June 1, 2017
Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop / BikeParts.com Team Racer
Bye bye snow and rainy days. Hello blue skies and warm temps! Finally, we’re getting some rideable weather here along the Front Range in Colorado. Great timing too! This weekend, June 3-4th, marks the beginning of June racing and there are quite a few mountain bike and road bike events taking place:
Not too long ago, we shared in our Peak Cycles blog post 5 race day strategies to prepare for the Spring races in Colorado highlighting the importance of setting goals, knowing the race route, establishing race day rituals and getting into the proper mental state for racing. The post, 5 Steps to Being Race Ready, reinforces the need for mental and physical preparation, as well as nutrition and bike parts checks, but part of racing is using your energy effectively – especially during the summer heat.
Since it’s early season and most of us have been accustomed to the cooler temperatures, it’s important to take note and prepare accordingly for the warm weather this weekend. Managing the heat while riding and racing is critical not only to comfort, but also performance. Many cyclist, whether recreational or competitive, find dealing with the heat an issue. Suffering from some degree of cramps at one time or another or heat related stomach issues, the heat brings on specific challenges to overcome in the summer months. What, if anything, be done to help you train and race best in the heat?
When it is hot, especially when temps are in the 90-100F (36-40C) range, your body needs to work harder to keep your core temperatures in a safe range to allow the organs to function normally. There are numerous heat–coping strategies to consider when planning a high-intensity workout or doing a race, like those mentioned above, in hot weather.
If you can, acclimate. It takes about 10 to 14 days of frequent exposure to heat for your body to adapt. During this period of time workout daily in hot conditions at a lower-than-normal intensity. After a couple of weeks of near-daily exposure to hot conditions you will begin perform better in the heat than prior although performance will still likely be diminished from what you might have done in cooler conditions.
Focus on nutrition. You want to eat “quality” carbs leading up to, and including, a hard effort or race day. That includes eating plenty of fruits, veggies, etc. Watermelon is a great fruit (carb) to consume even during race day. Also, remember to stay away from the simple carbs. i.e. sugars, sweets, prior to the race or training in hot conditions.
This is obvious, but an often overlooked component. Hydrate. Water is 60% of your body weight and the number one concern on any athlete’s intake list. For both performance and health, the importance of your water intake exceeds that of your vitamin, calorie, and electrolyte consumption. For your road racing needs, be sure to carry the water bottles and containers that you need on your bike but have extras available for bottles that are tossed and extras for immediate refueling post race. If you’re a mountain bike rider, you know tricky descents can bump a bottle right out of its cage. This time of year, it’s best to wear a full camelback as well as have extra bottles on hand.
To train and compete at your best during this upcoming events, it is important to understand how your body copes with heat, and what you can do to keep cool. Everyone adapts differently to heat stress.
Need more tips? Stop by the Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado to chat with our racers, mechanics, and other cyclist to see what works for them. Maybe you’ll learn some new heat-coping strategies that will keep you cool when the racing and riding gets hot!
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Posted by staffwriter8
May 18, 2017
BikeParts.Com Team Rider Racing in Colorado
Course strategies, break aways, riding in a small group or a large peloton – these are the thoughts and questions of cyclists wondering how to perform their best during in the first races of the 2017 cycling season.
The cycling season is just starting in Colorado and many are filling up their calendars with the big events. While not a comprehensive list, following are some of the favorite Colorado May road and mountain bike races:
Sounds good, right? Absolutely! So many different road and mountain bike events to choose from. The main question is how to prepare? How do you know if you are race ready? Do you have a comprehensive checklist for Spring racing? Early season races can bring on the nerves like nothing else! After all, it’s been a while since you raced. For the most part, experiencing those sensations is normal. Yet, oftentimes, early season jitters can exasperate the problem.
At Peak Cycles Bicycle shop, we’ve found that a little preparation can aid in reducing race day jitters. The post, 5 Simple Strategies for Overcoming Race Day Nerves, guides us through easy ways to shift the perspective of nervousness to be an enabler of positive sports performance. And there are other ideas for managing pre race nerves too.
As you approach your first race of the season, you may want to read the post, A Guide to Race Day Nutrition to dial in your preferences as to get your fuel – whether that nutrition is in bars, gels, and liquids. Also, while it may seem obvious, give your race bike a once over. Notice any bike parts that need to be replaced. Consider replacing worn bike parts and purchasing new cycling accessories you plan to use for your A races later in the season. This gives you a chance to dial in your needs early season and optimize performance in later events.
Whether you’re entering your first event or you’re a seasoned racer, you’re always likely to suffer from some race day nerves. However, with a little planning you can gain confidence. The best part about early season races is the opportunity to assess your fitness level. Enjoy the May cycling races in Colorado and use them to catapult you into a great 2017 cycling season.
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Posted by staffwriter8
May 11, 2017
Mother’s Day Cycling Gifts at BikeParts.com
You love your Mom and your Mom loves to ride. So what do you do for Mother’s Day? Celebrate it with cycling gifts. We’ve pulled together our best Mother’s Day gift ideas, with recommendations you won’t find anywhere else!
Get a New Bike! Surprise your Mom with a new road bike or mountain bike. If you aren’t sure which one to get her, read up on our post, Here’s How to Buy a New Bike. It will guide you through the process of dialing in the type of bike your Mom wants for the type of riding she will be doing.
Get New Bike Parts! If a new bike isn’t an option, then opt for upgraded bike parts. Help your Mom spin faster with a high quality wheel set. A good wheel set impacts ride quality, ease of pedaling, reliability, and functionality. Or, consider purchasing some new, lighter tires for your Mom’s wheels. A third option is to reconsider the current crank set and pedals setup. Wheels aren’t the only bike parts to upgrade. Look for worn parts to be replaced with newer, lighter cycling components.
Get Cycling Apparel! Every woman wants to ride in style. With that in mind, you can never go wrong in getting your Mom cycling apparel! She can’t have too many jerseys, shorts, tights, jacket, sunglasses, or cycling shoes! Having a variety of cycling apparel to wear keeps cycling fresh and makes it fun to get out and ride!
Get a Bike Fit! If your Mom has a bike but doesn’t ride as often as she would like, ask her if her bike is comfortable. Maybe a bike fit would help. 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 your Mom the gift of riding comfortably. Give us a call (303) 216-1616 or stop by the shop in Golden to schedule your bike fit.
Get Gift Certificates! If all else fails, get your Mom a gift certificate. It can be used for purchasing bike parts and cycling accessories and allows your Mom to select the precise gift that will make her the happiest.
With Mother’s Day right around the corner, you couldn’t pick a better time to shop for a new bike, cycling accessories, or bike parts. There are so many attractive choices today. Visit us at Peak Cycles in Golden or online at bikeparts.com and we can help with your decision making and offer advice you need to make this Mother’s Day the best ever!
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Posted by staffwriter8
March 9, 2017
The weather has been amazing in Colorado! The warmer temps are beckoning recreational and competitive cyclist to ride! Enthusiasm is high; but, caution should be in order! Athletes can make early season training errors. Namely, taking on too much physical activity too quickly. Going too fast, exercising for too long, or simply doing too much of one type of physical activity can strain your muscles and lead to an overuse injury.
Whether you are planning to ride a century, multi-day rides, race or aspire to longer or more frequent rides in 2017, monitoring your early season training sets the stage for a successful year ahead.
Train right:
From a training perspective, key points to keep in mind include training intensity, duration, and frequency. There are coaches and coaching plans to assist with specific and customized training. Or, you can create your own training program.
Regardless of your approach, for precise bio feedback to align your training plan, you’ll need to use cycling accessories available to you – as in power meters and /or heart rate monitors. Early season training lends itself to “false” feedback. Meaning, because you may be fresh, your perceived effort on the bike may be low causing you to push too hard, too soon, and then training suffers later due to increased recovery time or even injury. By monitoring your efforts with specific data, you objectively know when you are pushing beyond your targeted indictors, as well as, when you aren’t pushing hard enough. This allows your body to adjust to increased training load over time and in a manner that meets your 2017 cycling season goals.
Optimize Your Bike Fit:
An often overlooked, yet incredibly powerful tool for improved cycling is a bike fit. If you haven’t ridden much through the winter, now is the best time for a bike fit. Why? Because your body is unaccustomed to the riding position. You have an opportunity to optimize your position and make needed upgrades to your road bike or mountain bike. Think of it this way – leg strength, endurance, and fitness are at the heart of cycling speed, but without a proper bike fit, you are sabotaging your training efforts. In a sport based on such a highly repetitive action, like pedaling, the first line of defense against injury is a proper bike fit. And, a bike fit goes beyond just setting saddle height and bar reach. To get the most enjoyment and reward from your training programs it’s critical to dial in the fit and confirm you have the right bike parts for optimal performance.
Perform Bike Inspections:
Does your bike have cobwebs on it from non use during the winter months? Now is the time to dust it off, put some air in those tires, and do a thorough bike inspection. It seems simple enough but there are some critical areas to pay attention.
What do you look for? Notice any bike parts that need to be replaced. Saddle injuries are the result of poor seat position, height, angle or design. While your saddle may look and feel fine, looks can be deceiving. Materials and composition deteriorate beyond what is visible. Also, neck, shoulder, and bike pain can result of an improper fitting bike. Handlebars, stems, and bike position all contribute to a rider’s stability, endurance, and safety. Make sure all is well before embarking on longer rides which could lead to lasting discomfort.
How important are brakes? Obviously, a lot! When you don’t have them, or they aren’t working properly, then you know the importance of well maintained brakes for your road or mountain bike. Another important component to spring riding is checking out your wheels. Unquestionably, wheels matter! They impact ride quality, ease of pedaling, reliability, and functionality. Spring is a great time to upgrade bicycle components.
With a little preparation and planning, your pre season bike maintenance and training can pave the way for a long, healthy, and enjoyable 2017 cycling season. Stop by Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop to pick up the bike parts you need to launch your best cycling season ever!
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Posted by staffwriter8
February 16, 2017
Cross train with a Fat Bike from BikeParts.com
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, giving your body a break, or just finding a way to stay fit through the winter months, diversifying your activity is a great way to keep things interesting and your body bike-ready.
It’s important to fuel your desire for your sport. One way to do that is by not losing interest in your routine—or even the sport itself. You need variety, and you need to have fun. Hence, enter the picture for cross training! Following are our cross training tips for fun and fitness gains.
- Running – Some question if running is good for cyclist. Fortunately, it is! Running is good for you whether you are a road cyclist, mountain bike cyclist, or cyclocross cyclist. The post, Is Running Good for Cyclist shares more in detail, but the bottom line is, running adds extra gains when used as a cross training aid.
- Yoga – Some of the most elite cyclists use yoga as part of a successful training program, including 2012 Tour De France winner Bradley Wiggins. Wiggins’ benefits from the focus it brings to his cycling, while others, such as pro mountain biker and Olympian Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski, use yoga to gain strength. From power to endurance, athletes at all levels are incorporating yoga to gain an edge over the competition, and prevent injury. The next question – how to get started? Check out our post, Yoga and Cycling: What’s In It For You? for ideas and inspiration.
- Hiking – Hiking is a great way to get your nature fix while mixing in a little exercise. Hiking helps build up your glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, core, and hip muscles—crucial muscles that can help your riding. As a bonus, it helps with bone density because it’s a weight-bearing exercise. Aim for shorter and longer hikes to mix it up.
- Strength training – For some cyclists, strength training is a welcomed part of the training process; however, for others, it is a necessary evil. Many cyclist wonder if they should train year round? Answering these questions, the post, Year-Round Strength Training for Cyclists states , “one of the main goals with sport-specific strength training is to target your prime movers as well as the assistance muscles that support your prime movers. With proper strength training, each time you press on the pedal, your primary group of muscles (those that take on the majority of the load) will be stronger and have a stronger group of assisting muscles to help produce power. Since you are only as strong as your weakest link, the stronger system you build as a whole, the more potential you have for cycling specific gains. For ideas and inspiration on strength training, read our post, Why Year-Round Strength Training for Cyclists Matters.
- Bike parts – Hmmm? You might be wondering, how does cross training apply to bike parts? Well, consider doing different types of workouts and rides on different bikes. Use your road bike for intervals, your mountain bike in the nastier weather and to do drills to improve bike handling, and race your fat bike on the snowy days. Mixing it up keeps it fresh!
Get started cross training to make 2017 one of your best years yet!
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Posted by staffwriter8
January 12, 2017
Yoga and Stretching at Peak Cycles/ BikeParts.com
We all know that cycling is the best sport out there, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t dozens of good reasons to mix it up with a few others.
In fact, when the weather is cold and the days are long, many cyclist are more apt to consider cross training to maintain fitness while minimizing those cold, bone chilling rides outside.
There are ways that cross training can help you to improve your fitness. Not only can cross-training flat-out make you a better cyclist through core support and enhanced focus, but it can also help your body in tons of ways cycling can’t—like building up bone density and strengthening underused muscle groups. At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, here are two of our favorites.
Yoga – Some of the most elite cyclists use yoga as part of a successful training program, including 2012 Tour De France winner Bradley Wiggins. Wiggins’ benefits from the focus it brings to his cycling, while others, such as pro mountain biker and Olympian Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski, use yoga to gain strength. From power to endurance, athletes at all levels are incorporating yoga to gain an edge over the competition, and prevent injury. The next question – how to get started? Check out our post, Yoga and Cycling: What’s In It For You? for ideas and inspiration.
Strength training – For some cyclists, strength training is a welcomed part of the training process; however, for others, it is a necessary evil. Many cyclist wonder if they should train year round? Answering these questions, the post, Year-Round Strength Training for Cyclists states , “one of the main goals with sport-specific strength training is to target your prime movers as well as the assistance muscles that support your prime movers. With proper strength training, each time you press on the pedal, your primary group of muscles (those that take on the majority of the load) will be stronger and have a stronger group of assisting muscles to help produce power. Since you are only as strong as your weakest link, the stronger system you build as a whole, the more potential you have for cycling specific gains. For ideas and inspiration on strength training, read our post, Why Year-Round Strength Training for Cyclists Matters.
Bike parts – Hmmm? You might be wondering, how does cross training apply to bike parts? Well, consider doing different types of workouts and rides on different bikes. Use your road bike for intervals, your mountain bike in the nastier weather and to do drills to improve bike handling, and race your fat bike on the snowy days. Mixing it up keeps it fresh! So, get started cross training to make 2017 one of your best years yet!
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Posted by staffwriter8
December 1, 2016
While the holiday season brings times of joy and celebration, it is often tainted with juggling holiday parties, kids events, family gatherings, and travel. While all fun activities, they can contribute to a stressful experience. As athletes, we all know that there is only an infinite amount of stress the body can handle. Holiday stresses of staying up too late, eating tempting treats, and overall training fatigue can create a loss of training motivation or just plain not riding. Not fun, given exercise can aid in reducing stress. So, what is the balance during the holidays to reduce stress, maintain fitness, and still hit all the holiday parties and complete those endless shopping lists?
Manage Expectations! Are your expectations for the holidays realistic? Asking yourself this question is the first step to managing holiday stress. Make a list of what you expect from yourself and your family during the holidays. Hidden within these expectations you might find your potential holiday stressors — the things specific to you that can cause stress. Once identified, you can then write down what changes you can make to prevent or defuse stress. At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado, we get a lot of input from our customers as to common holiday stressors. Here’s what we’ve got to say to beat the stress and still maintain your fitness.
Stress #1 – Weight gain. Obviously, increased caloric intake combined with less exercise is going to add a little weight. A little gain in the off season isn’t so bad; however, you don’t want a little weight gain to grow into a lot. So, focus on eating well. The holidays offer irresistible food temptations adding extra pounds to our waste lines and robbing us of precious energy. Instead of reaching for the holiday goodies, opt for nutritious snacks. Eating poorly during the holidays can affect mood and motivation towards training. Focus on good nutrition and choose your bike nutrition when you need it most- on the bike. Being mindful of your food choices can positively affect your energy levels and help maintain your ability to ride and perform better. It will help you feel better about yourself too!
Stress #2 – Too Many Things to Do. The holidays can make anyone feel scattered and worn out. Yet, the flurry of holiday activities makes time precious. Take the time you need to prioritize your ride schedule. You may not have time for a lengthy ride, so make the most of the time you do have. Employ the strategy of focus and control. Increase your focus on what you can control. Let go of things beyond your control. Think about it and write it down. What can you control? Set priorities and let go of impossible goals. Regarding your cycling training, you can certainly focus the intensity, duration, and consistencies of your workouts. Using a heart rate monitor or power meter can help. You can also control the elements surrounding your training, as in, your bike parts, bike functioning, and being well prepared nutritionally to get the best out of your workouts.
Stress #3 – Guilt. Yep, there it is. As a cyclist, you want to ride. You know you should ride. And yet, you don’t. And, you beat yourself up for not riding. We’ve all been there. The strategy for dealing with guilt is just to accept it and move on. Give yourself a break mentally and physically knowing the holiday season doesn’t last forever. If you just can’t find the time or motivation to ride during the holiday season, at least feed your velo passion with pictures of new road bikes , new mountain bikes, and cool bike parts. This will feed your spirit and breathe life into next year’s bike season. In fact, the post, Missing training – Adjusting the plan, reminds us, “ 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 fewer less hours than planned for a week is a small blip on the radar.”
While the holiday season can be stressful, it doesn’t have to be. It’s all in your approach. Try your best to make good food choices, exercise, and relax to restore energy. Balance is key and you’re in control Happy Holidays!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike, bike nutrition, bike parts, heart rate monitor, holiday stress, mountain bike, power meter, road bike | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
November 24, 2016
Fat Bikes at BikeParts.com
Thanksgiving is prefect for celebrating and sharing gratitude for the blessings in our lives. Yet, it isn’t exactly an ideal day for healthy eating and staying fit. Fortunately, you can make it through Thanksgiving with your figure and fitness intact. How to do it? It’s no mystery! Get a fat bike!
This may sound like a trick, but it’s not. Simply enjoy all the food you want during Thanksgiving while also splurging a bit by riding a fat bike. Riding a fat bike is so much crazy fun!
Imagine floating over snow and sand. Gliding over familiar trails discovering how your fat bike handles twists, turns, bumps, and jumps. You can practically ride a fat bike anywhere. And, riding a fat bike brings out your inner kid making you feel like an 8 year-old again, bouncing gleefully all over the trails. Maybe the idea of riding a fat bike is new to you. Following are common asked questions and answers about fat bikes.
How are fat bikes different than other mountain bikes? 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 ties have more traction in both dirt and snow. They climb better than almost any mountain bike and the fit tires provide greater cushion that feels like extra suspension. But what makes them special is they entice you to ride outside when it’s cold! According to the post, Fat Biking 101: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Biking in the Snow, most people do not ride when it is cold because, well, it’s cold. Fat bikes offer a unique experience and allow you to explore familiar trails in a new light. Fat biking lifts the winter doldrums by giving you a new freedom to ride off-road.
In what kind of conditions can I ride my fat bike? Fat bikes can ride pretty much anywhere. They do really well on dirt but they are also very capable in the snow. Packed snow will feel very much like riding on dirt. Pushing through heaps of freshly fallen snow will provide more of a challenge and there will be some days when riding is simply impossible. Remember, while sliding around on ice may be fun, ice is ice. The bike will still go down if you are not careful riding on slippery substances.
How do I stay warm on my fat bike in the winter? You have to think a little bit harder before and during your fat bike rides in the cold. Generally the most important tip for keeping warm is to layer, and to carry a pack to put your extra layers away. Some people prefer to wear ski goggles and a ski helmet, and lots of people wear winter boots. Poagies, insulated hand covers that slip over your handle bars, are also very useful for keeping your hands warm. Keeping your feet warm is key. Wearing arm boots, preferably water proof, with thick socks on flat pedals or clipless boots with multiple pairs of socks will help to keep your feet comfortable.
How do I keep my water from freezing? Even though you might not feel the urge to drink as much when riding your fat bike in the cold, it is still important to drink fluids. There are a couple of tricks your water from freezing. During shorter rides, carry an insulated water bottle and start with really warm water. You can also add electrolytes or other ingredients to change the freezing point of the fluid, but may find limited success. When using a CamelBak or something similar, stick the bite valve in your jacket and blow out all the water in your hose. You can also buy neoprene insulators for the hydration hose to help keep water as a liquid substance.
Should I use clipless or flat pedals on a fat bike? It’s your choice! The biggest problems people have making this decision is deciding how to best keep their feet warm. Having flat pedals will allow you to wear thick winter boots, which are more conducive to keeping your feet warm. However you can buy clipless boots that are designed to handle colder temperatures. Using a clipless pedal could prove annoying in snowy terrain if you have to dismount and remount frequently during your ride.
What kind of tires should I use? How wide? What pressure do I run? Tube vs. Tubeless? You have to match tire pressure with conditions. Softer snow conditions: 6psi. Harder conditions: 8-10psi. (much lower than the normal bike). Fat-bike tires are typically marked as 26 x 4.0 though most are really more like 26 x 3.7 or 3.8. The actual size of the mounted tire will vary depending on the rim width used for the wheel. Many riders prefer tubeless because they reduce over a point of rotation weight and they provide better traction.
What kind of fat bikes are on the market? The fat bike market has exploded in recent years. Brands include Specialized, Mongoose, Polaris, Kona, Gravity, Kawasaki, Borealis and more! Manufacturers are creating frames out of tons of different materials including aluminum, carbon, titanium, bamboo, real steel, and Wal-Mart steel. Most fat-bikes that you will come across have a fully rigid frame. However fat bikes with front fork suspension and full-body suspension have started to emerge. Finding the fat bike that works for you will depend on the type of riding that you do and, more importantly, your budget. However, at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we are all big fans of the Specialized Fatboy Bike. We have found the Specialized Fatboy to be a highly rated, mid-range fat bike that is usable for a wide range of ages and skill-levels.
Where can I ride my fat bike? Fat biking is abuzz in Colorado. Colorado is already a favorite state for cyclists due to the mountainous terrain, rugged trails, scenic views, and outdoorsy population. But now, Colorado is a hot destination for the fat bike phenomenon. There are also a ton of really fun fatbike events across the nation.
Whew! Lots of questions but one final one. Are you feeling the urge to splurge this Thanksgiving? Enjoy mass quantities of food and take on this fun fat bike phenomenon! Demo a fat bike at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado. Check out our fat bike bike selections, cycling apparel, hydration strategies, fat bike bike parts, and accessories. Plus, get even more of your questions answered in person! Happy Thanksgiving!
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Posted by staffwriter8
November 17, 2016
Most cyclists, whether competitive or not, enjoy being at the front of the pack. Sure, it’s safer, but it’s also cool to be in front. As the Thanksgiving Holiday is right around the corner, now’s the time to position yourself to be at the front of the pack – shopping that is!
Leading out the shopping season is Black Friday. From the start, you have a chance to cash in on bike components, cycling apparel, bicycle parts including trainers and all sorts of bike goodies. Here’s what you’re going to want to stock up on!
Start small and go for the usual suspects for stocking stuffers including multi tools, tubes, bottles, socks, head warmers, arm warmers, shoe covers, gloves, lube, energy bars, gels, chews and similar items. Add these to your wish list or invite family and friends to purchase them for you. You can never have too many of these items, so indulge!
Next, evaluate what is missing in your cycling program. Are you in need of new cycling apparel? As in jerseys, layering options, or cycling shoes. What about your bike? Do you need new bike parts? And, don’t forget about nutrition and supplements! Now’s the time time to select the cycling accessories and other much needed items that you would like to see show up under the tree.
Yet, let’s not forget for a moment that holiday wish lists and making the most of Black Friday is all about what you need, right? Isn’t it about dreaming big? Which training elements would you love to have, but don’t? A new heart rate monitor? Or a power meter? The main idea behind using cycling training tools is to dial in training to optimize performance as it relates to specific goals and objectives. Our post, The Best Training Aids to Launch into Spring Cycling, dives into the benefits of training with power. As for which power meter to purchase, consider our most popular one, Stages Power Meters, beginning at $1000. Stages Power meter is the lightest, smallest, most technologically advanced unit available today. Another option is the Pioneer Power Meter offered at $2000 and is a bit more sophisticated. A third option is a company that’s been around for a while now – PowerTap Power Meter.
Don’t stop there! Drop the hammer and make your wish list epic! Go big! Get a new road bike, mountain bike, or fat bike! Take advantage of Black Friday or Cyber Monday for savings and specials. Great road bicycles don’t have to come at a hefty price tag either. Right now, in our Golden, Colorado shop we have a variety of bikes that are light and fast for racing. If a new bike isn’t in your budget, then start with the basics. Have good equipment. Meaning, add some bike parts to your list.
As a reminder, our shop BikeParts.com offers a huge selection of road bike parts, mountain bike parts, BMX bike parts and more. If you need it for your bike, then we have it! Because we sell our bicycle parts online, we are able to help customers all over the world helping them – and you – to get the gifts you want and need.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike components, bike parts, cycling apparel, fat bike, heart rate monitor, mountain bike, power meter, road bike, trainers | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
November 10, 2016
Cycling Goal Setting for 2017
While the year may not be quite over, many are already planning their 2017 race and cycling season.
Sure, it’s fun to have lofty new goals, new ambitions, and new venues to fuel your cycling passions through the winter months and upcoming holiday season, but not pausing to reflect on what has recently come to pass during the previous season is missing a valuable opportunity to make personal gains that only you can make. In fact, a proper season review is the best way to identify your strengths and weaknesses and develop a comprehensive plan for the upcoming season.
Too often, we get stuck in the same winter cycle of: strength, base, aerobic work, anaerobic work and repeat this cycle year after year. We never adapt our training because we are creatures of habit. We like sticking to the same routine year after year. Now’s the time to sit down with some paper, a pencil and/or your coach to review how your season went and determine how to improve for next year. Initial questions to ask yourself include the easiest ones. Did you reach your goals? Where did you excel? What were your weaknesses? How, overall do you think your training paired with meeting your goals?
Now, drill down a bit more. Before setting your sights on new goals for 2017, it’s important to evaluate the previous season with more detail. A favorite post, Athlete-Coach Season Review, poses 10 questions to review your past season’s performance:
- What was the highlight of your season (for example, best race or greatest accomplishment)? Why?
- What was your greatest disappointment? Why?
- Review your top three goals for this season. Do you feel these were achieved?
- What did you do in training this season that you feel made you faster?
- What did you do in training this season that you feel was not productive?
- If you could change your training, mental preparation, or race tactics/strategy this past season, what would you do differently?
- Was there anything missing in your training this season?
- Do you feel that you trained enough and worked hard enough in training this season?
- Do you feel that you had adequate rest during training and before races?
- Do you have any extra comments and insights on this season?
With these personal insights in mind, you are better equipped to plan and execute a rewarding and successful 2017 cycling season. Granted, most of these questions are performance based questions – not bike related. In as much as evaluating your training, it’s important to take inventory of your bike performance too. For instance, were you performing well but your bike, bike parts, or gear held you back? If you have a heavier bike, perhaps now is the time to upgrade to a lighter road bike or mountain bike. Did you suffer from mechanicals during the season? That’s an easy fix for 2017 – just replace worn out bike parts with new ones. Maybe your time would be faster with a new wheel set.
You won’t know what to do to improve for next year until you take stock of the previous season’s performance with an objective mindset. A performance review of your training program, nutritional support, and your bike and bike parts is critical to creating an objective review of the past season so you can prepare best for a fresh, new season in 2017.
2 Comments | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, cycling training, goal setting, mountain bike, road bike, season review | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
October 20, 2016
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!
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: arm warmers, base layers, bicycle tools, bike parts, bike sale, cycling apparel, fall cycling, knee warmers, lights, mountain bike, wind vest | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
October 6, 2016
As we transition from summer to fall, the Colorado mountain colors are beginning to explode into a vibrant mix of autumn hues. The hot, summer days are replaced with cooler temperatures making riding even that more enjoyable. 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?
However, not all cyclist are motivated to ride in the fall. As we mentioned last week in our post, Fall Isn’t End of Season – It’s the Beginning of Next Season. Here’s Why , 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.
You can make the most of fall riding easily in Colorado because there are so many options available to you. Consider adding one or more of these cycling events to your October schedule. You’ll enjoy the added bonus of maintaining fitness through the Fall and even building it well into the winter months.
Road cycling: 10/9 Ride of the Ancients
Mountain bike: 10 /8 12 Hours of Penitence MTB Race
Cyclocross races:
10/15 – 10/16 US Open of Cyclocross
10/23 Shimano CX Series
10/30 Shimano CX Series
It’s important to note, that as you 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.
Just as much as your body has taken a toll from training stress over the season, so has your bike! At Peak Cycles Bicycle shop, we recommend getting a tune-up and replacing workout bike parts. The summer rush has slowed a bit and we have service slots available. Call 303-216-1616 for an appointment. See you soon!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: 12 Hours of Penitence MTB Race, bike parts, cycling apparel, Fall bike riding, mountain bike, Ride of the Ancients, road bike, Shimano CX Series, US Open of Cyclocross | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
July 7, 2016
July – the best month of the year! As cyclist, we all love July because the Tour de France is in full swing and so is the touring and racing season in Colorado. With envy, many cyclist watch the pro riders at the Tour de France and wonder how they can mimic the fitness and performance of such talented athletes. Cycling fans follow each day’s stage, drama, and favorite riders as the Tour unfolds.
Many find themselves inspired by the passion and prowess of the Tour riders and feel the call to unleash their own inner pro. Granted, we may not have the legs, power, endurance, or sprinting power of pro riders, but surely, each of us hears the calling to test our abilities – to push a little harder – to see if we have what it takes when the pressure is on.
So given you’re not riding in the Tour, you can still take on the ultimate cycling challenge. To do that, you need an event or race to test the limits. Fortunately, Colorado has some of the greatest road bike and mountain bike rides in the country. From bone-rattling descents to leisurely loops, locals and vacationers alike welcome the challenge of pushing the limits while taking in breathtaking views that only Colorado has to offer. To unleash your inner pro, you have to select an event.
Following are a list rides, road races, and mountain bike races from our friends over at Pedal Dancer for the month of July.
Cycling Events:
- July 9, 2016 – Tour de Ladies, Parker, 30/62.5mi
- July 9, 2016 – Colorado Classic Double Century, Boulder, 243mi, 16,000ft
- July 9-10, 2016 – Triple Bypass, Evergreen-Avon, 120mi/240mi, 1 or 2 days
- July 16, 2016 – Bike to Build (SLV Century), Alamosa San Luis Valley, 35/60/100mi
- July 23, 2016 – Bob Cool Memorial Mt Evans Hill Climb, Idaho Springs, 28mi, 6,900ft
- July 23, 2016 – Kent Eriksen Tour de Steamboat, Steamboat Springs, 25/40/110mi
- July 23-24, 2016 – Courage Classic, Summit and Eagle Counties, 3-days
- July 23-30, 2016 – 109˚ West Bicycle Tour, SW Colorado, week-long tour
- July 23, 2016 – SOS Outreach Colorado – Eagle River Ride, Beaver Creek, 42/68/100mi
- July , 2016 – Grin & Barrett Black Canyon Buttkicker, Montrose, 33/50/75/115/155mi
- July 30, 2016 – Colorado Park to Park Challenge, Denver to Winter Park, 96mi
- July 30, 2016 – Circle the Summit (Bob Guthrie Memorial), Summit County, 21/45/60/100mi
- July 30, 2016 – Cripple Creek Crippler, Ken Caryl, 207mi, 19,000ft, Double Century
- July 31-August 6, 2016 – Colorado Rocky Mountain Bike Tour, Gunnison, 472mi, 7-days
Road Races:
Mountain Bike Races:
- July 9, 2016 – Winter Park Series (Race Rendezvous), Winter Park, XC
- July 9, 2016 – Leadville Silver Rush 50, Leadville, endurance
- July 9-10, 2016 – Yeti Cycles Big Mountain Enduro, Keystone, Enduro
- July 13, 2016 – Ascent Cycling Series, Colorado Springs, XC
- July 16, 2016 – Breckenridge 100 Challenge, Breckenridge, endurance
- July 20-21, 2016 – Enduro X Games series, Steamboat Springs, Downhill, Enduro
- July 23, 2016 – Telluride 100, Telluride, endurance
- July 23, 2016 – Screamin Beaver Enduro, Fort Collins, enduro
- July 24, 2016 – 40 in the Fort, Fort Collins, XC, endurance, 20 mi, 4500ft+
- July 29-31, 2016 – Leadville Stage Race, Leadville, XC
- July 30, 2016 – RME Copper Crush, Copper Mountain, XC, endurance
Next – plan!
In your planning preparations, you’ll want to gather road ride or trail intelligence. Meaning, there are key elements you should know before heading out on any unfamiliar route:
- Know the profile – How much climbing and descending should you expect?
- Know the route – Where is the start or the trailhead? How long is the route? What is the technical difficulty? What type of terrain will you be riding? And, What are the current trail conditions if opting for a mountain bike ride?
- Know the weather conditions before, during, and soon after you expect to ride. Colorado weather changes quickly and sometimes, radically. Be prepared.
Ultimately, the best way to unleash your inner pro is to be prepared: mentally, physically, and have fully inspected your bike parts. Functioning brakes are essential on the long, fast descents. Proper gearing can make or break your chance of making a climb. And, having the right bike tools, cycling accessories, and extra bike parts on hand make a difference between a stellar ride and a bail out.
Next time you are watching a stage in the Tour de France and you find yourself inspired to see what you’ve got – go for it! Pick a cycling event in July, get your bike and cycling accessories dialed in and go big! At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we’re cheering for you!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: 109˚ West Bicycle Tour, 3 Days of Salida, 40 in the Fort, Ascent Cycling Series, bike parts, Bike to Build, bike tools, Bob Cool Memorial Mt Evans Hill Climb, Boulder Orthopedic Crit, brakes, Breckenridge 100 Challenge, Circle the Summit, Colorado Classic Double Century, Colorado Park to Park Challenge, Colorado Rocky Mountain Bike Tour, Courage Classic, Cripple Creek Crippler, cycling accessories, Enduro X Games, Grin & Barrett Black Canyon Buttkicker, Kent Eriksen Tour de Steamboat, Leadville Silver Rush 50, Leadville Stage Race, Mike Neilds Memorial Bannock Street Criterium, mountain bike, RME Copper Crush, road bike, Screamin Beaver Enduro, SOS Outreach Colorado-Eagle River Ride, Telluride 100, Tour De France, Tour de Ladies, Triple Bypass, Winter Park Series, Yeti Cycles Big Mountain Enduro | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
June 16, 2016
Get Your Dad A New Bike from BikeParts.com for Father’s Day!
Father’s Day is almost here, and it’s the perfect opportunity to show dad how much you care. Nothing says “I care about you” more than showing interest in someone’s life – especially their passions.
So, if you’re stuck wondering what to get your cycling Dad for Father’s day, then look no further! At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we’ve put together a list of spin worthy Father’s day gift suggestions.
Super Plush Gifts:
For those going all our for their cycling Dad, nothing beats a new bike! You might think, he already has one – maybe two- or even three bikes…how could he need another? Truth is, you can’t ever have enough bikes. Consider a new road bicycle or mountain bike for your Dad. Even better, opt for a fat bike!
Maybe a new bike is a bit of a stretch, but you really want to treat your Dad to something he might not purchase for himself. Give him power – a power meter that is! If your Dad is a data junkie, then this is the ideal gift for him! The main idea behind using cycling training tools is to dial in training to optimize performance as it relates to specific goals and objectives. Our post, The Best Training Aids to Launch into Spring Cycling, dives into the benefits of training with power. As for which power meter to purchase, consider our most popular one, Stages Power Meters, beginning at $1000. Stages Power meter is the lightest, smallest, most technologically advanced unit available today. Another option is the Pioneer Power Meter offered at $2000 and is a bit more sophisticated. A third option is a company that’s been around for a while now – PowerTap Power Meter.
Plush Gifts that Don’t Break the Bank:
Does your Dad complain of hands falling asleep while riding? Or shoulder or neck pain after a long ride? Ease your Dad’s discomfort with a bike fit. A bike fit isn’t just for professional riders – they are for anyone who rides whether they are a beginner or advanced rider. A bike fit helps ensure riding comfort but it also impacts technique which is crucial to preventing overuse injuries and how an athlete rides. Give us a call (303) 216-1616 or stop by the shop in Golden to schedule your Dad’s bike fit. Not only can we help him with the fit, but we carry all the bike parts required to get the bike in the very best setup for his riding needs.
If you aren’t in the market for purchasing a new bike for your Dad, then gift him with a bike demo. One of our most popular demos is a fat bike! Riding a fat bike is a great new adventure. Renew your Dad’s cycling enthusiasm by trying out a new bike. Or, try out some new bike parts! What cyclist doesn’t love bike parts? Whether it’s a new saddle, shifters, brakes, seatpost, fork, pedals, hubs or wheels, your Dad probably wants it. The usual problem is how to know exactly what to get. Our answer, get a gift certificate.
Plush Gifts on a Budget:
If Dad taught you to be thrifty, you may be looking for Father’s Day deals so you can get gifts for Dad that don’t break the bank
Tubes: This is one gift you absolutely positively will get used. Make sure you get the right size of tube. If you aren’t sure, stop in the Peaks Cycling Store and ask one of our friendly staff to help you. Or, visit us online at bikeparts.com
A good bottle: Every cyclist has a ton of bottles, but that’s not the same as having good bottles. Buy a good bottle and stuff it with other goodies.
Socks: Did you know Dad likes to wear their cycling socks even when he isn’t riding? Why? Because they are so comfortable. Pick out a pair of socks you like for your Dad and maybe even get a pair for yourself!
Tires: Treat yourself to Dad to some new rubber! We have a ton of tires for road and mountain bikes.
Lube: Every Dad goes through it and we’ve got tons of it.
See how easy it is to get your cycling Dad a great gift for Father’s Day? If by chance you are still in need of ideas for creative Father’s Day gifts, stop by the shop in Golden, Colorado or give us a call at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop (303) 216-1616 and we’ll gladly help you out! Happy Father’s Day!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike fit, bike parts, bottle, brakes, chain lube, Cycling Dad, cycling socks, fat bike, Father's Day, fork, lube, mountain bike, pedals, Pioneer Power Meter, PowerTap Power Meter, road bicycle, saddle, seatpost, shifters, Stages Power Meters, tube | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
June 9, 2016
New Specialized Merino wool jerseys SL & RBX
– Keeps you warm if you are cool
– Keeps you cool if it’s warm outside – evaporative cooling
Studies suggest bike commuting is one of the best ways to stay healthy.
Fortunately, the number of bicyclists is growing rapidly from coast to coast. The National Household Travel Survey showed that the number of trips made by bicycle in the U.S. more than doubled from 1.7 billion in 2001 to 4 billion in 2009. That’s great news!
But as the Summer months beckon with warmer temperatures, is there a way to getting around safely, happily, and efficiently on two wheels? The heat discourages many from hopping on the bike to ride to work or to run errands. Yet, bike commuting improves fitness, health, saves money, and also benefits the environment by keeping one less car on the road. If you aren’t a bike commuter now, maybe this Summer you will be. And, if you already bike commute, perhaps you plan to commute by bike more frequently.
To get the most out of your bike commute it’s best to plan a good route. Knowing a clear path to your destination avoids the frustration of getting lost while also prevents overheating and sweating unnecessarily. Learn how to pick a route you like. Google maps for cycling is a good option. If you are new to bike commuting, you will want to give yourself more time than you need. This allows for a pressure free experience.
Invest in commute specific cycling apparel. Consider wearing clothing that is comfortable for your ride, as well as, your planned daily activity. Good options for men include the new Specialized Merino wool jerseys. They keep you warm if you are cool and cool if you are warm outside with evaporative cooling. We have a woman’s option too! Casual women’s shirts with short and long sleeved in Marino wool are great to wear for cool morning rides into the office or running errands on the bike.
Aside from clothing options, a few necessary cycling accessories to have on hand include a good helmet; a repair or maintenance tool kit; a lock; and a way to carry things. This could be as simple as a messenger bag or as elaborate as a set of touring panniers. These are the basic necessities needed to secure your road or mountain bike while you’re away at work or running errands. Depending on your final destination, you may consider packing a “clean up kit” to freshen up after your ride. Your clean up kit can be as simple as having some baby wipes, deodorant, a comb, face wash and sunscreen.
A critical factor in bike commuting is having fun. Fun includes enjoying the adventure, as well as, feeling confident in riding the bike paths and the roads. If you are new to bike commuting and unfamiliar with the rules of riding on the road, register for our Bike Safety Class on June 16th. This is a great opportunity to get caught up on bike safety and the current rules of the road in Colorado. Learn what the laws are for cyclists; how you legally and appropriately ride on public roads; what the rules are for turning, stopping, passing; your rights and obligations; become educated on bike safety, commuting and much, much more! And…it gets even better! On the night of the event, Peak Cycles will be offering a 15% discount for all items, including bikes. Keep in mind, discount excludes already discounted bikes and items.
Embrace bike commuting this summer! Make it an epic summer and set personal goals for the miles you want to ride this season.
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike commuter, bike commuting, cycling accessories, cycling apparel, Helmet, maintenance tool kit, mountain bike, Specialized Merino wool jerseys | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
May 26, 2016
Wondering what to do with your day off this upcoming Memorial Day weekend? Ride, of course! As the cycling season kicks off, there are plenty of casual and competitive cycling activities to do.
Rescheduled from a previous date, the infamous Koppenberg Race leads the weekend actives for competitive road bike athletes. The Koppenberg Race featuring a 17% grade climb and is considered the queen of the spring time cycling events in Colorado. This event jump starts the cycling season with an impressive 5.5 mile road race circuit, with 300ft of elevation gain per lap, and includes 2 miles on a packed dirt road. Join in the fun if you are ready for a lung burning, leg twitching feast! More information can be found here. And, while you’re at it, you can prepare to recover well from this race with our compression gear and nutritional recovery supplements- specifically bars, gels, and recovery drinks. You have to get ready for the next ride, right?
Speaking of next rides, the 2016 – Cafe Velo Gran Fondo is on Sunday. This event starts and finishes in Monument, Colorado at the Pikes Peak Brewery. What’s great about this ride is that you have the option to choose from 1, 2, 3, 4 or up to 5 loops (110 miles, 9110 foot elevation gain) making it a great recovery ride from the Koppenberg Race or a great season starter if you are just now getting back on the bike. The ride covers a scenic 22 mile loop with an 1822 foot elevation gain through scenic Northern El Paso County; so plan according to your level of fitness.
While not local to the Front Range, this weekend also hosts the famous Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in Durango, Colorado. The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is one of the oldest cycling events in the country (since 1972) and is a multi-event bicycling weekend for cyclists of all levels. Beautiful 10,000-foot mountain passes on the ride or race to Silverton on Saturday. Wonderful Sunday events in downtown Durango including kid races, the costume ride, road circuit race and mountain bike race. Monday completes the weekend with an individual time trial.
You’ll want to visit their website for more information.
If road riding isn’t your thing, consider making the trip to Gunnison, Colorado for The Original Growler endurance mountain bike race. This popular event usually fills up so fast you generally can’t get in to the event. Fortunately, this year’s Sunday’s Full – Growler and Half Growler are still open for registration. Keep in mind, the course takes place in rugged, isolated backcountry terrain. That means, check your bike for the right bike parts, have your hydration pack full, bring your nutritional items, and have all your necessary cycling apparel on hand. Why? Because the event is remote, organizers responding to mechanicals or an injured rider could be time consuming and difficult on this course. Plan accordingly.
Finally, maybe traveling this weekend isn’t your thing. No worries – we’ve got you covered! Check out Our Guide to The Best Bike Trails in Golden, Colorado to create an adventurous day of trail riding. Or spend some time preparing for the upcoming season. Consider performing bike maintenance, schedule a bike fit, or shop for new cycling apparel. We bet Our New POC Cycling Gear Makes You a Better Rider.
Whichever rides or races you opt to do, Happy Memorial Day weekend to you!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike fit, bike maintenance, bike parts, Cafe Velo Gran Fondo, Colorado, compression gear, cycling apparel, Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, Koppenberg Race, Memorial Day, mountain bike, nutritional recovery supplements, Our Guide to The Best Bike Trails in Golden, road bike, The Original Growler, tubes | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
February 4, 2016
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.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: balaclavas, bike parts, BikeParts.com, cap and headgear, Defroster cycling shoe, Endura gloves, Endura jacket, Endura pants, eyewear, fatbike, Giant Sojourn cycling shoes, goggles, jacket, knee warmers, long fingered gloves, long-sleeved jersey, Mavic, Mavoc pants, mountain bike, Pearl Izumi jacket, shoe covers, winter cycling apparel | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
January 21, 2016
S-works Stumpjumper FSR Comp 6Fattie at BikeParts.com
January is prime winter cycling time. The holidays are behind us and all that’s left on the cyclist’s mind is, “when can I get out on those chilled, hard-packed trails that I love”. With winter races just on the horizon, we at Peak Cycles wanted to provide you with a guide to the best ways to enjoy winter riding.
- Plus-size Tires: Plus-size tires are a relatively new trend in winter riding this year. They are popular because the 3” tires handle snow really well but have a reasonable tire weight so you aren’t compromising speed performance. As a result, bikes with plus-size tires turn out to be an ideal all-season mountain bike and a purchase you won’t regret. The S-works Stumpjumper FSR Comp 6Fattie is our top-performing and most popular plus-size tired bike right now. Come to our store to check it out!
- Fat Bikes Are Still Fun: Fat biking is still a favored activity in the winter. You can’t beat the feeling of control on snow with big fat tires. We were excited to see that our well-liked Specialized S-Works Fatboy Carbon made the top of Outside Magazine’s Best Fat Bikes of 2016 and the top of The MTBGuide’s 2016 Top Fat Bikes list.
- Introduce Kids to Mountain Biking: Fat bikes are also a great way to introduce your kids to mountain biking. In a Fat-Bike.com post, a cycling-enthusiast father talks about his son’s experience on a 24” Specialized Fatboy. The father proudly claimed that after riding the Fatboy, his son “changed from a timid kid who would put up with going out to ride with a lot of coaxing to asking to go mountain biking on more and more challenging trails.” We have found the Specialized Riprock Plus-size Kids’ Bike to be an excellent all-season starter for younglings.
- Get Your Winter Cycling Accessories: If you’re going to be comfortable riding in the winter, you’re going to need the right bike parts and cycling accessories. For you fat bikers, Kenda released its Juggernaut Pro tires that are lightweight (only 767 grams!) and serve as an excellent racing tire. Some of our other most loved winter riding accessories include the Specialized Defroster cycling boot, Pogies, and long-lasting Endura jackets.
- Enter a Race: There are a number of winter races/rides coming up including:
Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop wishes you the best with your winter cycling! And don’t forget that if you ever need advice, don’t hesitate to stop into our store.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, cycling accessories, Endura jackets, fat bike, Fat Bike World Championships, Juggernaut Pro tires, Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series, mountain bike, Old Man Winter Rally, Plus-size Tires, Pogies, S-works Stumpjumper FSR Comp 6Fattie, Specialized Defroster cycling boot, Specialized Riprock Plus-size Kids’ Bike, Specialized S-Works Fatboy Carbon, winter cycling | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
January 14, 2016
Foundation Training at BikeParts.com/Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop
What is perhaps the most essential region of your body that contributes most to overall cycling performance? Is it your legs? Your abs? No, it’s your back!
George Mullen from Peak Cycles spends lots of time helping people optimize their biking performance by analyzing their athletic history, studying their form and cycling habits, offering bike parts suggestions, and adjusting their road bike or mountain bike to fit their riding style. But when people come to George with injuries, pain, performance issues, he often finds that the problem isn’t just a poor bike fit, but weak back muscles.
Your back has a vital group of muscles (known as the posterior chain) that are designed to be the strongest chain of muscles in your body. These muscles control key body parts used in cycling and most other sports such as your hips, thigh muscles, knees, and calf muscles. And if these crucial back muscles are not used and strengthened on a daily basis, the results are often pain, instability, inflexibility, and poor performance.
So how do you strengthen these muscles? We at Peak Cycles advocate for Foundation Training! Foundation Training is a program designed by Dr. Eric Goodman, an expert in chiropractics and strength conditioning, and is a set of daily exercises to help you strengthen the core muscles in your posterior chain (see a great TedX Talk on this topic here).
Matt Rabin, Team Chiropractor and Physical therapist for the Garmin-Sharp cycling team, is also an advocate for Foundation Training and says that turning on these back muscles using Goodman’s exercises both reduces pain and increases power output and performance for his riders. Essentially, Foundation Training helps you change your basic human movement patterns so that you are stabilizing your key back muscles on a regular basis.
So if you want to eliminate back and lower body pain, improve stability and flexibility, or develop sturdy body habits that improve your form and condition your overall strength, you should attend our first Foundation Training class! Join certified Foundation Training instructor Gili Wolf on January 28th from 6:15-7:15 PM at the Peak Cycles store in Golden, CO to learn about Foundation Training exercises that you can do for just 12 minutes a day. Call 303-216-1616 to sign up today!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike fit, bike parts, Foundation Training, Garmin-Sharp Cycling Team, mountain bike, road bike | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
December 31, 2015
Happy New Year from BikeParts.com
New Year’s has always been a time for reflecting on the past year, and more importantly, looking forward to the coming year. It’s a time to reflect on the changes we want to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. However, for all too many resolutions, failure is virtually assured at the offset because the resolutions are not made with serious intent and deliberation. Basically, they are just wishful thinking.
The first trick to making a resolution stick is to choose the right resolution in the first place! Make it SMART! When you make your resolutions SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound), not only do you boost your chance of attaining your goals, but you also become a better cyclist in the process. Aside from the traditional resolutions to ride more, to loose weight, and to explore new rides, consider taking on some different resolutions.
Resolve to set bigger goals! Set your sights high! Reach for bigger goals in 2016! Many cyclist resolve to ride more frequently or adventure on longer rides in the coming year; yet without actually quantifying the specific actions required to support these goals, no gains are actually made. The post, Make Proper Goal Setting a Priority for Your Next Cycling Season highlights this fact offering 10 questions to evaluate the past season’s cycling performance and arms you with insights to making better training choices that lead to better performance in 2016. In addition to goal setting, using cycling accessories – as in power meters and /or heart rate monitors can aid in bio feedback, data, and analysis towards obtaining your goals. Armed with SMART goals and biofeedback, the only thing you have to do is actually ride!
Resolve to try something new! If you are a roadie, try riding a mountain bike. If you only ride trails, opt for a gravel grinder event. Gravel grinder events are great for roadies and mountain bike riders and they are popping up all over the country. Generally, they are unsanctioned, unsupported endurance bicycle races on primarily gravel and dirt roads, with little or no outside support, course markings, fees or prizes. That translates to a day of adventure on the bike! If the endurance route isn’t your thing, consider riding a fat bike. Fat bikes offer a whole new level of fun and adventure to riding. Why not try something new? You have nothing to lose and only fun, adventure, and new cycling thrills to gain!
Resolve to treat your body right! Sure, as a cyclist you probably think about proper hydration and eating well but there’s more to taking care of your body than that. Have you thought about yoga? Some of the most elite cyclists use yoga as part of a successful training program, including 2012 Tour De France winner Bradley Wiggins. From power to endurance, athletes at all levels are incorporating yoga to gain an edge over the competition, and prevent injury. Another way to prevent injury and take care of your body is to get a proper 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 and possibly even your 2016 cycling resolutions. In a sport based on such a highly repetitive action, like pedaling, the first line of defense against injury is a proper bike fit. A bike fit doesn’t simply consist of setting saddle height and bar reach. It’s more than that and it is even more critical to dial in the fit and confirm you have the right bike parts for optimal performance.
The New Year is all about out with the old and in with the new. Maybe last year’s cycling resolutions were to get in shape, build fitness, or get stronger on the bike. This year, branch out! Create resolutions worth keeping and watch your cycling soar to new heights in the coming year! At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we’re wishing you a year that is filled with all the joys, personal rewards, and the grand adventure that cycling brings. Happy 2016!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike fit, bike parts, cycling accessories, cycling resolutions, fat bike, goal setting, Gravel grinder, heart rate monitor, mountain bike, new year cycling resolutions, new year resolutions, power meters, yoga | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
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