Get Ready to Ride FAT 

January 30, 2020

In just over 3 weeks, the Third Annual Staunton Blizzard, the Front Range Fat Bike Race & Ride, will kick-off. No doubt it is a big, fat, fun day of racing and riding for a great cause. But, it’s an even BETTER day when you are riding a new fat bike!

So consider this your official excuse to purchase a fat bike and all the fat bike, bike parts and cycling accessories you need. And, you have over 3 weeks to get it in. Are you ready? 

First, if you are fat bike curious, schedule a demo with us and check it out. You’ll be surprised to learn how easy they handle and the wide variety of riding conditions they easily tackle. We’re especially fond of the Specialized Fatboy. We have found it to be a highly rated, mid-range fat bike that is usable for a wide range of ages and skill levels. 

Once you have your bike, you’re going to have fat bike specific questions. A good first question asked is about tires and tire pressure. What kind of tires should I use? How wide? What pressure do I run? Tube vs. Tubeless?  Here’s what we suggest. You have to match tire pressure with conditions. Softer snow conditions: 6psi. Harder conditions: 8-10psi. (much lower than the normal bike). Fat-bike tires are typically marked as 26 x 4.0 though most are really more like 26 x 3.7 or 3.8. The actual size of the mounted tire will vary depending on the rim width used for the wheel.  Many riders prefer tubeless because they reduce over a point of rotation weight and they provide better traction.

You might be wondering how to dress when fat biking. Obviously, if you are going to be riding out in the cold, you’ll want to dress warm and dress appropriately.  But what does that mean exactly? You have to think a little bit harder before and during your fat bike rides in the cold. Generally, the most important tip for keeping warm is to layer and to carry a pack to put your extra layers away. Some people prefer to wear ski goggles and a ski helmet, and lots of people wear winter boots.  Poagies, insulated hand covers that slip over your handlebars, are also very useful for keeping your hands warm.   Keeping your feet warm is key. Wearing boots, preferably waterproof, with thick socks on flat pedals or clipless boots with multiple pairs of socks works. 

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

Now, all you have to do is ride your new fat bike and register for the Staunton Blizzard on February 23rd.

Get in on the fat bike action!  Take your cycling to another level of fun in 2020! See you at the Staunton Blizzard on your new fat bike! 


How to Take Advantage of Our Big Spring Sale – Part 1: Bikes

March 3, 2016

It’s that time of year again when we have fantastic deals on bikes, bike partscycling accessories, and cycling apparel. We’re talking 35-45% off! So we’re going to highlight three of our favorite and most popular bikes that are now on sale.

 Peak Cycles Spring Savings Sale

Mountain Bike – S-Works Camber FSR 29 or 650B

This bike is currently the cadillac of mountain bikes. With a suspension that easily soaks up bumps and offers a gentle ride, you’ll be biking over challenging terrain with ease and comfort. Described by Specialized as the “do-anything” trail bike, the Camber gives you superb handling without compromising your ability to efficiently climb hills. If you are looking to have fun on trails without a ton of extra effort, this is the bike for you. 

Road Bike – S-Works Roubaix SL4 Disc 

The S-Works Roubaix SL4 Disc is designed to be to a smooth ride on some of the toughest road conditions. The carbon frame maximizes vertical compliance and Zertz inserts and a CG-R seatpost work to absorb feedback from the road giving you the comfort you need for long rides and races. And as an added bonus, they hydraulic disc brakes give you more control. 

Fat Bike – Specialized Fatboy 

If you’re looking for some good old classic fun on a bike, a Specialized Fatboy is a good way to go. The Fatboy can be ridden at anytime of year – in the snow, slush, mud, and hard-packed trail. The security and control that come from the jumbo wheel system is unparalleled. Similarly, if you’re looking to test your endurance and skills, you can get a Fatboy with a lightweight carbon frame, fork and wheelset (see Specialized Fatboy Expert Carbon) that will be race-ready from the get-go. 

Specialized Fatboy Expert Carbon

If these bikes tantalize your bike senses, stop into Peak Cycles in Golden, Colorado to see what you might find at our sale. We have over 50 different types of bikes on sale and even more different types of bike partscycling accessories, and cycling apparel


8 Awesome Father’s Day Gifts for Cycling Dads

June 18, 2015
Happy Father's Day from BikeParts.com

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!


How Smart Cyclists Spend Their Tax Refund Money Wisely

April 16, 2015

Tax Refund Money for Bike PartsYou’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!


Why We Love the Specialized Fat Boy Bike 

January 8, 2015
Fatboy Specialized at BikeParts.com

Fatboy Specialized at BikeParts.com

Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop is passionate about fat bikes in the winter months. They are fun and versatile bikes that can be used in almost any terrain but are particularly useful in snowy conditions. With the explosion of enthusiastic fat bike cyclists over the past couple of years, new fat bike companies and models have formed in a rush to meet the demand. But with all of these new fat bike brands, how do you choose which fat bike is best for you?

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.   In fact, the Fatboy was rated as the best mid-range fat bike in 2014 by Gear Patrol, a magazine that covers the best in gear, adventure, and design. The following gives Gear Patrol’s review:

“Double-digit growth year after year has brought in the cycling industry big boys. The Fatboy is Specialized’s first bike in the category, and the big-name brand has delivered a lightweight frame and fork with 4.6-inch Specialized Ground Control tires, a fully butted M4 premium aluminum frame with 190mm rear spacing and a tapered head tube with clearance for five-inch tires. The lightweight frame and mix of quality components from SRAM, Tektro and Specialized at a reasonable price point make the Fatboy a great choice for beginners on up to experienced riders.”

If that isn’t exciting enough, Specialized has developed three different bikes including the Fatboy, Fatboy Expert, and the Fatboy Pro with front suspension. All three bikes share the M4 Premium Aluminum Frame and the Fatboy Expert and Fatboy Pro sport higher components such as Shimano Hydro Discs. While the Fatboy Pro offers more cushioned ride with its Bluto Suspension Fork and Sram’s XO1 rally sport package for a higher price, the other two bikes offer a solid build and smooth ride for lower budgets.

In a review, the Fatboy expert on fat-bikes.com, reviewer Gomez gave the bike a glowing report: “Our test bike purred like a kitten and did everything I could ask of it….I guess the first thing that I noticed, when riding the Fatboy were the tires. The Ground Control tires are a true to size, four point six inch, big and bad ass, knobby fat/mountain-bike tire. These tires are made for off roading. On my very first ride with the Ground Controls when I was climbing a steep asphalt hill, they brought back an instinctual memory of a familiar tactile feel similar to the best knobbies that I’ve ever ridden…. 26/29 or fat-bike….Climbing was outstanding and carving turns was confidence inspiring. Of course you can’t have all of that grip without some rolling resistance. If you’re looking for a tire that will answer the call for traction each and every time, the Ground Control is your huckleberry….This bike was born and bred to rip and shred!”

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. The two miniature bikes are featured in this short video that would excite any kid who loves to hop into the bike saddle and ride:

For a lighter ride, you can opt for lighter bike parts and also purchase tubeless tires and carbon rims.  All of which will make your FatBoy faster and more maneuverable.  Join the Fat Bike rage! Demo a fat bike at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop today or better yet – get your own!  There’s a Specialized Fatboy, Medium in black and red on sale now!!