It is conventional wisdom that most bike tires will last 1000-3000 miles on average. Depending on how often you ride this can be as often as every 6 months. If it’s time for new tires on your bike, consider some of these shop favorites for road, gravel, and mountain bikes.
Specialized Turbo Pro
Specialized has been really stepping up their tires in recent years and a standout tire in our minds in the Specialized Turbo Pro. This tire features a great tread, supple casing, and unrivaled GRIPTON® compound, extremely low rolling resistance, and superior cornering traction. Put it all together, and you’ll be climbing and descending with confidence and speed.
SPECIALIZED TURBO PRO 700 X 28 – 2021
Panaracer GravelKing
Panaracer makes reliable tires for gravel biking. The tried and true GravelKing is a high-performance all-road tire that can handle a wide variety of road or trail conditions and performs well through a wide range of inflation levels. The nearly smooth tread keeps rolling resistance low. At $50, they won’t break the bank either.
PANARACER GRAVELKING TIRE – 650B X 48, TUBELESS, FOLDING, BLACK/BROWN
Maxxis DHF
The Minion DHF from Maxxis is a great tire that is intended for the front but also works great on the rear. It has become the benchmark for riders wanting maximum control in loose and muddy conditions. The directional ramped center knobs provide low rolling resistance and signature channel cut side knobs provide excellent cornering traction. This tire thrives in loose, loose over hard, medium, and wet conditions.
At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we consider ourselves Santa’s helpers.
Why? Because right now, we have so many crazy, awesome sales and discounts on bike parts and cycling accessories that we’re convinced Santa wants to trade in his sleigh and ride a bike to deliver presents this year.
These are perfectholidaygifts for thebikecommuter!! 15% offKryptonitelights and 10% offKryptonitelocks
SuperSpecializedSale on bikes,tires,helmets,saddles,shoes,socks,bikeframes. In fact, we’ve got over 500 Specialized Bicycles on sale right now, including E-Bikes!Check it out!
We have holiday gifts for every cyclist on your list. Save time and money by shopping online at BikeParts.com. The time you save shopping online means you now have time to make those special cookies for Santa, right?!
Peak Cycles / BikeParts.com Training Ride up Lookout Mountain in Golden, Colorado
It’s that time of the year when road rides alternate between dry pavement and sloppy slush. And, with the warmer temperatures gracing the Front Range, riding MTB trails is a treat but there is the complication of dealing with mud, slush and a mixture of dry trail. What does this mean to cyclists? it means your bike needs some TLC. Bike maintenance isn’t always fun to do, but obviously, it is a necessity.
While there are countless recommendations on keeping your road bike or mountain bike in good, working order, these are our top 3 picks for bike maintenance during this transitional season.
Check your Wheels and Tires. Both your wheels and tires are essential for bike safety. Accompanying the snow and wet riding conditions are salt, debris, and miscellaneous items found in the cycling lanes and roads. Have you checked your tires lately? They may actually need replacing. Begin by cleaning the wheels with rubbing alcohol and dry with a cloth. Check the rims for damage and examine for loose spokes. Your wheel should run smoothly without any side-to-side wobble. Next, replace your tires. If you aren’t up for doing this yourself, let us help you. For the month of March, receive 20% off any tire with the purchase of installation in the shop!
Inspect Your Brakes. When you are shredding down a long, winding road or a steep trail grade, what’s going to stop you? Your brakes! Bike brakes use brake pads to stop your wheels from turning. Brake pads wear down over time and especially so under wet and grimy conditions. Be mindful to examine your brake pads for any uneven or extensive wear. If you do find uneven abrasions, you probably need to get your brakes adjusted and/or replaced.
As you ride more through the early season, some worn bike parts that weren’t visible upon your first bike inspection may become apparent as the season progresses. Regular maintenance is essential. Preseason bike maintenance and training paves the way for a long, healthy, and enjoyable cycling season. Stop by the Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop to pick up the cycling accessories you need to maintain your bike or let us help you!
Riding a proper fitting bike is especially important for people who cycle on a regular basis or ride longer distances. Without it, cycling can be uncomfortable, and even downright painful.
When the aches begin or when new and unusual creeks and noises arise from the bike are too loud to ignore, the first thought is to purchase a new road or mountain bike.
Granted, purchasing a new bike is awesome! But if the 2018 road and mountain bikes that are out are not within your budget., what are the best bike part upgrades that can make your ride more comfortable?
Before diving into any bike parts upgrades, you need to make sure you have a comfortable bike setup. No amount of money invested anywhere else on you bike will make a difference if you don’t feel comfortable and confident. With that said, bike fit comes first. Check out our post, Do You Know These 5 Important Bike Fit Tips? to get an idea of the 5 important bike fit tips to help you dial in your ride. And if you need help with your fit, look no further than Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop. We have a private, dedicated room designated for bike fits. We offer Specialize’s branded fit system, Body Geometry, accompanied by the newest technologies to give you a comfortable and professional bike fit experience. Not only can we help you with your fit, but we carry all the bike parts you may require to get your bike in the very best setup for your riding needs. Give us a call at (303) 216-1616 to schedule.
Aside from a bike fit, the single most effective upgrade you can make is the wheels you ride. A new wheel set will transform your current ride and if you decide later to get a new bike, they will be transferable to your next bike. Definitely a good worthwhile investment. Wheels impact ride quality, ease of pedaling, reliability, and functionality. The question is, once you’ve decided it’s time for a wheel upgrade, how do you know how to select the best ones? There are different wheel types, a variety of options for tube or tubeless wheels, and ideas to consider in tubular wheels, rim shape, spoke count, and hub options. Our video offers pointers or stop by the shop and we can help answer your questions.
There’s little point in spending money on a lighter wheel set only to ride them with cheap rubber. Invest in descent tires. One option is to go tubeless. To do this, you do need tubeless-compatible wheels to make this upgrade a reality. Most riders that have tried it never go back, so it’s an upgrade that’s well worth your attention. If you’re up for doing this yourself, you’ll want to watch our video: Going Tubeless? How to use Stans NoTubes.
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. Whatever your needs may be, we have all the bike parts and cycling apparel you need. Just stop into Peak Cycles in Golden, Colorado to see what you might find. See you soon!
Oftentimes, those making the transition from concrete to dirt experience a little trepidation in knowing what to expect and how to make the move with ease. However, with our tips, you’ll be shredding trails in no time!
First and foremost, you need to decide what mountain bike to ride. Our post, Which Mountain Bike Should You Buy, walks you through all the options available, the pros and cons of each and help dial that in for you. Granted, you’ll need a mountain bike but what size wheel, bike components, hard tail or full suspension, and all the bike parts associated with your mountain bike of choice is up to you. Obviously, we’re here to help you so stop in Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop to test ride some mountain bikes, as well as, get all of your questions answered.
Notably, after you have your bike – or get a rental bike – you’ll need to get the right cycling apparel. If you’re a road cyclist or a commuter, you can wear some of the same clothing. For instance, your helmet, jersey, and shorts will work. However, you may consider full finger gloves to protect your hands. Also, mountain bike shoes are helpful. Unlike road riding, when riding trails it isn’t uncommon to jump off the bike, walk or jog through a section, and then jump back on. Surprisingly, you may also want to swap out your road sunglasses for transition lenses. Mountain bike trails are exposed and also heavily covered with negation and trees making visibility different than when riding the road. Protecting your eyes is one thing but being able to see the trails and ride comfortably is another.
The next question is, where to ride? Trail difficulty ranges from easy to hard. The best part about harder trails is that if it seems to challenging to ride, you can walk that section. On the plus side, seeing challenging terrain gives you something to aim to achieve later. All of Golden’s trails can be found on the City of Golden website. For your convenience, however, we thought we would highlight some of our favorite cycling trails.
Chimney Gulch Trail – Skill Level: Moderate – Advanced Not too far away from downtown Golden, Chimney Gulch is a visitor and local favorite because it ascends the well-known Golden landmark — Lookout Mountain. Chimney Gulch is mostly an uphill climb which winds through the Golden foothills and emerges at the top of Lookout Mountain. At the summit, you can park your bike to enjoy gorgeous mountain and city overlooks or visit the Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve. And the way down is all downhill!
Apex Trail – Skill Level: Moderate – Advanced Similar to (but less popular than) the Chimney Gulch Trail, the Apex Trail winds up and up into Golden’s western foothills. For much of the way, the track is surrounded by pine forests, giving you a feeling that you are far away from the bustle of city life. The Chimney Gulch and Apex trails can actually be connected for an extended ride up one and down the other. If you are combining the trails, you may want to consider stopping at Buffalo Bill’s grave at the top of Lookout Mountain.
North and South Table Mountain – Skill Level: Easy – Moderate Both North and South Table Mountain (located on the east side of Golden) offer a unique mountain biking experience. The flat-top mesa makes for relatively easy cycling, which gives riders the chance to enjoy the open prairie. Both mesas have multiple access points and extensive trails that weave on top and along the side of the mountains, just out of reach of urban Golden. We find that morning and evening light glancing off the prairies make for an especially special ride on these trails.
White Ranch Trail – Skill Level: Moderate – Difficult If you are looking for solitude, this is one of your best bets. On the north end of Golden, the White Ranch Park offers a different type of beauty from the rest of town and encompasses meadows, pine forests, views of buttes, and unique rock formations. It has about 20 miles of trails that wind through both rugged and gentle terrain.
With all this in mind, it’s important to note that before taking your mountain bike for a spin, it’s important to be prepared. Having plenty of water, food and nutrition, extra tire tubes, and repair kits, as well as the right tires and maps will ensure you have an enjoyable and stress free experience. So what are you waiting for? Answer the calling of the trails – ride them!
Cross season begins in the early fall and runs through the end of December. You know, the time of year that those of us who live in places that get real, bona fide winters want to hang up our bikes and hibernate under down blankets. But In Colorado, we don’t do that because it’s cross season and cross is worth going out in the cold for. Fortunately, the cooler temps and bad weather has escaped us so far; however soon on the horizon, cyclocross racers will be greeted with mud, cold, and nastier racing conditions. Makes for more fun, right? Absolutely!
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.
A final reason to race cyclocross is because it is exhilarating FUN! Whether you are a veteran of cyclocross or a newbie, check out our cyclocross bikes online at bikeparts.com. Dial in the best bike parts and cycling accessories. Get help with your bike fit and setup and be sure to have all the right cycling apparel you need for a successful cyclocross season.
If you are a cyclist, you don’t just own a bike. At a minimum, you have a helmet, bike pump, and water bottle; you might also own bike shoes, bike gloves, various sets of tires, bike tools, bike lights…the list goes on! The fact is that keeping yourself and your bike in tip-top riding condition throughout the year requires the use of various bike parts, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel. And that can get expensive. Fortunately, it isthat time of year again when we have fantastic deals on all the bikes and cycling gear you love! Yay for bike sales, right?!
Everything 2016 is marked way down. Consider these killer deals:
Up to 35% off new 2016 Stumpjumpers!
’16 S-Works Stumpjumper 650b Medium $5590 (from $8600)
’16 Stumpjumper Expert 650b Medium & Small $4000 (from $5900)
’16 Stumpjumper Comp Carbon 650b Med & L $2540 (from $3800)
’16 S-Works and Expert Stumpjumper FSR bikes $5590 (from $8600)
Additionally we can special order any remaining 2016 bikes at crazy discounts.
Not looking for a new bike? No worries – we’ve got you covered on cycling accessory closeouts– everything from gloves, jerseys, bike parts, hydration packs, bicycle tools – you name it! Think about it. There aren’t many better upgrades for your road bike than a new set of wheels. Now is the time to get them. Do you wear a helmet every time that you ride? Probably. Well, now’s the time to replace that helmet. Replace worn out pedals, chain rings, and saddles without spending a ton of money.
If these bikes tantalize your bike senses, stop into Peak Cycles in Golden, Colorado to see what you might find at our sale. We’re confident you’ll like what you see!
Note on bike sale: Bikes must be picked up at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado. Bike cannot and will not be shipped. No exceptions. This applies to all Specialized, S-Works, Praxis Works and MSW products.
The snow is here! And lots of it! Many cyclist wonder, can I ride in the snow? And the answer: of course you can!
The important thing to remember about riding in the snow isn’t whether it’s possible—everything is possible. It’s simply a matter of being smart about riding in uncertain weather conditions. Here’s how to make snow riding work for you.
The more tread on your tires, the better. You can ride in snow on slicks, but we wouldn’t recommend it. At Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we have a large selection of tires for road bikes, mountain bikes, and cyclocross bikes. Stop in and pick up a new set of tires just for your winter cycling adventures. Speaking of tires, let some air out of your them, whatever sort they are. Ride them soft: you’ll get more grip.
Focus on a relaxed and responsive riding position. Sure, it’s natural to tense up with icy or snowy conditions, but if you focus on relaxing your hands and arms, while keeping your weight back on the bike, you may find it easier to steer the bike from your hips and less from your upper body. This makes directional changes smoother and easier with your whole mass on the bike, rather than by sudden sharp steering inputs at the handlebars.
Don’t be a speed demon! Slow down and enjoy the views! Celebrate the adventure of riding in different weather conditions. A good rule of thumb to remember is to keep your bike in good working order, maintain care of your bike parts and don’t be too ambitious about your speed. All this allows you to truly enjoy the experience.
Go fat! Fat bike that is! Fat bikes are wonderful for riding in the snow. Many fat bike models today are similar to “normal” mountain bikes, which have slacker head tube angles, lower stand-over heights, thru axles, and tapered head tubes. The main difference is the tires. The wider tires have more traction in both dirt and snow. They climb better than almost any mountain bike. If you’re new to fat bikes, you may enjoy reading about some Top Fat Bike FAQ’s or Why Go Fat. Or, stop by the shop and demo a fat bike!
Dress for the occasion. Because it’s cold out, it is tempting to overdress. Avoid that temptation! Depending on the type of ride, the duration of your ride, and the elements, your cycling apparel options make the difference between a suffer fest or a great ride. Take an inventory of your cycling clothing and ask yourself, what clothing do you need to wear in different weather conditions? Do you have waterproof and wind resistant clothing? Do you have enough of the basic cycling necessities, as in leggings? Arm warmers? Knee warmers? Scull cap? What about your base layers? Do you have enough of them or do you need to add in some fleece lined clothing? Lucky for you, at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we can help you with all of your cycling apparel needs! In fact, we’ve got quite a lot of new cycling clothing in store right now! Or, check out our How to Dress for Winter Cycling –Video for ideas dressing warmly for your winter rides.
Your experience will correlate directly to your level of preparation. It’s true, winter riding requires more diligence and commitment; but the flip side is a sense of wonder and adventure that accompanies the wintertime cycling scene.
Between trick-or-treating, Thanksgiving dinner and holiday parties, keeping the weight off can be a challenge for many individuals this time of year. According to a new survey just released by Nutrisystem, Inc., a leading provider of weight management products and services, Americans are without a doubt battling the bulge during the holiday season. The survey, conducted online in October in the U.S. on behalf of Nutrisystem by Harris Poll, polled 2,032 Americans, both male and female, and found:
Nearly 1/3 (32%) of adults said they or their spouse/partner gained weight between Halloween and New Years last year.
Of those that gained weight themselves, 3 in 4 (75%) said they gained 5 or more pounds and 1 in 3 (34%) say they gained 10 pounds or more.
About 2 in 5 claim that they (39%) or their spouse/partner (44%) went up a full clothing size during this time.
What does this mean? Don’t be that guy or gal! Ride your bike! Just because the time has changed and the temperatures are cooler doesn’t mean you have to put your cycling regime on the shelf! With an enthusiastic attitude and a few bike part changes, you can shift your end of season cycling experience to be the best one yet!
To begin, don’t be afraid of the dark! When the clocks change and the night draws in, cyclists have a decision to make: get in the groove with night riding and embrace the darkness. Or, hang up the wheels and miss out on hours of glorious saddle time. The trick to capturing the benefits is to make the time change and night riding work for you. Visibility is crucial – for you and your bike. 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. Don’t forget to wear 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.
Instead of you getting fat, just get a fat bike! Fat bikes are the hottest trend in the mountain biking world right now and not surprisingly now is the time to get on board with them. This year there is more competition in the fat bike market than ever which means lower price tags. In addition to more complete bikes, there is a huge selection of fat bike parts available which makes it easy to customize your ride with wheels, tires, and other components that fit your riding style. Check out our post, 2016 Fatboy Comp Carbon, for details. Better yet, don’t just read about it, ride a fat bike! Stop by Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop to ride, test ride, and buy a fat bike.
You’ve spent most of the year working hard, putting in long hours on the bike, sacrificing ‘bad’ foods to keep your weight down, and done your utmost to get as fit as possible. Don’t let all that hard work go to waste (or should we say waist?!)! What you do in the off-season can mean the difference between winning and losing during the next cycling season. Set your sights high for 2016 and stay fit now!
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 purchasingcycling 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.
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!
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!
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!
Are you stressing yourself out looking for the perfect holiday gift for your cyclist? Look no further! Surprise and delight your favorite cyclist with our list of best bike gifts for cyclist!
Stocking stuffer ideas are first and foremost! We mentioned in our post, Unique Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Cyclist, traditionally, stocking stuffers are smaller gifts that tend to pale in comparison to the main gifts under the Christmas tree. But with some creativity, don’t be surprised if our ideas for stocking stuffers turn out to be a big hit on Christmas morning. The usual suspects for stocking stuffers include multi tools, tubes, bottles, socks, head warmers, arm warmers, shoe covers, gloves, lube, energy bars, gels, chews and similar items. Smaller items that pack a big bang in your cyclist training regime include heart rate monitors and coaching gift certificates.
Combine these ideas with some items better placed under the tree, and you’re sure to delight your cyclist. And what might these gifts be? The very items that make cycling fun! This list of gift items includes a variety of cycling apparel: jerseys, shorts, tights, jacket, cycling shoes and…..a new bike! A new road bike, mountain bike, or even a fat bike might just be the very gift your cyclist is hoping Santa will deliver!
Another option – give the gift of experience! These are gifts that delight the whole year long!
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 partsrequired 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?
Gift an App that keeps on giving – Smart phones, apps, and technology are paving the way for increased year round fitness. Consider giving the gift of paid apps to help keep your cyclist on track. The post, Top 5 Apps for Cyclists for Off-Season Fitness Gains, offers great suggestions including Lose it!, Strava, and Sleep Cycle.
We’ve talked about gifts for your favorite cyclist, but what about the bike? There are Gifts To Give Your Bike for Christmas! You haven’t forgotten about the two wheeled friend, now have you? Show some love for the bike this holiday season. Get it some presents!
Your favorite cyclists’ bike’s #1 holiday wish would be to drop the weight – on bike components that is! 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 on your wheels. Another option is to reconsider the current crank set and pedals setup. You can help your favorite cyclist shave some weight there while also selecting lighter handlebars, a lighter saddle, and seat post. Loosing weight never seemed so easy!
And last but not least, what is a cyclist dream gift? Bike parts! What cyclist doesn’t love bike parts? Whether it’s a new shifters, brakes, seatpost, or fork, your favorite cyclist wants it.
See how easy it is to make your favorite cyclist smile this Christmas? Happy Holidays!
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.
Fat bikes are hard to miss. Their bulbous, “fat” tires roll over virtually anything, which makes them an ideal winter mode of transportation because they help cyclists traverse snowy and icy trails with ease and traction.Sounds good, but why ride a fat bike? 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.
So, how are fat bikes different than other mountain bikes? Many fat bike models today are similar to “normal” mountain bikes, which have slacker head tube angles, lower stand-over heights, thru axles, and tapered head tubes. The main difference is the tires. The wider tires have more traction in both dirt and snow. They climb better than almost any mountain bike and the fat tires provide greater cushion that feels like extra suspension.
But what makes them special is they entice you to ride outside when it’s cold! According to the post, Fat Biking 101: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Biking in the Snow, most people do not ride when it is cold because, well, it’s cold. Fat bikes offer a unique experience and allow you to explore familiar trails in a new light. Fat biking lifts the winter doldrums by giving you a new freedom to ride off-road.
Sounds good so far, right? You might be wondering in what kind of conditions can you ride your fat bike? Fat bikes can ride pretty much anywhere. They do really well on dirt but they are also very capable in the snow. Packed snow will feel very much like riding on dirt. Pushing through heaps of freshly fallen snow will provide more of a challenge and there will be some days when riding is simply impossible. Remember, while sliding around on ice may be fun, ice is ice. The bike will still go down if you are not careful riding on slippery subs.
There are other factors to consider with fat bikes – as in, how to stay warm, best pedal and footwear options, and basically, how does a fat bike ride?
Are you curious about fat bike riding? Demo a fat bike at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado and stay tuned for more upcoming blog posts on fat bike bike selections, cycling apparel, hydration strategies, fat bike bike parts, and accessories.
Specialized Epic Expert- Carbon, 2013 Size Medium. Sale price $4,500!
When does bike sale season start?
NOW!
It’s that time of the year when bikes, cycling apparel, bike parts, cycling gear all go on sale across the country. If you think redlining off the line at a race gets your heart rate going, you better think again. We’ve got some crazy, hot mountain bike sales going on at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop – a surefire way to get your adrenaline pumping.
Deal #1 – We are selling our demo bikes! There are some great deals to be had on Stumpjumpers, Cambers, Epics, and so many more. Stop by to take one out for a test ride now while the weather is still good and the trails are snow free!
Deal #2 – The HOT deal
This could be your new racing machine. Specialized Epic Expert- Carbon, 2013 Size Medium. It is priced at $4,500 a whopping discount off the regular price of $6000! We also have the exact same bike as a demo for $4200. Stop by and test it before it’s gone!
What if you aren’t in the market for a new bike? Guess what? Our daily deals offer ongoing specials for your to cash in on. Specials range from deals on bike parts, tires, shoes, pedals, lights, and all kinds of cycling accessories. To cash in on these deals, follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.
Bonus deal – On sale now! While supplies last!! Garmin Forerunner 910XT Get ’em while they’re hot!
In its first year, Peak Cycles gravity race team took 2nd overall in the Winter Park Trestle Gravity Series! We’re super proud of our racers as they finished ahead of many long-established teams!
What make them so successful? Of course, their awesome handling skills and great talent. But, we also have to tip our hat to the great mtb bikes and bike parts that help them race their best. You can spot our racers sporting the best helmets to keep those noggin’s safe.
And of course, there’s those super fast yet grippy tires and safe pedals needed for downhill action
Guess who is rocking the coolest bikes, the best bike parts, and crushing it in Colorado’s toughest mountain bike races?
You guessed it – Peak Cycles Racers!
We’re super proud of team riders Joshua Murdock and Weston Burcar who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in the overall Epic Singletrack Series at Winter Park! The Winter Park Epic Singletrack Series is a 6 series race with varying terrain, distances, and technical challenges. Navigating those challenging races takes skills, talent, and of course, good ‘ole reliable bike parts.
Congrats to all of our racers!
At BikeParts.com, we do all we can to support our competitive and non completive athletes. And while our racers can tell you, racing takes its toll on themselves as athletes, but also on their bikes. As we’re nearing the end of the XC and endurance mtb racing season, many are shifting their focus to the cyclocross season and to getting in as many good, long rides before we start seeing much cooler temps.
Good reminders for any race or ride includes starting your ride with a clean and lubricated chain, well lubed derailleurs, brake pads that are in good shape andtires have the appropriate air pressure. Stop by the Peak Cycles BIcycle shop to pick up any road parts or mtb parts you may need. Don’t forget to high five our racers!
What does the Ridgeline Rampage, Battle of the Bear, Eagle 40, and 12 Hours of Mesa Verde all have in common? Sure, they are all mountain bike races but they are also all races in which the Peak Cycles Race Team have all raced AND celebrated their success on the podium!
Congrats to all of our racers! At BikeParts.com, we do all we can to support our competitive and non completive athletes. And while our racers can tell you, racing takes its toll on themselves as athletes, but also on their bikes. The season is in full swing and most venturing into the shop want to know how to ride faster, ride easier, and what they need to do either get their bike parts in order or keep them well maintained.
So, what can we learn from our podium finishers that the rest of us can use to better our cycling season? For starters, they start their races with a clean and lubricated chain. They make sure to lubricate the moving parts of brakes and derailleurs. Their brake pads are in good shape and tires have the appropriate air pressure. And, most importantly, after they race, they inspect their bike and replace damaged bike parts.
What other things can we learn from our top racers? Find out for yourself! Stop by the Peak Cycles Bike Shop for the shop ride in Golden, Colorado, follow us on Twitter, or catch up on Colorado racing in our recent blog posts.
What’s next? Look for Taylor J Schmidt, Weston Burcar, Dan Dwyer and Joshua Murdock at this weekend’s RME Indian Creek race. Cheer them on, or better yet, get out there and race!
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!
Your bike’s #1 holiday wish would be to drop the weight – on bike components that is! The trick is where to start? Since you already feel bad about forgetting your bike on your holiday list, you might as well opt for the best weight reductions you can get for your bike. Consider getting a high quality wheel set. A good wheel set impacts ride quality, ease of pedaling, reliability, and functionality. So, get the best you can afford. Add some new, lighter tires on your wheels and your bike will thank you for the bling!
Another option is to reconsider your crank set and pedals. You can shave some weight there while also selecting lighter handlebars, a lighter saddle, and seat post. Loosing weight never seemed so easy!
Once you get lighter bike parts on your bike, not only will you notice how nice everything is, but your bike will gift you right back with another season of joyful riding. Here’s to sharing the holiday spirit with our two wheeled friends! Happy Holidays!
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Peak Cycles - BikeParts.com Blog 