How Often Should You Refresh Sealant?

September 11, 2021

Tire sealant makes the whole tubeless thing possible and in order to keep the system running smoothly, refreshing sealant is essential. But how often should you do it? There is no clear answer and after spending an hour researching various sources like GMBN, Stans, and Park Tool, we’ve boiled it down to make answering this question easier Here is what the experts have to say.

GMBN

According to the YouTube channel, Global Mountain Bike Network, if you are using the bike a few times a week, the sealant should last the life of the tire. If you are leaving the bike in storage for a while, the sealant will dry up in about 4 months. We think this might be a stretch, especially living in a hot/dry climate like Colorado.

Watch here.

Stans

Stans recommends refreshing your sealant several times per year, about every 2-7 months depending on the climate you live in. Drier and hotter climates, like ours in Colorado, means refreshing sealant more often. Stans also recommends removing the tire once per year to inspect rim tape/wheel condition and clean out old sealant.

Watch here.

Park Tool

While Park Tool didn’t have a recommended time frame for changing sealant, they do have a nifty way for checking sealant level without removing the tire. Simply use a small zip tie, cut the tip off, and insert it through the valve stem. The ridges on the zip tie will hold sealant and you’ll be able to quickly check the sealant level without the hassle of taking off your tire!

Watch here.

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Tubeless Tire Essentials

September 22, 2020

We’ll get you up and running with tubeless tires before you can say sealant!

Tubeless Tires Overview

Tubeless tires are an awesome innovation in cycling. Going tubeless means you can run lower tire pressures, offering more traction, a lower rolling resistance, and reducing the frequency of flats. There are some essential items and things you need to know about going tubeless, starting with the setup. We will walk you through the process of setting up your tires and go over a few tools to carry on the trail.  We recommend watching this video from Park Tool which covers the complete installation of tubeless tires. 

How To Set Up Tubeless Tires

To start, you’ll need a tubeless-ready tire and taped rim. Can all rims or wheels go tubeless? Any clincher rim or wheel can be used for a tubeless setup. This is the most common type of rim you will find today. The rim must be taped to seal the spoke holes, which can be done with Stan’s Rim Tape or Guerilla tape. We recommend using Stan’s Tape which is much easier to clean up and doesn’t leave behind a residue like Guerilla Tape! How do you know if your tires are Tubeless Ready? The tire will often say so on the sidewall or packaging it came in. When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s website. You can’t just use any tire for a tubeless setup. Tubeless tires have a special bead that hooks onto the rim that keeps the tire from blowing off the rim when inflated! This is a great way to spray sealant everywhere and damage your eardrums from a loud explosion! Note: you can still blow a tubeless specific tire off the rim from over inflation!

We’ve made it easy for you to shop for tubeless tires on Bikeparts.com. Just filter for Tubeless Compatible tires under the special features tab. Be sure to pick add some tubeless valve stems and tire sealant to your cart too. We have a wide variety of valve stems to choose from brands like Stans and Industry Nine. Our favorite sealants are the Race Sealant from Stans and Endurance Sealant from Orange Seal. For a smooth installation, we recommend an air compressor, but with a bit of elbow grease and will power you can do it with a floor pump. 

How To Fix A Tubeless Puncture

Once you’ve gone through the tubeless setup process you’re up and rolling! Tubeless tires do mean you will get flats less often, but they do happen from time to time. Especially if you ride somewhere very rocky like Golden. If you puncture your tire having tire plugs can be the difference between a quick fix and a long day on the trail. You’ll know you’ve punctured your tire when you hear a dreaded hiss and see sealant spraying. Grab your tubeless patch kit like this one from Lezyne. Thread the plug through the insertion device and push it in the puncture. Note, it might take multiple plugs to completely seal a puncture.

Once the hole is completely sealed, pump it back up to the desired pressure. This is where a digital pressure gauge comes in handy! In some instances, you might have lost enough air that the tire bead broke away from the rim. You can use a CO2 inflator for a quick blast of pressure to reseat the tire bead. How long with a tubeless plug last? We’ve seen tubeless plugs will last the life of the tire if installed correctly. 

Went Tubeless!

Having tubeless tires is awesome and we highly recommend it. Making sure you’re prepared with the right tools and supplies will keep you feeling confident about taking care of issues when they pop up. Have fun exploring different tire pressures and seeing what feels best. The right pressure is different for everyone and depends on a variety of factors including wheel size, tire size, riding style, and terrain. We hope this article helped guide you towards being more knowledgable and prepared when it comes to tubeless tires. Shop now at bikeparts.com for everything you need!

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The Best Bike Part Upgrades For a Better Ride

April 26, 2018

Upgrade your bicycle components at BikeParts.com

Upgrade your bicycle components at BikeParts.com

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!

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The 2015 Training Guide for Cyclist

March 12, 2015

BikeParts.com Gearing Up for 2015 Cycling Season

BikeParts.com Gearing Up for 2015 Cycling Season

March 20th at 4:45 PM MDT marks the beginning of spring.  While  we have a few days to go and the warmer temps may not quite be here yet, cyclist are getting ready for the 2015 season.  

You can feel it – enthusiasm is high!  But, enthusiastic recreational riders and competitive athletes can make early season training errors.  Namely, taking on too much physical activity too quickly. Going too fast, exercising for too long, or simply doing too much of one type of physical activity can strain your muscles and lead to an overuse injury. Understanding how to pace yourself while getting fit is crucial.

Yet, having the right bike setup, cycling accessories and gear makes all the difference too.  Especially so if you have taken it easier over the winter months. Transitioning to more time in the saddle and longer rides on the bike can be either a pleasurable experience or a painful one!  Here’s your guide to getting your bike and training in order for spring cycling.

Bike Inspections:
Does your bike have cobwebs on it from non use during the winter months?  Now’s the time to dust it off, put some air in those tires and do a thorough bike inspection.  It seems simple enough but there are some critical areas to pay attention.

What do you look for? Notice any bike parts that need to be replaced.  Saddle injuries are the result of poor seat position, height, angle or design.  While your saddle  may look and feel fine, looks can be deceiving.  Materials and composition deteriorate beyond what is visible.  Also, neck, shoulder, and bike pain can result of an improper fitting bike.  Handlebars, stems, and bike position all contribute to a rider’s stability, endurance, and safety. Make sure all is well before embarking on longer rides which could lead to lasting discomfort.

How important are brakes?  Obviously, a lot!  When you don’t have them, or they aren’t working properly, then you know the importance of well maintained brakes for your road or mountain bike.  Sure, brakes help stop your bike but they also aid in redirecting the bike, navigating technical terrain, cornering, and overall balance.  As the cycling season starts up, bike maintenance is essential.  We’re happy to help you at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop so bring your bike in for a spring tune up, or you can do bike maintenance at home.  Demonstrated by our staff, at Peak Cycles Bike Shop, using the Avid Professional Bleed Kit are step by step instructions on how to bleed your mountain bike brakes for strong and reliable stopping power: Our Tips on Bleeding Brakes. 

Another important component to spring riding is checking out your wheels.  Unquestionably, wheels matter!  They impact ride quality, ease of pedaling, reliability, and functionality.  Spring is a great time to upgrade bicycle components.  The question is, once you’ve decided it’s time for a wheel upgrade, how do you know how to select the best ones? Check our our video, Wheelset Buyer Guide: What You Need to Know.  

As for mountain bike riders, you may be thinking about going tubeless. For anyone who wants higher performance and less flats but doesn’t mind a little extra installation time and maintenance, going tubeless is the best choice.  The trick is having the right set up and knowing which bike parts or products to use.  Again, stop by the shop to ask any questions or watch our video for help. GoingTubeless? How to use Stans NoTubes by BikeParts.com  

Training and Racing:
Now that you have your bike dialed in, the next part of the equation is training.  Do you have your 2015 goals in mind?  Aside from the traditional goals to ride more, to lose weight, and to explore new rides, consider being a little more ambitious!  Stretch yourself to reach new heights!  Maybe create your own Spring training camp with friends or challenge yourself to 20 Colorado Front Range Bucket List Rides.  

If you are a competitive cyclist, determine if you are race ready.  The post, 5 Steps to Being Race Ready, reinforces the need for mental and physical preparation, as well as nutrition and bike parts checks, but part of racing is using your energy effectively – on and off the bike.  Preparing mentally, physically, and being bike ready will ensure a successful start to the season.  Our post, 5 Race Day Strategies for Spring Races in Colorado walks you step by step through the process of race preparation. 

Nutrition:
As you approach your first race or long ride of the season, you may want to read the post, A Guide to Race Day Nutrition.  While riding, many cyclist have different preferences as to how they prefer to get their fuel – whether that is in nutrition bars, gels, and liquids. However, oftentimes, a course may dictate other options.  As in, for mountain bike riders, a technical course may present obstacles in taking solid food while riding versus taking fluids.   Our post, Solving the Bike Nutrition Mystery and Training Peak’s post, Strategies For Optimum Recovery offer great suggestions to getting you on track for the nutritional demands of training and racing.

With a little preparation and planning, your pre season bike maintenance and training can pave the way for a long, healthy, and enjoyable 2015 cycling season.

Stop by Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop to pick up the bike parts you need to launch your best cycling season ever!

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8 Expert Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Bike Parts, Bicycles, and Bike Components

August 7, 2014

Expert answersWhen most walk into our Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado, they are confronted by a dazzling display of road bikes, mountain bikes, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel.  It’s enough to make your head spin!

On the flip side, it’s the many questions that are asked of our staff and mechanic’s that make our heads spin!  And, we’re happy about that!  Obviously, we love answering questions and talking about the latest and greatest.  But, general questions usually center around road bike or mountain bike?  Tubeless or not? Full suspension or hard tail?  26”, 27 1/2” or 29” wheel?  You get the picture.  Those are great shop questions that we help answer for our customers.

Yet, there are more sophisticated questions asked.  Ones that take a little more time to explain. Answering those questions, we find the following posts to help explain in further detail.

1.  Technical FAQ: Tire widths, pressures, and more
2.  What Happens When the Six Million Dollar Man (bike) Crashes?
3.  Bike Inspections: A Guide for Injury Free, Enjoyable Spring Cycling  
4.  GoingTubeless? How to use Stans NoTubes 
5.  Bike weight and the myth of ‘fast’ bikes
6.  Ask a Mechanic: Which spare parts should I have on hand?
7.  The Quickest Way To Get Faster? Get a Bike Fit! 
8;  Wheelset Buyer Guide: What You Need to Know 

Asking good questions about your bike and bike parts leads to having the right bike and gear that not only gets you on the bike, but keeps you riding.  Ride on!

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Bike Inspections: A Guide for Injury Free, Enjoyable Spring Cycling

March 27, 2014

2013 S-Works Demo 8-7 at Peak Cycles Bicycle ShopEnthusiastic recreational riders and competitive athletes can make early season training errors.  Namely, taking on too much physical activity too quickly. Going too fast, exercising for too long or simply doing too much of one type of physical activity can strain your muscles and lead to an overuse injury.  Understanding how to pace yourself while getting fit is crucial.

Yet, having the right bike setup, bike accessories and gear makes all the difference too.  Especially so if you have taken it easier over the winter months. Transitioning to more time in the saddle and longer rides on the bike can be either a pleasurable experience or a painful one!  Here’s what you need to know to get your bike in order for spring cycling.

Bike Inspection:  Does your bike have cobwebs on it from non use during the winter months?  Now’s the time to dust it off, put some air in those tires and do a thorough bike inspection.  It seems simple enough  But there are some critical areas to pay attention.  What do you look for? Notice any bike parts that need to be replaced.  Saddle injuries are the result of poor seat position, height, angle or design.  While your saddle  may look and feel fine, looks can be deceiving.  Materials and composition deteriorate beyond what is visible.  Also, neck, shoulder, and bike pain can result of an improper fitting bike.  Handlebars, stems, and bike position all contribute to a rider’s stability, endurance, and safety. Make sure all is well before embarking on longer rides which could lead to lasting discomfort.

Wheel Inspection: Obvious inspection includes tires, rims, and spokes. Check that there is adequate air pressure in the tires. Check that there aren’t any cuts or nicks in the sidewall or tread of the tires.  But maybe you’re considering a new wheel set?  Or perhaps going tubeless on your mountain bike.  Sometimes making changes to your current setup can inspire motivation to get out there and ride.  Check out our video on Wheelset Buyer Guide for What You Need to Know.  Whether you are thinking about road bike wheel sets, mountain bike wheel sets or just getting some thoughts together on wheel buying parameters and how your wheel set will affect your overall ride and other bicycle parts, this video will guide your way.

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.

Pre season 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 bike accessories you need to maintain your bike or let us help you!

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GoingTubeless? How to use Stans NoTubes by BikeParts.com

February 28, 2013

To go tubeless or not tubeless that is the question.  Or is it?  For anyone who wants higher performance and less flats but doesn’t mind a little extra installation time and maintenance, going tubeless is the best choice.  The trick is having the right set up and knowing which bike parts   or products to use.

Demonstrated in our recent instruction video,  How to use Stans NoTubes by BikeParts.com are step by step instructions to help you go tubeless.

From a performance standpoint, going tubeless is hard to beat.  It decreases rolling mass and a tubeless setup will allow you to run a lower tire pressure for better traction without risking pinch flats.  A properly installed tubeless tire system is capable of handling any condition and riding style.  Aside from our instructional video, following are the bike accessories you’ll need to get started.

See you on the trails!

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Posted by staffwriter8