Keep It Clean!

This means you need to clean your bike.

So you and your loved one decide it would be romantic to take your bikes to the coast for a nice ride on the beach. You may think nothing of this decision other than looking forward to the quality time, however, your bike is screaming "What have I done to deserve this?!?! I thought we were friends!"

Another Scenario: On a routine road ride you are submerged in one of the many flash storms that plague our state. For a second you think about finding cover, ducking out until it passes. Then your inner-roadie kicks in and you decide to push through, solidifying your all condition prowess. Your bike, on the other hand, is about excited as being snowed in at a cabin shared with your in laws.

In a round about way, I am trying to say, ride your bike where ever and when ever you would like. But if you don't keep it clean, you might be looking at hospital sized bills from your local wrench. To fend off a 2nd mortgage to get your bike rolling, here are some tips on keeping your bike clean!

Drive Train

This chain needs some love.

While the whole bike does need attention after a ride, the drive train (crank, chain, cassette, derailleurs) is very important. With the small bolts, pullies, and pivots, it is very easy to gum up the works.
Also, like oil to a car, a chain needs a good glaze of lube on it to run properly and reduce wear on the rest of the parts. When the chain goes through rain or dirt, too much grime can become caked on.
The trick is cleaning and lubing your chain. Many of us here in the shop are pretty impressed with Globalbike Chain Wipes and VeloShine. They simplifies the process to a few wipes each time. And let's be honest, it needs to be easy for us to do it as often as we should.
For more info about Globalbike wipes, click here or VeloShine, click here.

Not sure how to lube your chain? I could give you a detailed play-by-play but Amy Shreve does a much better job:

Another great product to keep the drive train happy is Finish Line Bike Floss. Just like floss for your teeth, Finish Line knows there are nooks and crannies that dirt can setup shop. And you need more than a rag to get in and kick dirt out. Bike Floss makes it easy to do a thorough job.

For more info on some bike floss, click here

The Rest of the Bike

To make your bike shine like it deserves a rotating platform and a Vanna-style model standing beside it. There's a little more involved than a rag and good intentions. Find a bike wash that you like. Having a bike-specific cleaner not only guarantees no harm to your precious as well as cutting down time spent cleaning. Simple Green has made a great cleaner that is not only safe for the environment but has degreaser properties to help cut through dirt and grime.
For more info on Simple Green, click here

What Not to Do
Sometimes less is more, and bike maintenance is no exception. There are many situations where not doing something could save you more money than being overly proactive. Here are a couple pointers:

• Do NOT use a hose on your bike. While it may make sense to wash off your bike, hosing the components often time pushes dirt further into very serious points like bottom brackets and headsets. 
• Do NOT mistreat your chain. Lubing one's chain is an art. If you've never done it, there will be a little bit of a learning curve. Come into the shop and we can go over it a little bit. Until then, here are a couple of points. Always clean the chain off before lubing. Do not over lube the chain. Always wipe off all excess lube. After you've lubed your chain, let the bike sit for at least a matter of hours, preferably over night.
• Leave your discs alone. If you are a mountain bike or CX rider, there is a good chance you have disc brakes. There is also a good chance that you don't know there is a very temperamental coating on the discs themselves and any sort of lube, degreaser, even grease from your fingers can do serious damage. Best to just leave them alone. 
• No WD40! If you love buying a new bike every year and constantly losing a battle to rust and failing parts, by all means, cover your bike in WD40. But it is not meant as a lubricant and is inappropriate for any part of your bike. Don't do it. 

If you have any questions or comments please leave them below and we will try to answer them as soon as possible!

Pack & Play: How to Carry Everything You Need on Your Bike

Riding to destinations is a great way to get into biking. It is hard to think of multiple hours doing nothing but pedaling as enjoyable when you've never done it. So having a destination, like the grocery store, the local coffee shop or even work, can be the ice breaker into biking.
When there is a destination there are often accessories a rider needs. Even if it's not much, it is hard to grab a cup of joe without a bike lock and wallet. Spend some time there and you may be looking to take your computer or a book. So, as always, here to help, here are a few bag systems to help you get everything you need to everywhere you want to go!
We are going to focus on three major bag systems. There are a lot of different options but these are great places to start!

Messenger Bag / Backpack

The backpack is probably the easiest initial way to carry your things. Most people have a backpack. Your standard Jansport may not be comfortable or stable while riding. Osprey brand bags, are designed to not only be comfortable on the rider's back, but also keep the needs of all types of riders in mind. Bike-specific backpacks usually come with very helpful features like built-in rain covers, places to put lights and vented arm and back pads to prefect sweaty back.
The downside to using this system is that all your items are on your back. It can be strenuous on the rider. Also, the more you need to take, the more weight will be resting on your back.

Rear Rack

If commuting or longer distance rides are what you are going for, you probably want to invest in a rear rack. The rear rack attached so the back of the bike frame and can support multiple bags of the top and sides. Using a rear rack is the way to go if you are going to the grocery store as well because it has structure to
keep the bread, eggs and milk safe. There are many different back options, from side bags (paniers) to smaller top bags.


Front Basket

The front basket is fantastic for anyone looking for that classic vintage bike look without losing too much function. There are many different options and looks in the realm of front baskets. Some are made of wicker, others are metal. The only downside about adding weight to the front of the bike is it changes how the bike handles.

Whatever your goal, don't let lack of pocket space stop you! Equip yourself with the right bag to hold whatever you may want to do. Try something new like biking to get groceries or run errands on your bike. Turn something mundane and stressful into something fun and enjoyable!

Fun in the Sun

The time has come again, and it seems we are always surprised. Florida summers are other-worldly. If you ever wanted to see what an ant feels like under a magnifying glass, go out on a ride, in Florida, this time of year, with no sun protection. But don't let the heat stop you from getting on the bike. To fend off the giant magnifying glass, here are a few steps that will ensure you have fun and stay cool!

Water is Your Friend!
Step one in your quest for outdoor ability is drinking at least double the amount of water you normally take on a ride. So drink and do it often. A good rule of thumb is that if you are thirsty, or thinking you could use a drink, you should have had a drink twenty minutes ago!

The Camelbak Podium Chill bottle is great for keeping your water cool and refreshing. For more info on the Podium, click here

Up the Electrolytes
When you sweat, it's not just water pouring out your body but electrolytes and sodium. Ignore this loss and you might as well not drink any water. Use an electrolyte/sodium-rich mix to make sure you are adequately supporting your body.
A great tool to make sure you are supplying your body with what you need is the EFS Sports Drink. For more info, click here

Don't Push It
Take more brakes and keep an eye out for shade. Remember, the body can only replenish an average of 1/3 the expended vitamins and minerals. Take frequent stops and forget about keeping your legs warmed up. Give your body time to catch up. If you are the kind of person that prefers not to listen to your body and power through situations until it's too late to recover, wear a heart rate monitor. This way you can ignore your body but listen to the watch!
The Polar FT7 is an accurate and affordable heart rate system. For more info, click here

Protect Yourself
Covering your body is becoming more and more a requirement over a preference. The more we learn about skin cancers and keeping your body healthy, sun screen doesn't always do the required work. Sun protective  garments can be the difference between a successful ride, and going home in an ambulance.
Pearl Izumi makes a great line of sun protective gear that breathes, wicks away sweat and protects from the sun. For more info, click here

Change Up your Schedule
Now that the climate has changed, your riding times may need to change as well. Early mornings and later in the night are great times to ride before it gets hot or after it has already cooled down. You may find that changing the time will give you a whole new riding experience!

There's Always the Trainer
If you have tried to get out and just can't seem to beat the heat, you may want to look for a good trainer. It is not as exhilarating as riding your favorite trail, but it is better than ignoring your bike! Plus there are training video programs that could set you up to impress everyone when you do get back on the road. Check out The Sufferfest that puts you right in the thick of actual pro races!
Blackburn's Tech Fluid is a solid trainer that fits just about any style bike! For more info, click here

Under Pressure: What Your Tire Pressure Says About You

Tire Pressure, seems to be as diverse as astrological signs. However, many people are not fully aware what it means to have different tire pressure or what they could change with just a couple pushes on the pump.

The Basics

Tubes

When you look at a tube it is going to give you its measurements, usually it says something like "700 x 20/28" Hopefully, everyone realizes this does not mean 700 x 0.7142... (math joke). 700 is the height of the tire and the width is 20 mm at the minimum and 28mm at the max. So, if your tire height/width is within the range the tube provides, you are ready to go.

Tires

Your tire has a size on it, as well as a pressure range. It will say something to the effect of "90 - 120." This is key for when you are pumping up your tires. Go past it regularly and you are asking for trouble. At the same time, going too low and it could be just as hazardous.

Valves

There are two types of valves that tubes come with, schraeder and presta. While Schraeder is familiar to everyone and a little more intuitive, presta's lock-nut design makes it perfect for higher pressure tires.
If you are not familiar with presta valves, read all about how to work with them, check out our post about it!

Why Change Up Your Tire Pressure?

So you understand the basics of everything you're inflating. Now what pressure do you prefer? Most people do not know more than one pressure and don't realize the difference in ride it can provide. The whole thing is a fairly easy thought process: More pressure --> stiffer tire --> less surface on the road --> less rolling resistance. Or the other way: Less pressure --> more tire flex --> more surface on the road --> cushier ride.
The only thing to remember in this thought process is that lower pressure does not always mean more traction.

Everybody's Different

Everybody has different muscle flexibility, fluctuating weight, riding styles and terrain. Don't let anybody tell you one tire pressure is better than another and don't be closed minded about trying a new number for a couple rides. You'll be surprised what a difference it makes!

Presta Change-O! How to Inflate a Presta Valve

While any bike-enthusiast knows of the two valve options that tubes come in, people who are just starting to ride often have a bewildered look on their face. This look often happens the day after they purchase a bike-shop quality bike and decide to go for a ride.

"I'll pump up the tires before I go!" Their admirable intentions are met with alien technology that won't work with their pump and ends up bringing the enthusiastic novice's ride to a halt before they get out of the garage.
So, for anyone sitting in their garage, poking at their tire with a stick and a confused look, here is what to do and what NOT to do with a presta valve.

I'm going to assume everyone has already, or can figure out pumping up a schraeder valve. It is the same as a car tire and even some intertubes. Chances are you've seen them and used them. I'm focusing on the presta valves.

Why use presta Valves?

There are a couple of good reasons to use presta valves that out-weigh losing the ability to pump up your tires at a gas station. Because of the manual open/close, instead of schraeder's spring loaded system, presta valves hold higher pressure much better. Less air leaks from the valve itself.
Presta valves are also much skinnier which means the hole in the wheel to put the valve through is smaller as well. This means stronger wheels.
Plus, once you get used to the differences, the general consensus is that prestas are much easier to use.

4 Steps to a harder, stiffer tire!

1. Remove the dust cap
The dust cap is the small plastic top of the valve. Dust caps are usually pointy black caps covering the valve to make sure no dirt goes into the valve.

Lefty Loosey, Righty Tighty

2. Twist open the valve
On the end of the valve, pinch and twist the "core" open. It will not come out, so keep twisting until it will not twist anymore.

3. Put the Pump Directly onto the Valve

The valve nut travels up the central core.

Depending on your style of pump, locking the pump head to the valve will be a different process. The thing to remember is to put the pump head on and off the valve in a straight line. Many a valve has been broken by people trying to pull them off at an angle.

4. Remove Pump and Tighten the Valve Core
Take the pump off the valve in a straight line. A good tip is to start with the valve at the top of the wheel, facing down. So, there is not unnecessary force going on and releasing straight down is easier. Tighten the core down until it won't twist anymore.

Now you're ready to get out at ride! On road bikes, it is common to pump your tires up before each ride. Be sure not to under- or over inflate.
If you break the stem on your first try, no reason to be discouraged. The more someone works with presta valves, the more they'll appreciate them!
If you and presta's just aren't meant to be, there are always adapters!

This is not an adapter. This is a bear.

Tour de France?

If you are just getting into cycling, you have probably found out that it is very hard not to hear about the Tour de France. Especially with the big race just days away!
But hearing about it, and understanding what is going on while watching another year of history being made are completely different. To save you the embarrassment of repeating "What just happened? Who is that? Why is he wearing polka dots again?" over and over, here is a brief rundown of the Tour de France.


The Tour de France is the biggest and greatest race of the pro cycling season. Not only are the mountains, scenery and excitement the best in the world, but all teams involved have their complete A-list rosters battling their hearts out. If something is going to happen, it will happen during the Tour de France.

Know your History

A little comradery as one rider lights the other's cigarette

The first TDF was in 1903. It was all about endurance, with the founder of the race, Henri Desgrange saying he would prefer the distance and feats to be so long, only one person would finish the race. It turned men into super humans, and some into legends.
Through the years it has been raced with fixed gear bikes, up some of the toughest mountains in the world while drinking beer and smoking cigarettes.
The first tour, stages lasted through the night but due to cheating and lack of visibility, it was cut out by the second year.

In today's tour, it is typically 21 stages with a total of no more than 2,200mi (3,500 km).

The Jerseys
There are four jerseys used to signify four different riders during the Tour de France. These jerseys are what all the teams are chasing after

Nobody looks good in polka dots...

White for the best young rider (under the age of 26). This is determined by adding up the times of each stage by the qualifying riders and whoever is making the fastest time is awarded the white jersey.

Polka dot for the king of the mountain (KOM). This jersey is awarded to the rider with the fastest climbs. It may not always be the first up the mountain, but the one who completed it ascent in the shortest time.

Green is for points classification. Points are awarded for riders who finish first, second etc. There are also sprint sections where riders can win extra points. The green jersey is often referred to as the "sprinters jersey" as it favors their style of riding. Some of the fastest men on two wheels, such as Mark Cavendish and Peter Sagan have won the green in recent years.

Yellow is the most important jersey. It is the general classification title. The rider who completes all the stages with the fastest average time. It requires an immense amount of strategy, and an entire team driven to capture and hold it.

A smaller accolade is the "prix de la combativite," or most combative rider. This is the rider who has stood out for that day of riding. Whether they surprise everyone with a great feat or drive the peleton to push themselves.
The most combative is recognized by having their rider number printed red instead of black the next day. Seems small, but when you're recognized for your actions and spirit among the greatest in the world, it's something.

Sometimes, cycling isn't the only
thing to watch.

For more information about the 2013 TDF course and some riders to look for next week, try our 2013 Tour Guide


Still not excited about the tour?

Check out this great teaser video!

Being One with Your Bike: The Bike Fit

Many people spend thousands of dollars in the world of cycling. Everything from $150 bottle cages to $18,000 bikes. If you've got money to burn, cycling is a great fire. However, many riders, both serious and casual, miss a crucial step while they continually advance their cycling experience, the bike fit.

It is a challenge for people to see the importance of a good bike fit. After all, it doesn't make the bike lighter, it's not made of carbon and it cuts into your time during the day. Although understated, how the bike holds your body and allows you to communicate your force to the road are the most important aspects of cycling. 

Like a couple, if there is poor communication between the rider and the bike, the relationship will not work. Not only will the rider be uncomfortable and lose available power but staying in the wrong position for extended periods of time can cause serious damage to the human body. Much like running, if you feel certain pains while riding, you should not stop then, you should have stopped weeks before hand. Any aerobic-based sport is based on repetition. While the rider may be causing pain to a joint, it is too little to notice each pedal rotation until it gets so bad the body cannot compensate for it. The only way to make sure you are not creating these possible lifetime problems is to get a bike fit that takes into consideration your strength and flexibility.

Barry Bonds knows how important a fit
can be

Comfort is Key

Everything I've been saying up to this point can be seen written by many other people. This is where I diverge:

The right position for you will be comfortable.

I know, it seems so simple but for many people this is a mind-blowing concept! Your body tells you how it is doing by your level of comfort and pain. Everybody's anatomy and muscle movement is different and you have to adapt the bike to flow in a comfortable position based on those movements. If you are forcing your
body into a position it does not want to be, entire sections of muscle are being taken away from pedaling and redirected to hold your body down to the "desired" position. Find a place your body is happy and there is just one thing it wants to do, move the pedals.

Body Geometry Fit

Our entire shop is a very big proponent of the Body Geometry Fit method. Within this system, there are three parts, the pre-fit assessment, the actual fit and a follow up appointment. All three points are directed towards understanding your body and changing components to match it. The fit technicians must be taught the process from the Specialized Bicycle Component University (SBCU), an educational program teaching fit techs about the functional anatomy of riding a bike and how to adapt to it.
I could keep talking about it but I would much rather watch Specialized-Lululemon cycling phenomenon, Evelyn Stevens get a Body Geometry Fit.

If you have more questions about what is going on when you ride your bike. Or think you could be more comfortable (and effective), give one of our fit technicians a call here at the shop! (407) 422-5552