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Bike Maintenance Clinics return to The Bicycle Wheel
"Demystify your bike and have fun at the same time!"
 This 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, which is included in your tuition (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 also includes step-by-step guidelines on how to perform a wide range of repairs on your bike.
Each year we feature two different types of clinics to better serve your needs. Both maintenance clinics are conducted at our shop and are hands-on, with each participant working on his or her bike throughout the course.
Sign-up is easy. Simply click on the logo at right to download the registration form. Bring the completed form with your payment to the store or give us a call to reserve your spot. Classes are limited to 6 participants per session.
Basic Maintenance Clinic ($100) - This is a course designed with the novice mechanic in mind. It's ideal for someone who would like to learn the fundamentals to become self-sufficient in the event of a flat or other minor mechanical problem while 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
Basic Maintenance is offered on two days for your convenience (choose one)
Session 1: Sunday, January 17th 2-7 PM
Session 2: Sunday, January 24th 2-7 PM
Advanced Maintence Clinic ($125) - This advanced version of our basic course focuses on maintenance that is performed less frequently. This course is ideal for those with intermediate mechanical experience who already do much of their own maintenance. Topics to be covered include:
Sunday, January 31st 2-7 PM |
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Product Spotlight - Continental Road Tires
For years, Continental has been known as an industry leader in bicycle tires. The Grand Prix line of tires is a by-product of ingenious engineers employing the most advanced materials available. The result is one of the fastest, most durable and best feeling tires on the market.
Grand Prix Tire Features:
Vectran Puncture Resistance - Vectran is a liquid crystal polymer that is light, flexible and strong. It has been used by NASA in the construction of both space shuttles and suits. Continental has patented its use in bike tires, which allows the tires to remain extremely light, while offering tremendous puncture protection.
Tire Wear Indicators - There are two little dimples in the center of the tire. These are wear indicators. When the dimples wear flat, it's time for a new tire.
 Black Chili Rubber Compound - The new Black Chili material incorporates rubber compound particles roughly ten times smaller than what is typically used in bicycle tires. This creates a denser rubber without adding more material. Denser rubber increases a tire's ability to conform (grip) to the road, while also increasing durability. The Black Chili compound is also more resistant to UV rays, which contribute to cracking and premature tire wear.
About the Grand Prix 4-Season:
The 4-Season is the ultimate combination of speed, lightweight (220g 700x23) construction, and all-weather performance. Excellent puncture and sidewall protection coupled with black casing and DuraSkin sidewall reinforcement offer additional protection against cuts and abrasion. The Vectran breaker wards off flats but is also supple for less rolling resistance and greater comfort than other puncture resistant barriers.
If you've used the Continental Gatorskin and are looking for similar durability with added performance, give the Grand Prix 4-Season a try.
About the Grand Prix 4000:
The Grand Prix 4000 is one of the few tires that delivers on all fronts. It is light (205g 700x23), offers tremendous puncture protection (due to a Vectran puncture protection layer), and provides amazing handling and low rolling resistance (Continental is an industry leader in developing rubber compounds). |
