News from The Bicycle Wheel for February 2009

Family - e-mail header resized
Last of the cold (hopefully)
 
February brings some of the coldest weather to the Atlanta area, but hopefully for the last time.  Soon it will be great riding weather again. 
 
If you don't already use an indoor trainer to keep fit over the winter, take a look below.  This month we overview trainers by CycleOps.  We also received another shipment of spin shoes, so now is a great time to snag a pair if you haven't done so already.
 
Finally, February tends to be the last "dormant" month for us at the shop.  This time of year is a great opportunity for you to get any repair work done quickly.  Once March hits, our shop tends to get backed up as riders scramble to get their bikes tuned up to take advantage of the great weather.
 
See you on the roads,
 
The Staff of The Bicycle Wheel 
tbw_logo_2cMaintenance Clinics on Sunday?
We've gotten lots of calls and e-mails from folks that missed our maintenance clinics in January.  If you are interested in a Sunday maintenance clinic during the month of March, please call the store and let us know.  These will be our last clinics until next winter. 
 
Although we are normally closed on Sunday, we will open for your convenience if we get enough interest.  These clinics will be taught by Amos, our manager, and will be taught in one session over aproximately 6 hours.  We only have 4 openings per class so sign up soon!  The dates are as follows:
 
Sunday, March 15th - Basic Maintenance Clinic, 2-8PM
Sunday, March 22nd - Advance Road Bike Clinic, 2-8PM 
 
Click on the logo at right to access our December newsletter which outlines the curriculum of each course.

Use an indoor trainer to stay in shape in the winter

An "indoor trainer" is a piece of equipment that makes it possible to ride your own bicycle asmtn bike in trainer a stationary bike indoors.  They are primarily used to train when riding conditions outside are not favorable.

Virtually any adult-sized, geared bicycle can be used on an indoor trainer.  The most efficient and comfortable setup requires a "slick" or nearly treadless rear tire.  Most mountain bikes have raised knobby tread tires, which can easily be switched out for 26" slick tires by your local shop.

rear wheel in trainerTrainers make it possible to efficiently build bicycle skills and power in a highly controlled environment without the unavoidable interruptions of outdoor riding.  Trainers require better technique than stationary bicycles, and they provide a more realistic-feeling ride since you are using your own bike. The geometry and resulting body position of a stationary bicycle, or "spin bike" may be significantly different from a your own bike.

There are a few basic things to keep in mind when using your bike on an indoor trainer

1. Safety - Small children and pets can be attracted to the reflections and movement of a bicycle spinning in place.  Make sure you are aware of the inherent dangers posed by your bicycle's spinning rear wheel.road bike in trainer

2. Comfort - Set up a chair or small table beside you with fluids to keep you hydrated, a watch to time yourself and a towel.  A small fan placed on the floor and aimed towards your upper body simulates the wind rushing by and will keep you from overheating indoors.

3. Entertainment - The biggest downside of an indoor trainer is that it can be monotonous.  Having an iPod or TV set up will make the time go by quickly.  Sporting events on TV, especially cycling, are excellent ways to engage your mind and motivate you while you are on your trainer.
 
With an indoor trainer, you can maintain your fitness base throughout the winter months and get a jump start on spring!
Product Review:  CycleOps Trainers  fluid trainer
 
Tired of freezing outside when you ride your bike?  Burned out on getting up at 4AM to reserve a spin bike?  Try a CycleOps trainer to keep in shape over the winter.  CycleOps offers a full range of trainers to meet a variety of needs.
  
CycleOps offers the most advanced trainers available in cycling today.  CycleOps trainers deliver road-like feel, progressive resistance, and best-in-class performance.  Since you use your own bike on these trainers, adjusting resistance is as simple as shifting your gears.
 
All CycleOps trainers are made in the USA and offer a lifetime warranty.  Stop in today for a test ride and demo.
 
For the month of February, all CycleOps trainers are on sale!
cell phoneAtlanta Bicycle Campaign Cell Phone Collection Drive
The Atlanta Bicycle Campaign, a non-profit organization that since 1991 has made it safer and easier for people to ride bicycles, has partnered with Collective Good to accept donations of used cell phones, PDA's pagers and accessories.
 
 
From now until the end of March, The Bicycle Wheel will serve as a collection point for the cause.
Stop in today with your old phones!
Save
$52!
Shimano Spinning Shoe Special
Only at The Bicycle Wheel 
 
Get a pair of Shimano spin shoes, a pair of fitted "The Bicycle Wheel" SockGuy socks and Shimano SPD cleats all for just
 
spin shoe$79.99
($132 value - Save $52) 
facebookThe Bicycle Wheel is now on facebook
 
If you are a member of facebook and logged in, you can check out our profile by clicking on the facebook button at right.  This will allow us to keep our customers up to date, real time, on events, new products and bike-related happenings in the Johns Creek / Alpharetta area.