News from The Bicycle Wheel for August 2010

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Back to School

As the kids make their way back to school, make sure you carve out some time for you and your bike.  This time of year is a great time to hit the roads and bike paths since there is much less congestion now that schools are back in session.

 
Have a high school grad who is going off to college this fall?  Check out our entry level mountain bikes from Raleigh - the Talus 3.0 and Eva 3.0.  We have a great selection in stock now and they make great campus bikes.
 
Also, don't forget a helmet and a lock.  Check out our article below on preventing bike theft.  For bikes being ridden on college campuses, locks are as necessary as a backpack.
 
Finally, thank you to all who attended our Grand Opening/Customer Appreciation Day August 7th.  We appreciate the show of support!
 
Looking forward to seeing you soon,
 
The Staff of The Bicycle Wheel
Preventing Bike Theft
Most bicycles are stolen because they weren't locked.  So, your first defense against theft is purchasing a quality lock and using it whenever you leave your bike unattended (even when it's inside your garage).  Thieves usually ignore protected two-wheelers because so many freebies are readily available.
  
But, don't just slap on the lock any old which way.  For example, most bicycles are equipped with quick-release wheels, which make it easy for crooks to steal your bike if you forget to lock the wheel (or the rest of the bike, if you only secure one wheel).  Likewise, if you wrap a cable around a parking meter, the felon can lift the bike over the post's top, toss your bike in his truck and take it home where he can break off the lock at his leisure.  
 
Avoid the misery of bike theft by following our seven safety rules:

1. Tell us how and where how you'll use your lock and we'll recommend the best models
Protect your investment in your bike with our best selling lock - the On Guard 5031 - Just $29.99
on guard lock
and demonstrate their use.

2. Ask us where the high-risk areas in town are so you won't make the mistake of parking there.

3. At home, store your bicycles inside. If kept in a garage, keep the door closed and store your two wheelers out of sight and locked - you never know who might cruise your neighborhood looking for valuables.

4. When stopped, if you can't take your bike inside, always lock it.

5. Always lock your bike to an unbreakable and immovable object, being certain to secure the frame and both wheels.

6. Take any easily-removed accessories and components such as pumps, computers, lights, seat bags, quick-release seat and seat post with you.

7. To reduce the risk of becoming a target, never tempt thieves by leaving your bike locked for long periods such as overnight, or securing it in a predictable fashion, such as putting it in the same bike rack every day.
Back to School Special! 
Buy any Raleigh Talus 3.0 or Raleigh Eva 3.0 and get a Free On Guard 5031 lock.  This is our best selling lock and a "must have" for bikes going away for school this fall!

Offer Expires August 31, 2010 

tbw grand opening vendorsThank you to everyone who came out to our Grand Opening!

grand opening tentThank you to all of our friends who came out Saturday, August 7th for our Grand Opening!  We had a great day that got kicked off with our Saturday morning group ride.  We had over 40 riders in attendance!  Special thanks to Nathan O'Neill of the Cannondale Bahati team for leading us.
 
tbw grand opening inside storeThe day only got better as we enjoyed a fantastic lunch provided by Boudreaux's Cajun Deli.  All of our vendors pitched in with prizes and giveaways.  See our Facebook page for more photos of the event.
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Join us Saturday mornings for our group road ride!
 Meet at the store at 7:30a.m.
Both groups depart at 8:00a.m.
 
Our Saturday morning route is 25 miles and a "no-drop" ride.  Even if you don't know the course, we won't leave you.  Click on our logo to the left to view a map of the course.  You must have a road bike or flat bar hybrid to participate.
 
This is a challenging course.  You should be able to comfortably complete at least a 20 mile ride to be at the level to complete this course. 
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 Saturday!