Aaron Gwin’s Mountain Bike Braking Tips

January 12, 2022

A video on how to best use your feet to increase braking performance and safety on the trail. This might feel a little strange at first but be patient. Remember, the steeper the trail and harder you brake, the more dropping your heels will help. If you are not braking very hard or on a flat trail, you do not need to drop your heels as far. Hope this helps!” – Aaron Gwin


2021 Red Bull Rampage Recap

October 27, 2021

Setting The Stage for the 20th Anniversary

Earlier this month, riders from around the world competed in the 2021 Red Bull Rampage. This year’s roster included long-time veteran riders Kyle Strait, Kurt Sorge, and Brandon Semenuk along with first-time riders Brage Vestavik and Jaxson Riddle. After a few riders took some hard crashes during the practice day, so the field was whittled down to 12 riders who battled it out on the 20th anniversary of Red Bull Rampage. This year’s venue took place at the 2017 Rampage site, where many of the rider’s lines still exist. 

Red Bull Rampage Ends a COVID Hiatus

The first-ever Red Bull Rampage took place back in 2001, and since then, there have been 14 different events and 9 different winners, according to Red Bull. The level of riding has skyrocketed, tricks have gotten crazier, lines are steeper, and jumps are over the top. Aside from being the 20th anniversary, this year was special because last year’s Rampage was postponed due to COVID, so riders were eager to return back to Virgin after a two-year hiatus. 

Brandon Semenuk Breaks The Internet 

The defending champion Brandon Semenuk ended up taking the number one spot on the podium, being the first rider to win Red Bull Rampage 4 times. His winning run started off with a massive double stager drop but what followed is what set him apart. Deciding to ride with a single crown fork, he was able to do tricks that are impossible with a double crown fork like a bar spin, the first-ever tail whip off of a flat drop, and a backflip tailwhip to finish off the run. Semenuk came prepared with a bag of tricks that was both hard and impossible for most of the competition to top. We certainly enjoyed watching this year’s Red Bull Rampage. Let us know what you thought of the contest in the comments below.  


2021 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO

July 16, 2021

Are you looking for the ultimate trail bike? Look no further than the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO, one of the most anticipated bikes of the year. The 2020 model was voted the 2020 Pinkbike Mountain Bike of the year for it’s “. . . effortless handling and ability to excel on a wide variety of terrain are what really cemented the win, although the massive amount of storage in the down tube didn’t hurt either.” The Stumpjumper EVO has everything worth looking for in a modern full suspension mountain bike. 

SJ_EVO_Social_1 2

The 2021 Stumpjumper EVO comes in a wide variety of builds ranging from the $5,000 Stumpjumper EVO Comp to the $10,000 S-Works. One of the Bikeparts.com personal favorites is the $6000 Stumpjumper EVO Expert!

Read the rest of this entry »


Riding in the Fall

November 12, 2020
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! 


Giant Reign Advanced 29 Pro 1 Review

September 22, 2020

The updated 2020 Reign features a steep seat tube angle and great component package. Look to the Giant Reign for a bike that’s ready to rip!

Originally $5000. Now $4500.

The Skinny

The Reign is an all-around fun bike that climbs super well and is a blast on the descent! We think it’s best suited for riders who want an aggressive one quiver bike that has a modern geometry and high-end components. Compared to similar bikes in the same category, there is a ton of value for the price!

ProsCons
An overall fun aggressive ride
Modern geometry
Capable climber 
Fox Suspension package
SRAM Code Brakes
125mm dropper post
Problematic saddle

The Components

Right out of the gate this bike impressed us on many levels. For a bike at this price point, it comes spec’d with some impressive components. The Fox Performance Elite fork and X2 rear shock feel plush and well-matched. The SRAM code brakes are powerful 4 piston brakes that can stop on a dime with ease. We can’t talk enough about the modern geometry and steep seat tube angle making this bike a capable climber. Don’t let the long reach fool you. The steep seat tube angle brings you closer to the bars than other bikes with far shorter reaches. 

Giant did fall short with the dropper post 125mm dropper post on the medium and 150mm on the Large and XL. We swapped out the stock post for a OneUp Components 180 which let us slam the post down to the collar when in the dropped position. The stock saddle also gave us issues because of a plastic serrated edge, which scraped up our legs when cornering. We changed this saddle out with an Ergon SM Comp saddle. Which, if you’re looking for a new mountain bike saddle, we highly recommend! 

The Ride

Overall, we love the feel and ride quality of this bike. The modern geometry makes it a very capable climber and total beast on the descent. We will start to see other bikes adopting the slack headtube/steep seat tube moving forward and for good reason. It really makes a difference. So, who will like this bike? Aggressive enduro type riders Someone who wants a bike that can climb to the top but doesn’t want to be under-biked when the trail gets rowdy. This would be an awesome bike if you like trails like White Ranch or Enchanted Forrest. It would crush the Whole Enchilada and would have no problem ripping up the downhill trails at Trestle

Sound Like You?

Want to get your hands on this bike? Get in touch with us at Peak Cycles. You can reach out to us via phone (303)216-1616 or email contact@bikeparts.com!


How to Properly Clean and Detail Your Bike in Less Than an Hour

July 23, 2020

Owning a bike puts you in a pretty enviable position right now; it’s a safe way to get around as it involves minimal contact, can be incredibly fun, and with many gyms still closed, riding is a great way to maintain your fitness. But, one key responsibility that comes with owning a bike is keeping it clean. With so many moving bike parts, prolonged exposure to mud, grime, and debris can affect the ride quality and promote faster deterioration of such parts. Cleaning your road bike or mountain bike properly takes just a few minutes, but doing so regularly will save you from expensive repairs and replacements later down the line and prolong the life of the bike.

Start with the frame 

Start by hosing gently hosing down the frame to get rid of any loose dirt. Avoid using a pressure washer for this as it could force water into the bearings, which could damage your bike. Next, spray your bike with a bike cleaning product and check the label to see how much time you should leave it on. If you don’t have a dedicated bike cleaning product, do a test patch before using any other product. Some cleaners have chemicals that can color fade your frame or, even worse, damage the protective layer on the anodized aluminum used to make bike parts. After letting your cleaner sit for a few minutes, use a bucket of warm soapy water and a soft brush to scrub off all dirt and grime, working from the top down. Finish by rinsing all the parts in the order you cleaned them with a bucket of clean water.

Focus on the drivetrain

You must give your drivetrain — front chainrings, rear derailleur, rear cassette, and chain — special attention to prolong its life. Start by spraying it all down with an eco-friendly degreaser and let it sit for the recommended amount of time. Using a gear brush, give it a good scrub while making sure that you get into the cassette cogs. If your drivetrain had too much grime or still looks dirty after a scrub, you might want to use a chain cleaning device, which will be more thorough and less messy. Once the drivetrain is clean, give the entire bike one last rinse and use clean rags to dry it.

Finishing touches 

Once everything is dry, it’s time to do some finishing touches for both aesthetic and durability reasons. Start by giving your frame a proper spray wax to get that optimal level of shine you’re looking for. When done, you should be able to see your own reflection or the sun glimmering off the frame. Next, apply some drops of lubricant to every moving part starting with the chain then the brakes and pivot points on the dérailleurs. Lubrication is vital to maintain good performance and to protect your bike from excessive wear caused by friction and rust. Remember to wipe off the excess lubricant as it could attract dirt.

Keeping your bike clean is crucial not only for good performance but also to prevent excessive deterioration of key parts. A regular cleaning schedule is important — it could be monthly, weekly, or even daily if you love riding in muddy areas. Check out our great selection of bike maintenance tools including degreasers, cleaners, and brushes, as well as, lube, and polish and protectants.


Last Minute Cycling Gifts for Father’s Day

June 18, 2020

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21. That’s just 3 days from now.

If you haven’t found the perfect gift for your cycling Dad, don’t panic. We’ve got you covered with gift ideas. From upgrading your Dad’s man cave to purchasing spin worthy gifts, you’ll be sure to find what you need at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop. Read on.

New bike
For those going all out 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 or try an electric bike!

Bike parts
A no brainer for Father’s day is bike parts! Think new drivetrain parts, brakes, saddle, and wheelset.  Or, check out our post, Father’s Day Gift Guide for Cyclists, Road Bikers, and Mountain Bikers for more ideas.

Cycling accessories
There are so many options and choices available if you opt to gift your Dad cycling accessories. Easy picks include:
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.

Cycling apparel
What do you get a Dad that has everything? Clothes! You can’t have too many jerseys, shorts, tights, jacket, sunglasses, and cycling shoes!  Cycling apparel is much better than just getting another tie!

Gift certificates
Gift certificates can be used for purchasing bike parts and cycling accessories.  Also consider a variety of gift certificates, as in, those to Starbucks for after ride coffee.  Or, even a trial membership for yoga.  If your cycling Dad complains of tight muscles, yoga helps ease the tightness, creating core strength, and aligning the spine.

Bonus gift – Ride with your Dad
Riding together with your Dad on Father’s day could be one of his most favorite and memorable shared activities to do.  Consider selecting one of the 20 Colorado Front Range Bucket List Rides or keep it local and ride some of the best mountain bike trails Golden, Colorado has to offer.

Make your Father’s Day memorable!  Gift him with bike parts and cycling accessories that tap into his cycling passion.  Happy Father’s Day!


Unmotivated? Stressed? How to Maintain Cycling Fitness During COVID 19 

May 28, 2020

The weather is warm and inviting. The days are longer. It’s almost June – the beginning of another season of cycling along the Front Range.

Yet, do you find yourself lacking the motivation to ride? Could it be you miss your riding buddies? Or that the trails are packed with people making it hard to ride and ride with social distancing in place?  

No doubt these unprecedented times have taken their toll on motivation to get out and ride. Without races and events and group rides to inspire training, it makes it a little harder to reach that upper range in high-intensity workouts. Even if you are getting out for rides, maybe you’re cutting them short or worse, beating yourself up for losing fitness.  

The aim during these challenging times is to find a healthy balance between riding and managing other factors like stress and anxieties of the day. So, how do you find that balance?  A good first step is to give up beating yourself up for missed rides.  The post, Missing training – Adjusting the plan, suggest a few options for recalibrating your weekly training schedule.  The big take away is the mindset. “Often remind yourself of the big picture. It’s easy to beat yourself up over missed training, but if you have been steady with training, give yourself a break. Gaining fitness doesn’t happen in one or two days and losing fitness doesn’t happen in one or two days. It takes months of steady training to gain good fitness. A few days missed or logging a few less hours than planned for a week is a small blip on the radar.”  

Another piece of encouragement comes from the post, Will I Lose Fitness During Quarantine? which emphasizes that doing something is infinitely better than doing nothing and that while many athletes have been facing limitations on their training, your fitness might not be as dire as you think.  That’s encouraging, right?

A way to spark that hope and re-ignite your motivation for riding might be to Experiment With Different Bike Parts to Keep Training Motivation HighMix up your routine and ride different bikes on different days. Mondays might be your mountain bike. Tuesdays your cross bike. Wednesdays you ride your road bike and so on.  Experiment with new bike parts. Swap out your saddle or add some new grips. If experimentation isn’t your thing, then at least replace worn out bike parts or catch deals on bike close-outsbike parts and components. Or, maybe training just isn’t in the cards for you right now.  That’s okay. You can still ride! Swap your car ride for an easy bike commute. Any of these activities help to extend the fitness gains you’ve made and will also help reduce the anxieties and stress accompanied by the pandemic.  

Given all that is occurring in our world right now, it’s natural to feel frustrated, anxious, confused, and even well. What’s not needed is more self-imposed judgment for not riding or not riding as frequently as you would like. Let that go. Instead, use this time to reconnect with your bikes and the love of cycling that you have. Let that fuel your motivation for training and hopefully soon we’ll all be able to ride together and cherish more profoundly our cycling events and races and group rides.  


Why Now Is The Best Time to Buy a New Bike 

April 30, 2020
Buying a new bike right now might seem counter-intuitive. But it’s not. Now IS the right time to purchase a new bike and here’s why. 
 
Granted there are a few givens with this reasoning – the weather is warm, the sunshine is out, and many of us have more time on our hands. But the reasoning to purchase a new bike right now goes beyond that. 
 
It starts with the human spirit.  Our current circumstances can feel overwhelming, restricting, limiting and well, depressing.  All of those emotions are normal and expected during this time; however, if those emotions linger for too long or become chronic, the physical body’s immune system becomes hampered. Aside from the natural benefits of stress and tension relief garnered by riding a bike, regular exercise prompts a healthy immune system.  
 
Having a new road bike or mountain bike to ride lifts your spirit.  Owning a new bike invites a forward-thinking approach and gives you something to look forward to doing. Sure, that takes your mind off of things but it also invites fresh ideas to counter the realities we are all facing.  Whether you opt to challenge yourself with new fitness goals or plan new routes to ride, you are focusing your thoughts and planning on an activity that supports your physical, emotional, and mental aspects of yourself. Because of the uncertainty we are facing, there are many things that are simply beyond our control; yet, exercise and having new fitness goals, or exploring new routes and inviting your family along for a family bike ride is within your ability.  All of this offers a much-needed sense of achievement and accomplishment. 
 
If those reasons aren’t enough to inspire your new bike purchase, consider driving less going forward as our stores and economy resume business operations. Because of the stay at home orders across the country, there is less pollution. Continue to support this by driving less.  Commit to bike commuting more and supporting the environment. Bike commuting as alternative transportation helps the environment by reducing carbon emissions. And while you may feel like purchasing a new bike contributes to the manufacturing emissions of a bicycle, consider that bicycles emit virtually no pollution when in use and they require far fewer materials, energy, and waste in their production than even the ‘greenest’ car.  An added bonus to purchasing a new bike is that you are supporting a local business.  And all of us at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop appreciate that! 
 
If you are wondering what to look for in purchasing a new bike, let us know at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop.  We’re here to help you and yes, we are open!  In addition to buying a new bike, you can visit us at our Peak Cycles bike shop in Golden, Colorado for bike repairs, bike parts, and cycling accessories. Due to COVID-19, we are not allowing any customers into the shop at this time. However, we have a table and bike stands in front of the shop so we can bring products and/or bikes to you outside for purchase. If you prefer to shop from home, you can visit us online at BikeParts.com and you can pick up your new bike and bike parts with curbside pickup or come to the front door and we will grab your order for you.
 
Take advantage of our sales right now and treat your body and spirit to a breath of fresh air by riding your new bicycle! 

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday – A 3 Day Shopping Stage Race for Cyclists

November 21, 2019

Many recreational and competitive cyclists have made the progression from participating in one-day races to multi-day events.  The transition from racing a single day to several consecutive days can be easy enough when there is a plan in place.  

Generally, that involves planning the overall strategy and tactics for particular stages.  And much like a stage race, planning is important for making the most of the three most important upcoming holiday shopping days. Namely, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. Here’s how to make the most of your holiday purchases. 

Day 1 – Leading out the shopping season is Black Friday.  Here’s your chance to cash in on bike componentsapparel, bicycle parts including trainers and all sorts of bike goodies.  Be on the lookout for discounts on the BikeParts.com. Remember, this is day one. So, don’t go out too fast! 

Day 2 – Sandwiched in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday.  This day, November 30th is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses. As we wrote about previously, your support enables us to host community events like the Bike Safety Talk with the Cycling Lawyer, offer Bicycle Demo Days, and contribute to the national races that come through Golden like the Colorado Classic.  

Additionally, your purchases encourage us to give back to the community as in co-hosting the Staunton Blizzard Fat Bike Race each year and supporting local cycling teams. Use Small Business Saturday as a purchase that extends the gift of giving. You may be purchasing bike parts, a new road bike or mountain bike, but you’re also supporting a local bike shop that invests in the cycling community. This is the day to take advantage of big deals and savings. Be strategic in your shopping and plan to stop by Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop on Small Business Saturday to take advantage of the in-store sales, discounts, and offers available. 

Day 3 – Last but not least, we’ve got Cyber Monday.  This is day three and on Monday, December 2, 2019, Bikeparts.com  could be your best option for cyber shopping.  In addition to the storefront, our online website offers over 45,000 bike parts and accessories. Bikeparts.com not only carries road bicycle parts and mountain bike parts but also complete bikes, nutritional supplements and much more.

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday are the most highly anticipated shopping days of the year.  Be strategic with your holiday shopping. Make the most of the three days by shopping at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden Colorado and online at BikeParts.com.


Plan Ahead! Small Business Day is Coming – Why it Matters to You and to Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop 

November 14, 2019

The holidays are coming! And much like a stage race, there are three days of holiday shopping worth noting. An important one might be missed. And that is Small Business Saturday. Nestled in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday is one day every year set aside to support small businesses across the entire United States. The event was started by American Express in 2010 and is celebrated on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. 

There may be some obvious reasons why Small Business Saturday is important, as in personalized customer service, product diversity, and overall just supporting a local business.  But the reasons to support small, local businesses goes beyond that. Specific to Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, your purchases go a long way from just keeping the mechanics busy and the shop bringing in bike parts, and cycling gear.  Your support enables us to host community events like the Bike Safety Talk with the Cycling Lawyer, offer Bicycle Demo Days, and contribute to the national races that come through Golden like the Colorado Classic.  Your purchases encourage us to give back to the community as in co-hosting the Staunton Blizzard Fat Bike Race each year. More so, your purchasing dollars extend to our youth through Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop’s support of a variety of race teams. Over the years we have been proud sponsors of The School of Mines cycling team, Golden High School cycling team, Twin Peaks Racing, The Colorado Collective, and Tough Girl Cycling Team. Not to mention the BikeParts.com Racing team too! 

With all that said, our customers benefit too. Sure you have access to new road bikes, mountain bikes, fat bikes, and cyclocross bikes.  And yes, you can even take bikes out for demos and we’re happy to share where the best road and mountain bike trails are for dialing in trialing the demo bikes.  But most importantly, by investing in our local shop, you are investing in a cycling community.  A community in which you ride, live and play in. One that supports healthy, active living for people of all ages.  

The holidays are about expressing our appreciation of others and the meaning they bring to our lives.  We’re grateful for our wonderful customers. And, we invite you to join us to Shop Small on November 30th for Small Business Saturday. Your purchases make a huge difference to us and our community.  


Spice Up Your Cycling Life with Cyclocross Racing

September 26, 2019

As a cyclist, do you want to get fitter? Faster? Stronger? And do you want to have a ton of fun while doing that? Well, if you haven’t already, you might want to introduce cyclocross into your cycling regime. Cyclocross racing is super fun and it can dramatically improve your bike handling skills, while also maintaining fitness intensity over transitional months and through the winter period. Sounds good, right? It is! 

Cyclocross is a wonderful way for road cyclists and mountain bike athletes to extend their competitive seasons and get a head-start on training for next season. The intensity of cyclocross racing provides a training stimulus that’s very difficult to replicate with standard interval training during the fall and winter, especially as the temperatures fall and athletes turn primarily to indoor cycling.  As the season is just now getting underway, what do you need to know? 

How To Get Started 
If you are new to the sport, a formal clinic can be a great way to get acclimated to the sport while making some racing friends. Attending a clinic can help improve your technical skills and help you confidently navigate your first cross race.  You can get a better idea during the clinic as to whether you want to try racing on your mountain bike.  Chances are that after doing a race or two, you will want to purchase a cyclocross bike. It is THAT addicting!  And, lucky for you, we have cyclocross bikes online at bikeparts.com.

How to Train
Another thing to consider when starting out is how to train for a cyclocross race.  A good plan is to structure your cyclocross training week.   For specific training targets, the post, Preparing for Cyclocross Season, shares more on what you need to include in your training plan. Yet overall, a structured cyclocross training plan includes these elements: transitioning from the previous race season; running; race intensity workouts including some drills to gain confidence in your bike handling skills and cornering. A bonus is to include practicing starts, dismounts, remounts, shouldering, cornering, and riding through different conditions, as in, mud and sand. All play an important factor in racing efficiently.  

What To Bring To A Cyclocross Race
As for race day, your needs for a cyclocross race will be different from what you would pack for a road race or mountain bike event. We have a compressive packing list to make it super easy for you to remember because there is a LOT to bring to a race, as in a variety of cycling apparel, cycling accessories, extra bike parts, and wheel sets  You will want the checklist so get it here: What To Bring To A Cyclocross Race? One item that is not on that list that is a treasured piece of equipment is the Feedback Sports Omnium Portable Trainer. It’s the perfect bicycle tool to have for warming up before a race and cooling down after the race. The trainer is lightweight, portable, and quiet so it functions well at home as an everyday trainer during the winter months too.  Fortunately, it’s on sale now! 

So, now that you are motivated, skilled, and have your gear bag ready, it’s time to race cross.  Here’s a recap: If you are new to cyclocross, check out our cyclocross bikes online at bikeparts.com.  Dial-in the best bike parts and tire choice for the type of racing you plan to do.  Finally, don’t forget to register for an upcoming cross race! Bring on the cowbell! 


Get Ready For The Golden Giddyup

September 12, 2019

Only 2 days until the Golden Giddyup! Wait, what? Haven’t you heard of the Golden Giddyup?  Well, it’s a mountain bike community-sponsored bike event and trail stewardship program held in Golden, Colorado and it’s THIS weekend! All of us at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop are excited about the event. You’re invited to learn all about the GoldenGiddyup and encouraged to take part!

The History: The Golden Giddyup is a 501c3 nonprofit originally created to support Jefferson County Open Space with competent volunteer trail builders who help maintain some of the most loved and heavily used Open Space Parks. Each year in September, the partners at Jeffco Open Space close Apex, Windy Saddle and North Table Mountain Parks to host the annual Golden Giddyup race and there is a party, the Giddyup Get-Down, in downtown Golden. All of the proceeds from the event go back to supporting the Giddyup Trail Team and the stewardship efforts on the trail and off.

What is it? The Golden Giddyup is an all-day mountain bike event.  Part of the day is racing and all of the day is pure fun! As for the racing part, the Golden Giddyup features an enduro-style format, with three timed descents and three timed climbs.  As for course and race descriptions, there’s the Classic, the Chimpex, and the Lite. Each course option offers stiff climbs and bomb worthy descents.  As for the fun part, well, that’s an all-day thing.  The Giddyup Expo is from 10 AM – 5 PM in Lions Park. There is a free concert from noon until 5 PM. And the best part? Family fun and bike activities throughout the day!  There is a skills course for strider riders on up, a climbing wall, face painting and a variety of family fun activities.

Get involved!  If you’re a Golden Giddyup first-timer, then show up and enjoy the festivities! If you’re registered to race, then plan ahead and purchase any bike parts or cycling accessories to be prepared. Get your bike maintenance tools and prep your mountain bike for a great day in the saddle. 

The Golden Giddyup is a wonderful event and more so, an opportunity to really thank all those that make our mountain bike trails great. We’ll see you at the Golden Giddyup! 


Inspired by the Colorado Classic? Top Ways You Can Support The Women Cyclists in Your Life and Community  

August 22, 2019

Today kicks off Stage 1 of the Colorado Classic in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and in just a few days, these phenomenal racers will grace the streets of Golden, Colorado. At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we couldn’t be more excited to see the race unfold! More so, we embrace this opportunity to support the movement to inspire women, challenge and redefine female professional cycling, and empower women of all ages to cycle, train, race and enjoy all that the world of cycling offers.  We invite you to do the same! 

As the race develops, witnessing the athleticism, strength, endurance, and race strategies these athletes embody is inspiring. Capture that inspiration and take action on it! Get young girls, teenagers, and women interested in cycling and further support their existing training and racing programs with bike parts, cycling apparel, and cycling related products that the women racing in the Colorado Classic have available to them.  

Support doesn’t have to cost a lot but it could make a huge difference. Think of it this way, your support and inspiration could be the confidence-building or the inspiration needed to take action on dreams, goals, and achievements that would never be realized.  Just like the Colorado Classic. This is the only stand-alone women’s pro race in the Western Hemisphere – with the same prize money as the men. The Colorado Classic is making big strides in the world of women’s cycling and so can you.  There are countless ways to support women’s cycling. Following are just a few:

Ride together!  Whether you are riding the road or hitting some great single track, stick together and ride together. Maybe do intervals or practice skills on the mountain bike.  Riding together rather than dropping your female cyclist can ease the mental toll that creates from the constant pressure to keep up with you or the group. You don’t have to ride together every ride, but certainly, on no-drop rides – ensure they really are no-drop rides.  This invites beginners and riders with less confidence to find their way into the group, gain some skill level, and improve fitness.  Consider it “paying it forward”.  

The pro riders in the Colorado Classic are riding, training, and racing on quality road bikes. Support your female cyclist in having a good bike – and a well-fitting bike!   Surprisingly, great road bicycles don’t have to come at a hefty price tag.  Right now, in our Golden, Colorado shop we have a huge end of summer sale.  Now is the time to take advantage of the 40% off on select Specialized bikes and gear.  We also have a wide selection of women’s cycling apparel so it’s worth taking the time to stop in, try some things on, check out the road and mountain bikes, and cash in on the end of summer sale.

Pay attention to the nutritional differences of female athletes.  Specific to training and racing, many cyclists have different preferences as to how they prefer to get their fuel while riding – whether that is in nutrition bars, gels, and liquids. We have several options including nutritional products just for women. Specifically, Osmo nutrition.  This product is specific to women offering three options: active hydration, acute recovery, and preload hydration. These options are definitely worth looking into considering that oftentimes, female nutritional requirements differ from men’s requirements. 

Take training to another level with heart rate monitors and power meters. Pro riders train with power and heart rate and even recreational riders do too.  Some mistakingly think that technology takes away the “riding experience” or that it is too costly for their level of riding.  However, times have changed and power meters are much more affordable.  Specific to cycling performance, they offer objective biofeedback to help improve fitness related to goals. Many cyclists goes by “feel” as to whether or not they are getting stronger, faster, or “better” but power meters take the guessing out of the equation and offer precise feedback that gives true confidence that there is an improvement.  

Last but not least, get a bike fit! Pro riders get bike fits – and so can you! An often overlooked component of successful racing and training is 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.  Bike fits aren’t just for the pros, they are for everyone that rides. So go ahead and make the best of your training efforts and schedule a bike fit in our professional bike fit studio.

There are countless suggestions that we can offer for training and racing tips to support women’s cycling.  Stop by the Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop on Saturday during Stage 3 of the Colorado Classic and ask our staff for ideas and suggestions.  Also, keep current by following our Facebook page and Twitter feed for updates.


27.5 Guy Switches to 29er

July 29, 2019

By Hunter Swanson. Peak Cycles. July 2019.

If you asked me a few weeks ago about choosing between wheel sizes, I would have said something like this. “If you are shorter or more into downhill choose the 650B, and if you’re taller and more about the up go 29er.” Honestly, I was pretty sold on this idea. I passed the same message along to many people. How many times had I actually ridden a 29’er though? Embarrassingly, only once. And from that one experience, I pretty much wrote off the 29er and assumed everything I’d heard about them was correct. The 29er wasn’t suited for my riding style and since I’m 5’8″ it wouldn’t work for my height either. That is, until a few weeks ago.

One day after work I decided to take out a 29er from the Peak Cycles demo fleet. One of the mechanics in the shop warned me, “you might end up buying one after this.” I laughed, unconvinced that this would change my mind. I grabbed a Stumpy Expert 29er and headed to Green Mountain outside of Golden. Right when I hopped on the saddle, I was reminded of the 29er’s ability to climb. It’s very capable at smoothing out rocks, bumps, and trail irregularities. Much more so than the 650B, in my opinion. Because it’s not getting caught up, it makes the climb more enjoyable and a bit easier overall. I experienced this the first time I rode one, but this isn’t news to anyone, so let’s cut to the chase.

When it came time to descend my mind was blown almost immediately. I was on a trail I’d ridden many times before. I knew how it normally felt punchy and rough on my 650b. But this time around I knew something felt different. It felt oddly smooth. Almost as if I was on a huge boat cutting through rough ocean chop. Like a freshly sharpened knife effortlessly slicing through a cut of meat. I was in a state of pure bliss as I rolled over the loose rocks and bumps with ease. Then came a few tight corners. I was able to take them with just as much speed as usual. I felt the added traction of the bigger wheel. It just wanted to stay planted. But wait? I thought this wasn’t supposed to corner well?

Unsure of whether or not this was due to the bike being different or just the wheel size, I went back to Green Mountain the next day. This time on the 650b version of the Specialized Stumpjumper Expert. After riding the exact same trail on the 650b version, I arrived at my conclusion. The 29er was, in fact, better at descending than the 650B. I continued to ride the 29er over the next few weeks. I took it to different trails all around Golden, ones that I had ridden many times. The most astonishing results I had were on Chimney Gulch. As my go to ride in town, I had recorded over 40 different rides on this trail. But when I descended on the 29er, I shaved 30 seconds off my fastest descent time. Now that is saying something.

After years of holding a false belief, my attitude towards 29ers changed instantly. It was obvious to me. Aside from going straight into “I want a new bike mode,” I learned something along the way too. Despite whatever a spec sheet, a friend, or your local bike shop employee is saying, the ultimate test is to ride as many bikes as you can. It’s easy to get caught up in the details and forget the fact that no two people, or wheel sizes for that matter, are alike. It’s easy for us to put people in boxes. Short people ride 650b’s and tall people ride 29ers. Downhill riders need the 27.5 and XC riders would be fools not to ride a 29er. Try out both wheel sizes and see which one feels right for you. That is the beauty of doing a demo before making a purchase.

Is one wheel size better than the other? Is there a right answer to that question? I don’t know. All I know is that I felt the advantages of the 29er both on the ascent and descent. Faster ups, faster downs, more traction. It can be as playful as the 650b, it just requires more effort and strength. I did notice the turning radius of the 29er to be wider than the 27.5. It doesn’t love super tight turns, but neither do I. All in all I’ve made the switch over to the…darkside? I’m all aboard the 29er train until the next best thing comes along. Maybe a 30.5. Time will tell.


Get In On All Our Shop Deals With New Bikes, New Rides, and New Adventures

July 25, 2019

The summer riding season is in full swing here in Golden, Colorado! While there is still lots of riding to do, your bike may be feeling a tad worn down. Think of all the training miles, epic rides, races, and events you have done so far this season. Is it time to replace worn bike parts? Maybe upgrade your bike? Or even purchase a new road bike or mountain bike? Lucky for you, we have a ton of options to make the most of your summer riding. 

In fact, right now, Bikeparts.com, has some epic deals on new and used bikes! The sale includes bikes from Specialized, Liv Cycling, and Giant. Check now because they are going fast!

 



Speaking of new bikes, this new Specialized Turbo Creo SL is sure to turn some heads on the road and make your Strava PR’s envious. Stop by the shop to check it out and take it for a test ride.


 

If you’re happy with your bike but you are hearing some creaks or feel it may need some TLC, then schedule a bike service with us.  Head on down to Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in downtown Golden and have our mechanics take a look at it. A midsummer Standard to Tune will get your bike back in tip-top shape.


 

And don’t forget the kiddos! Did you know? We have a huge selection of kids cycling apparel, helmets, and bikes at PeakCycles? Family riding is fun and gets your kids in on the cycling action.


 

Hmmmm….Back to new bikes again. Are you thinking about upgrading your bike to an #sworks? Maybe thinking about switching from 27.5 to a #29er? We’ve got you covered on that too! Stop by Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop to discover the difference for your self.


 

Last but not least – whether you purchase a new bike or ride your current mountain bike, join on on Wednesday evenings for our shop ride at 6PM.


 

Don’t miss out on a great summer of riding! Stop by Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop and check out our deals, get info on questions you have, and up the fun factor for your rides! 


10 Best Father’s Day Gifts for Cyclists

June 13, 2019

Father’s Day Gifts at BikeParts.com/ Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop

For Father’s day, your dad doesn’t need a tie. He doesn’t need a gift with ribbons, fluff, or something that is going to sit on his desk.  What he needs are no fluff gifts that make your dad’s cycling experience better!

As in – bike parts, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel! These are the gifts that keep on giving! 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 have all the cycling apparel and cycling accessories, your Dad wants. 

  1. New Bike: 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!  
  2. Bike Fit: 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. Bottles or hydration packs: 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.
  5. 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!
  6. Tires: Treat yourself to Dad to some new rubber! We have a ton of tires for road and mountain bikes. 
  7. Bike Parts: So many bike parts – the question is what to purchase?  Consider getting your Dad a high-quality wheelset.  A good wheelset impacts ride quality, ease of pedaling, reliability, and functionality.  Maybe purchase some new, lighter tires for your Dad’s wheels. Another option is to reconsider the current crankset and pedals setup.
  8. Power Meter: Is your Dad 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. Stop in the shop for help to dial in the best power meter to purchase for your dad. 
  9. Cycling Accessories: So what do you get a Dad that has everything?  Cycling apparel!  You can’t have too many jerseys, shorts, tights, jacket, sunglasses, and cycling shoes!  Cycling apparel is much better than just getting another tie!
  10. Gift Certificates: Renew your Dad’s cycling enthusiasm by trying out new bike parts. Whether it’s a new saddleshiftersbrakes, seat post, forkpedalshubs or wheels, your Dad probably wants it.  The usual problem is how to know exactly what to get. Our answer, get a gift certificate.  Gift certificates can be used for purchasing all kinds of bike parts and cycling accessories. 

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!


5 Great Reasons to Join Peak Cycles Shop Rides 

April 25, 2019

If you’re like most cyclists, then riding alone is the default when you first start riding. If you’re not competing or part of a club, then over time, you may long for others to ride and train with to increase fitness and explore new rides and trails.  

Riding with others can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of cycling. Yet, it can be a little intimidating if you haven’t done it before or it has been a while since you have ridden your bike in a group setting. But, it doesn’t have to be! At Peak Cycles, we head out every Wednesday evening for a fun ride. Here are some of the benefits as to why cyclist enjoy riding with us. 

  1. Build camaraderie. Riding alone can get lonely. Meet other riders and make new friends. 
  2. Learn new skills! Not sure how to clear a complicated obstacle? Unsure how to navigate a certain line? Build confidence in learning from and watching others.
  3. Ride proudly! Show off your new mountain bike or cycling gear! Or, ask others about why they have certain bike parts or cycling accessories. Discover the pros and cons of other rider’s choices and see what is best for you
  4. Up your skill level and get comfortable riding in a group environment. Conquer nervousness about riding with others. Learn how to ride safely and in your comfort zone while being part of the pack.
  5. Most of all, have fun! Riding with others is just plain fun! Laugh, cheer each other on, make jokes, suffer together! It’s all good! 

Join us on our weekly shop ride. Meet at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop at 1224 Washington Avenue in Golden, Colorado.  We leave right around 6PMRides are weather permitting. And the bonus – it’s a no drop ride.  What exactly does no drop mean? This means that no rider is left behind, and you can count on one of the riders in the group to be on the lookout for you and ensure that everyone stays together.  

If you aren’t sure about the weather or you have a question, call the shop at (303) 216-1616 and check out our Facebook page for details.  See you next Wednesday! 


Sloppy Weather – Easy Tips to Show Your Bike Some TLC  

March 7, 2019

Peak Cycles / BikeParts.com Training Ride up Lookout Mountain in Golden, Colorado

It’s that time of the year when road rides alternate between dry pavement and sloppy slush.  And, with the warmer temperatures gracing the Front Range, riding MTB trails is a treat but there is the complication of dealing with mud, slush and a mixture of dry trail. What does this mean to cyclists? it means your bike needs some TLC. Bike maintenance isn’t always fun to do, but obviously, it is a necessity. 

While there are countless recommendations on keeping your road bike or mountain bike in good, working order, these are our top 3 picks for bike maintenance during this transitional season. 

  1. 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 Peelzturn 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.
  2. 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. For the month of March, receive 20% off any tire with the purchase of installation in the shop! 
  3. Inspect Your Brakes. When you are shredding down a long, winding road or a steep trail grade, what’s going to stop you? Your brakes! Bike brakes use brake pads to stop your wheels from 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.

As you ride more through the early season, some worn bike parts that weren’t visible upon your first bike inspection may become apparent as the season progresses.  Regular maintenance is essential. Preseason bike maintenance and training paves the way for a long, healthy, and enjoyable cycling season.  Stop by the Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop to pick up the cycling accessories you need to maintain your bike or let us help you!


Lacking Cycling Inspiration and Motivation? Try This! 

February 28, 2019

In between the New Year and the spring cycling season, there seems to be something like a Bermuda triangle affect taking place in terms of motivation, training, and sticking with goals.  They all seem to disappear. Even the best of intentions seem to dissolve into thin air.  

Granted, the weather doesn’t help. Cold days followed by warmer days and then again, snow or wet days.  Training outdoors proves to be inconsistent. Training indoors consistently, can be maddening. Add the frustrations up and it’s easy to see why those New Year goals may have fallen by the wayside.  

Yet, on the bright side, spring is right around the corner. And while there are some wet and sometimes snowy days ahead of us, now is the time to dig a deep and set those training goals in motion.  So when you are experiencing a lack of motivation to train, try some of these tips to get you going. 

One of the reasons training year round is to maintain a base level of fitness.  Also, training year round helps to reduce injuries.  In a sport based on such a highly repetitive action, like pedaling, the first line of defense against injury is a proper bike fit. The benefits of a professional bike fit will not only help improve your riding position, but it will also help motivate you to ride your bike and perfect the mechanics of your pedal position and body posture.  The results of a professional bike fit will leave you feeling more confident in your bike parts, bike set up, and inspire you to reach your potential – which translates into riding more.  And that is the objective! To ride more regularly and frequently during the pre-season. 

Another option is to trade saddle time for gym time to gain core strength.  The primary focus when it comes to strength exercises for cyclists is to train in a similar motion to cycling with the lower and upper body while increasing overall core strength and muscular endurance. Check out The Best Strength Exercises for Cyclists or 7 Hip and Core Exercises for Endurance Athletes to get you started and also – to keep you motivated through the winter months.  

If those two options don’t get your motor running, then sit down and revisit your 2019 cycling goals.  What is it that you wanted to accomplish in 2019? Get back on track.  Check out our post, The Best Training Aids to Launch into Spring Cycling.  The post dives into the benefits of training with power meters.  Maybe to spark some motivation you need to invest in new cycling accessories like a power meter or heart rate monitor.  

Quite frankly, we’ve found one of the best motivators for riding is purchasing a new bike! Whether you choose a road bike, mountain bike, hybrid/ commuter bike, or even a fat bike, getting a new bike turbo charges motivation and inspires a sense of adventure. There is just nothing quite like the feeling of purchasing and riding a new bike! 

When all else fails, remember something is better than nothing. Meaning, some training is better than no training at all.  Give yourself a break for those days missed and shift your focus towards being consistent in your training.  Spring will be here sooner than you think!