|
Issue: 9
|
October 20, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
My new friend, Lance Armstrong
 Greetings!
Greetings!
Okay, so maybe we're not exactly friends, but I did see him at Interbike last month (my first sighting of him there in 18 years of going to the show) and was one of 200 people to get an autographed Livestrong poster. I think it's a good luck charm, because as I visited with other friends at the manufacturer exhibits, I couldn't help but notice all the smiling faces. Despite terrible economic news on Wall Street, everyone at the bicycle industry's biggest trade show of the year was optimistic - and so am I.
Why the upbeat mood? Three words: Bikes as transportation! It's a movement that's growing day by day, and it's not just commuting to work. It's people choosing bikes for short trips and errands. Haven't you seen a lot more bikes on the road lately? I know I have.
In response to the interest and the demand, the bicycle industry is responding with all sorts of bikes sure to please all sorts of people - everything from steel fixies to fun cruisers to electric bikes that help you get there a little more easily. I am really excited about the 2009 models that we already have in our stores. They are great bikes that you are going to want in your collection. Don't take my word for it - come test ride something completely different from what you're riding today. You might just fall in love with bicycling in a whole new way.
Keep Cycling!
Scott Cowan, Owner
Century Cycles
|
|
|
Tech Talk: Removing Rear Wheels
 Removing Rear Wheels Is Easy!
Afraid to
take off your rear wheel to fit the bike in a trunk or fix a flat,
because you think you'll mess up the chain or shifting? Relax. Anyone
can remove a rear wheel and it won't affect shifting or the chain.
Removing rear wheels is as easy as 1,2,3! Click here for step-by-step
instructions (with photos!)
.
|
|
Customer Service Spotlight: Layaway, Gift Cards, and Gift Bike Storage
 We know. It's not yet Halloween. But believe it or not, we've already had Christmas shoppers in the stores! For those early birds out there, this is a reminder that Century Cycles offers a few services that can make your holidays a whole lot easier. With a 20% deposit you can put any bike on Layaway. If you're buying a bike for a gift, we'd be happy to store it for you until December 24th. And for those hard-to-shop-for folks, don't forget a Century Cycles gift card. We sell them in every store and online.
|
 STAFF PROFILE: Mike "Petch" Petcher
If you want to know the history of Century Cycles, look no further than General Manager Mike Petcher. He got serious about bicycling in 1992, when he bought a Bianchi from Century Cycles the very first year the store was in business. Petch then joined the Century Cycles team in 1997 and hasn't looked back since. He and his wife Debbie live in Brunswick Hills with their beloved dog Judi and ride a Santana tandem together.
Besides the tandem, how many other bikes do you and Debbie own?
We have five other bikes besides the tandem, including two flat-bar road bikes for riding the Towpath and other trails. I also have a single speed, but my favorite is my Bianchi Vigorelli road bike.
What was your first bike?
A Murray tricycle, and I actually still have it. When I went to move my parents, I found it in their attic. The red color has faded a lot since the 1950s.
What's your favorite ride or trail?
I know it sounds like a company line since we do the Night Rides on the Towpath Trail, but my favorite ride really is a night ride on the Towpath. They are so relaxing and stress-relieving. Debbie and I have a fair amount of date nights on the Towpath, with just the two of us riding and then having dinner at the Winking Lizard. I like riding at night because there is very little to watch out for - like other riders, cars, walkers, or joggers. You can get a rhythm going.
What is a common misconception you see among bike-buyers?
They think they can get the same quality bike at the discount retailers. There are significant differences in the actual bicycles, and there are really significant differences in the skill of the assembly. Poorly-assembled bikes are a safety issue. I've seen people bring bikes in with the fork on backwards! I tell customers they and their children are safer spending a little more money to buy a bike from a bike store, where they know professionals are assembling their bikes.
What do you do when you're not working at the Medina store or riding?
My other hobbies are bass guitar and photography. I've never really had lessons or classes for either. I'm just a teach-myself kind of guy.
You and Debbie just celebrated your 30th anniversary in August. What's the secret to a long marriage?
Compromise. It's really just putting the other person before yourself.
|
|
Product Spotlight: Fenders!
 Want a product recommendation from The Petch? It's fenders.
Lots of bikes were sporting fenders at Interbike - plastic, wood, metal,
metal-that-looks-like-wood, you name it! Fenders are essential if you're
outfitting your bike for transportation or commuting. Petch recommends Planet
Bike Hardcore Fenders, great for Towpath riders and everyone else.
|
Vote for Century Cycles!
Fun Voting (no yard sign necessary): Century
Cycles is honored to be nominated as one of the area's best bike shops on
the Fox 8 Hey Butler HOT LIST! Now through November 7, you can click here
to vote for us. We are Century Cycles and we approve this message...of
thanks! |
Upcoming Winter Hours
Our hours will be changing for the winter season. After the time change on November 2nd our hours will change for Fridays and Saturdays, moving to 10:00am - 5:00pm. Our Peninsula store hours will change once again the first week of January when we will close Monday - Thursday at 6:00pm. If you have any questions about this time change feel free to give us a call or visit our website for updated hours. |
|
Big Dig Update
The Big Dig in our Rocky River location is moving along as scheduled. The weather has been very cooperative - most of the actual digging has been completed and the internal wall should be finished next week. The store of course remains open, though due to a rather large hole the rear door is unavailable. We're all looking forward to our newly expanded basement being finished on schedule the first or second week of November. Thank you for your support during our construction efforts, and when you're here don't forget to ask for your tour of the construction site!
|
|
|
Define your life. Ride a bike.™
Our Stores:
1079 N. Court St. (Rt 42, K-Mart Plaza)
Medina, OH 44256
Phone: 330-722-7119
1621 Main St. (Rt 303, Next to The Winking Lizard Tavern)
Peninsula, OH 44264
Phone: 800-201-7433
19955 Detroit Rd. (between Wagar and Wooster Roads, Next to Herb's Tavern)
Rocky River, OH 44116
Phone: 440-356-5705 |
|
|
