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News from The Bicycle Wheel for April 2010 |
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Time to Ride!
The days are getting longer and the sun is shining. Spring in Atlanta is in full bloom! As you break out your bike for the season, keep us in mind for all your repair needs. We are quickly getting stocked up on basic repair items and we have new accessories arriving daily.
This month, our feature article is "Newbie Blunders." Maybe you just got your new bike and there are a few things you were afraid to ask. This article should cover it.
Looking forward to seeing you again,
The Staff of The Bicycle Wheel |
Join us Saturday mornings for our group road ride!
Meet at the store at 7:30AM.
We will be departing at 8:00 AM.
The route is 25 miles and this is a no-drop ride, so even if you don't know the course, we won't leave you. Click on our logo at the top to view a map of the course. You must have a road bike or flat bar hybrid to participate.
This year, we have two groups:
A Group - 16-19 mph average speed. This ride is intended for experienced riders.
B Group - 12-14 mph average speed. Just got into cycling or recently got a new road bike or flat bar hybrid? Thinking of getting into triathlons and want to train with a group? This is your ride!
See you there!
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Much of our job at The Bicycle Wheel is focused on educating folks who are getting started in the sport of cycling or training for their first triathlon. Just like picking up any new sport, hobby or activity, there is much to learn and some common perceptions of what is right. We thought the following article by Lisa Myklak, a professional mountain biker, would be extremely helpful to our customers to dispel some common misconceptions about riding.
 1. Riding With Your Seat Too Low
You think: A low seat gives me the ability to put both my feet on the ground, which makes me safer.
Truth-of-the-matter: A seat this low is too low. It stresses your knees, can cause injury, inhibits proper balance and reduces your power.
The right way: Raise your seat until when the balls of your feet are over the center of the pedals and the pedal is at the bottom of the stroke. You should have a slight bend in your knee (see illustration) and be able to barely touch the ground with your tip-toes. If you have any questions, just drop by and we'll help you with this all-important adjustment.
2. Being Afraid To Use Your Front Brake
You think: If I use my front brake, I'll go sailing over the handlebars.
Truth-of-the-matter: Because it's the more powerful brake, it IS possible to "endo" (illustration) if you apply it too hard or at the wrong time. However, not using your front  brake drastically reduces your stopping power. So, you should use it a lot.
The right way: It's best to always use both brakes. Yet, there are times, such as on steep downhills, when your front brake accounts for up to 90% of your stopping power and determines how much control you have. So it's important to practice and get comfortable using it. An important tip is to shift your body back as you brake harder in front. 3. Riding in a Cotton T-Shirt
You think: Those bright jerseys are so trendy. Who needs 'em?! My cotton shirt is perfect - and it's cheap, too!
 Truth-of-the-matter: Cotton is a great material to lounge around in. Once you start really riding, however, cotton holds onto every drop of perspiration - leaving you soaked. Plus if the weather changes from warm and sunny to chilly, that wet tee will feel awful and could even cause chills and hypothermia.
The right way: There's a reason cyclists wear what they do. Unlike tee shirts, jerseys feature wicking fabrics that actually keep you dry, warm and comfortable. Plus, they catch less air so it's easier to ride, and they often have built-in pockets for your identification, cash and energy food. You can also stuff a jacket in a pocket if the weather changes.
You think: Okay, so maybe I shouldn't have run head-on into that curb. But this is a mountain bike. It's supposed to hold up to anything. I'll tell the shop guy I was just riding along and WHAM - the wheel basically collapsed and broke.
Truth-of-the-matter: No bicycle is indestructible and warranties are designed to protect you  against defects in materials and workmanship - not crashing or abuse (even if unintentional). Plus, mechanics are able to recognize what truly caused the damage, and will be able to see right through your story. The right way: Shops feel as bad as you do when something breaks on your bike, and they want to help. Telling them a story puts them on the spot because they know it's not true. Instead, just tell them what happened and they'll do their best to make it right as soon as possible and at the best price possible because they want you out enjoying your bike again.
5. Over-lubing Your Drivetrain
 You think: The more lube I put on my chain, the better my bike will run.
Truth-of-the-matter: Excess lube quickly collects dust and dirt, thus accelerating drivetrain wear. Plus, that grimy chain leaves hard-to-remove chain tattoos on your arms, legs and car. Yuck!
The right way: Lube your chain anytime the links begin to appear shiny and dry (squeaking is a sure sign that you've waited too long for lube). Let the lube sit for a few minutes and then wipe off the excess with a rag.
6. Ignoring Mechanical Issues
You think: Yeah, my bike seems a little loose up front (or plug in your particular problem), but I want to ride, not take my bike in to get it checked. I'll just keep riding.
Truth-of-the-matter: Bicycles are relatively simple machines, but they can travel as fast as cars and you can get in trouble quickly if something serious is wrong with your bike and you neglect it.
The right way: Ride by our shop and have us take a look. We won't charge to do this and it could save you the costs of a more serious repair, or more importantly, prevent a dangerous crash. For example, in the case of that loose front end, it could save you a ruined frame and a loss of control on a downhill leading to a bad fall. When she's not traveling the world racing, Lisa Myklak resides in Boulder, Colorado. A graduate of the University of Colorado, she raced on the CU Mountain-Biking Team and won the U.S. Collegiate Downhill National Champion Title in 2002. In 2004 she won the Mountain States Cup and she currently places in the top ten at NORBA races across the country. Lisa also enjoys teaching mountain-biking clinics. |
Triathlon success starts with the details | We're Your One-Stop Shop for Last-Minute Items Getting ready to head out of town for a triathlon? You've put in hours of training - don't let it go to waste by forgetting the small stuff. Let us help you with the details. We can help you with final adjustments to your bike and help with your last-minute checklist:
- Body Glide
- Bar end plugs (you can't race without them)
- CO2 cartridges
- CO2 pumps
- Floor pumps
- Gloves
- Hammer Nutrition products (bars, gels, drinks, etc.)
- Spare tubes
- Tire levers
- Water bottles
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  2010 Cannondale road bikes are in stock now!
Stop by for a test ride today!
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The BC 906 is a computer with all
the important functions.  |
Product Spotlight:
The Sigma BC 906 Computer You don't have to be a pro to enjoy the benefits of a cycling computer. These little devices attach to your handlebar and tell you how far, how fast and how long you have been riding, among other things.
This information not only allows you to chart your progress (important if you are riding for fitness reasons), but also makes your ride more interesting. This month, we profile one of our best-selling bike computers by Sigma, the BC 906.
The BC 906 has everything a rider needs. Next to standard functions of speed, distance, trip distance and a stop watch, this all-around computer is equipped with average speed.
The computer is easily programmable with click buttons. If the battery is running low, a reminder alarms the rider before it is too late.
For the months of April and May, we are closing out all of our 2009 Sigma BC 906's. These computers are all on sale for just $20 (Reg. $44.99) and installation is free with your purchase! |
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