Cycling Will Help You Manage Diabetes

October 24, 2019

At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, our passion for cycling and bikes is fueled by the joyful experiences shared while riding a bike. Whether that is riding with friends and family, participating in a community event, or pushing personal limits in training or a race.  Yet, underneath that is a deep appreciation for what cycling and bike riding does to support health, longevity, and preserve the quality of life as we age.  

Previously we’ve written about The Benefits Of Cycling For Seniors Living with Arthritis, Cycling when Pregnant, How to Remain Injury-Free with Cycling, and Why Cycling is so Good For You in Later Life. Today, our focus is on how cycling can help you manage diabetes.

If you are unaware, America is facing a healthcare crisis with levels of diabetes, and Colorado is no different, having 9.8% of the adult population diagnosed with some form of the disease according to Diabetes.org. A complex condition that is never healed, it requires lifelong lifestyle changes to keep in check. A big part of this is exercise, and cycling can be one of the best ways to keep diabetes under control.

How cycling helps – physically
All exercise is beneficial for keeping diabetes in check, but there is evidence that cycling may be particularly effective and especially so in terms of prevention. A 2016 study published in PLOS found that cycling – whether recreational or commuter – significantly reduced the chance of developing type 2 diabetes, and also aided pregnant women with avoiding gestational diabetes. Apart from the inherent accessibility and effectiveness of cycling, associated lifestyle changes were marked as indicators for why cycling is so effective.

Cyclists make it routine
By cycling to and from work and home or running errands via bike commuting the semi-vigorous exercise is introduced to the daily routine. More so than even walking, this means that the body is more regularly engaged in exercise and that hormone levels are kept in check. This, in turn, influences diet and blood sugar. For both preventing and mitigating the symptoms of diabetes, this is an invaluable factor. Being on the road makes it less tempting to be sedentary and eat unhealthy snacks, too.

Changing nutrition
In addition to being generally more active, cyclists are more likely to eat a well-balanced diet. This was the findings of an influential 2001 study that outlined how cyclists will typically eat a well-balanced plate every day with a good mix of macro and micronutrients. A good diet is an incredibly important part of diabetes control and likely the most important singular factor. The introduction of a good diet as a by-product of the cycling culture and exertion can only be seen as a positive contributory factor.

In many ways, the benefits that those diagnosed with diabetes generate from cycling are formed in a holistic way. While the physical activity of cycling is absolutely beneficial for mitigating a diagnosis of diabetes, it’s the lifestyle that many cyclists pick up that ends up being the defining factor. If you’re looking for the perfect undertaking to help you manage your diagnosis of diabetes, consider cycling – you’ll more than likely be feeling better without even knowing it. 

As we’re transitioning into the fall and winter climates, maintaining motivation to ride in inclement weather can be a factor.  Those dedicated to bike commuting and managing diabetes know that wearing base layers for warmth, combined with a wind jacket or rain jacket can keep their core warm while they ride comfortably. In addition, long fingered gloves and knee warmers keep the fingers and knees toasty warm contributing to a comfortable commuting or training experience. 

When you have the right bike parts and cycling accessories, it’s easy to ride no matter what the conditions.  Cycling consistently supports overall health and well being. So when your motivation is wavering, remember that cycling supports your health well beyond the thrill of a great bike ride.

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Posted by staffwriter8

Essential Cycling Apparel for Fall Riding 

September 27, 2018

While we welcome cooler temps and colorful foliage that fall cycling offers, the shorter days and fatigue of the cycling season can beckon cyclist to cut their rides short – or skip them all together.  Perhaps missing a day or two of riding doesn’t seem like much but it does.  

According to the post, What Happens to Your Body When You Quit Riding, within a relatively short period of time, undesirable consequences result.  As in, your metabolism stagnates. Your blood pressure rises. Your blood sugar surges. Fitness declines.  And, inevitable wait gain surfaces.  Not fun!

Fall is actually the best time to transition from peak cycling form to a relaxed one.  Doing so doesn’t include missing rides.  It means shifting your mindset to embrace fall cycling while actually boosting your cycling performance for next year. The trick is making sure you are comfortable during transitional weather.  If you feel comfortable riding, then you will do it.  

Ask yourself, what clothing do you need to wear in different weather conditions to remain comfortable?  Do you have waterproof and wind resistant clothing? Do you have enough of the basic cycling necessities, as in leggings? Arm warmers? Knee warmers? Scull cap? What about your base layers?  Do you have enough of them or do you need to add in some fleece lined clothing?  Staying warm, dry, and comfortable is key to riding during the fall season.  

Lucky for you, at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we can help you with all of your cycling apparel needs.  In fact, we’ve got a great end of the year sale on 2018 bikes and cycling apparel in store right now!  At a minimum, these are the essential fall riding clothes you need to have on hand.

1. Wind Vest – The wind vest is one of the most used pieces of cool weather gear. It keeps your core body protected from frontal winds, but vents in the rear to keep you from overheating. The wind vest is also very versatile and can be added to different clothing combinations, using it with regular jerseys, winter jerseys, and arm warmers. It’s also easily stowed in a pack or shirt pocket.

2. Wind / Rain Jacket – It’s always a good idea to keep a water resistant jacket handy when rain is in the forecast.

3. Arm Warmers – Arm warmers are a must during the Fall season.  While they don’t take up much room, they are great for temperature control.

4. Full Finger / Windproof Gloves – When riding in cooler temps, one of the first things to get cold are the fingers. Protect your hands with full fingerers and / or windproof gloves. A popular item to consider are the Endure gloves. 

5. Knickers, Knee Warmers, and Pants – As the temperatures drop, it’s a good idea to cover your knees. Many cyclist prefer tights whereas others prefer leg warmers.  There are also knickers which allow more airflow over the legs, and they are good for those in-between days. Consider trying out each option and experiment to dial in your preference.

6. Head Band or Skull Cap – The vents in your helmet that are such an asset during the summer months become a major liability when the temperatures begin to drop. To prevent from losing heat from your scalp, be sure to wear a thin skullcap or headband under the helmet

7. Wool Socks – Keeping your feet dry and warm can be a challenge in the cold weather, but nice wool socks are your best bet.

8. Shoe Covers – Shoe covers, also known as booties, cover the exterior of your shoes and protect from cold and wind.  There are several options: some that cover just the toes and others that encompass the entire foot. Toe covers are great for Fall but as you transition to Winter riding, you may wish for a pair that covers your entire foot.  If you’re not a fan of shoe covers, opt for a warmer shoe all together! We have two favorite options.  The Giant Sojourn cycling shoes have a stiff and grippy bottom which are good for walking.  A great option for bike commuters.  The other favorite is the Defroster cycling shoe.  It’s a great option for fall and winter riding and especially on the cold days because these shoes doesn’t require shoe covers.  

9. Lights – At the end of this month, the days will be much shorter! Plan ahead and get your lights ready. Get a red blinker for the rear that mounts to the bike or your pack, and a decent headlight for the front.

10. Tool kit – The bicycle tools needed to have on hand in inclement weather matter.  Discover what the best bike parts for fall commuting and build a tool kit that meets your needs.

Which essential items are missing from the list? Let us know! Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.  Better yet, stop in the shop to say hi and browse our fall cycling apparel. 

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Posted by staffwriter8

10 Things You Need for Fall Biking 

October 20, 2016
Fall Colors along the Front Range

Fall Colors along the Front Range

Have you noticed the leaves changing on the trees lately?

The Front Range tree leaves are exploding with a vibrant mix of autumn hues.  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.  

True, we love fall rides, but it does take a little extra planning.  The days are shorter and the weather is becoming more unpredictable.  That’s why it’s more important during the fall season to have the right cycling apparel for the type of riding you are doing.

Ask yourself, what clothing do you need to wear in different weather conditions?  Do you have waterproof and wind resistant clothing? Do you have enough of the basic cycling necessities, as in leggings? Arm warmers? Knee warmers? Scull cap? What about your base layers?  Do you have enough of them or do you need to add in some fleece lined clothing?  

Staying warm, dry, and comfortable is key to riding during the fall season.  Lucky for you, at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we can help you with all of your cycling apparel needs.  In fact, we’ve got a great end of the year sale on 2016 bikes and cycling apparel in store right now!  At a minimum, these are the essential fall riding clothes you need to have on hand.

1. Wind Vest – The wind vest is one of the most used pieces of cool weather gear. It keeps your core body protected from frontal winds, but vents in the rear to keep you from overheating. The wind vest is also very versatile and can be added to different clothing combinations, using it with regular jerseys, winter jerseys, and arm warmers. It’s also easily stowed in a pack or shirt pocket.

2. Wind / Rain Jacket – It’s always a good idea to keep a water resistant jacket handy when rain is in the forecast.

3. Arm Warmers – Arm warmers are a must during the Fall season.  While they don’t take up much room, they are great for temperature control.

4. Full Finger / Windproof Gloves – When riding in cooler temps, one of the first things to get cold are the fingers. Protect your hands with full fingerers and / or windproof gloves. A popular item to consider are the Endure gloves. 

5. Knickers, Knee Warmers, and Pants – As the temperatures drop, it’s a good idea to cover your knees. Many cyclist prefer tights whereas others prefer leg warmers.  There are also knickers which allow more airflow over the legs, and they are good for those in-between days. Consider trying out each option and experiment to dial in your preference.

6. Head Band or Skull Cap – The vents in your helmet that are such an asset during the summer months become a major liability when the temperatures begin to drop. To prevent from losing heat from your scalp, be sure to wear a thin skullcap or headband under the helmet

7. Wool Socks – Keeping your feet dry and warm can be a challenge in the cold weather, but nice wool socks are your best bet.

8. Shoe Covers – Shoe covers, also known as booties, cover the exterior of your shoes and protect from cold and wind.  There are several options: some that cover just the toes and others that encompass the entire foot. Toe covers are great for Fall but as you transition to Winter riding, you may wish for a pair that covers your entire foot.  If you’re not a fan of shoe covers, opt for a warmer shoe all together! We have two favorite options.  The Giant Sojourn cycling shoes have a stiff and grippy bottom which are good for walking.  A great option for bike commuters.  The other favorite is the Defroster cycling shoe.  It’s a great option for fall and winter riding and especially on the cold days because these shoes doesn’t require shoe covers.  

9. Lights – At the end of this month, the days will be much shorter! Plan ahead and get your lights ready. Get a red blinker for the rear that mounts to the bike or your pack, and a decent headlight for the front.

10. Tool kit – The bicycle tools needed to have on hand in inclement weather matter.  Discover what the best bike parts for fall commuting and build a tool kit that meets your needs.

Which essential items are missing from the list?  Make note of it and stop by the shop to check out all of the cycling apparel we have in stock and on sale. 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 – enjoy! 

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Posted by staffwriter8

The 10 Best Fall Front Range Mountain Bike Trails 

September 8, 2016

BikeParts.com Team Rider Shredding the Front Range MTB Trails Autumn is upon us. And while the weather is still looking similar to our old friend summer, it is bound to drop in temperature very soon. Many cyclist grieve the loss of summer; yet, fall bike riding offers the chance to enjoy cooler temperatures, view the changing colors of the leaves, and enjoy the fitness gains achieved over the summer months.  

Officially, fall begins September 22 and while we’re only two weeks away from the official fall season, you can see the season transitioning.  Days are shorter. The temperatures are cooler.  Kids are back in school. And, sadly, vacationing is nearing an end. Now is the time to mark your calendar to get in your favorite rides before winter heads our way.  

With that in mind, which Front Range trails should you have on your bucket list?  Following are some of our favorites.

  1. Buffalo Creek
  2. Centennial Cone
  3. White Ranch
  4. Mount Falcon
  5. Lair O’ the Bear
  6. Green Mountain
  7. Apex + trails
  8. Golden Gate Canyon 
  9. Hall Ranch 
  10. Lake Pueblo 

An essential element to successful fall cycling is knowing what to wear. As the seasons transition from summer to fall, the temperatures change, the days are shorter, and the easy “go to clothing” options for riding are replaced with additional items to keep us warm, dry, and safe.  Always aiming on the safe side, at Peak Cycles Bicycle shop, we recommend getting a tune-up, having a set of reliable lights and wearing the right bike clothing. Regarding clothing options, following is our list for smoothing transitioning through the season.  

Wind Vest – The wind vest is one of the most used pieces of cool weather gear. It keeps your core body protected from frontal winds, but vents in the rear to keep you from overheating. The wind vest is also very versatile and can be added to different clothing combinations, using it with regular jerseys, winter jerseys, and arm warmers. It’s also easily stowed in a pack or shirt pocket.

Wind / Rain Jacket – It’s always a good idea to keep a water resistant jacket handy when rain is in the forecast.

Arm Warmers – Arm warmers are a must during the Fall season.  While they don’t take up much room, they are great for temperature control.

Full Finger / Windproof Gloves – When riding in cooler temps, one of the first things to freeze is the fingers. Protect your hands with full fingerers and / or windproof gloves.

Knickers, Knee Warmers, and Pants – As the temperatures drop, it’s a good idea to cover your knees. Many cyclist prefer tights whereas others prefer leg warmers.  There are also knickers which allow more airflow over the legs, and they are good for those in-between days. Consider trying out each option and experiment to dial in your preference.

Lights – Within a month, the days will be much shorter! Plan ahead and get your lights ready. Get a red blinker for the rear that mounts to the bike or your pack, and a decent headlight for the front.

Tool kit – The bicycle tools needed to have on hand in inclement weather matter.  Discover what the best bike parts for fall commuting and build a tool kit that meets your needs.

Why is all this important?  Because having access to resources, tips, and a supportive environment makes it easier to enjoy all the benefits cycling has to offer.  It gets you outside – on the bike and riding!  As you can see, it’s easy to embrace the transition from summer to fall when you have great rides to look forward to riding.  Being mindful of the best clothing options, cycling apparel, bike parts, and nutritional needs during the changing season helps too!  Happy Trails to you! 

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Posted by staffwriter8

Winter Cycling Apparel You Can’t Live Without

February 4, 2016
IMG_3147

Winter Cycling Apparel at BikeParts.com

Cold, winter weather is finally here.  With nearly 3 feet of snow in Golden, Colorado, the thought of riding outside can be daunting.  This is especially so if you’ve been taking some time off or haven’t had to endure cold-weather riding in awhile.  However, the beauty of riding in the clear air after a fresh snowfall far outweighs the extra work involved in getting dressed appropriately.  So, what do you need to do to wrap up and roll out on a chilly winter day? 

Understanding the basics of keeping warm is a good start.  When you are riding, you want to balance your warmth and comfort with the intensity of your bike ride. If you are really bundled up when you start riding, you will likely want to start shedding layers. It may feel good to sweat in 25 degree weather, but you want clothes that are both breathable, wind-stopping, and sometimes waterproof. You also want to evaluate the type of ride you are doing.  Is this a training ride? Will you be working really hard? Or are you just going to chill and casually ride?  At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado, we’ve been asked all of these questions.  Here is what we have found works, and works best!  Following are  the winter cycling clothing options we can’t live without!

Hands: Keep those digits nimble! Cold hands makes it hard to maneuver the bike.  Definitely go for long-figured gloves or liner gloves with thicker gloves.  Fatbike riders may opt for porgies.  Great for keeping the digits warm, the Endura gloves are our most popular wind chill gloves. 

Feet: Who likes cold toes? Nobody!  It’s really important to keep the feet warm on winter rides.  Road and mountain bike cyclist may opt for thick wool socks. As for the keeping your toes warm, we have two favorite options.  The Giant Sojourn cycling shoes have a stiff and grippy bottom which are good for walking.  A great option for bike commuters.  The other favorite is the Defroster cycling shoe.  It’s a great option for fall and winter riding and especially on the cold days because these shoes doesn’t require shoe covers.   

Fatbike riders will want to go with insulated shoes with thick socks. If you can get waterproof shoes, that is even better. For fatbike enthusiast, there are a number of options out there depending on if fatbike riders  want to ride with flat pedals or clip less pedals. Riding your fat bike in the winter, you can ride with winter snow boots which will keep your feet warm. If you are riding with clipless pedals, Specialized and other companies make insulated biking boots.  Regardless of what type of bicycle you are riding, polypropelene shoe covers are a must when keeping your feet warm because they deflect wind. You can also carry chemical toe warmers in case your feet get really cold.

Lower Body: In the winter you want to have something covering your entire legs.  Fleece lined chamois are often a good choice. Many bikers also use cross country ski tights under their biking shorts.  Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop has Endura and Mavoc pants, chamois, which will all be good down to about 10 degrees.  There are also waterproof pants to keep the wet off your legs. This is important if you are riding in snowy conditions. We have a variety of knickers, knee warmers, and pants.  These are essential items to have on hand because sunny days can tempt cyclist to opt for less clothing but we think it’s a good idea to cover your knees. Many cyclist prefer tights whereas others prefer leg warmers.  There are also knickers which allow more airflow over the legs, and they are good for layering as well. Consider trying out each option and experiment to dial in your preference.

Upper Body: The key with upper body warmth and comfort in the winter is layering.  Here in Colorado, as in other parts of the country as well, temperatures can change pretty quickly.  It’s best to plan ahead based on varying conditions, as well as, plan for your workout requirements.  You might find that you are either over dressed when you start working hard. Consider a  light, long-sleeved jersey that has pockets in the back is a good base layer and gives you the opportunity to put extra cloths in the back pockets. Next, put another thermal layer on top of the long-sleeved jersey. You want something fairly light, warm, and breathable. As a final option you want to top your upper body layering with a wind-stopper jacket that deflects wind and preferably is also waterproof.  Stop by Peak Cycles Bicycle shop and see which brand fits you best: Endura, Mavic, or Pearl Izumi.

Last but not least, cover your head!  You can wear a buff or a cap and headgear. Buffs are really good for neck protection as well. Another option are balaclavas – especially so if you want to keep almost your entire face warm.  Remember to wear appropriate eye protection too! The glare from the snow can be blinding.  While not as stylish as some of the cycling eyewear we carry on BikeParts.com, you could consider wearing goggles to help protect our eyes and face in snowy conditions.

So, what’s in your cycling wardrobe?  Stop by Peak Cycles Bicycle shop to fill in your cycling wardrobe with the necessary items to get you rolling during these chilly winter days.  

When you think about it, it’s easy to embrace winter riding when you are warm and toasty. Being mindful of the best clothing options, cycling apparel, bike parts, and nutritional needs during  your winter rides helps too!  So, whether you are enjoying the fresh snow from a scenic a bike path, or clear road, winter bike rides in Colorado are the best way to get ready for the upcoming cycling season while filling up your lungs with fresh, crisp Colorado air.

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Posted by staffwriter8

Riding in the Snow – 5 Ways to Make it Work for You

December 17, 2015
BikeParts.com Rider Enjoying Winter Cycling
The snow is here! And lots of it!  Many cyclist wonder, can I ride in the snow?  And the answer: of course you can!
The important thing to remember about riding in the snow isn’t whether it’s possible—everything is possible.  It’s simply a matter of being smart about riding in uncertain weather conditions. Here’s how to make snow riding work for you.
  1. The more tread on your tires, the better. You can ride in snow on slicks, but we wouldn’t recommend it.  At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we have a large selection of tires for road bikes, mountain bikes, and cyclocross bikes.  Stop in and pick up a new set of tires just for your winter cycling adventures.  Speaking of tires, let some air out of your them, whatever sort they are. Ride them soft: you’ll get more grip.
  1. Focus on a relaxed and responsive riding position.  Sure, it’s natural to tense up with icy or snowy conditions, but if you focus on relaxing your hands and arms, while keeping your weight back on the bike, you may find it easier to steer the bike from your hips and less from your upper body. This makes directional changes smoother and easier with your whole mass on the bike, rather than by sudden sharp steering inputs at the handlebars.
  1. Don’t be a speed demon! Slow down and enjoy the views! Celebrate the adventure of riding in different weather conditions.  A good rule of thumb to remember is to keep your bike in good working order, maintain care of your bike parts and don’t be too ambitious about your speed.  All this allows you to truly enjoy the experience.
  1. Go fat! Fat bike that is!  Fat bikes are wonderful for riding in the snow.  Many fat bike models today are similar to “normal” mountain bikes, which have slacker head tube angles, lower stand-over heights, thru axles, and tapered head tubes. The main difference is the tires. The wider tires have more traction in both dirt and snow. They climb better than almost any mountain bike. If you’re new to fat bikes, you may enjoy reading about some Top Fat Bike FAQ’s or Why Go Fat. Or, stop by the shop and demo a fat bike!
  1. Dress for the occasion.  Because it’s cold out, it is tempting to overdress.  Avoid that temptation! Depending on the type of ride, the duration of your ride, and the elements, your cycling apparel options make the difference between a suffer fest or a great ride. Take an inventory of your cycling clothing and ask yourself, what clothing do you need to wear in different weather conditions?  Do you have waterproof and wind resistant clothing? Do you have enough of the basic cycling necessities, as in leggings? Arm warmers? Knee warmers? Scull cap? What about your base layers?  Do you have enough of them or do you need to add in some fleece lined clothing?  Lucky for you, at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we can help you with all of your cycling apparel needs! In fact, we’ve got quite a lot of new cycling clothing in store right now!  Or, check out our How to Dress for Winter Cycling –Video for ideas dressing warmly for your winter rides.
Your experience will correlate directly to your level of preparation.  It’s true, winter riding requires more diligence and commitment; but the flip side is a sense of wonder and adventure that accompanies the wintertime cycling scene.

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Posted by staffwriter8

Avoid a Clothing Crisis! New Threads to Keep you Warm for Fall and Winter Cycling

October 8, 2015

Specialized Defroster Cycling Shoe at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop

You know you’re experiencing a clothing crisis when your focus shifts from the trail, the traffic or your route sheet to your increasingly cold and numb hands and feet.  Fall and winter cycling poses some challenges yet it can be equally as fun as summer riding given you have the right cycling apparel, you know how to dress for winter riding, and you have the right bike parts in your winter toolkit.  The trick is having a plan for staying warm on the bike and avoiding a cycling wardrobe emergency this fall and winter.

So, what’s in your cycling wardrobe? It’s a given that you’ll want to have clothing that is versatile, lightweight, and easy to pack down.  As we’re just now transitioning to cooler temperatures, now is the time to take inventory of the cycling apparel you currently have and purchase additional items that are missing from your cycling wardrobe.  With this in mind, you might want to consider what type of cycling you plan to do this fall and winter. That will help you to avoid making unnecessary purchases. Depending on the type of ride, the duration of your ride, and the elements, your clothing options make the difference between a suffer fest or a great ride.  

Ask yourself, what clothing do you need to wear in different weather conditions?  Do you have waterproof and wind resistant clothing? Do you have enough of the basic cycling necessities, as in leggings? Arm warmers? Knee warmers? Scull cap? What about your base layers?  Do you have enough of them or do you need to add in some fleece lined clothing?  Lucky for you, at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we can help you with all of your cycling apparel needs! In fact, we’ve got quite a lot of new cycling clothing in store right now! Here are the favorites you might want to check out.

  • Great for keeping the digits warm, the Endura gloves are our most popular wind chill gloves. 
  • As for the keeping your toes warm, we have two favorite options.  The Giant Sojourn cycling shoes have a stiff and grippy bottom which are good for walking.  A great option for bike commuters.  The other favorite is the Defroster cycling shoe.  It’s a great option for fall and winter riding and especially on the cold days because these shoes doesn’t require shoe covers.  
  • We have a variety of knickers, knee warmers, and pants.  These are essential items to have on hand because as the temperatures drop, it’s a good idea to cover your knees. Many cyclist prefer tights whereas others prefer leg warmers.  There are also knickers which allow more airflow over the legs, and they are good for those in-between days. Consider trying out each option and experiment to dial in your preference.
  • If you are looking for great fall gear that is super durable, then stop by the shop and check out all of the Endura cycling apparel we have in stock. You might want to check out the POC apparel too – it’s on sale! 

Last but not least, Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop has the ability to special order items. Come and ask if you want something!   Avoid a clothing crisis!  Get on the bike this fall and ride! 

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Posted by staffwriter8

The 10 Essentials for Fall Cycling

September 4, 2014

fall leavesAs we transition from Summer to Fall, the Colorado mountain colors explode into a vibrant mix of autumn hues. 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.  Yet to make the transition from Summer to Fall to Winter riding safely, it’s wise to make sure that your bike is working and that you have the proper cycling apparel to keep you warm and also motivated to ride in the cooler temps.

At Peak Cycles Bicycle shop, we recommend getting a tune-up, having a set of reliable lights and wearing the right bike clothing. Frequently we’re asked what are the essential cycling apparel to have on hand. Here’s our list:

1. Wind Vest – The wind vest is one of the most used pieces of cool weather gear. It keeps your core body protected from frontal winds, but vents in the rear to keep you from overheating. The wind vest is also very versatile and can be added to different clothing combinations, using it with regular jerseys, winter jerseys, and arm warmers. It’s also easily stowed in a pack or shirt pocket.
2. Wind / Rain Jacket – It’s always a good idea to keep a water resistant jacket handy when rain is in the forecast.
3. Arm Warmers – Arm warmers are a must during the Fall season.  While they don’t take up much room, they are great for temperature control.
4. Full Finger / Windproof Gloves – When riding in cooler temps, one of the first things to freeze is the fingers. Protect your hands with full fingerers and / or windproof gloves.
5. Knickers, Knee Warmers, and Pants – As the temperatures drop, it’s a good idea to cover your knees. Many cyclist prefer tights whereas others prefer leg warmers.  There are also knickers which allow more airflow over the legs, and they are good for those in-between days. Consider trying out each option and experiment to dial in your preference.
6. Head Band or Skull Cap – The vents in your helmet that are such an asset during the summer months become a major liability when the temperatures begin to drop. To prevent from losing heat from your scalp, be sure to wear a thin skullcap or headband under the helmet
7. Wool Socks – Keeping your feet dry and warm can be a challenge in the cold weather, but nice wool socks are your best bet.
8. Shoe Covers – Shoe covers, also known as booties, cover the exterior of your shoes and protect from cold and wind.  There are several options: some that cover just the toes and others that encompass the entire foot. Toe covers are great for Fall but as you transition to Winter riding, you may wish for a pair that covers your entire foot.
9. Lights – Within a month, the days will be much shorter! Plan ahead and get your lights ready. Get a red blinker for the rear that mounts to the bike or your pack, and a decent headlight for the front.
10. Tool kit – The bicycle tools needed to have on hand in inclement weather matter.  Discover what the best bike parts for fall commuting  and build a tool kit that meets your needs.

Why is all this important?  Because having access to resources, tips, and a supportive environment makes it easier to enjoy all the benefits cycling has to offer.  It gets you outside – on the bike and riding!  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.

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How to Plan Your Cyclocross Training Week

November 21, 2013

What is the best way to get good at cyclocross and have fun at the same time?  Simple –  race cyclocross – a lot!   You’ll learn technique, skills and race strategy as you go.

But for those athletes who want to focus their efforts and manage their time, a good plan it to structure your cyclocross training week .  But what does that look like?  While training time, heart rate and power zones vary, a typical training week usually includes the following.

Monday – Off Recovery is equally as important as training. The recovery period is when fitness gains are made and you reap the benefits of the hard work you’ve done. Sleep, Stretching, Hydration, and Nutrition are the SSHNs of Recovery.

Tuesday – Hard Day with Efforts.  Cyclocross races are very high intensity and extremely demanding. The racer is at or above lactate threshold for the entire race.  As such, your training efforts need to prepare you for your cyclocross race, but not tax you either.

Wednesday – Tempo Ride.  Also, a great day midweek to check your bike and bike parts.  Replace broken bike parts and components and prep your bike for the race weekend ahead.

Thursday – Recovery or Skills day.  Efficiency is Paramount.  A great racer is not only fit, but also smooth and efficient. The energy saved through skilled bike handling and smooth transitions on and off the bike directly translates into a faster race pace. So, if you’re struggling with the technical aspects of ‘cross (barriers, runups, transitions on and off the bike, general bike handling), take the time each week to practice these skills until they become second nature during a race.

Friday – Travel Day and/ or Openers.  The goal of the day is to “prime the engine” for the weekend. Intervals are meant to sharpen, not fatigue.

Saturday/ Sunday – Game ON! Race day! Good reminders to keep in mind on race day.  Leading up to your race, it’s important to stay dry.  Yet, during your race, keeping your hands and feet warm are critical.  Opt for 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.

Overall, have fun! Cyclocross is a sport meant to be fun, otherwise, there wouldn’t be beer handoffs, money pits, crowds heckling the pros, or pros heckling the crowd. Unless you’re aiming for World Cup titles, there’s no reason to take this sport too seriously. Train, race hard, but above all, remember that it’s supposed to be fun.

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Posted by staffwriter8

How to Dress for Winter Cycling – Video

October 24, 2013

How to choose winter cycling apparel?  It’s hard to know what to wear what to wear when it’s 50 degrees and sunny outside
versus 30 – 35 degrees and cloudy.  Winter riding can be a challenge!  But, with clothing that is versatile, lightweight, and easy to pack down, you can find a winter cycling wardrobe that works for you.

  • What to wear in different weather conditions?
  • Why waterproof and wind resistant clothing matters?
  • What pieces of cycling apparel are necessities: Shorts? Leggings? Arm warmers? Knee warmers? Scull cap?
  • When do you wear fleece lined clothing?  Base layers?

Depending on the type of ride, the duration of your ride, and the elements, your clothing options make the difference between a suffer fest or a great ride. We can help you at BikeParts.com for your winter clothing needs.

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Posted by staffwriter8

Dress For Success: Winter Guide to Colorado CycloCross Racing

September 19, 2013

dress for successFor many competitive cyclist, the summer racing season has come to an end.  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.  Namely, wet, cold, and mud.  Perfectly tuned conditions to what racers love about cyclocross racing.

But, how can racing in the cold, wet, and mud be fun?  The trick is dressing for success.  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.  The trick is dressing for success!

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Posted by staffwriter8