August 6, 2020
Every hour of cycling adds an hour to your life, according to a study at Cambridge University. The benefits of cycling are indisputable; cycling can protect you from heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, some cancers, and even depression.
The next question is how to make the most of your cycling experience. Many people use nutrition and supplements to give their bodies extra power to muscle up a hill or go that extra mile. Yet, have you considered using a power meter to boost your cycling performance?
According to the post, The Power of Power Meters, power meters help monitor your workouts, adds context to your heart rate data, and helps dial in your nutrition. Sounds good enough but why train with power?
It’s all about “balancing how much work you do with your body’s response.” It’s the best way to measure work and intensity, as in, Power (watts) = Torque (how hard you pedal) x Cadence (how fast you pedal). “Doing too much work means injury and overtraining risk. Too little means you’re not getting the maximum benefits you want. When power is measured your training becomes that much more effective.” At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we’ve found the benefits of training with power include:
•Establishing your baseline fitness
•Accurately measuring even the smallest fitness gains
•Quantifying intensity, duration, and frequency – instead of guessing
•Prevention of overtraining
•Accurately measuring energy use for nutrition planning
•Proper pacing for time trials
Overall, if you’ve been looking to get faster on the bike, then most likely you have explored cycling training tools, as in heart rate monitors and the like. No doubt, today’s technology provides instant biofeedback and structure to workouts. And over time, this aggregated training data offers visibility to your training program and progress.
The ultimate goal of using training tools is to get faster, stronger, fitter, and optimize athletic performance. If you haven’t already, now is the time to invest in the tools that will help you the most. Our suggestions? Consider investing in a power meter. The right training tools will keep you motivated through the pandemic and into the next season.
With so many bike parts and cycling accessories available, choosing the power meter for your training and fitness goals is important. Fortunately, we can answer all the questions you might have on which power meter fits your fitness needs or budget. Stop by or call Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado to dial in your specific needs.
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Posted by staffwriter8
January 23, 2020
Well, we are well into 2020 and hopefully, you officially made it past “quitters day.” Which means you are fully committed to keeping and maintaining your 2020 cycling goals. Aside from will power and determination, there are other factors that support your training motivation. And that’s where this post comes in handy! Bike parts and cycling accessories can enhance your cycling experience, and at the same time, fuel you towards your 2020 goals.
Weigh In – As cyclists, we all know weight is important. Bike weight, the weight of bike parts, and even our bodies. Unfortunately, it’s that time of year again! Weight creep or at least dropping weight accumulated over the holidays and the off-season! A simple yet effective means of managing weight is using a scale. Our pick? The Garmin Index Smart Scale. The Garmin Index Smart Scale provides the precise metrics you need to track progress and see results. The bonus? Others in your family can use it too! It supports up 10 16 different users and measures weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat and water percentages, muscle mass, and bone mass. Use the scale to manage weight and track how your weight correlates to your performance on the bike over time. And, by regularly paying attention to your weight, you can course-correct quickly before gaining or losing too much weight experiencing adverse effects on the bike.
Use Your Tools – Specifically, we’re talking about heart rate monitors and power meters. Both provide biofeedback and when tracked and paired with your cycling goals, this information can greatly assist in providing clarity as to benchmarking your progress. One question for those new to power meters is to know which power meter is best for you? With so many bike parts and cycling accessories available, choosing the ideal product for your training and fitness goals is important. Fortunately, the post What to Know Before Buying a Power Meter offers a breakdown of available power meters. Now, you might be wondering about costs? In the recent past, training with power was outside of the price range for most cyclists. However, times have changed and power meters are much more affordable. Stop by Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop and let us help you select the best bike accessories for you and your goals.
Upgrade your Bike and Bike Parts – Sure, it may sound like an excuse to purchase much-desired bike parts or a new bike, but the truth is if new technology is available to support you riding faster and stronger, then isn’t it holding you back? If you are training consistently and putting forth the effort, then support your goals by having the cycling components you need. One component that is nearly always worth upgrading is the wheelset. Or, maybe upgrading your bike parts isn’t in the cards. Maybe you prefer to upgrade your cycling accessories or cycling apparel. Having a new jersey or new cycling shoes may be just what you need to bring a fresh approach and enthusiasm to the season. We have a Specialized Sale going on right now. Check out the sale items and get what you need to support your goals.
So, what’s ahead for 2020? We’re looking forward to helping our customers get fitter and faster on the bike! Whether that is outfitting others with the best cycling apparel or improving bike efficiency with new bike parts or a bike fit, at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we’re all about creating the ultimate ride experience. Happy 2020 to all!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, cycling accessories, cycling components, heart rate monitors, power meter, Specialized Sale, The Garmin Index Smart Scale, wheelset | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
March 28, 2019
If you’ve been looking to get faster on the bike, then most likely you have explored cycling training tools, as in power meters, heart rate monitors and the like. No doubt, today’s technology provides instant biofeedback and structure to workouts. And over time, this aggregated training data offers visibility to your training program and progress. The ultimate goal of using training tools is to get faster, stronger, fitter, and optimize athletic performance. Given that, which training tools are best for you? Read on to find out.
Heart rate Training – Heart rate training has been viewed in many ways over the years, from very precise to not so precise. Now, a growing number of coaches and exercise physiologists support the use of heart rates as an important part of biological feedback, as heart rates are a direct reflection of what is happening internally. The post, The Variables and Trends of Heart Rate Training, walks you through the steps of learning your “threshold” heart rate range, setting up heart rate training zones, and identifying the daily variables that affect heart rate. If you do not have a trainer or coach to keep you disciplined during your workout, a heart rate monitor can be a great substitute. It can tell you when your exercise is falling below your ideal intensity so you can instantly improve your performance. It can be a great biofeedback tool and also help you to monitor your fitness, prevent overtraining, and take your performance to the next level.
Power meters – Training with a power meter is one of the most effective ways to get results. The more power you can produce, the faster your bike will go. Unlike a heart rate monitor that is subjective, watts or power output is not. Watts are watts. Training with a power meter helps establish a baseline fitness and eliminates the guesswork out of measuring fitness gains. The data provided also helps to get a better handle on overreaching and overtraining during training blocks. There are different power meters available based on your fitness goals and budget. So be sure to stop by the shop to dial in which power meter is best for you.
Bike Fit – While a bike fit isn’t necessarily a training tool, it is your first defense in injury prevention. It’s also one of the quickest ways to get faster on the bike. Leg strength, endurance, and fitness are at the heart of cycling speed, but without a proper bike fit, you are sabotaging your training efforts. As you know, bikes come in all sizes and shapes, and there are endless bike parts and cycling accessories that can be added or swapped to make a bike become a better fit for you. At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we believe that there is much more to fitting a cyclist to his/her bicycle than just the physical dimensions of a bike. Each cyclist has a different history, experience, comfort level, and goal on the bike; each of these variables is important to the bike-fit process. Take advantage of our bike fit studio and schedule a bike fit to align your bike with your body posture and improve your cycling
Use power meters and heart rate monitors to guide you through you. By monitoring your training efforts with specific data, you objectively know when you are pushing beyond your targeted indicators, 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 2019 cycling season goals.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike, bike fit, bike parts, cycling accessories, heart rate monitor, power meter, training tools | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
December 13, 2018
You’re making your list and checking it twice, but have you remembered everybody on your list? As we’re officially into the holiday shopping season, you have about two weeks to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list:
– Spouse – check
– Parents – check
– Siblings – check
– Children – check
– Bike – ???
You haven’t forgotten about your two wheeled friend, now have you? Let’s think about this. The holidays are for sharing gifts celebrating the special relationships you have with others. Doesn’t your bike create fun, fitness, and basically, the greatest feeling in the world for you? Show some love to your bike this holiday season. Get it some presents! If you’re stuck wondering what to get your bike for Christmas, then look no further! At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we’ve put together a list of spin worthy list of holiday gift suggestions.
Super Plush Gifts:
For those going all our for their bike, nothing beats a companion for your bike. Yes! That’s right – get a new bike! You might think, your bike already has one – maybe two- or even three bikes…how could your bike need another? You and your bikes always need another bike. We all know this truth. One can never ever have enough bikes. Consider a new road bicycle or mountain bike. Even better, opt for a fat bike!
Maybe a new bike is a bit of a stretch, but you really want to treat your bike to something, consider purchasing a power meter. A power meter is a great training tool and helps 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. Another option is the Pioneer Power Meter and a third option is a company that’s been around for a while now – PowerTap Power Meter.
Plush Gifts on a Budget:
Gift giving for you bike doesn’t necessarily mean going all out financially. There are plenty of thoughtful gifts available to show your bike just how much you care. Some great ideas include some of these.
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 and your bike likes them too! Buy a good bottle and stuff it with other goodies.
Tires: Treat yourself to bike to some new rubber! We have a ton of tires for road and mountain bikes.
Lube: Bikes like to be seen – not heard! Every bike enjoys a smooth bike chain with just the right amount of lube. Get some now and stock up for the 2019 season while you’re at it!
See how easy it is to get your bike a great gift for Christmas? If by chance you are still in need of ideas for creative Christmas 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 Holidays Friends!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, BikeParts.com, Christmas, fat bike, holiday, mountain bike, power meter, road bike, tube | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
June 7, 2018
BikeParts.com Team Rider Getting Ready to Climb
Colorado has some of the best road bike and mountain bike hill climbs. Additionally, there are countless rides and events like Ride the Rockies, Leadville100, and the Colorado Summit Cycling Series that challenge riders to either push on or blow up. No doubt the suffering imposed by climbing may cause us cyclist to fret, but the the post, Why You Should Love Climbing, suggests otherwise.
“Hills also make you happier. Longer, sustained efforts trigger the release of mood-lifting chemicals like endorphins and cannabinoids, which, as the name suggests, are in the same family of chemicals that give pot smokers their high, kick in. Research also shows that regular efforts in the lactate threshold range, which incidentally is where you climb, may help ward off mood disorders like depression. Additionally, research also shows all that the fresh air, sunshine, solitude, and sweeping vistas that you soak in as you make your way up and over hills and mountains provide their own unique benefits.”
With that motivation, how can we learn to love climbing?
Ride Hill Repeats
Hill repeats are a foundation of any good training plan. Basically, the plan is to riding up the hill as hard as you can, recovering on the way back down and then doing it again. A good heart rate monitor and power meter can aid in bio feedback and motivation and help you to judge your effort better. However – remember that whilst power numbers respond immediately to increased effort, heart rate takes time to accumulate – so expect it to take a few minutes for your heart rate to reach your target zone.
Decide to Sit or Stand
To sit or stand while climbing – that is the question. Actually, it depends on rider preference; however, we’ve found lighter riders prefer to stand while heavier riders prefer to sit. Regardless, you may want to train doing both. Opt to sit on one climb or hill repeat, then stand on the next. Testing the limits of your ability to climb in both positions will make you a stronger all-around climber.
Focus on Your Breath
Obviously while climbing, you are excepting more effort. That requires more oxygen. So, a simple way to to maximizing your oxygen uptake is learning to take deep breaths. Avoid shallow ones and breathe to your belly. This may require you to straighten up to allow your belly and ribs to actually expand. Given your bike fit, you may or may not need to adjust bike parts so be mindful of your body position when climbing so that you can inhale for optimum oxygen intake.
Gear Adjustment
Gears can be a complicated thing. In fact, many people buy a road bike or mountain bike and never modify their gears. Yet, depending on the climbs you are doing and your aspirations, you may consider swapping the cassette or chainset. If you’re struggling to turn the pedals on the climbs, changing your gear set up – going for a smaller chainset and wider ratio cassette – will help as you’ll be able to spin more quickly.
Relax
A deathtrap on the handlebars, swinging your body around, and tense muscles make climbing much more difficult. Also, it’s a waste of precious energy! Just relax! Find your rhythm and get into a groove that you can sustain.
Pick one or all of these tips and try them out. Give yourself some time to evaluate your progress. At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, our bet is after a few weeks of one or all of using these tips, you’re climbing performance will increase. Whether or not you actually fall in love with climbing is another matter – but at least you will be better at it!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, Colorado hill climbs, Colorado Summit Cycling Series, heart rate monitor, Leadville 100, power meter, Ride the Rockies | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
March 1, 2018
Early Season Training for Peak Cycles Race Team
The winter months aren’t very conducive to maintaining a solid level of fitness and keeping in shape. Yet spring is right around the corner and with the warming temperatures and the start of daylight savings time it’s fair to say we’re seeing the first signs of spring. This can be both hugely exciting, and also slightly nerve racking for cyclists who have spent the winter months working towards spring or summer goals. So, what are the best ways to optimize your cycling to prepare best for the upcoming season? Rest assured, we’ve got you covered. Read on.
Optimize your fitness with a power meter:
Whether you plan to ride a century, multi-day rides, race or aspire to longer or more frequent rides in 2018, monitoring your early season training and racing sets the stage for a successful year ahead. Key points to keep in mind include training intensity, duration, and frequency. Our tip to do this? Use power meters and heart rate monitors to guide you. Given that 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 2018 cycling season goals. Check out our post, The Best Training Aids to Launch into Spring Cycling, to dial in which training aid is best for you.
Optimize biological feedback with a heart rate monitor:
Speaking of heart rate, heart rate monitors are a funny thing – they can be completely useless or extremely valuable depending on how you use them. Heart rate training has been viewed in many ways over the years, from very precise to not so precise. Now, a growing number of coaches and exercise physiologists support the use of heart rates as an important part of biological feedback, as heart rates are a direct reflection of what is happening internally. If you’re new to training with heart rate monitors, the post, The Variables and Trends of Heart Rate Training, walks you through the steps of learning your “threshold” heart rate range, setting up heart rate training zones, and identifying the daily variables that affect heart rate. But before you begin to analyze data, you actually have to have a heart rate monitor to get started! Visit us at Peak Cycles Bike Shop or BikeParts.com to check out the heart rate monitors for the 2018 cycling season.
Optimize your riding position with a 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.
Optimize bike mechanics with regular inspection:
Bike maintenance can be a chore, but a necessity. As you ride more through the early season, some things that weren’t visible upon your first bike inspection may become apparent as the season progresses. Regular maintenance is essential. There are several things you want to do to keep it in good working order for the early season cycling months. For starters, wipe down and inspect the frame. Rain, snow, mud, 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. If you are concerned about how to maintain and clean carbon frames, check out this video for best suggestions. Don’t forget to lube your chain and cables. As unglamorous as chain lube is, it is a necessity. It will keep your bike parts in working order and squeak free! There are many lubes to choose – wet vs dry lube. As conditions vary, you may want to have a couple of different choices on hand. Finally, inspect your brake pads. You’ll want to make sure the brake pads are not worn. And, remember to inspect where the brake pads hit the rim; they should contact the rim evenly on both sides and not rub the tire in any way that may cause a flat. Remember, pre season bike maintenance and training paves the way for a long, healthy, and enjoyable cycling season.
There you have it! Plan for a successful cycling season by training right early season. A good bike fit, steady riding, and the use of training tools paves the way for a healthy, injury free 2018.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: 2018 cycling season, bike fit, bike maintenance, heart rate monitor, mountain bike, power meter, road bike | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
February 8, 2018
Happy Valentine’s Day from BikeParts.com
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, many get stumped as to what to buy. Sure, there’s the standard flowers, a card, and some chocolate, but why not capture the love that our two wheeled friends bring us?
Riding bikes has a way of unleashing powerful emotions. You know, like the sense of power you get when the wind is at your back. Or, the sense of wonder and appreciation you feel upon glancing at our natural environment.
Since bike riding gifts our spirits and bodies with so much, why not pass on the chocolate this Valentine’s Day and opt for healthier options instead? Following are our top picks for a healthy Valentine’s Day.
#1 Give the Valentine’d Day Gift of Nutrition
Nutrition matters. We all know it – but that doesn’t mean we eat and drink what we know we should. And athletes suffer from poor choices too. The symptoms of poor nutrition rears its ugly head in many ways: via muscle cramping, struggling to complete workouts, and unsuccessful race efforts. Eliminate all the frustration with improved bike nutrition. At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we have several options including nutritional products just for women. Specifically, Osmo nutrition – This product is specific to women offering three options: active hydration, acute recovery, and preload hydration. Other favorites for both men and women are Scratch Labs and Honey Stinger Products.
#2 Give the Valentine’d Day Gift of a Power Meter
Is your cyclist a data junkie? Then, this is the ideal gift for your favorite cyclist! 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. Stages Power meter is the lightest, smallest, most technologically advanced unit available today. Another option is the Pioneer Power Meter. A third option is a company that’s been around for a while now – PowerTap Power Meter.
#3 Give the Valentine’d Day Gift of a Great Fitting Bike
Gift a Bike fit – Does your cyclist complain of hands falling asleep while riding? Or shoulder or neck pain after a long ride? 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. Consider the gift of giving your favorite cyclist a bike fit for Valentine’s Day. Not only can we help them with the fit, but we carry all the bike parts required to get the bike in the very best setup for their riding needs. Give us a call (303) 216-1616 or stop by the shop in Golden to schedule your bike fit.
#4 Give the Valentine’d Day Gift of Adventure
Gift a fat bike demo! That’s right! Fat bikes are all the rage – snow or no snow! They thrive in snow, sand, desert, bogs and mud as well as riding what is considered normal mountain biking. Book a fat bike demo for Valentine’s Day and brighten up the normal winter riding program. Who can’t smile while riding a fat bike?
#5 Give the Valentine’d Day Gift of Bike Parts
And last but not least, what is a cyclist dream gift? Bike parts! 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. In addition to bike parts, we also carry a large selection of cycling accessories.
Share the love with your favorite cyclist and your bike! Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us a Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike fit, bike parts, BikeParts.com, cycling accessories, gifts, Pioneer Power Meter, power meter, PowerTap Power Meter, Stages Power Meter, Valentine's Day | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
January 25, 2018
Trainers and Rollers at BikeParts.com
While the weather conditions have been warm and dry across the state of Colorado, recently we finally got a hint of Winter with our recent snow fall. No doubt a joyous occasion for those riding fat bikes! But for those forced to ride inside, how do you make the most of winter riding? It brings up the trainer vs roller debate, as well as, how to stay motivated to ride indoors altogether.
When it comes to rollers vs the trainer, the debate is far from over as it really depends on individual preference. Both come with many different levels of resistance and accessories to fine tune the experience.
For most, a trainer will have more appeal. They are good for any type of ride from casual to the all out sprint. Trainers don’t require a lot of concentration either, so the option to flip through channels on the TV, reply to email, send text messages, or take a quick break is easier. And, trainers are great for virtual training tools like Zwift.
On the other hand, rollers offer some advantages too. They create more of a road-like feel than trainers do. Rollers help your cycling form as your legs spinning pattern becomes much more efficient. And, riding rollers keeps you a bit more mindful and engaged so that you don’t fall off!
Some things you want to take into consideration, whether you opt for rollers or the trainer, is to set it up correctly. Having the right equipment and bike parts can make your indoor workouts less boring and more effective. When we’re talking about equipment, sure, we mean having your road bike on the trainer or rollers, but we’re also talking about having a fan, a sweat towel, a trainer mat, indoor riding clothes, a cadence sensor, a power meter, and a heart rate monitor. You might not think all of these cycling accessories add up to a great trainer workout, but it can make all the difference in the world.
Make your indoor riding really count. It’s hard to stay motivated riding indoors for days in a row. So, another way to make riding indoors work is to shorten your ride. In fact, a one hour hard trainer workout will do more to improve your cycling and race fitness than 2 to 4 hours easy on the trainer. So, plan your time on the trainer or rollers accordingly.
Granted, trainer rides will never replace the joy of cycling outside. However, you can take pride in that you are getting your rides in and building your cycling base for the season ahead.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, cycling accessories, fat bikes, heart rate monitor, power meter, road bike, rollers, trainers | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
June 15, 2017
Father’s Day cycling gifts at BikeParts.com
Are you a last minute Father’s Day shopper looking to give your Dad a different kind of Father’s Day gift this year? If you’re stuck wondering what to get your cycling Dad for Father’s day, then look no further! At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we have all the cycling apparel and cycling accessories, your Dad wants.
A no brainer for Father’s day are bike parts! Think new drivetrain parts, brakes, saddle, and wheel set. We have it all! Top that off with some extra water bottles, nutrition items like gels and waffles and your Dad is all set. Granted, you might not know the precise bike parts your Dad wants, so opt for a gift certificate. He can pick out his favorite items and you get the credit for being a great kid!
Next up – gift a Bike fit. Does your Dad complain of hands falling asleep while riding? Or shoulder or neck pain after a long ride? 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. Consider giving your Dad with a bike fit for Father’s Day. This will your Dad ride pain free all year long. Give us a call (303) 216-1616 or stop by the shop in Golden to schedule your bike fit.
Finally, gift your Dad with some super powers! Well, not exactly super powers but you can gift your Dad the gift of power – power meter that is! 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.
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, cycling accessories, cycling apparel, Father's Day, Father's Day Gifts, power meter | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
May 4, 2017
No matter how fast you go, you want to ride your bike faster. Don’t you? While recreational cyclists are often happy just to get out and enjoy the fresh air, exercise and scenery, almost every cycling enthusiast is always trying to go faster on their bike.
Now that the temperature is getting warmer, the days are growing longer, and the weather is improving, Colorado cyclists are beckoned to ride their bikes. While some may have trained through the winter months, many have not. And the alluring call of gorgeous spring days lures many unprepared cyclist to ride too hard, too fast which can lead to injuries or a set back in the 2017 cycling season.
It may seem counter intuitive to a cyclist, but it is okay to go slow.
According to the post, Why It’s Cool To Be Slow in the Spring, unless you have a very early season event you were hoping to be in peak condition for, then basically, it’s okay to be a little slower right now.
At Peak Cycles, we suggest taking the subjective aspect out of your cycling performance evaluation. How you feel may vary differently from your actual performance. With that in mind, we have cycling accessories to help you get precise bio feedback to remove the guess work out of your training – specifically power meters and /or heart rate monitors. Our post, The Best Training Aids to Launch into Spring Cycling, dives into the benefits of training with power.
You may also want to check out our post, Heart Rate Training – What You Need to Know for our staff picks at Peak Cycles Bike Shop. You can also learn steps in discovering your “threshold” heart rate range, setting up heart rate training zones, and identifying the daily variables that affect heart rate. Theses bike parts and cycling accessories put the power of data in your hands so you don’t have to feel slow and can actually track your progress as your fitness improves.
But, when is it okay to be a little slow on the bike and when is it time to worry about turning that slow into go? Again, the post Why It’s Cool To Be Slow in the Spring tells us, “The short answer—so long as you have a normal base level of fitness—is about eight weeks before you want to be fast.”
So, take your time. Ease into spring. Enjoy quality training now that paves the way for a long, healthy, and enjoyable cycling season.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, cycling accessories, heart rate monitor, power meter | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
April 6, 2017
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 and events provide experience, training benefits, and act as a stage to assess your form.
However, while some may have trained through the winter months, many have not. And the alluring call of gorgeous spring days lures many unprepared cyclist to ride too hard, too fast which can lead to injuries or a set back in the 2017 cycling season. To avoid injury or setback, follow these tips to help transition into a healthy and rewarding Spring cycling season.
Tip #1
Whether you plan to ride a century, multi-day rides, race or aspire to longer or more frequent rides in 2017, monitoring your early season training and racing sets the stage for a successful year ahead. Key points to keep in mind include training intensity, duration, and frequency. Our tip to do this? Use power meters and heart rate monitors to guide you. Given that 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 2015 cycling season goals. Check out our post, The Best Training Aids to Launch into Spring Cycling, to dial in which training aid is best for you.
Tip #2
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.
Tip #3
Get your bike race ready – It’s obvious, but often overlooked with the excitement of the season – but that is getting your bike ready to race. Our post, Spring Cleaning! 4 Essential Bike Maintenance Tips to Get Your Bike on the Road, walks you through all the bike maintenance and safety checks needed before embarking on epic training rides. Fortunately, all the bikes, bike parts , cycling accessories, and cycling apparel you’ll need can be found on our website – bikeparts.com. And, if you aren’t into doing bike maintenance yourself, Call or stop in to Peak Cycles in Golden, CO to schedule your bike for a full tune-up.
Tip #4
Be prepared. April kicks off the season in Colorado with the Boulder-Roubaix, Front Range Classic, Fruita Fat Tire Festival, and Koppenberg Road Race. Not only are you testing your fitness in these early season races, but you’re also testing your memory! Don’t forget necessary event and race itms. We’ve prepared a handy, comprehensive checklist for Spring racing.
Tip #5
Early season cycling tempts cyclists to jump into race training with all the intensity, determination, and vigor they can muster. While these are positive mentalities to have, its important that competitive bicyclists not let their excitement for spring training cause them to overwork themselves. Recovery is critical. Our post, Don’t Compromise Your Spring Training Recovery Rides! Here’s How… offers resources for you to learn about recovery best-practices and get the fuel and equipment you need for adequate recovery.
Finally, have fun! Enjoy the launch of the cycling season!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike fit, bike maintenance, bike parts, bikeparts, Boulder-Roubaix, cycling apparel, cylcing accessories, Front Range Classic, Fruita Fat Tire Festival, heart rate monitor, Koppenberg Road Race, power meter | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
February 23, 2017
Power – we all want it! But how do we get it? Gaining power on the bike isn’t an overnight achievement but one that is obtained through hard work and discipline. In the past, power was somewhat of a subjective thing but today, with so many cycling training tools available, power is quantifiable. In fact, the main idea behind using cycling training tools is to dial in training to optimize performance as it relates to specific goals and objectives. How can using power help you to get fitter – faster- and stronger on the bike?
Why train with power? It’s all about “balancing how much work you do with your body’s response.” It’s the best way to measure work and intensity, as in, Power (watts) = Torque (how hard you pedal) x Cadence (how fast you pedal). “Doing too much work means injury and overtraining risk. Too little means you’re not getting the maximum benefits you want. When power is measured your training becomes that much more effective.” At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we’ve found the benefits of training with power include:
•Establishing your baseline fitness
•Accurately measuring even the smallest fitness gains
•Quantifying intensity, duration and frequency – instead of guessing
•Prevention of overtraining
•Accurately measuring energy use for nutrition planning
•Proper pacing for time trials
Sounds great! And it is! But how do you know which power meter is best for you? With so many bike parts and cycling accessories available, choosing the ideal product for your training and fitness goals is important. Fortunately, the post What to Know Before Buying a Power Meter, offers a breakdown on available power meters. Now, you might be wondering about costs? In the recent past, training with power was outside of the price range for most cyclist. However, times have changed and power meters are much more affordable. 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.
Finally, the next question – how to get started? Training with a power meter is one of the most effective way to get results. However, to get those results you need to know what those numbers mean and how to use the data to dial in your training. A great resource available via Training Peaks is a Free Ebook: How To Start Training With Power. The Ebook starts by covering the basics like determining your threshold and setting your zones. It also explains the metrics behind power, how to analyze your data, see long term trends and how to use the numbers to get faster.
Do you have questions on which power meter fits your fitness needs or budget? Stop by Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado to dial in your specific needs. You can browse the variety of cycling apparel and bike parts we have in the store while getting all your power meter questions answered. We hope to see you soon!
3 Comments | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, cycling accessories, cycling apparel, cycling training tools, Pioneer Power Meter, power meter, PowerTap Power Meter, Stages Power Meters, training with power | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
December 15, 2016
Demo a Fat Bike at BikeParts.com
Many holiday shoppers are looking to gift a different type of gift this year. Moving from purchasing products to gifting experiences. But what does that mean for the shopper who’s favorite cyclist has everything? it means, instead of purchasing more cycling apparel and cycling accessories, purchase gifts that offer an experience. When you think about it, bike riding is a joyous adventure in and of itself. Following are our favorite cycling experiential gifts worth giving.
Gift a Bike fit. Does your cyclist complain of hands falling asleep while riding? Or shoulder or neck pain after a long ride? 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. Consider the gift of giving your favorite cyclist a bike fit for Christmas. This will aid your cyclist in pain free and enjoyable riding all year long. The bonus on this is that , not only can we help them with the fit, but we carry all the bike parts required to get the bike in the very best setup for their riding needs. Give us a call (303) 216-1616 or stop by the shop in Golden to schedule your bike fit.
Demo a fat bike! That’s right! Fat bikes are all the rage – they thrive in snow, sand, desert, bogs and mud as well as riding what is considered normal mountain biking. In fact, fat bikes are the fastest growing segment in the bike industry. Book a fat bike demo for your favorite cyclist that will up the giggle factor to their normal winter riding program. Who can’t smile while riding a fat bike?
Power Up! Is your cyclist a data junkie? Then, this is the ideal gift for your favorite cyclist! 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. Using power data elevates the cycling experience offering new challenges unavailable without one.
Relax and Recover. Many cyclist push themselves relentlessly without a break or even listening to their bodies until their bodies are injured. Gift an experience of relaxation. Consider a gift certificate for a message or a yoga class. Another option is the ongoing gift of recovery using compression. Medical compression stockings have been used to treat poor blood flow for many years. Recently, the technology has been made available to cyclist of all levels. While the many claim it is difficult to prove that an immediate performance gain from wearing compression garments, many do claim that it lowers perceived muscle soreness the day after a big day on the bike and they can reduce the swelling of legs after prolonged sitting.
Finally, if all else fails, gift your cyclist with bike parts! Experimenting with new cycling accessories and parts has a way of increasing the enjoyment felt when riding a bike. So, indulge this holiday season and give a gift that keeps on giving!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike fit, bike parts, compression, cycling accessories, cycling apparel, Experiential cycling gifts, fat bike, power meter | Permalink
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 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
August 11, 2016
Training Consistency is Key for Podium Performances
The Rio 2016 Olympic Games kicked off this past weekend and already the mens’ and women’s road races and time trial medal winners have captured the heart’s of cycling fans. Watching the Olympic performances can inspire you to get slimmer, faster, and stronger. More so, you can find inspiration in the Olympics to take your health and fitness goals to new heights. Here’s what Olympic cyclists are doing that you can too.
Olympic cyclists take nutrition seriously – on and off the bike. Many cyclist have different preferences as to how they prefer to get their fuel while riding – whether that is in nutrition bars, gels, and liquids. Regardless, Olympic cyclist dial in their race day nutrition needs and execute their strategy accordingly.
Olympic cyclists train with power and heart rate. Some mistakingly think that technology takes away the “riding experience” or that it is too costly for their level of riding. However, times have changed and power meters are much more affordable. They offer objective bio feedback to help you perform your best. 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.
Olympic cyclist master race day jitters. They set clearly defined goals; establish race day success rituals; have a bike that fits; have the right bike parts, and wear the appropriate cycling accessories for the event. These may seem obvious but the small things add up to bigger gains.
Olympic cyclist recover smart. Included in the recovery process is quality sleep. According to the post, This Is Your Body On Sleep, reduced sleep negatively impacts your HGH production, and your body’s ability to restore its muscle glycogen supply. May pro cyclists add rolling or massage, stretching, compression, and low intensity activity to aid in recovery and getting a good night’s rest. As a bonus, many cyclist sleep in compression garments because they claim that it lowers perceived muscle soreness the day after a big day on the bike.
With envy, many fans watch the Olympic cyclists and wonder how they can mimic the fitness and performance of such talented athletes. It seems that pro cyclists are often thought to be blessed with nature’s special gifts – a huge heart, enormous lungs and infinite leg power. That may very well be the case; yet, the truth is that most of us have the physiology to be a decent racer – if we trained as much as they do and if we adopted their training habits. Stop by Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado to unleash your inner Olympian! We have all the bike parts and cycling accessories to help you take your fitness to new heights!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike fit, bike nutrition, bike parts, compression, cycling accessories, heart rate monitor training, Olympic cyclists, Pioneer Power Meter, power meter, PowerTap Power Meter, Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Stages Power Meter | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
July 21, 2016
Summer is a great time to travel. It’s exciting to travel to new locations, spend time with friends and family but for many cyclist, there’s that nagging thought lingering in the back of your mind which prevents you from fully embracing the vacation experience.
How much fitness do you lose when you stop training? It’s a scary thought. When you think about it, you’ve worked hard all year to increase fitness and maximize result on the bike. One option is to take your bike with you on vacation. However, that involves logistics, extra luggage, as well as, the challenge of coordinating your bike riding with non cycling family and friends activities.
Is there a way to take a vacation from your bike and not loose fitness?
For starters, a little time off from the bike might not be a bad thing. The post, Missing training – Adjusting the plan, suggest a few options for recalibrating your weekly training schedule. The big take away is the mindset. “Often remind yourself of the big picture. It’s easy to beat yourself up over missed training, but if you have been steady with training, give yourself a break. Gaining fitness doesn’t happen in one or two days and losing fitness doesn’t happen in one or two days. It takes months of steady training to gain good fitness. A few days missed or logging a fewer less hours than planned for a week is a small blip on the radar.”
With that in mind, there are some options to mitigate fitness loss and accelerate your re-entry to training upon return from vacation.
While on vacation, splurge a little with your food but be mindful too. Eat well. Vacation treats offer irresistible food temptations adding extra pounds to your waste lines. Moderate your reaching for the goodies and opt for nutritious snacks. Eating poorly during vacation can affect your mood and motivation towards training when you return. Mix a variety of non cycling exercise into your vacation. Instead of driving to a close by scenic spot, opt to walk instead. Look for hikes to do as a family. Enjoy other outdoor activities like disc golf or jogging. Discover all the different bike shops in the town you are visiting and make a goal to walk or run to explore the shop, discover the local cycling scene, and browse at bike parts.
When you return from vacation, don’t beat yourself up for missed training! You don’t want to jump right back in to your training and riding routine where you left off before vacation. Ease back into it and give yourself some slack. Great suggestions to do this are made in the post, Making up For Lost Training Time. Basically, be mindful of what you can control. You can control the intensity, duration, and consistencies of your workouts. Don’t go too hard to soon or riding too many miles right away. 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. Remember, while you may feel fresh, you did take some time off so be gentle with yourself. You can also focus your efforts on training with power and heart rate. All play a key role in bringing your training back to where you want it to be.
Enjoy vacation and time off from the bike. With a little planning you can experience all the reward of vacation with minimal fitness loss.
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: bike parts, cycling training, disc golf, heart rate monitor, nutrition, power meter, training on vacation | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
December 10, 2015
Still searching for the perfect holiday gift for your favorite cyclist? Well, if you’re anything like us at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, health and fitness are gifts that you want to share with your family and friends all year round. So why not select gifts that will help your favorite cyclist to be really motivated to continue reaching health and fitness goals in the New Year?
Your search for the perfect holiday gifts are over! Surprise and delight your favorite cyclists with our list of healthy holiday gifts!
Give the Gift of Nutrition
Nutrition matters. We all know it – but that doesn’t mean we eat and drink what we know we should. And athletes suffer from poor choices too. The symptoms of poor nutrition rears its ugly head in many ways: via muscle cramping, struggling to complete workouts, and unsuccessful race efforts. Eliminate all the frustration and gift your favorite cyclist with bike nutrition. We have several options including nutritional products just for women. Specifically, Osmo nutrition – This product is specific to women offering three options: active hydration, acute recovery, and preload hydration. Other favorites for both men and women are Scratch Labs and Honey Stinger Products.
Give the gift of Compression
Medical compression stockings have been used to treat poor blood flow for many years. Recently, the technology has been made available to cyclist of all levels. While the many claim it is difficult to prove that an immediate performance gain from wearing compression garments, many do claim that it lowers perceived muscle soreness the day after a big day on the bike and they can reduce the swelling of legs after prolonged sitting.
Give the gift a Power Meter
Is your cyclist a data junkie? Then, this is the ideal gift for your favorite cyclist! 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.
Give the Gift of a Great Fitting Bike
Gift a Bike fit – Does your cyclist complain of hands falling asleep while riding? Or shoulder or neck pain after a long ride? 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. Consider the gift of giving your favorite cyclist a bike fit for Christmas. Not only can we help them with the fit, but we carry all the bike parts required to get the bike in the very best setup for their riding needs. Give us a call (303) 216-1616 or stop by the shop in Golden to schedule your bike fit.
Give the Gift of Adventure
Gift a fat bike demo! That’s right! Fat bikes are all the rage. They thrive in snow, sand, desert, bogs and mud as well as riding what is considered normal mountain biking. In fact, fat bikes are the fastest growing segment in the bike industry. Book a fat bike demo for your favorite cyclist that will up the giggle factor to their normal winter riding program. Who can’t smile while riding a fat bike?
Give the Gift of Bike Parts
And last but not least, what is a cyclist dream gift? Bike parts! 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. In addition to bike parts, we also carry a large selection of bicycle accessories. We know bikes, and our extensive inventory includes more than 45,000 bike parts from all of the leading manufacturers including Avid, Pearl Izumi, Shimano, Rock Shox, Michelin and SRAM.
There you have it! See how easy it is to make your favorite cyclist smile this Christmas? By selecting a healthy cycling gift, you help your favorite cyclist reach health and fitness goals well into the New Year. Happy Holidays and Happy Riding!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: Avid, bicycle parts, bike fit, bike parts, BMX bike parts, compression, fat bike, healthy holiday gifts, holiday gifts, Honey Stinger products, Michelin, mountain bike parts, Osmo nutrition, Pearl Izumi, power meter, power tap, road bike parts, Rock Shox, Scratch Labs, Shimano, SRAM, Stages Power Meters | Permalink
Posted by staffwriter8
July 2, 2015
The beautiful scenery and challenging terrain of Colorado’s cycling scene beckons riders from all over the world to ride along the backdrop of blue skies and snow capped mountains. In fact, Colorado has some of the greatest road bike rides and mountain bike trails in the country. And, it’s host to one of the world’s favorite bike races – the US ProCycling Challenge. However, one of the toughest challenges a cyclist can face is how to prepare for a tour or race when traveling from out of state.
A first step in preparation is selecting the road rides, mountain bike trails, and or road and mountain bike races you want to do. July is packed with events including some of our top favorites:
- Firecracker 50
- Tour de Ladies
- Clasica de Rio Grande
- Big Mountain Enduro Keystone
- Triple Bypass
- Longmont Criterium
- SOS Outreach Colorado-Eagle River Ride
- Tour de Steamboat
- Breckenridge 100
- Salida Classic
- Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb
- Leadville Stage Race
- Colorado Freeride Festival
Next, you’ll want to gather event intelligence. As in, what are key elements you should know about the event for planning, preparation, etc. You’ll want to know the course profile. If you are a flatlander, most likely, you’ll be interested in knowing how much climbing and descending to expect. Obviously, a no brainer is to have your bike and the correct bike parts in order! If you are accustomed to riding on flat terrain, you’ll also want to have the appropriate gearing for your event. Your legs will thank you for this!
As the event gets closer, you will want to be aware of the weather conditions before, during, and soon after you expect to ride. Colorado weather changes quickly and sometimes, radically. It’s critical to prepared. With that in mind, it is important to know which cycling apparel to pack and have available during your stay.
More importantly, travelers coming from sea level to higher altitudes will want to plan their trip accordingly to allow for acclimation. Specific to altitude acclimations, there is definitely science and research behind acclimating for cycling performance but without getting too technical, following are some of most common approaches. You may consider spending time at higher elevations prior to your event which enables the body to adapt and increase the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells. This improves your ability to deliver oxygen to the brain and working muscles at all levels of activity, including high-intensity exercise. The longer you can acclimatize – the better. Keep in mind, true acclimation can take three weeks or more.
Another option and an important one is to hydrate and drink plenty of liquids. High elevations can cause fluid loss, so it’s important to stay well hydrated. Your best course of action is to stick with water or liquids that replace electrolytes and avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages. These liquids act as diuretics and can dehydrate you.
Finally, during training and racing, use your training tools for biofeedback. It’s important to know your limits going into an event and modify your strategy if necessary. This includes dialing in your race day nutrition requirements, heart rate limits, and using your power meter for feedback. Power meters are especially useful because they help riders to gauge their efforts.
Colorado tours and races in July can be rewarding experiences. Part of what makes them fun is the scenery and the great Colorado experience. However, to make the even more memorable, it’s important to evaluate your results based on your goals. What worked? What didn’t? What can you do for the next race or tour to get a better result? Be objective and explore how your mental and physical training helped prepare you for this event.
It might seem unimportant to evaluate the experience, but post event evaluation is an important element in deciding if you want to do that event again the following year. If you do, it’s helpful to make note of your bike and cycling accessory selections. What would you change or do differently next time? As in, you might wonder, did you race the right bike? Would a different wheel set make a difference? Build on this foundation to create success in planning and preparing going into next year’s event.
If you are coming in from out of state to participate in one of Colorado’s July cycling events and need help making bike part selections or deciding on the right gear for an event, give us a call at Peak Cycles Bicycle shop. We’re also on Facebook and Twitter and happy to help! Happy riding!
Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Tagged: acclimation, Big Mountain Enduro Keystone, bike parts, Bob Cook Memorial Mt. Evans Hill Climb, Breckenridge 100, Clasica de Rio Grande, Colorado Cycling in July, Colorado Freeride Festival, cycling apparel, cylcing accessories, Firecracker 50, Leadville Stage Race, Longmont Criterium, power meter, race day strategies, road bike, Salida Classic, SOS Outreach Colorado-Eagle River Ride, Tour de Ladies, Tour de Steamboat, Triple Bypass, wheel set | 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
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