News from The Bicycle Wheel for December 2008

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Holiday Hours for 2008
Sunday, December 14th - 12-6 PM
Sunday, December 21st - 12-6 PM
Wednesday, December 24th - 10-6 PM
December 25th & 26th - CLOSED
 
We will resume normal business hours , Saturday, December 27th.
Happy Holidays!
 
Happy Holidays to you and your family from The Bicycle Wheel!
 
If you've always wanted to learn how to work on your own bike, here's your chance!  This month we outline our winter maintenance clinics that we will hold throughout the month of January.  Sign up now to reserve your spot.  These are hands-on clinics designed to get you more familiar with your bike.
 
Even though it is cold outside it is still important to hydrate when you ride or are outdoors.  That's why we profile hydration systems from Hydrapak this month.  These are great to take to the trail or bike path and feature lots of extra storage capacity.
 
Finally, if you are in the market for a great moutain bike, swing by and test ride the all new 2009 GT Avalanche.  These bikes consistenly get high ratings by Bicycling Magazine and are a great value.  From now until the end of the month, we are offering a one-time special of $100 off any GT Avalanche.
 
 
The Staff of The Bicycle Wheel
 
christmas dadDon't let this be you on Christmas Eve!

We are starting to run out of some of our more popular models.  Beat the deadline and shop now!

Let the staff at The Bicycle Wheel take the stress out of the Holiday Season! 
 
Shop with us.  Enjoy the experience.

Bike Maintenance Clinics return to The Bicycle Wheel

Next month we will resume our maintenance clinics at The Bicycle Wheel.  These clinics are based on the curriculum outlined in the Park Tools Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair.  Tuition includes your own copy of the book (a $25 value).  The book will serve as your text for the class and is a great reference manual to use at home.  Not only is the manual comprehensive but it includes hundreds of pictures in addition to step-by-step guidelines on how to perform a wide range of repairs on your bike. 
 
This year we will feature three different types of clinics to better serve your needs.  All of our tbw_logo_2cmaintenance clinics are conducted at our shop and, since you can bring your bike, they are hands-on as well.  The classes that we will offer this winter are listed below along with the dates.
 
Sign-up is easy.  Simply click on the logo at right to download the registration form.  Hurry since classes are limited in size to 6 per session!
 
1.  Basic Maintenance Clinic ($75).  This is a course designed with the novice mechanic in mind.  Ideal for someone who would like to learn the fundamentals to become self-sufficient in the event of a flat or some other minor mechanical problem while out riding.  Topics to be covered include:
  • Identifying the parts of a bike (seems simple, but what does your mechanic mean when he or she says "bottom bracket" or "cassette body")
  • Diagnosing problems - can you do it yourself or do you need to bring it to the shop?
  • Changing a flat and identifying what caused the flat
  • Replacing a chain
  • Adjusting derailleurs and brakes
  • Cleaning your bike
  • On-the-ride repairs

Session 1:  Tuesday, January 6th & Thursday, January 8th; 4-7 PM

Session 2:  Tuesday, January 13th & Thursday, January 15th; 4-7 PM
 
2.  Advanced Road Bike Clinic ($100) - A more advanced version of our basic course that focuses on maintenance that is performed less frequently on road or triathlon bikes.  This course is ideal for those with intermediate mechanical experience who already do much of their own maintenance.  Topics to be covered include:
  • Adjusting hubs, headsets and bottom brackets
  • Truing wheels
  • Diagnosing problems
  • Replacing cables and housing
  • Adjusting derailleurs and brakes

Session:  Tuesday, January 20th & Thursday, January 22nd; 4-7 PM

3.  Advanced Mountain Bike Clinic ($100) - A more advanced version of our basic course that focuses on maintenance that is performed less frequently on mountain, comfort and hybrid bikes.  This course is essentially the same as our Advanced Road Bike Clinic except that we cover suspension systems and adjusting both mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes.

 Session:  Tuesday, January 27th & Thursday, January 29th; 4-7 PM

Hydrapak Special
$20 Off Any In-Stock Hydrapak
Through 12/31/08.  Does not include special orders.
hydrapak flumeProduct Review:  Hydrapak Hydration Systems
 
Hydration packs are nothing new, but they are essential for some outdoor activities such as mountain biking and hiking.  In fact, many of our customers who are active golfers, sport fishers and adventure racers routinely use hydration packs in their endeavors.  Not only do they provide an easy way to transport water or an energy drink, but they also provide lots of places to store items such as a wallet, cell phone and keys. 
 
This month we feature a hydration pack from Hydrapak.  Hydrapak is a smaller company, but for the past few years they have consistently turned out some of the nicest packs available with some pretty clever features.  Some of the nicest features of Hydrapak products center around the reservoir.
 
First, Hydrapak, gives the reservoir it's own top loading sleeve; you don't need to fighthydrapak pink through a full pack to fill it.  The bite valve is round, so there's no "right" way to put it in your mouth, and it's comfortable and tasteless to bite on.  At the other end of the hose is one of Hydrapak's best features: a quick disconnect where the hose meets the reservoir. This greatly eases filling, dumping, and cleaning the reservoir because unthreading/rethreading the hose is not necessary each time the reservoir is removed.
 
Add to this lots of storage space and it's easy to see why you can use a Hydrapak for more than just riding a bike.
Let us put some cash in your stocking this Christmas Season!
$100 off a 2009 GT Avalanche Mountain Bike!
 

Only with this coupon.  Offer Expires 12/31/08.  In stock items only.  Not for special orders.