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Century Cycles
Issue: 9
October 20, 2008
In This Issue
Tech Talk: Take a Maintenance class this winter
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Staff Holiday Recommendations
CUSTOMER SERVICE SPOTLIGHT
RIDING TIP: Cold Weather Riding
QUICK LINKS
Take a Maintenance Class
Customer Service Spotlight
Product Spotlight: Holiday Gifts!
Join Our Mailing List!
Thanksgiving greetings from Scott
 
Scott Cowan Greetings! 
 
Greetings!
 
Here it is almost Thanksgiving and we're just sending you the November news! I apologize for the delay, but it's definitely been a little busy. I was just at Raleigh headquarters in Seattle for a meeting of their Dealer Advisory Board, of which I am a member. Back home, the Big Dig is done and I'm happy to report it's a rousing success. Check it out the next time you're in Rocky River!
 
Now that the cold and snow are already here, many of you have put your bikes away for the season. However, I'd like to encourage you to consider two reasons to bring your bike back out again. First, use your bike for indoor exercise. If you haven't considered this before, let us show you our selection of trainers and give you tips to get started.
 
Second, learn more about your bike and how to maintain it with our ever-popular winter maintenance classes, which you can read more about below. If you can't be riding, you might as well be preparing your bike for the rides to come! I can tell you that we already have gotten a lot of calls about the classes, so if you're interested, please don't wait to sign up.
 
From our Century Cycles family to yours, we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
 
Cheers,
 
Scott Cowan, Owner
Century Cycles

07 Maintanence Class in PeninsulaTECH TALK: Take a maintenance class this winter

Century Cycles has some of the best mechanics in the bike business and they are going to spend their winter teaching you what they know! They're experts, but you don't have to be to take a class. You just need a desire to learn more - a LOT more - about the way your bike works. Because classes are small for hands-on learning, they fill up fast. Sign up as soon as possible and don't forget to ask a friend to join you - it's fun to learn together! All classes are from 6 to 8 p.m. Click here for complete details.
 
Basic Maintenance
This hands-on session will teach you flat tire repair, lubrication, and inspecting and adjusting your bicycle for safe operation.  Don't let minor issues keep you from enjoying your ride!
(1) Two-hour class  -  $25
Session 1- Tuesday- February 3rd
Session 2- Tuesday- March 3rd
 
 
Tune-up Class
Bring your bike for a hands-on tune-up! You will clean and lube the drivetrain; adjust brakes, derailleurs, hubs, headset and bottom bracket; true wheels; and evaluate replacement parts and upgrades. Plan to get dirty and leave with a clean, well-tuned bicycle!
(2) Two-hour classes  -  $75
Session 1- Tuesdays- January 6th and 13th
Session 2- Thursdays- January 22nd and January 29th
 
                
Overhaul Class
In addition to the skills covered in the Tune-up class you will remove, clean, lube and adjust all serviceable bearings on your bicycle. Brake and shifter cables will be removed and replaced (cables needed are included with the class). In-depth derailleur adjustment and advanced wheel truing will be covered thoroughly. Bring your bike back to life!
(3) Two-hour classes  - $100
Session 1- Wednesdays- January 14th, 21st and 28th
Session 2- Mondays- February 2nd, 9th, and 16th

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Our Staff's Holiday Gift Recommendations

After logging thousands of miles on their bicycles and trying out the latest and greatest cycling products, our 30-person staff voted on their favorite gifts for this coming holiday season. They had so many great ideas that we divided them into three categories - for cyclists, for those who go-by-bike (or want to go-by-bike more in 2009!), and for bicycling families. Plus don't forget we have Century Cycles Gift Cards (which can also be purchased on our website) and stocking stuffers (Chamois Butt'r, energy bars, wool socks, and more).
 
Top 5 Holiday Gifts for Cyclists
Mi-Newt Mini-USB1.       Mi-Newt Mini-USB Lighting System: The best for the money and easiest to recharge.
2.       CycleOps Fluid2 Trainer: It's what we're using to lose the holiday pounds.
3.       Bottle Cap Helmet Mirror: Just too cool.
4.       Pearl Izumi Woolie Mammoth Jersey: Stay warm and look hot, even when you're not on your bike.
5.      A bike, of course: Steel is real - and steel bikes are hot for 2009.
 
Top 5 Holidays Gifts for People Who Go-By-Bike
Avenir Shopping Pannier1.       Avenir Grocery Panniers: Going to the grocery store on your bike was never easier.
2.       Planet Bike Hardcore Fenders: An essential accessory.
3.       Topeak Explorer Rack/Bag: You'll be amazed at how much you can carry.
4.       Blackburn Mars 3 Light Combo: To see and be seen.
5.       A bike, of course: We now have commuter bikes that come fully equipped.
 
Top 5 Holiday Gifts for Bicycling Families
Cycle-Opoly1.       Cycle-opoloy: A board game that celebrates the joy of bicycling.
2.       Balance Buddy: A new way to teach your kids to ride a bike.
3.       "Define Your Life. Ride a Trike." Baby Bib: For the tiniest cyclist-to-be.
4.       Trail-a-bike: Make any bike a tandem - and finallygo on longer rides with small kids.
5.       A bike, of course: A Giant tricycle will make a memorable holiday for all!

Wishlist Santa
CUSTOMER SERVICE SPOTLIGHT: Create a Cycling Wish List

Speaking of gifts, you can let your friends and family know about your bike-related gift preferences using our Cycling Wish List! Just fill out the simple form here.
 
When you submit the form, it will automatically be e-mailed to all three of our stores, where we will keep it on file. Then, just let your friends and family know that you've submitted your Cycling Wish List to us, and we'll use it to help them select the perfect gift for you! This service is in addition to the Wish List you can always create for yourself while browsing our extensive Online Product Catalog.


RIDING TIP: Cold weather riding

A drop in the temperatures doesn't have to necessarily mean a drop in your mileage. If you already have the clothes to keep warm, here's how to get your bike ready for the winter:
  • Consider running your tires at slightly lower than usual air pressure, to provide additional traction on slick surfaces. Studded tires are available if you are dedicated to riding even on snow and ice.
  • Reduced daylight in the winter months means having a headlight, tailight, and reflectors in case you end up out longer than expected. Reflective clothing also enhances your visibility.
  • Consider getting a "winter bike," such as a hybrid or mountain bike, to use as an alternative to your favorite summer ride. Some winter riders prefer singlespeed bikes and platform pedals, as multi-speed drive trains and clip-in pedal systems can get clogged with snow and ice and malfunction in the worst conditions.


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