The Bicycle Wheel Partners with GE Money to Offer Financing

12 month financing is now available at The Bicycle Wheel.

 

Have your eye on that new road bike but don't want to tie up your dollars all at once?  We can help.

 

We now offer 12-Month interest-deferred financing through GE Money.  With this plan, you are billed less than 4% of your total purchase each month and owe no interest on your purchase if you pay off your balance at the end of the 12-month term.

 

The application and approval process is simple and takes just 15 minutes to complete.  Once approved, you take your bike and gear that day.  Stop by today or click on the GE Money logo to learn more.

Ask the Experts

Q:  "What are the best tires to run on my road bike?" 

A:  Unfortunately, there is no "one best tire" out there.  Each tire manufacturer has its own philosophy on what a great tire should be.

 

Many tires that are known for being very puncture resistant use a harder rubber compound and Kevlar bands but tend to be less comfortable and absorb little road vibration.  Other tires that are known for being supple and great for cornering may use a softer rubber compound that wears out quicker. 

 

When choosing tires, pay attention to the "threads per inch" or TPI used in the fabric that makes up the tire's casing.  Fabric with a higher TPI count is thinner and more flexible than low TPI count fabric, so the tire's casing conforms closer to the surface it is being ridden on and absorbs more shock.

 

High TPI count also means lower rolling resistance. Most of a tire's rolling resistance is caused by the rubber deforming.  Because there is less rubber, tires with a higher TPI count convert more of the rider's energy into forward motion.  A high TPI count will cost more, but wear longer.  Some manufacturers, like Vittoria are known for having extremely high TPI counts in their casing.

 

Finally, the most important factor in how your tires perform is tire pressure.  Contrary to conventional wisdom, more pressure isn't always better.  Running too high of a pressure can actually slow you down since the tire is more prone to bouncing and wasting energy as it rolls forward.  Too little pressure is equally bad since it saps energy and can cause pinch flats and damage to your rims.  Here are two guides for optimal tire pressure:  one from Michelin and one from Vittoria.