challenge even the best of riders while smooth and gentle meadow shots offer a release from the death grip on the brakes.  Your hard climbing efforts are rewarded with sweeping views of the Great Plains and the Denver skyline.
The Bad:
It all depends on what you call “bad.”  Starting at Belcher Hill with an extended, technical climb up can be a challenge.  If you aren’t up for that,  you might consider that a negative. Also, with two foot + drop offs, you need to be ready for technical sections and not a walk in the park type of ride.  Take note: hissing isn’t just for aggravated riders or flat tires.  There are plenty of snakes on this trail.
The Ugly:
Not having the right bike parts or gear.  A full suspension mountain bike  is recommended to easily navigate  rocky sections, water bars, steps and drop offs.  Also, because of a majority of the park is exposed, the sun exposure in the summer months can be brutal.  A hydration pack is recommended not only to carry plenty of fluids but also for easier drinking riding over technical terrain.
Either way, White Ranch offers cyclist living close to Golden, Boulder, and Denver a more advanced area to mountain bike and better yet – it offers a great escape from city riding.
Posted by Peak Cycles - BikeParts.com 
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