December 24, 2015
Happy Holidays from BikeParts.com
Cycling seasons come and go. There is the big training ramp up in the spring for summer riding and racing followed by fun and challenging cyclocross racing and fall riding.
And, there’s the lull in training and intensity during the winter months accompanied by trainer rides and possibly, a few, fun fat bike rides in the snow. Yet, through all the seasons runs a thread of passion and love for the sport that unites all the seasons in a unified, blissful experience. An experience of health, fitness, adventure, camaraderie, and personal victories. Riding a bike offers freedom and adventure unparalleled by other experiences. Whether it’s seeing wildlife up close from your mountain bike on a remote bike trail; or, claiming a new personal best while riding your road bike on a long ride or race – the cycling journey never gets old.
Here at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we feel that the true Christmas spirit of cycling is the love of the bike. It’s the adventure cycling brings – the challenge of a new ride, the experimentation with new or different
bike parts, the joy of connecting with friends in meaningful ways, and the building of camaraderie with teammates. It’s about inspiration. Riding and training towards goals that call us to be our best selves and enlist the support of family and friends that unites in powerful connections. At its essence, the true spirit of cycling is really about passion, joy, exhilaration, excitement, camaraderie, enthusiasm, and gratitude. These are all the very blessings we wish for you and your family this Christmas day. Merry Christmas from Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop and
BikeParts.com!
Leave a Comment » | 
Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, BikeParts.com, cyclocross, fat bike, mountain bike, road bike, trainer, training | 
Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
November 19, 2015
Brand New Demo – 2016 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert 6Fattie (Large)
Fat bikes – they’re all the rage! While many consider fat bikes to be a trend, they are, in fact, here to stay! The hottest trend in the mountain biking world right now is the oversized bike that can accommodate tires up to 5 inches wide. Yet, as popular as they are, many have yet to experience this cycling bliss!
You might be wondering, why would any self-respecting cyclist be caught dead on one of these? There are plenty of reasons, including the original impetus of floating over snow and sand, but perhaps the best reason is one shared by just about any form of bike: it’s fun! Fat bikes behave much like a mountain bike but, in many cases, they are much more versatile. You can practically ride them anywhere and they are particularly useful during winter rides in snowy conditions. They are also great beginner bikes and will make you feel like an 8 year-old again, bouncing gleefully all over the trails.
Fat bikes go where no bicycle has gone before. 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. However, fat bikes make it so riders don’t have to omit a season from their calendar.
Fat bikes are easier to find and more affordable than ever before. 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 fat bikes and offer several options. Check out two of our favorites the 2016 Fatboy Comp Carbon and the 2016 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert 6Fattie DEMO!
Different people are finding different reasons to fall in love with fat bikes. Are you feeling the fat bike love? 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. Enjoy the bliss a riding a fat bike can bring you!
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: 2016 Fatboy Comp Carbon, 2016 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert 6Fattie, bike parts, Borealis fat bike, cycling apparel, fat bike cycling apparel, fat bikes, Gravity fat bike, Kona fat bike, Mongoose fat bike, mountain bike, Polaris fat bike, Specialized fat bike | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
November 14, 2015
The end of the year is the best time to find huge discounts on new bikes. Here at Peak Cycles, we’ve got a handful of closeout 2015 men’s and women’s bikes that are all 20% off or more.
2015 Liv Lust Advanced 0.
The trail-slaying crown jewel of our 2015 women’s mountain bikes is the Liv Lust Advanced 0. This bike is packed with top shelf components and is designed exclusively for women. It features Liv geometry and women’s specific bike parts like narrower handlebars, Liv silicone grips, and a Fizik Arione Donna saddle. Designed to be a fast, well balanced mountain bike, it has nimble yet stable handling that make it a Jill-of-all-trades. It’s a capable cross-country race machine yet comfortable enough for a fun, all day trail adventure. Check out more pictures and details in the rest of the post!
Read the rest of this entry »
Leave a Comment » | Featured Bikes | Tagged: 2015 cycling season, BikeParts.com, closeout, giant, liv, mountain bike | Permalink
Posted by Peak Cycles - BikeParts.com
October 22, 2015
Winter Proof Your Bike @ BikeParts.com
Winter is coming in most parts of the country. But even though it is winter does not mean that you have to give up riding your bike. While the off season may be underway, this is the perfect time of year for commuters and athletes to start bike maintenance preparation for the winter months.
Winter riding poses many threats so having a bike in good working order keeps you safe, warmer, and provides the opportunity for a more enjoyable ride. Besides, a good ride always does the body and mind good! The trick to making winter riding work for you is to winterize your bike. When prepping your bike for for the winter, there are several things you want to do to keep it in good working order for the winter months.
- Invest in fenders! You’ll love them because the fight off salt, sand, and oil-laden road spray. By installing full fenders, you will keep crud off clothing and grit from getting into—and wearing out—most components. And you!
- Keep the rubber side down! Slick surfaces and crashes are fun – said no one- ever! Do yourself a favor and invest in new tires. New tires will be easier to control on icy roads and slushy trails. We have a huge selection of mountain bike and road bike tires online at BikeParts.com and also in our Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop. Stop by to hand select the best tires for you.
- Wipe your bike down. Combat corrosion and griminess due to salt and dirt by wiping down your frame after each ride. This is especially important for wet bikes. Rain, snow, ice, and road elements pose different cleaning challenges to your frame and bicycle parts. Consider using a stiff, soft-bristled brush to knock off any chunks of dried-on mud that may be on your frame or wheels. Then, follow that up by taking a rag to your bike, wiping it down generally all over to get off any remaining dust or dirt. You’ll want to make a point to clean your bike chain weekly.
- Safety First! Be seen and be safe. Winter riding involves riding in grey days! Of course, visibility is critical. Outfit your bike with a good light system. You will want lights for the front of your bike. Consider having multiple lights for the front of your bike. One on your helmet so you can shine side roads and traffic and have a second light on your handlebars so you can see at least 10 ft. or more in front of you. For the rear of your bike, opt for a rear red light- particularly one that blinks. A blinking red light is much more likely to get the attention of a passing motorist who might otherwise not notice you. You may also consider purchasing cycling apparel that is visible. There are options to choose from including vests and ankle bands. Also, reflective tape is a good idea. 3M makes black reflective tape that is great to put on black wheels. You do not notice it during the day and it shows up white at night.
- Avoid a wardrobe malfunction! As the temperature drops, it’s hard to know what to wear when it’s 50 degrees and sunny outside versus 30 – 35 degrees and cloudy. Riding in transitional weather can be a challenge! But, with clothing that is versatile, lightweight, and easy to pack down, you can find a cycling wardrobe that works for you. Check out our post, Avoid a Clothing Crisis! New Threads to Keep you Warm for Fall and Winter Cycling for great winter riding clothing options.
Have no fear of losing cycling motivation in the winter months! The first step towards successfully riding through the winter months is winter proofing your bike. When you are confident in your bike and clothing options, there are less excuses to tell yourself for not riding and more reasons to get on the bike and enjoy the ride.
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: Avoid a Clothing Crisis! New Threads to Keep you Warm for Fall and Winter Cycling, bicycle parts, bike maintenance, cycling apparel, fendors, lights, mountain bike, road bike, tires, vests, winter riding | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
October 16, 2015
The leaves are starting to change color and that means 2016 bikes are here! We are updating our demo and rental fleet with some of the newest offerings from Specialized and Giant – our latest addition is the full suspension carbon fiber 6Fattie. With bike parts like meaty Purgatory Control 650b x 3.0″ tires and FOX suspension, our expert level 6Fattie gives you consistent traction to crush those steep, rocky climbs and the confidence to send it down the most technical terrain. Check out the full post for all the details!
2016 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert 6Fattie (Large) – now available to demo!
Read the rest of this entry »
1 Comment | Featured Bikes | Tagged: 2016, mountain bike, Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, specialized, tires | Permalink
Posted by Peak Cycles - BikeParts.com
September 10, 2015
Fall bike riding offers the chance to enjoy cooler temperatures, view the changing colors of the leaves, and reinvigorate our spirits with the freedom riding a bike inspires. Officially, fall begins September 23, early in the morning. While we’re only two weeks away from the official fall season, you can see the season transitioning. Days are shorter. The temperatures are cooler. Kids are back in school. And, sadly, vacationing is nearing an end. Now is the time to mark your calendar to get in your favorite rides before winter heads our way.
Mountain bike enthusiast will enjoy several of our local trails. In fact, surprisingly, Green Mountain Trail is a year long favorite for us. Because Green Mountain is less technical than some of the surrounding trails in Golden, some consider it to be boring. Yet, to others, it can be a great trail to do intervals or even test ride a new bike or dial in new bike components before heading out to a more challenging trail. For some, Green Mountain offers the mental ease of road riding, but on dirt. For others, it’s an opportunity to work heart rate and power zones. Either option works, but what we like best about riding Green Mountain trail is that it’s a staple in the trail riding system along the Front Range.
Now, if you prefer grueling climbs, steep and narrow descents and tight switch-backs, then White Ranch may be the trail for you. White Ranch Trail, located in Golden, Colorado near the Peak Cycles bicycle shop, offers an extensive trail system of 20 miles of multi-use trails over both gentle and rugged terrain. You can read why this popular trail is a favorite of ours here.
Close to our shop is also Golden’s Apex Park –the Enchanted Forest trail. This mountain bike ride contains 11+ miles of trails of stellar single track and a delightful surprise with the Enchanted Forest trail. True to its name, the Enchanted Forest provides lush tree cover and is considered a favorite among local riders. Watch our video to see why!
Finally, a favorite to many, the Buffalo Creek trail system is a hands down favorite trail in the greater-Denver region. Why? With a diverse trail system consisting of 20 plus miles of sweet single track and 2,700 feet in elevation gain, you’ll enjoy mountain views, majestic rock formations, great downhills, smooth roller coasters, and almost ALL single track.
Aside from Green Mountain, most of these trails are unrideable in the winter months. Enjoy them now or maybe opt for some fall road rides. As many know, Colorado has some of the greatest road bike rides in the country. Some are shorter, convenient rides whereas others offer steeper, longer climbs and extended distances. Check out our list of 20 Colorado Front Range Bucket List Rides and make plans to get your rides in.
A third option for enjoying the fall leaves and maintaining fitness is bike commuting. Granted, we don’t have a favorite bike commuting route, but we do know that selecting a good route matters! Learn how to pick a route you like. Google maps for cycling is a good option. Because the days are getting shorter, be mindful of the time and we suggesting having a set of small, modern LED lights on hand in case you get stuck at the office.
It’s easy to embrace the transition from summer to fall when you have great rides to look forward to riding. Being mindful of the best clothing options, cycling apparel, bike parts, and nutritional needs during the changing season helps too! So, whether you are enjoying the vibrant mix of autumn hues from a scenic country road, a bike path, or a trail, fall bike rides in Colorado are the best way to get up close and personal with the season’s colors while filling up their lungs with crisp Colorado air.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: 20 Colorado Front Range Bucket List Rides, Apex Park, bike components, bike parts, Buffalo Creek trail system, cycling apparel, Enchanted Forest trail, Fall bike riding, Green Mountain Trail, LED lights, mountain bike, road bike, White Ranch Trail | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
September 3, 2015
photo credit: ProVeloPassion.com
While the cross country mountain bike and road bike race seasons may be winding down, the cyclocross race season is just starting. In fact, you could officially say that it is now cyclocross season! If you’re new to cyclocross, you might wonder what the big deal is? Cyclist who have ventured into the discipline are passionate about it and here’s why.
Cyclocross is one of the fastest growing sections of cycling – it’s an all-out mad dash through the dirt, pavement, grass, mud, sand, snow and/or ice that will leave you sucking wind, barely able to see straight…and excited to do it again. It’s held on a relatively short track (2 miles or less) making it spectator-friendly as well. Cyclocross is also one of the few sports where heckling is not only carried on by the spectators but encouraged, even by the top-level touring elites.
Sounds fun, right? And it is!
Cyclocross is a wonderful way for road cyclists and mountain bikers 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?
Transition: If you’ve been racing throughout the summer season, recognize that there is going to be a transition phase. Moving from one form of racing to another takes a bit of adjustment. This generally takes 4 – 6 weeks to fully adjust to a new cycling position, frame geometry, gear ratios, and race tactic specific strength.
Running and Drills: You’ll want to plan time for running and cyclocross specific skills training. Running prepares your body to handle the stress of runs and dismounts at the beginning of cross season. Skill training is essential for safe riding and also, efficiency during the race! The better your skills are, the faster you will go! Skills to focus on include practicing starts, dismounts, remounts, shouldering, cornering, and riding through different conditions, as in, mud and sand. All play an important factor is racing efficiently.
Training: As for training for cyclocross, the best approach is a comprehensive one. Meaning, now is the time to begin planning your season using goals, monthly progressions, and setting a weekly schedule. For those athletes who want to focus their efforts and manage their time, a good plan is to structure your cyclocross training week. While training time, heart rate and power zones vary, a typical training week usually includes a variety of focused activity. As an example, the post, Preparing for Cyclocross Season, shares more on what you need to include in your training plan.
It’s easy to get started with cyclocross. If you are new to cyclocross, check out our cyclocross bikes online at bikeparts.com. Equipment choices matter! Dial in the best bike parts and and tire choice. While bike setup and having the right cyclocross bicycle parts is important, one of the most important parts of all is tire selection and their pressure. Next, sign up for Golden’s very own Back to Basics Cyclocross Series. Held Wednesday evenings from September through early October, the series offers a fun challenge to build your cyclocross skills and enthusiasm!
So what’s stopping you? Plan your cyclocross season now, order your bike parts at bikeparts.com and grab your cow bell! With a little planning, your 2015 cyclocross season can be very rewarding. Sure, cyclocross races are very high intensity and extremely demanding; yet, cyclocross as a sport is meant to be fun, otherwise, there wouldn’t be beer handoffs, money pits, crowds heckling the pros, or pros heckling the crowd! At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we’re gearing up for some cowbell cheer. See you at the races!
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: Back to Basics Cyclocross Series, Basic Cyclocross Skills, bike parts, cyclocross 2015, Cyclocross Bicycle Parts and Cross Bike Components, Cyclocross Training Week, mountain bike, road bike | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
August 27, 2015
Late Summer Riding at BikeParts.com
At the beginning of the cycling season, enthusiasm and energy is high! About the mid-season point, accumulated season fatigue catches up with most cyclist. Recovery rate from workouts and from races slows down and finally, by the end of the season, some find their motivation waning. As the cycling season seems to be getting longer and longer, what are the ways to maintain motivation and also – capture added gains towards next year’s goals? With spring and summer riding in the legs, it’s important to put your late-season form and fitness to good use. Fortunately, there are no shortage of ways to enjoy life on two wheels through September.
Dress for success!
As we transition from summer to fall, the Colorado mountain colors explode into a vibrant mix of autumn hues. Yet to make the transition from summer to fall to winter riding safely, it’s wise to make sure that your bike is working and that you have the proper cycling apparel to keep you warm and also motivated to ride in the cooler temps. We have the best cycling apparel for late summer / early fall heat. Consider factors to consider in cycling apparel for this time of year include: ventilation, storage, water access, and rain/wind gear. As we transition to night time riding, high visibility gear for night time riding is important too! If you haven’t stopped by the shop recently, you may want to check out our hot store items such as Endure pro race cape and Liv shorts and jersey.
Try Cyclocross!
Cyclocross season is nearly upon us! Cyclocross is a wonderful way for road cyclists and mountain bikers 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. If you are veteran of cyclocross, consider focusing on skill development to keep things fresh. Favorites to practice leading into the season include practicing starts, dismounts, remounts, shouldering, cornering, and riding through different conditions, as in, mud and sand. All play an important factor is racing efficiently. If you are new to cyclocross, check out our cyclocross bikes online at bikeparts.com. Equipment choices matter! Dial in the best bike parts and and tire choice. While bike setup and having the right cyclocross bicycle parts is important, one of the most important parts of all is tire selection and their pressure.
Ride a Fat Bike!
If cyclocross isn’t your thing, maybe a fat bike is! While some consider fat bikes a trend, they are actually steadily growing in popularity. Because fat bikes behave much like a mountain bike, they can be ridden in a variety of conditions and are extremely versatile. Check out our post, Top Fat Bike FAQ’s for answers to your fat bike questions. Or, stop by Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop and take a test ride to see which one is best for you!
Embark on a Gravel Grinder Adventure!
Gravel grinder events are growing in popularity and because of the informal nature of them, you can somewhat create your own event! Perfect for late summer riding to explore new terrain while maintaining fitness. Specifically, gravel road races and rides combine riding on surfaces such as asphalt, gravel, dirt, some singletrack trails and maintenance or B roads. The courses vary from hard-packed dirt to softball-sized rocks. The distance usually ranges between 50 and 150 miles, but can be even longer. What makes this riding great is that you can ride your cyclocross bike, mountain bike, or even your fat bike! A fun way to explore!
All in all, the fall season can be an opportunity to rest and recharge while still maintaining fitness on the bike. By keeping it fresh, trying something new, and also, targeting some fitness goals, it can inspire you to lay down some of your best training in your season. Enjoy!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, BikeParts.com, cycling apparel, cyclocross, fat bike, Gravel grinder, Late Summer Riding, mountain bike, Top Fat Bike FAQ’s | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
June 25, 2015
Course strategies, break aways, riding in a small group or a large peloton – these are the thoughts and questions of cyclist wondering how to perform their best at bicycle racing. Now that the cycling season is in full swing, many are filling up their calendars with the big events of the summer season. While not a comprehensive list, following are some of the favorite Colorado races and tours on tap for late June and July.
- 40 in the Fort Endurance Mountain Bike Race
- The Bicycle Tour of Colorado
- Boulder Stage Race
- Firecracker 50
- Triple Bypass
- Big Mountain Enduro Keystone
- Breckenridge 100
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? How do you handle the heat or prepare to ride at altitude? All good questions and we’ve got answers. Ultimately, the best way to approach any of these rides is to come prepared: mentally, physically, and have fully inspected your bike parts.
Previously, 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.
Here in Colorado, we’re now into warmer temps and 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!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: 40 in the Fort Endurance Mountain Bike Race, Big Mountain Enduro Keystone, bike parts, Boulder Stage Race, Breckenridge 100, Colorado cycling, cycling in the heat, Firecracker 50, Heat Acclimation, mountain bike, The Bicycle Tour of Colorado, Triple Bypass, water bottles and containers | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
June 18, 2015
Happy Father’s Day from BikeParts.com
What do you get a Dad who has everything? Father’s Day can be a tough one. Everyone knows Dad’s are impossible to shop for. Sure, you could just pick him up another tie or another box of golf balls. But why not get him something unique this year? Why not tap into his true passion and gift him with items he will appreciate year round!
To help you in the ideas department, at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we’ve put together this list of suggestions that we’re sure will help turn his Father’s Day into more than just another game night or round of golf.
1. Get a Fat Bike! Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop is passionate about fat bikes in the winter months but they can actually be ridden year round! They are fun and versatile bikes that can be used in almost any terrain. 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. Splurge and get him a fat bike or get him a bike demo so he can try it out himself!
2. Get New Bike Parts! So many bike parts – the question is what to purchase? Consider getting your Dad a high quality wheel set. A good wheel set 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 crank set and pedals setup.
3. Get a 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. As for which power meter to get for your Dad, 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.
4. Get 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!
5. Get 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 your Dad the gift of riding comfortably. Give us a call (303) 216-1616 or stop by the shop in Golden to schedule your bike fit.
6. Get 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 member ship for yoga. If your cycling Dad complains of tight muscles, yoga helps ease the tightness, creating core strength, and aligning the spine.
7. Get a Cycling Vacation! The lifestyle here in Colorado celebrates the great outdoors. Even better, Colorado has some of the greatest road bike and mountain bike rides in the country. Some rides are shorter and convenient whereas others offer steeper, longer climbs and extended distances. There are several Destination Hotspots for Colorado Summer Cycling Trips that the whole family can enjoy.
8. Get Riding! 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!
4 Comments | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: 20 Colorado Front Range Bucket List Rides, bike fit, bike parts, Colorado Summer Cycling Trips, cycling apparel, fat bike, Father's Day Gifts, mountain bike, pedals, Pioneer Power Meter, power meter, Power Tap Power Meter, road bike, Specialized Fatboy, Stages Power Meter, tires, wheel set | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
April 16, 2015
You’ve worked hard the past year and expect a healthy tax refund from the government. With anticipation, you’re thinking of how to spend that money wisely. Maybe you’re thinking you should save that money, put it in the bank, or invest in those long over due house projects. Yet, the other side of you is taunting you with images of bike parts and bike purchases. You might even feel these ideas are a guilty pleasure. However, spending your tax refund money on a new mountain bike or a road bike, or even cycling accessories, does more for your health and longevity than you know.
Investing in your cycling regime is an investment in you. Physical activity can improve your health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Physical activity and exercise can have immediate and long-term health benefits. Most importantly, regular activity can improve your quality of life. With that being said, investing in your bike and cycling program is a great way to spend your tax refund wisely. Enjoy our top 5 ways to do just that!
1. Get a Fat Bike!
Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop is passionate about fat bikes in the winter months but they can actually be ridden year round! They are fun and versatile bikes that can be used in almost any terrain. 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. The fun isn’t exclusive to adults either! Specialized has also created a 20” and 24” Fatboy for kids at half the price of a full sized Fat Boy. If you’re not sure a fat bike is for you, demo one! Book a fat bike demo today and up the giggle factor to your normal riding program. Who can’t smile while riding a fat bike?
2. Get New Bike Parts!
So many bike parts – the question is what to purchase? Consider getting a high quality wheel set. A good wheel set impacts ride quality, ease of pedaling, reliability, and functionality. Maybe purchase some new, lighter tires for your wheels. Another option is to reconsider the current crank set and pedals setup. Who can’t justify spending tax refunds on losing lighter handlebars, a lighter saddle, and seat post?
3. Get a Power Meter!
The main idea behind using cycling training tools is to dial in your training to optimize your performance as it relates to your goals and objectives. Our post, The Best Training Aids to Launch into Spring Cycling, dives into the benefits of training with power. As for our favorite power meter options, our most popular are 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 favorite is a company that’s been around for a while now – PowerTap Power Meter.
4. Get Cycling Accessories!
Maybe your refund check wasn’t as large as you wanted it to be? This doesn’t exempt you from spending money on quality bike parts – it just means you might spend less. Items for purchase in this category include a variety of cycling apparel: jerseys, shorts, tights, jacket, cycling shoes.
5. Get 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. We can help you use your refund dollars wisely. Not only can we help you with the fit, but we carry all the bike parts required to get your bike in the very best setup for your riding needs. Give us a call (303) 216-1616 or stop by the shop in Golden to schedule your bike fit.
Considering how regular physical activity can produce long term health benefits, investing your tax refund dollars in your cycling program couldn’t be a wiser choice!
4 Comments | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike fit, bike parts, cycling accessories, cycling apparel, fat bike, handlebars, mountain bike, pedals, Pioneer Power Meter, PowerTap Power Meter, road bike, saddle, seat post, Specialized Fatboy, Stages Power Meters, Tax Refund, tires, wheel set | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
March 19, 2015
Spring riding and racing is just around the corner and athletes everywhere are starting to think about their “A” races as well as secondary races to use for training and motivation. A given rule of thumb is that all races provide experience, training benefits, and act as a stage to assess your form. Because of that, targeting a handful of high and low priority races and events throughout the year can be useful as learning experiences and opportunities to dial in nutritional needs and race strategies. The question for many is, where to start?
Use your 2015 cycling goals as your compass. We talk more about goals in our blog post, but the basic take away is to make your goals SMART. As in, specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. With that being said, you need to pick the right events during the cycling season to help you best achieve those goals.
Notably, not all events are equal. Some are harder than others. One approach is to use different course profiles, distances, and bike part options to mindfully select A, B, and C type races according to your training plans and race goals. Keep this simple reminder in mind – when you’re working toward a goal that’s important to you, the last thing you want is to face an obstacle or unexpected challenge. A successful season starts off right by planning ahead, getting your mountain bike in order, as well as, getting the gear and cycling accessories you need.
Now, which races will you do? There are many tours, races, and events to choose from in Colorado. While this isn’t a comprehensive list, following are some of our upcoming favorite events at BikeParts.com.
Goudy Grinder – Wyoming – Sunday, May 31, 2015 – Registration open March 16th
40 in the fork – Fort Collins – Saturday, June 27, 2015 – Registration is open now. This event is considered “one of the Front Range’s toughest mountain bike races.”
Rocky Mountain Endurance Series – Colorado. This race series offers the best variety of mountain bike racing in Colorado. Great for beginners to experienced racers including different distances. The series begins kicks off in late April with the Ridgeline Rampage. Visit their site for registration and series information and check out our Sneak Peak to the RME Series.
MTB radio – endurance calendar. For those that enjoy epic, longer mountain bike events. Check out the MTB radio endurance calendar. Following are a few of the fun event on tap through May.
- April 18 – 6 Hours in Frog Hollow – Hurricane, UT
- April 23, Fruita Fat Tire Fest – Fruita
- April 25, Ridgeline Rampage – Castle Rock
- May 1, 18 Hours of Fruita – Fruita
- May 9, Desert RATS Classic – Fruita
- May 9, 12 Hours of Mesa Verde – Cortez
- May 9, Battle the Bear – Lakewood
- May 16, Dirty Double Fondo – Salida
- May 23, The Half Growler – Gunnison
- May 24, The Origional Growler – Gunnison
- May 29, Grand Junction Off-Road – Grand Junction
- May 30, PV Derby, Elbert
- May 31, The Great Bicycle Carnival for Kids on bikes
Planning your 2015 cycling season is a multi step process: Identify your cycling goals, dial in your bike, and select the events you are enthusiastic in participating. If you’re left questioning how to roll out your pre season training plan, well then, we’ve got you covered on that too. Check out our previous guides to get you training started or vista us at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop.
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, Races | Tagged: 12 Hours of Mesa Verde, 18 Hours of Fruita, 2015 cycling season, 6 Hours in Frog Hollow, battle the bear, bike parts, Colorado racing season, cycling accessories, Desert RATS Classic, Forty in the Fork, Fruita Fat Tire Fest, Gowdy Grinder, Grand Junction Off-Road, mountain bike, MTB Radio Endurance Calendar, Ridgeline Rampage, road bike, Rocky Mountain Endurance Series, spring cycling, The Half Growler, The Origional Growler | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
December 25, 2014
Merry Christmas from BikeParts.com
Have you been a naughty cyclist or a nice cyclist? Is there a way to tell?
Some cyclist might notice a lot of bike parts, cycling apparel, and other wonderful gifts under the tree and think, yeah! I’ve been nice! And then, again, as competitive and recreational cyclists, it’s easy to be hard on ourselves. Some might think that you’ve been a naughty cyclist. Maybe you think you haven’t trained hard enough this year. Or, your performance was down. Then again, you may consider yourself to be a naughty cyclist because you have been slacking off and didn’t get that scheduled ride in.
Whether or not all that is true – that isn’t the spirit of cycling. No doubt, consistent training is essential to performance. Having the right gear, bike parts, and appropriate road or mountain bike for your cycling specialty is important. But, while we tend to strive for fitness using heart rate monitors and power meters and tracking calories and water intake, and all the performance enhancing rituals we employ, it’s certainly not the spirit of cycling and it is especially not so at Christmas time.
So, what is?
Here at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, the true Christmas spirit of cycling is the love of the bike. It’s the adventure cycling brings – the challenge of a new ride, the joy of connecting with friends in meaningful ways, and the building of camaraderie with teammates. It’s about inspiration. Riding and training towards goals that call us to be our best selves and enlist the support of family and friends that unites in powerful connections. At its essence, the true spirit of cycling is really about passion, joy, exhilaration, excitement, camaraderie, enthusiasm, and gratitude.
These are all the very gifts we wish for you and your family this Christmas day. Merry Christmas from Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop and BikeParts.com!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, Christmas Spirit, cycling apparel, heart rate monitors, mountain bike, Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
November 20, 2014
“We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers. They see things in the soft haze of a spring day or in the red fire of a long winter’s evening. Some of us let our dreams die, but others nourish and protect them, nurse them through bad days till they bring them to sunshine and light.” ~ Woodrow Wilson
Gone are the epic rides of summer only to be replaced with cooler temperatures, shorter days, and less time on the bike. Aside from cyclocross, the 2014 cycling season is over, but, this season may just be the most important season of them all. Now, it’s dreaming season . Dreams are where the journey starts for next year. Dreams set you down the path towards achieving something you may not have believed you could accomplish. They are what drive you to fit workouts into hectic schedules and push you when you want to quit. Dreaming season is when you start fueling the fire for 2015. Have you dialed in your cycling dreams for next season?
For some, it may seem too soon to think about next year but for others, many are already planning their 2015 race and cycling season. Regardless of which camp you fall into, it’s important to have lofty new goals, new ambitions, and new venues to fuel your cycling passions through the winter months. However, one misstep in planning is not pausing to reflect on what has recently come to pass. Personal reflection of the past season offers insights to truly optimize your training and racing regimen going forward.
Fueling the fires for next year begins with evaluating this past year. Set aside some time for reflection; consider asking yourself 10 Questions to Evaluate the Success of Your Cycling Season. Or, get insights into your performance by evaluating if your goals were smart (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound). You may question if you were Mentally Set Up for Success?
Moving past the emotional and psychological evaluation, don’t forget to take stock of your bike and bike parts performance. Did you have the right bike and tire setup for the conditions, geography, and terrain in which you raced or trained? Take notice of what worked and what didn’t work. It’s easy to get attached to particular brands or a set up because that is what you have always used; but upon reflection of bike accessories and bike part performance, honest appraisal of performance can steer you to look for cycling accessories that will work better for you in the future. Sometimes getting a bike fit can help better position you for a season of successful riding.
As an athlete, there is certainly a lot of value in staying in tune with your achievements and goals. However, it’s equally important to take the time to reflect on those achievements so that you can repeat them. If you find yourself unable to reach your goals, don’t get discouraged – take the time to re-assess them. Equally important, wWen you’re working toward a goal that’s important to you, the last thing you want is to face an obstacle or unexpected challenge. Set up your 2015 right by planning ahead, plan now to get your road bike or mountain bike in order, along with the gear and resources you need. By dreaming big and having the best bike parts, your successful training and race prep is well underway for a successful 2015.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: 2015 cycling season, bike fit, bike parts, cycling accessories, cycling season review, mountain bike, performance review, road bike, training | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
July 24, 2014
BikeParts.com biking in Breckenridge, Colorado
The lifestyle here in Colorado celebrates the great outdoors. Even better, Colorado has some of the greatest road bike and mountain bike rides in the country. Some rides are shorter and convenient whereas others offer steeper, longer climbs and extended distances. Locals and vacationers alike welcome the challenge of pushing the limits while taking in breathtaking views that only Colorado has to offer.
According to ColoradoInfo.com, what makes Colorado so special is that it claims 53 peaks higher than 14,000 feet and the cycling and hiking trails ascending them are very popular and demanding. The state is something of a mecca for both long-haul road bikers and mountain biking enthusiasts. Bike paths are abundant on the Front Range from Fort Collins, Boulder, Denver, and Colorado Springs to Pueblo. In the mountains there are paved bike paths as well as hundreds of miles of single-track trails for off-road biking.
With that being said, which are the destination hotspots for cycling in Colorado? No doubt, there’s too many great rides, trails, and locations to name them all, but following are a few of our favorites.
– 10 Best Colorado Trails
– The Athlete’s Guide to Boulder
– 20 Colorado Front Range Bucket List Rides
– Colorado’s Backcountry Biker’s Huts
– Top 10 outdoor trips and activities in Colorado
Now, aside from selecting your ideal riding location, there are a few additional elements to lock in to ensure a successful cycling adventure. Extra considerations include preparing for riding in Colorado’s altitude. The post, Racing at Altitude. What You Need to Know, gives some quick tips on acclimation and don’t forget about having your cycling essentials on hand. Meaning, make sure you have your maps, bike parts, hydration pack, and arrange in advance the details if you are shipping your bike.
Now, all you have to do is visit! At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we invite you to visit Colorado’s cities, towns and mountain communities. Join us on road and mountain bike rides across the state and embrace all the beauty this glorious state has to offer!
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: Adventure travel, bike parts, Boulder, Colorado, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Front Range, mountain bike, Mountain Biking Travel, Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, Pueblo, road bike | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
May 22, 2014
Are you feeling the itch for a new bike? Maybe you’ve heard all the rave of the new Giant Anthem 27.5 mountain bikes? Well guess what? We’ve teamed up with Giant to host a mountain bike and road bike demo day.
Celebrate your Memorial Day weekend by stopping by Green Mountain Open Space to check out and ride an impressive line up of Giant bikes.
At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, our job is matching bikes to riders and ensuring that your bike fits properly and that you are happy with it. If you’re considering a new road bike – try a new one out. If you are thinking of riding trails for the first time in a long time, this is a no risk way to dip your toe in the water while trying out a new mountain bike. And, if you’re curious as to what a 27.5″ feels like compared to a 26” wheel or a 29’er, here again, you have a chance to find out for yourself! A short test ride will help you compare different bikes and make sure your new bike suits your needs exactly.
Mark your calendar!
- When: Saturday, May 26th from 10:00am – 3:00pm
- Where: Green Mountain Park, 1000 S Rooney Rd Lakewood, CO 80228
- What to bring: Please bring valid ID, credit card, and helmet to ride.
If you have any questions be sure to stop by the Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop at 1224 Washington Ave #145, Golden, CO, give us a ring at 303-216-1616 or chat with us on Twitter or Facebook You can find more information about the event here and learn why Green Mountain Trail: Why It’s a Year Long Favorite of ours to ride.
See you Monday!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: 26" wheel, 27.5 wheel, 29" wheel, Giant Anthem 27.5 mountain bike, Giant mountain bikes, Giant road bikes, Green Mountain Open Space, Green Mountain Trail: Why It’s a Year Long Favorite, mountain bike, Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
April 24, 2014
Preparing for the upcoming Gran Fondo Moab, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Weekend, Ride the Rockies, Triple Bypass or Colorado’s Endurance Mountain bike series, takes methodical planning in terms of training, recovery, appropriate bike parts selection. Yet, just as important as daily training is to get you to the start line, every day nutrition plays a critical role too. The season is just beginning are you race ready? Here’s what you need to know to dial in your daily, weekly, and race day nutrition for optimal performance.
You get a glimpse of the importance of monthly nutritional preparation in the post, Race Day Nutrition for Cyclist. Overall it is a guide for monthly, weekly, and race week nutrition preparation with a focus on how viewing nutrition in terms of how it can support your physical training cycles rather than just eating for pleasure. As many cyclist are already lining up on the start line, preparing nutritionally for weeks in advance isn’t an option.
As you approach your first race of the season, you may want to read the post, A Guide to Race Day Nutrition. Many cyclist have different preferences as to how they prefer to get their fuel – whether that is in nutrition bars, gels, and liquids. However, oftentimes, the course may dictate other options. As in, for mountain bike riders, a technical course may present obstacles in taking solid food while riding versus taking fluids. Furthermore, as the post suggest, “having all of these different (nutrition) options can tend to create confusion and challenges for athletes as to which is ideal and which is best for them. In addition, choosing the right type of fuel depends on many factors such as duration, intensity and what type of activities such as cycling, running or multisport.” The end result: experimentation during training and early season races will aid in dialing in proper race day nutrition for your “A” races and events.
But what happens when you have stomach issues while racing? How do you know what the cause is and what to do about it? As noted in, Stomach Issues while racing – Possible causes and solutions, poor pacing can easily lead to stomach issues, ingesting too many carbohydrates and or too much protein can be another possible cause for stomach issues, as well as too many surges within a long duration race can lead to a shutdown or at the least a slowdown of digestive ability. Ultimately, it’s about utilizing the early season races to dial in your nutrition. Preparing well and listening to your body is the key to preventing stomach issues during competition.
Next up? Dial in your race day strategies! Remember to set your goals, recon the route or course, practice race day rituals, and define your success parameters.
8 Comments | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: A Guide to Race Day Nutrition, bike nutrition, Colorado’s Endurance Mountain bike series, gels, Gran Fondo Moab, Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, mountain bike, nutrition bars, race day nutrition, RACE DAY NUTRITION FOR CYCLISTS, race day strategies, Ride the Rockies, Stomach Issues while racing – Possible causes and solutions, Triple Bypass | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
March 20, 2014
The Spring Racing Season in Colorado is nearly here! With upcoming events like the Louisville Criterium, Front Range Cycling Classic, Ridgeline Rampage, and The Koppenberg, road and mountain bike racers are ready to ride. But, don’t think that just showing up on the line is enough. Preparing mentally, physically, and being bike ready will ensure a successful start to the season.
Previously, 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.
Yet, with road and mountain bike races beginning as early as next month, you need to dial YOU in to your race schedule. Are YOU race ready? 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 – on and off the bike.
Balancing work, family responsibilities, training and racing is a key component to being mentally and physically ready to tackle the demands of early season races. As you transition from winter training to spring racing, your mental and physical demands will change. You need to have a transition plan in place to find balance.
- Consider making note of conflicting interests. See what is incongruent with your schedule, your work or family life and commit to sorting things out in a harmonious way.
- Communicate your needs and expectations to others. And, on the flip side, let them know what they can expect from you.
- Plan ahead. Be proactive. Set specific times for work, family and the bike.
- Give something back. If your family supports you in your training and racing, show how much you appreciate it. Combine races with a family outing and maybe promise to take a couple of months off the bike at the end of the season.
You may or may not be at the front of the pack in your early Spring races, but you can definitely show up at the line in good form, race ready, and prepared for a healthy and strong 2014 cycling season.
4 Comments | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: 2014 cycling season, bike parts, Front Range Cycling Classic, Louisville Criterium, mountain bike, Peak Cycles Race Team, Ridgeline Rampage, Spring races in Colorado, The Koppenberg, work life balance | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
September 26, 2013
As the seasons change, the Colorado mountain colors explode into a vibrant mix of autumn hues. What better way to enjoy the brisk temperatures and vibrant colors of the leaves turning than from the view of mountain bike or road bike? The added bonus is maintaining fitness through the fall and even building it well into the winter months.
In our recent BikeParts.com post, Cross Racing in Colorado 2013 we suggest cyclocross as a means for staying active yet enjoying the fall cycling season. In fact, across the Front Range and the entire state of Colorado, there are a variety of cyclocross races to test your fitness and take your cycling to another level. You might be wondering what bike parts you might need for this particular style of racing. Due to the nature of these events, you can show up on practically any bike (cyclocross, mountain bike, hybrid, road bike). Yet, because of the variety of terrain, obstacles, weather conditions and short course and race duration, you can expect to replace cycling accessories and bike parts on a more frequent basis.
Another option for enjoying the fall leaves and gaining fitness is bike commuting. While it is not as strenuous as cyclocross racing, it is a chance to enjoy cooler temperatures, view the changing colors of the leaves, and reinvigorate your spirits with the freedom riding a bike inspires. Because of the recent flooding in Colorado, there’s a few things to keep in mind for your commute:
A good route. Make sure your route is open! Learn how to pick a route you like. Google maps for cycling is a good option.
- Lights. Days are getting shorter. Have a set of small, modern LED lights on hand in case you get stuck at the office.
- A good helmet. Just because bike commuting isn’t as strenuous doesn’t mean you don’t need to be safe. Wear a bike helmet.
- A repair kit. It’s good to carry a small multi-tool, a patch kit, a small pump, and a spare tube for those inevitable roadside repairs.
- A lock. Invest in a quality lock and use it wisely.
- A way to carry things. This could be as simple as a messenger bag or as elaborate as a set of touring panniers.
Whether you are enjoying the vibrant mix of autumn hues from a scenic country road, a bike path, or a cyclocross race course, fall bike rides in Colorado are the best way to get up close and personal with the season’s colors while filling up their lungs with crisp Colorado air.
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike commuting, bike parts, BikeParts.com, Colorado, Cross Racing in Colorado 2013, cycling accessories, cyclocross racing, Front Range, mountain bike | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
August 8, 2013
What is all the Leadville hype about? For starters, the start and finish of the race are in the heart of Leadville, Colorado at 10,200’. More than 90 percent of the race is on dirt or double track roads featuring steep climbs and serious descents. There is a seven-mile climb to the 50-mile turnaround at 12,600′ and an approximate 14,000’ elevation gain. Whew! That’s exhausting just thinking about it!
Not only is the race tough, but it’s gained national attention due to Colorado cyclist, Dave Wiens winning the event six years in a row. Levi Leipheimer won in 2010 and Specialized racer, Rebecca Rusch, has finished first in the last four races — 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. For non professional athletes, what are successful race strategies to help conquer this demon of a race?
1. Plan Right! Sure, getting your bike parts in order, lubing your chain, checking your tires are all good to do to prepare before the race. But, what happens out on the course? Crazy stuff can happen out there! Be sure to carry an extra tube or C02 with you, have extras in your drop bag along with some tires , bike nutrition, and extra clothing. Lube is good to carry on hand too if the course is dry. Not sure if a certain bike part will hold up? Have an extra one handy with some bike tools in your drop bag to keep you in the race.
2. Fuel Right! Proper nutrition leading into a race is critical. Yet, staying properly hydrated and taking in appropriate levels of protein and carbs during your race will not only help keep your energy up, but it will help keep your mind fresh and alert for those technical sections. Consider stocking up with bars, gels, and an assortment of nutrition requirements to have in your jersey and in your drop bags. Also, consider how you are getting your fluids: bottles or hydration pack? It’s important to plan your water intake between aid stations so if you think it will be a while between them, opt for a hydration pack.
3. Pace Yourself! While the nerves are high and the muscles and energy are fresh, it’s easy at the start of the race to get after it and go out too hard and too fast. Keep in mind, the more you spike your heart rate at the beginning of the race, the less you have available to pull from at the end of the race. The trick to finishing this race is to ride a steady ride keeping your heart rate in check and knowing when to back off. Use your cycling computer to keep yourself in check.
4. Get Your Mental Game On! Check in with your mental attitude, preparation, and willingness to “get after it.” The level of digging deep and mental suffering for this race exceeds that of training rides or even shorter (60 miles or so) races. Be prepared with mantras or mini goals to keep yourself going with the going gets tough.
There you have it! Success strategies to get you to the finish of the Leadville 100 Mountain Bike race. Good luck to all racers at the Leadville 100 this weekend!
1 Comment | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, Races | Tagged: bike nutrition, bike parts, Colorado, Dave Wiens, Leadville, Leadville 100 MTB race, Levi Leipheimer, mountain bike, race strategies, Rebecca Rusch, specialized | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
Peak Cycles - BikeParts.com Blog 