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Featured Product Archives (scroll down to view more Featured Product Archives)
Featured Product - Devinci Toronto - originally featured Dec 07, 2007
Enter the new for 2008 Devinci Toronto. If you use your bike primarily to pick up some fresh produce or for the commute to work this might be the one for you, and it's set up to be ready to go right out of the box. It comes standard with well-fitted fenders front and rear, a solid rear rack, and a full chain guard to protect your pant leg. More technically speaking it has sensible tires for urban rides (medium width, light tread), an upright and swept back handlebar made for casual riding, and a 7 speed internally geared rear hub so you simply have to rotate one handlebar dial back and forth in order to move thru all of the gears (and don't have to worry about messy and vulnerable derailleurs). If you're looking for the perfect commuter Christmas gift, if you're preparing for your first spring ride already, or if you plan to ride all winter but need something new come down to the shop and take a look at this, and similar models.
Featured Product - Cannondale T800 - originally featured Nov 26, 2007
We may have just the bike in the shop for you right now, and it's on sale! We got our hands on one Cannondale T800 touring bike during a manufacturer's end-of-year sale and we're passing the savings on to you by selling the bike, regularly priced at $1550, for just $1165. The Cannondale T800 is a serious touring bike with all the usual touring trimmings, including eyelets for fenders and panniers (the bike comes stock with a rear pannier), canti brakes to better accommodate said fenders, a wide gear range, and so forth. To check out all of the features come down to the shop today and start planning your '08 riding season now!
Cannondale 1FG - originally featured Nov 16, 2007
The 1FG is a single speed hardtail with a bit of a difference. First of all, instead of using horizontal rear dropouts in order to adjust chain tension the 1FG uses an eccentric bottom bracket to pick up the slack (simply rotate the bottom bracket slightly and the chain tension increases or decreases). One of the benefits to this approach is that the rear wheel remains in a fixed position (just like on a traditional, geared bike with vertical dropouts), which in turn means that the disc brake rotor always remains in the same position relative to the brake caliper and pads. Lining up the brake rotor with the pads is often somewhat problematic on horizontal dropout single speeds - there are other solutions out there but the eccentric bottom bracket is possibly the most elegant. Of course many single speeds bypass this issue altogether by using rim brakes (where the pads can be more easily adjusted to match the wheel position) but in Winnipeg winters you might want to think about using disc brakes.
Another superb feature of the 1FG is the proprietary Headshok front suspension system. Our personal experience is that the Headshok can stand up to the cold winter air better than some other systems that exhibit leakage issues when it gets cold. And of course you can always completely lock out the Headshok with the flick of one knob.
Finally, we'll point out that the 1FG is delivered with a nude aluminum frame that's simply clearcoated, which means that there's very little potential for corrosion.
We happen to have two 1FG's (size medium) in the shop right now, so if that's what you're after come by and check it out today.
'08 Ski Packages are available! - originally featured Nov 07, 2007
As is our custom we have bundled together sets of skis, bindings, boots, and poles and made them available to you at a package discounted price. You are of course still welcome to buy all of your new cross country ski stuff a la carte, but if you'd like to take advantage of our package deals check out what we have on offer below, and then come down to the shop to check things out in person. Hope to see you soon.
Masi's are coming for '08! - originally featured Nov 01, 2007
We're very excited about the latest addition to our bike line-up. For 2008 we're featuring Masi bicycles. Though they're new to us Masi isn't exactly a new name in cycling. If you've been a bike enthusiast for a while you might recognize Masi as the bike brand coveted by the lead character in the acclaimed 1979 movie "Breaking Away" (and if you were born after 1979 you owe it to yourself to rent the movie - it's a classic).
In fact the Masi name has been around much longer than that: Faliero Masi was a rider in the pro peloton in the '30's, and he began producing his namesake bikes in the '40's. Masi production moved to the U.S. in the '70's, but carried on the tradition of fine Italian craftsmanship under the guidance of Faliero Masi along with one of his best Italian framebuilders Mario Confenti and famed American framebuilder Ted Kirkbride. These American produced, Italian influenced bikes won many Olympic and World Championship medals, and became very influential to the modern era of bike design.
Faliero Masi passed away in 2000, but Ted Kirkbride and others keep the spirit of Masi alive by continuing to build bikes that combine old world history with modern technology.
The bike pictured above, a Speciale Commuter, is a perfect example of the Masi philosophy. It's made with a lightweight steel frame, semi-horizontal dropouts that can be used with a single speed or a multi-speed rear hub (and with either a mountain or a road width hub, owing to the 132.5 mm rear dropout spacing and compliant steel frame), a bent-rake front fork with a lugged crown (you don't often see that anymore), and many other nice touches.
For '08 we plan on bringing in the Commuter and a similarly designed fixie, along with the Soulville cruiser. We hope you're as excited as we are.
2008 Skis are now in stock! - originally posted Oct 16, 2007
By most local standards we're probably considered a strange bunch - we actually look forward to the cold and the falling snow that comes with winter in Winnipeg. Sure, we love riding our bikes during the dog days of summer and well into crisp prairie autumns, but we also like breaking out the cross country ski wear at the first hint of the white stuff.
Even though we've been having a pretty warm fall we know that winter isn't far off, so we're getting ready by bringing out the freshly-arrived cross country skis. Come down to the shop to check out the new stock as it arrives.
In the coming days and weeks we'll be posting some ski package deal info online so please check back here, but nothing beats checking out the new product in person. We hope to see you soon.
2008 Cannondale SystemSix Liquigas Team Issue - originally posted Oct 05, 2007
(editor's correction: This posting originally referred to the bike frame as a "SuperSix", whereas it is actually a "SystemSix", the main difference being that the SuperSix is a full carbon frame while the SystemSix is a carbon and aluminum blend. One isn't better or worse than the other - they're just different. The confusion arose because the bike in question is somewhat of a "special edition" - Cannondale has put together a few SystemSix's with the best parts available and offered them to us as a special purchase. They aren't advertised in their literature or online. This is likely the only place you'll actually catch a glimpse of them. At any rate, sorry for any confusion the original posting may have caused.)
Shop mechanic Tomek puts the finishing touches on the new arrival.
Okay, let's get the hardest part out of the way first: It's pronounced "leekee-gas". That's important to know because if you're lucky enough to buy this bike you want to be able to tell all of your friends that you're riding a Liquigas Team Issue Cannondale. Alternatively you could tell them that your bike is full Campagnolo Record equipped. If neither of those things impress your friends then you really shouldn't be hanging out with them.
The top-end Campy components are in and of themselves worth the price of admission here. Simply put these are the best components available for a road bike (or so says the editor - and I'm the only who knows the password to edit this site so you're all stuck with my opinions). You'd be hard pressed to find integrated brake levers that look or feel nicer than the carbon Campy Record levers, and the new Campy skeleton road brakes look gorgeous and have absolutely superior braking power.
But beyond the main components is, of course, the frame itself. And what a frame it is. C'dale has put together an excellent carbon and aluminum frame that is incredibly stiff up front while still being compliant and shock absorbing in the rear. This frame has already made it to the podium in major Pro-Tour road races.
And now for the best part: We've purchased a couple of these bikes at a great price directly from Cannondale so we're going to pass the deal on to you, the customer, by offering the bike with a regular price of $7500.00 for just $5000.00 plus taxes.
Price notwithstanding we could go on for a while longer (we haven't talked about things like the 580g crankset), but whether your a serious buyer or just looking to kick the tires it's probably best if instead we invite you come own and see the SystemSix Liquigas Team Issue for yourself. So consider this your invitation. No RSVP required. See you soon.
Cowbells - originally posted Sept 26, 2007
The Manitoba Union of Cyclocross Riders (MUCR's) will be hawking cowbells at all of the cyclocross races this fall, and they've also supplied us with a limited quantity to sell thru the shop.
Cowbells have been used for years in Nordic countries by spectators cheering on their favourite cross-country or downhill skiers, and have more recently spread to other countries and sports. It's amazing how motivational a bunch of cowbell-clanging fans can be for athletes trying to make it thru to the end of the competition.
No matter what events you plan to spectate in the future, an official MUCR cowbell will come in handy. What's more, as you make all the noise you can you'll be reminded that all proceeds from the purchase of your cowbell went to support the sport of cyclocross in Manitoba.
Pick up your cowbell today at the shop or make sure to have $10 in your pocket at the next cyclocross race, and then be sure to use it to cheer everyone on!
'08 Trek Fuel EX8 - originally posted Sept 09, 2007
The Trek Fuel dual suspension cross country mountain bike line-up has served its owners well for many years now, but as often becomes the case other technologies have moved forward and threatened to upstage a time-tested design. So, Trek decided it was finally time to revamp its successful Fuel lineup. We've just got our hands on two Fuel EX8 models and we must say that we are very impressed with the initial once-over.
There are many significant advancements to the new frame and linkage design, and the frame has been put together with some great parts selections that results in some really good price points for the consumer.
We usually try to feature bikes and other product on this page by writing about our own observations, but in this case we're going to take the easy way out and link you to the manufacturer's site because Trek has done an excellent job of covering in great detail all of the thoughts that went into this redesign (they've even posted a product team blog).
So, to read all about the technical features of the '08 Trek Fuel series click here.
To check out an '08 Trek Fuel EX8 in person come down to the shop today
Cannondale Cyclocross Optimo 3 - originally posted Sept 01, 2007
With cyclocross season just around the corner it's probably time to feature a cyclocross bike. We've been stocking Cannondale road and mountain bikes for many years now, but this year we've decided to also bring in one of their cyclocross models, the Optimo 3.
The Optimo 3 naturally includes Cannondale's excellent Optimo frameset and their Slice Ultra carbon fork modified to accommodate wider tires and canti brakes. The frame's rear triangle provides tons of mud clearance, and overall this has got to be one of the lightest and stiffest cyclocross frame on the market.
With a mix of solid Shimano 105 and Tiagra components, a 2 piece TruVatiV crankset, top mount brake levers, and more, this is a bike that can definitely hold its own at any local cyclocross race but is just as welcome on city streets and trails on your daily commute or on some weekend fitness riding.
We have a few other cyclocross bikes in stock right now as well, from Giant and Devinci, so if you're in the market for a cyclocross rig now is a good time to come down to the shop to check them out. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Ultimate Sport Mechanic Repair Stand - originally posted Aug 16, 2007
Unless you're really serious about doing all of your repairs yourself there will probably always be some things that will want to come into the shop for help with (our headset instillation tool costs hundreds of dollars, so unless you plan on swapping headsets weekly we may as well do that for you).
None the less, for the quick repairs that you can take care of yourself there's nothing like having your own repair stand to hold your bike while you tune it up. Or, for that matter, while you clean it.
You can of course just prop your bike up against the fence or tree in the back yard or turn it upside down and rest it on the bars and saddle in the basement, but nothing beats using a real stand. A properly used bike stand ensures that your bike won't get scuffed during work and allows you to work freely on the whole bike, including spinning the wheels and turning over the drivetrain. Suddenly making brake adjustments, doing minor wheel truing, adjusting the gears, etc. becomes a lot easier.
The Ultimate Sport Mechanic Repair Stand is a simple stand that has an easy to use height adjustment to accommodate different bike (and mechanic) heights, and is easily foldable so that you can conveniently transport it to the races. It weighs just 13 lbs so you can drag it just about anywhere, but it supports bikes that weigh up to 65 lbs - if your bike weighs more than that we need to talk.
At the time of this posting we have a few stands in stock so feel free to come down to the shop and check them out today. Your bike will love you for it.
Jagwire Brake and Derailleur Cables and Housing - originally posted Aug 10, 2007
If you're the kind of person that baby's their bike(s) you probably pay attention to the kind of brakes and derailleur your bike comes spec'd with and make the 'necessary' upgrades, you keep the brake pads aligned and the derailleur limiters set correctly, and you generally make sure things are running smoothly.
But while you adjust things as best you can and pay attention to the major components you might be overlooking something equally as important: Your cables and housing.
Over time your cables have a tendency to attract grime, they stretch, they develop rough spots, and so on, and the cable housing can also develop problems by aging, cracking, and crimping, and by collecting the grime that the cables attracted. All of this means that you might have the best brakes and derailleurs that money can buy but you won't get the best performance out of them without the best cables and housing.
Jagwire's Ripcord Pro cables and housing are among the best in the business, and virtually guarantee excellent performance when mated to good quality parts that are dialed in properly. The housing is Kevlar-reinforced and compressionless to minimize the chances that your cables will be squeezed within the housing. The cables are Teflon coated and corrosion resistant for friction free braking and shifting. And, the cables and housing are lightweight to keep your rig featherlight.
If you act fast we even have a few sets of pink cables in stock, for riders who are tough enough on their own.
'Summer' Jerseys - originally posted Aug 01, 2007
All in-stock summer jersey's 50% off during the month of August!
We live in a pretty strange part of the world: In the dead of winter the weather officials tell us to stay inside because exposed skin can freeze outside in less than one minute, and then during the dog days of summer we're told to stay indoors because we're likely to faint or experience heart troubles if we spend time outside when the humidex is over 40. Where else in the world do you get those kinds of extremes?
Fortunately these days we have a better than ever selection of clothes to keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summer so we don't have to completely halt our outdoor activities when the temperatures get extreme. For hot summer days we have a good selection of jerseys made of cool fabrics, and some that are sleeveless.
The women's jersey pictured above, made by Sugoi, has a sweat-wicking mesh back and sides to provide ultimate cooling properties for those hot training rides, and the front has a long zipper that can be used to expose and cool off even a little more skin.
We're not saying that wearing one of these jerseys will keep you from sweating and get you home smelling like roses, but hey, everything little thing helps. When you're barely making it thru 35 C heat just keep in mind that in six months it will be 70 degrees colder. And until then feel free to come down to the shop and check out our selection of summer jerseys.
CamelBak - originally posted July 25, 2007
So is it just us or is it blazing hot out there? Frankly, two water bottles on the bike isn't even enough these days, though it's certainly better than nothing. Fortunately there are other hydration solutions out there, including the industry standard in hydration systems, CamelBak.
Though there are many different CamelBak models to choose from, ranging in size and capacity and incorporating different features, all models have one thing in common; They let you carry water or other fluid replacements on your back, which allows you to either carry fluid in addition to what's already in bottles on your bike or as a substitute if you wish to leave your frame free from the extra weight or burden of carrying water.
CamelBak has a patented "Big Bite Valve", which Bicycling Magazine considers the best in the business. It does an excellent job of effortlessly transferring fluid from the reservoir to your mouth while being pretty much leak free when you're not using it. In addition to that most CamelBak models come with shut off valves that guarantee no leakage.
Much of the rest of the packs are well thought out as well, including thermal lining on winter packs to help prevent fluid from freezing up within the drinking tube, durable materials that can really take a lot of abuse, an easy to fill and easy to clean reservoir that is made with bacteria-repelling material, and so forth.
Of course the many different models help you get the pack that is right for you. You can choose the right style depending on how much fluid you need to take with you, how much storage area you require, what type of sport you're involved in, etc.
All in all they're worth checking out, especially during these dog days of summer. We usually have a few different models in stock so feel free to come by today to see what we've got for you.
VeloNews - originally posted July 09, 2007
We'll readily admit that these days there is all too much negative bike racing news to report on (most of the bad news starts with the letter "d" and ends with "rugs"), but we also can't deny the steadfast beauty of a peleton of 189 riders snaking its way through small French towns, or the inspiring stories from the front, or back, of an epic 24 hour mountain bike race. And we can never get enough coverage of the pro's new toys, including whole bikes, components, accessories, or even new training techniques.
VeloNews has long been a leading magazine in the coverage of major competitive cycling events worldwide, with a special emphasis on North America. The pictures alone are worth the cover price, but you'll find a lot more inside the cover whether you're interested in the pros or not.
To get your monthly fix stop by the shop today and pick up the current copy of VeloNews. New copies are arriving, well, monthly.
Rohloff Hubs - originally posted June 27, 2007
Many of us at the shop (and many others we see around town) like the simplicity of single speed bikes, with their perfect chain lines, low maintenance, clean aesthetic appeal, and so forth. But, we recognize that sometimes it's just a heck of a lot more convenient to have a few gears to get thru that hilly section or mud bog, or just to be able to pedal a little easier or harder for a bit.
Is it too much to ask for everything? Maybe not. Rohloff offers an excellent internally geared hub that allows you to do away with derailleurs and cassettes and lets you keep a perfect chainline while still giving you the convenience of gears by providing 14 gears built into the hub itself. Because the 14 internal gears are spaced at perfectly even increments (13.6% to be exact) you actually get as much range and functionality out of them as you would out of a conventional 27 speed mountain bike or 30 speed road bike where the gears are not evenly spaced and where some are less useable then others due to chain angle issues.
Rohloff hubs offer other interesting benefits as well, like the ability to shift while stopped or while under heavy load (e.g. climbing up a steep incline).
Is there a downside to the Rohloff hub? Maybe. For one thing they're not light, although compared with the extra chainrings, cogs, and shifters that they replace there isn't much of a weight penalty if any at all. Oh, and they're not cheap. A decent wheel built with a Rohloff hub is around $2000. Yup, that really is 3 zeros behind the 2. It's important to point out though that Rohloff hubs have been known to operate flawlessly for 100,000 kms (and counting) with no major mechanical issues. The rumour is that Rohloff, who has been making these hubs since 1997, has never had one returned due to failure. A conventional geared drive train won't last anywhere near that long. Top end road and mountain derailler/shifter combinations easily cost $1000, so if that's the kind of stuff you're already looking at then Rohloff hubs could actually be considered a bargain considering their life expectancy. Well, may 'bargain' is pushing it, but you get the idea.
We just recently built up a Rohloff hub for a customer who is out on the road riding across Western Canada at the time of this posting. We'll try to get some feedback from him when we returns soon and will follow up here with his thoughts. Stay tuned...
Tires - originally posted June 13, 2007
For a lot of folks bike tires aren't the most glamorous part of their bike, but they should be one of the most important. The right tire can mean a world of difference to your quality of ride. Of course the right tire depends a lot on what your doing with your bike. Allow us to provide a brief overview of different tire uses. This is by no means comprehensive, but it's a start:
1) Casual mountain biking: Many mountain bikes come stock with beefy, wide tires with pronounced rubber knobs that are good for challenging dirt trails. Unfortunately many of these tires never really see much dirt trail because the owner is often mainly interested in riding along the road or bike path - nothing wrong with that, but it does mean you might have a less then ideal tire for the job. Instead of running large knobs that are less efficient on pavement and heavier in general, consider narrower tires (say 1.5 to 2.0 inches wide instead of beyond 2.0 inches) with a solid centre bead, or maybe even a semi-slick tire that does away with pronounced knobs altogether. The bike won't handle as well on the challenging trails (though it should still be adequate for the occasional shortcut), but it will feel much faster on the road.
2) Enthusiast / Competitive Mountain biking: If you've invested a large amount of money in your bike it's worth investing in more than one pair of tires that you can swap out depending on the conditions. What works well in dry weather doesn't necessarily work well in rainy situations; what performs great on packed singletrack might not be the best for sandy riding, and so forth. Tires have a lifespan that is almost always shorter than that of your bike so swapping out between two sets of tires (or more) doesn't really cost more in the long run, it just means you buy two pairs right at the beginning and keep them for twice as long. We stock a wide range of tires that are suited to specific types of mountain biking terrain and weather, and if you'd like to come down to the shop we'd be happy to answer specific questions about what tread is best for every circumstance.
3) Urban commuters, hybrids, cyclocross'ers: After a dominant mountain bike market for the past couple of decades we're starting to see many more road wheels cruising down the city streets again. Some of them are used on do-it-yourself road bike commuters, some are on hybrids (that seem to be gaining in popularity each day) and some on cyclocross bikes that are used as everyday runabouts. Generally speaking these bikes, when used for urban riding, are best spec'd with wide'ish' road tires (maybe 25 - 35 mm or so) with or without a little bit of tread. Tires in these dimensions provide a little more traction, can more confidently be taken off road for short jaunts, and can be run at lower tire pressures allowing for a plusher ride. They also tend to have a little more rubber than their skinnier brethren and therefore generally have a little more puncture resistance.
4) Road bikes: Full on road cycling and road racing is all about being fast and efficient, and when it comes to tires that generally means skinny and high pressure. It can get a lot more complicated then than though as you start to look at different compounds, clinchers (tires that require tubes) vs. tubulars (tires that do not require tubes and are glued on to your wheel's rim) or even 'tubular clinchers' (tires that fit onto clincher rims but work sort of like tubulars and don't require a tube). Road cycling enthusiast can be pretty particular about their tires so we try to stock a pretty good selection.
There's plenty that we haven't discussed here, but hopefully this at least lets you know that there may be things that you would like to discuss with us - and that's exactly what we're here for (and frankly there's nothing we'd rather be doing, except maybe for riding ourselves) so cruise on down to the shop anytime to pick our brains, and keep the rubber side down. See you soon.
Kids Bikes - originally posted May 23, 2007
We see a lot of 'adult' bikes go thru our doors every year, including road racing bikes, hardtail and dual suspension mountain bikes, single speeds, cruisers, hybrids, comfort bikes, cyclocross racers, tandems, trials bikes, and so forth. But nothing excites us more than selling a kid's bike. Watching a young girl or boy put their leg over a bike and take a test ride down the sidewalk in front of the store reminds us of our first ride - the sheer coolness of cruising on your own two wheels for the first time is an amazing feeling.
Back in the day most of us had to ride bikes that started out way to big for us (remember the bikes with the removable 'boy bar' that you had to leave off the bike until you got big enough to be able to straddle it on your own). Our editor remembers memorizing strategic points along his first bike route where he could use a low lying fence or a tree stump to help him remount his first bike (which was much too big for him) if he fell part way thru the ride.
These days bikes are built to actually fit you, even when you're 6 years old! We have a great range of bikes available for our smallest customers. And of course our kids bikes are professionally put together and serviced just the same as our high end adult rigs are. If you think your child has grown out of his or her trike over the winter, or if they've grown into a bigger size, bring them down to the shop to see if we've got something to get them back on the road (or sidewalk). There's nothing we'd rather do than get your child rolling again.
Casual Cycling Shorts - originally posted May 03, 2007
Many of us in the shop (though decidedly not all of us) wear Lycra shorts for long road rides, or for cross country mountain bike racing, etc. because under those circumstances the close fit, flexibility, and extra padding of a chamois is just what we need. However, there are also times when that is exactly what we are not looking for.
For more casual rides, for short commutes, for times when we plan to be on and off the bike frequently, and so forth, we often look for more casual shorts that are still cut for our cycling specific needs.
Fortunately there are a number of brands that are now catering to those needs, such as Race Face which makes the 6x6 Short pictured above. The 6x6, available in camo or 'plain' beige, are cut to be flexible just where we need them to be and feel great in the saddle, but off the bike they help make us look a little less like the bike dorks we know we are. The 6x6's are durable yet surprisingly lightweight, pockets are in the correct spots so that you can carry something in them without discomfort while pedaling, and the overall cut is nice and casual without being so baggy that they're cumbersome. All in all Race Face did a great job reaching a compromise between a functional cycling short and a causal pair of shorts for hanging out in. Come on down to the shop anytime to check out the causal cycling shorts we have in stock.
Cycling Shoes - originally posted April 18, 2007
For many, cycling is all about the bike. Or maybe it's not about the bike at all, but our point is that if you've invested some of your hard-earned money in a bike already it might be worth your while to get a few other 'accessories' to enhance the experience, and we think that cycling specific shoes are a good first step (pardon the pun).
First, let's be clear on one issue: Yup, we're in this business at least in part to make some money, but our first priority is to see that you're happy on your bike, and if you're happy without bike specific shoes, special shorts, or a jersey with your favourite team logo on the back, then hey, that's fine by us. The only accessory that we insist is mandatory is a helmet.
But if you'd like to enhance your bike riding experience by picking up some related gear then we think that cycling specific shoes are a great place to start. There is a huge variety of shoes available for many different cycling uses (think road racing vs. mountain biking, vs. casual trips to the ice-cream shop), but most cycling shoes have at least two things in common.
1) Stiff soles: Cycling shoes tend to have soles that are much stiffer than 'regular' shoes. Obviously a pair of running shoes needs to have good flex in the soles in order to accommodate your foot movement as you strike the pavement with your heal and them role across the foot and push off with the toes. Cycling differs greatly from this because the position and form of your foot remains relatively constant throughout your pedal stroke. In fact if you bend your foot while pedaling you're likely loosing energy through your foot that your legs are trying to transmit to your pedal. The best way to transmit that energy is to keep the foot rigid by using a stiff sole.
As usual there are some compromises to be made though. Racing shoes often have unbelievably stiff soles (these days they are often made out of carbon fibre) that are great for power transfer on the bike but are awful to walk in even between the house and when you mount your bike on the road. More casual cycling shoes allow for some flex so they are not quite as efficient but they allow you to walk around a bit more naturally. Some of our most popular shoes have moderate flex and recessed cleats (more about that in a minute) so that you can actually walk your bike across big intersections, through the crowds at your local park, and so forth in relative comfort. Whatever the case we guarantee you will notice a significant difference in power transfer and efficiency (read: you'll feel less fatigued) when you try cycling specific shoes for the first time.
2) Cleats: For about 20 years or so now 'clipless' pedal and shoe binding systems have been very popular. Folks that come into the shop are often confused by the term 'clipless', so we'll try to help with that here: The most basic pedals are simple platforms that you put your feet on top of. Bike racers from a forgone era wanted more positive contact with the pedals so they used clips and toe straps to keep their feet in place while pedaling. Then a binding system was created that kept your feet in place without requiring clips and straps, thus the 'clipless' terminology. So when we say clipless we usually mean a binding system that doesn't use clips, not a platform pedal which, just to confuse you, also doesn't have clips.
Anyway, the point behind cleats is that they engage with compatible pedals so that you can click in and out of your pedal without worrying about tightening and loosening straps. The most significant benefit to using a clipless cleat and pedal system is that you can not only push down on the pedal for approximately half of each pedal stroke (until the pedal moves down through it's revolution and starts coming back up the other side - well, circular revolutions don't actually have sides, but hopefully you get what we mean) but you can also pull up on the pedal through the second 'up' half of the stroke. The difference to your riding ability between using platform pedals and cleat and pedal systems for most applications is almost unimaginable. One further note: Most shoes are compatible with most pedals - it's the cleats themselves that make the different in compatibility and the cleats come with the pedals. Most cleats can be placed on most shoes.
There are other benefits to cycling specific shoes, and we could share much more related info on the different types of shoes available, how they engage with the pedal, and so forth, but hopefully the info above provides you with the basics if you're new to this type of thing. If you have further questions come on down to the shop anytime and we'll be happy to answer them all.
Full Fingered Gloves - originally featured April 12, 2007
If you've been out riding all winter (and kudos to you for that) it's just about time to put away the lobster gloves or warm winter mitts and exchange them for a pair of authentic cycling gloves. In the winter we accept the need to make do with what keeps us warm but in the summer it's great to be able to wear something that was actually made purposefully for our sport.
There are many different features incorporated into full fingered cycling gloves but a few of their key assets include: (1) good padding near the 'meat' of your hand to absorb road shock and help prevent hand numbness over long rides, (2) finger and palm protection to save your skin from foliage and the like as you hammer it through the local trails and/or as you fail to stay upright on that tight corner, and (3) good ventilation to prevent too much sweat build-up even while keeping you protected.
With all of that said it's also true that glove buying has a lot to do with personal preference (it'll only 'fit like a glove' if you get the right fit) so we stock many, many different styles, sizes, and colours from makers like Mace, Specialized, and more. So, come check out our wide selection of full fingered gloves today in order to get ready for the summer (we swear it's coming soon...really).
Tandems - originally featured Mar 29, 2007
They are admittedly a rare breed compared to most of the bikes we've got in the shop, but for some cycling enthusiasts nothing beats riding a tandem with a good friend or partner. One of our long term shop guys, Al Dixon, is an avid tandem rider and has written up a bit of related info for anyone interested.
So, check out his great info below and if your appetite is wetted come on down to the shop for more info or to test ride one of the tandems we've got in stock right now.
Scott Scale 20 - originally featured Mar 14, 2007
Ah, nothing is finer than a bike that is purpose built, and the Scott Scale 20 is nothing if not that. If you're looking for a cross country racing machine this would definitely fit your bill.
We've been carrying Scott bikes for a little over a year now and so far we've been very impressed with everything we've brought in. Scott builds some well thought thru machines, and the Scale 20 is no exception. It's full carbon frame feels very laterally stiff with highly sculpted main tubes and a rear triangle that is a work of art (we assume it's also functional) but is still reasonably vertically compliant in order to take a little edge off of bumpier rides.
As you can see the Scale 20 is a hardtail for those uncompromising weight wienies among us, but it does make a couple of concessions by coming with a Fox F100RL fork instead of the F80 (for the uninitiated that means 20mm more travel up front) and Shimano XT discs for those long descents or less than desirable weather/course conditions.
The rest of the component selection is a good mix of XT/XTR and a few house brand pieces (e.g. stem and bar) to keep the price down. There's also a solid DT Swiss wheelset (hubs, bladed spokes, and rims) and excellent Scott OXYD tires.
And as for the price, the Scott Scale 20 will set you back $4200. A lot of money to be sure, but a pretty reasonable price for this much bike. You could move up to the Scale 10 ($6500) or the Scott Limited ($8200) but honestly you're not getting double the bike for double the price. The Scale 20 is potentially the best value in the line (not that we don't all pine after the very best) and would undoubtedly be one of the best bikes at the start line or on the local trails.
At the moment we've got a medium and a large in stock - come check one out today, even if it's just to dream. Sometimes dreams come true.
Specialized Crosstrail - originally featured March 08, 2007
One of our shop guys describes the Specialized Crosstrail as a Hybrid of a Hybrid. In case that's not quite clear for you allow us to explain a little further:
Generally speaking the term 'hybrid' is used to describe a bike that lands somewhere in between a mountain and a road bike. Often a hybrid has road wheels but with clearance for larger tires, and flat mountain bike style bars for a more confident ride through city streets. They are reasonably efficient and fast, somewhat like their full road racing cousins, but they are also sturdy and built to take gravel roads and light single track with ease, somewhat like a mountain bike. These bikes are often ideal for commuting to work or school, running errands, or for fitness rides through the park. Pretty much an all-purpose bike designed to do most things reasonably well, but admittedly there are some things they don't do really well (that's why we still have road and mountain bikes).
Enter the Specialized Crosstrail. If you think a Hybrid will suit most of your purposes, but you also crave taking a little more time on the way home from work to carve up the dirt through the local park (in other words, you lean a little more towards the mountain bike, but don't want to entirely give up the efficiency of the road bike) the Crosstrail may be the thing for you.
The Crosstrail offers some decent front suspension to take the edge off those slightly more aggressive trails and can fit fairly wide tires, but it's still pretty fast and light. Our experience is that a lot of customers who come in saying they want a 'mountain bike' really just want a little suspension up front, some mid-width tires, and a flat bar, and that's pretty much what you're getting in the Crossride. If you want a full on mountain bike to take the heavier trails around town or outside the city we'll happily show you those models too, but many people need to look no further than the Specialized Crosstrial to satisfy their trail riding needs while still retaining some 'road riding' feel for the pavement they inevitably encounter on their route.
Come in sometime soon and see for yourself if the Crosstrail is the right tool for you. As always, we're happy to talk to you about the kind of riding you want to do and what we think might best suit those needs. In the end the choice is yours of course, but we'll help you make the right one where we can.
Season End Ski Sale - All Ski Packages 10 % off! - originally posted March 02, 2007
Gee, it feels like the ski season just got underway any now it's March, which means there's not much ski season left (who said Winnipeg winters were long?). But before you get too bummed out remember that the end of the season means that our ski packages are on sale.
Our ski packages are always a great deal, but in addition to our great package pricing for a limited time you can take advantage of some additional savings. Buy a ski package any time in March and you can choose between:
Saving an additional 10% off of any ski package or receiving 2 free pairs of socks or receiving a free wax kit or receiving a free Olympia ski bag
So come check out our stock today and start thinking now about the additional savings. Hope to see you soon.
VeloNews - originally posted February 22, 2007
We like to think that we get out there and ride in even the worst conditions, but we admit that every now and then the weather can get us down and keep us from riding, not to mention the occasional flu, or a never ending business trip, or a boring and long-winded study hall lecture, or...
The truth is there's plenty of stuff that can temporarily keep us from riding, but that doesn't mean we can't still dream, and that's where VeloNews comes in. VeloNews is the North American journal of competitive cycling. The monthly publication, in print for nearly 30 years and counting, does an excellent job of covering all of the top races from across North America and around the world, including disciplines such as road racing, mountain biking, cyclocross, ultra-endurance events, and so on. In addition the magazine offers training tips, athlete interviews, product reviews, a calendar of events, superb photography, and much more.
Every month we receive a new stack of VeloNews magazines that recap the previous month of North American and world-wide competitive cycling and also preview the months ahead, so stop by the shop anytime to pick up a copy for yourself. That business trip or classroom lecture is a lot more bearable with VeloNews in hand, and before you know it you'll find yourself back on your bike.
Swix Women's Apparel - originally posted February 15, 2007
We've ordered in quite a bit of Swix gear for women this year and have been very pleased with what has arrived. All of the Swix apparel looks and feels great, but the women's stuff in particular is exciting.
Too often companies make solid clothing for men and women but the men's stuff gets all the cool styling while the female equivalent is all prissy and, well, uncool. Often we've thought "surely there's a way to make women's gear look feminine, styl'n, and tough all at the same time".
Well the folks at Swix seem to have had the same thought. They've put together some great product that is well thought out for exercising in our harsh winter climate, including the usual bells and whistles such as rear drop tails, vents in the back and/or under the arms, reflective trimming, preshaped arms contoured to your form when out on the snow, and so on, AND they've including styling that allows a woman to look tough but feminine.
Right now much of our winter clothing, including the Swix women's apparel, is 30% off or more, so come check it out today. (Editor's note: Every time I'm in the shop with my wife she strongly hints that she would like a Swix jacket or shirt, so you better beat her to the store).
Electra Cruisers - originally posted February 05, 2007
For the past 4 years or so we've been carrying the Electra line of bicycles. Electra is a SoCal company that embodies Californian attitude (whatever that means - remember that this is being posted by a Winnipegger faced with -40 C temps outside). If you're looking for fast, or super lightweight, or crazy expensive, you can look down a different isle. Electra makes cruisers, townies, and other bikes designed for fun, casual rides through the park or along the country roads or boardwalk near the cabin. If matching your bike to your board shorts or bikini is important to you than Electra probably has a model with the right colour combo and attitude to match. Who can argue with matching rims, bell, seat, and rear rack? With model names like Pajama Party and Daisy (don't worry guys, there are also some black and tan manly looking Amsterdams on order) how can you go wrong?
Who does the Electra cruiser line appeal to? Well, judging from the magazines that carry their ads it looks like just about everyone. What other bike company can boast advertising the same product in Bicycling, GQ, "O", New York Times, Men's Heath, Elegant Bride, Playboy, Rolling Stone, and Cigar Aficionado, to name just a few publications?
But if you still need an excuse to check these bikes out, here it is: According to Electra's website Maureen McCormick, 'Marcia Brady' from the Brady Bunch, rides one. Editor's note: Okay, I'll admit it, Marcia Brady was my first love.
In addition to the in-stock models we also have a couple of these gorgeous Pink Sweetheart models on order to arrive soon. Talk about the ultimate Valentine's Day gift!
Ritchey Break-Away frames - originally posted January 30, 2007
This has got to be one of the coolest solutions for the cyclist who likes to travel with their bike. Whether you're traveling to a cycling hotbed specifically to get in some quality riding (think Moab, or Belgium, or whereever your favourite terrain is) or if you do a lot of unrelated travel for work or pleasure and want to bring along your own bike airplanes, taxis, etc. don't exactly make it easy. You might be able to buy whole bikes that weight under 15 lbs these days, but they still take up a lot of space.
That's where the Ritchey Break-Away frame comes in handy. These frames are designed so that the main and rear triangles can be pulled apart simply by undoing a few bolts with your allen key. With your bike essentially 'broken' in half (and the seat post and handlebars pulled out, the pedals removed, etc.) you can pack it securely into the provided luggage case along with your wheels and the rest of your gear. No cables need to be loosened so the disassembly and reassembly of the whole bike is pretty straightforward and requires very little fine-tuning.
Best of all, you may be able to avoid those nasty bike luggage fees when you fly your Break-Away packed away due to the much smaller luggage size (but check with your favourite airline to verify their policies).
We haven't tested the Break-Away frame on the road yet, but others who have owned them swear that they are just as stiff and efficient as a comparable bike that doesn't brake apart into two pieces, so in theory you give up nothing for the added convenience of an easily packable frame. The Ritchey Break-Away frame is available in many different models, including road, cross, and mountain, and different materials such as carbon, steel, and titanium. For more info come by the shop anytime - if we happen to have a frame in stock (there are two in right now, but they're both already spoken for) we'll even show you how it works, and we can of course always order a model just for you.
'Winter' Videos - originally posted January 09, 2007
We come from that strange breed of people that actually enjoy getting out in the cold crisp winter air for some skiing or cycling, and we assume that you are too. But, there are days when it's just too tough to get out, even for us, so occasionally we turn to our favourite videos to help motivate us while we spin endlessly on the trainer or just wistfully dream of some of our outdoor pursuits.
We have a good selection of DVDs, from extreme mountain biking, triathlon, cyclocross, to the ubiquitous winter training Spinerval videos. Whatever your interests we've probably got something to keep you entertained.
Our DVD stock is always changing so come in soon and see what we've got on hand. Hopefully we've got something on hand to keep you company on that next cold winter's night.
'Tis the Season for Fenders - originally posted Dec 19, 2006
But wait, there's hope!...you can fight against the road grit/skunk fashion statement by using a fender or two and eliminating that stripe up your back. If you haven't tried using a fender in a while you need to forget about those heavy, clunky, noisy metal contraptions from the past. Today's fenders are designed to be completely unencumbering; they're lightweight, they don't interfere with any other part of the bike, they're easy to take on and off, and we have an assortment that will fit virtually any bike style. Whether you have specific eyelets on your bike for fenders or if you have a dual suspension bike with a very non-standard frame design we've got something to fit. Prices generally range from $10 - $40. Surely that's a small investment to ensure you're clean and dry when you get to work / school / the corner store.
Come check out our whole line of fenders from top names like Topeak today.
Specialized bikes are falling from the Heavens - originally posted Dec 05, 2006
The world is just a bit brighter on a Specialized
Featured Product - Ski Packages - originally posted Oct 15 - Nov 26
At Olympia Cycle & Ski we offer great deals on full cross country ski packages. Below are a two of our higher end packages, followed by a couple of basic packages. Of course we have even more stuff in stock so come down to the shop and check out our whole selection.
Remember that when you buy skis from Olympia you benefit from the extensive personal ski experience of our staff, who are excited to share their first hand knowledge with you. And of course you also get a free set up and grip/hot wax included with every package purchase.
Junior Ski Packages
Looking for that perfect Christmas gift for your son or daughter? Are you tired of fighting through crowds for the latest video game console? Would you like to give a gift that you could enjoy with your children; one that would get all of you out of the house and into the white Christmas snow?
Well, we've got just the thing - Junior Ski packages starting at $215. There's nothing cooler than a family forging a new trail together, so come check out our selcetion of junior ski apparel today.
Performance Package
Salomon Elite 7 or Fischer Sportglass skis Salomon Escape 7 or Siam 7or boots SNS Profil Auto men's or women's bindings Salomon Snowscape poles
Regular total price is $495 By as a package and save $95!... Package price is only $400
Superlight Package
Salomon Elite 9 or Fischer Superlight skis Salomon Active 8sc or Vitane 8sc boots SNS Profil Auto men's or women's bindings Salomon alloy poles
Regular total price is $675 By as a package and save $135!... Package price is only $540
Salomon Basic Classic Package
Salomon Elite 5 classic skis Salomon Escape or Siam 5 boots SNS Profil Auto men's or women's bindings Swix Nordic poles
Regular total price is $410 By as a package and save $85!... Package price is only $325
Basic Fischer Classic Package
Fischer Ridge Wax classic ski Fischer Sport XC boots SNS Profil Auto men's or women's bindings Swix Nordic poles
Regular total price is $380 By as a package and save $80!... Package price is only $300
Featured Product - Redline Conquest Team - originally posted Oct 09, 2006
Okay, let's get really informal for a second. As the website editor I usually try to talk using the 'royal we' (e.g. we at Olympia, our store, etc.), but today I'm talking to you in the singular, first person. Why? Well for starters because I need to confess that although I can appreciate all kinds of cycling I happen to think that cyclocross is one of the coolest niches in the sport (but I promise that once cyclocross season is over I'll go back to featuring other areas of cycling, and skiing). Secondly, the proud new owner of the frame and fork pictured below is none other than my wife, and just like her, this frameset is swweeet.
For the past year or so Olympia Cycle & Ski has been carrying Redline bikes. They build some of the coolest single speed and cyclocross bikes around, and their prices are great. This is their top end cyclocross frameset: The frame is made of very lightweight Scandium, the perfect blend of light and durable alloy needed for the abuse of the sport. There is plenty of mud clearance through the chain and set stays, the cable guides are thoughtfully placed to be hidden from dirt during a race, the frame finish is gorgeous, and the fork is none other than a Ritchey WCS full carbon (with carbon steerer), possibly the lightest cx fork out there.
In the next week or two the frameset will be built up and ready to race. Maybe we'll post another feature letting you know how it rides, but you can always discover that for yourself by ordering a frameset of your own today. We have other Redline models in stock right now, so come down to the shop and check them out, take them for a test ride, and see why I'm excited for my wife. We hope to bump into you on the trails soon.
Featured Product - Cycling Jackets - originally posted Sept 30, 2006
Well, at the time of this posting it has officially hit the freezing point in Winnipeg, and there's a squirrel outside the window madly collecting the last of his food reserves for hibernation. This must mean that winter is on its way, or at least that summer has said so long for another year. Time to break out the warmer cycling apparel.
At Olympia Cycle & Ski we have a full range of cold weather cycling clothes, including many great quality, versatile jackets. In a pinch you can wear your every day winter jacket or put on a couple of sweaters to ride in the cold, but if you've never tried a real, made-for-cycling cold weather jacket you really should. There's nothing like having the right gear for the right conditions, and cycling specific jackets are cut perfectly to fit you well, provide maximal warmth with minimal bulk, and look styl'n to boot.
Jackets are up to 40% off right now, so come in today and try a few on. It's not going to get any warmer out there for a while yet.
Featured Product - Cannondale F400 - originally posted Sept 22, 2006
Last week we featured a $9000 mountain bike (the Scott Spark Limited). While it's always nice to dream big, the truth is that most of us don't need anything nearly that expensive to get the job done. Closer to the other end of the scale we have this week's feature, the Cannondale F400. It costs of approximately ONE TENTH the cost of the Scott Spark, but don't let the relatively small price fool you - this bike is big on performance.
Tricked out dual suspension rigs with disk brakes and other features are cool, but honestly, for a lot (dare we say most) urban trail riders they're not really necessary. The C'Dale F400 is a solid, lightweight for its price range, hardtail with a great HeadShok suspension front fork and a sensible mix of Shimano, Truvativ, and C'Dale components. This bike is a great value. Cannondale has been building world class, top end mountain bikes for the cross country scene for years, and their top end technology quickly trickles down to their lower priced brethren. The F400 frame is agile and responsive - something you'd expect to find on a bike costing twice or three times the amount. Come check it out today to see what we mean!
Scott Spark Limited - originally posted Sept 17, 2006
Well, it will cost you a little over $400 per pound (a little over $9000 for all 21.5 lbs) but this has got to be one of the nicest dual suspension cross country mountain bikes we've ever seen. Yes, it's expensive, and sure, it's built with racing in mind, but even if it's out of your price range we're pretty sure that deep inside you're already coming up with a rationalized reason to buy it (or at least to dream about buying it), and so are we. But in case you're having trouble coming up with excuses read on:
Top 5 excuses to buy the Scott Spark Limited:
1) I always thought that a dual suspension bike was a bit of overkill for my daily commute to work, but at 21.5 lbs it would be silly NOT to purchase it.
2) The new red Mavic Cross Max SLR hubs and single red spoke make it easier for motorists to see me in traffic - it's a safety thing.
3) Scott bikes are relatively new to the local market and as a part of the bike loving community I should support their arrival by making this purchase.
4) It's cheaper than a car. Well, it's cheaper than a really nice car.
5) It's just that beautiful - if the Mona Lisa was for sale for under $10,000 I wouldn't think twice about buying it. How is this any different?
To read more about this work of art click here to visit the Scott website, and start saving today!
Cyclocross Bikes - originally posted Aug 30, 2006
North Americans have recently discovered what Belgians and other Europeans have know for a long time: Cyclocross is a great way to extend that cycling season well into the fall. We're also discovering that in many cases cyclocross bikes are well suited to urban commutes, fitness rides, and as a sturdier and more versatile alternative to a full bred road racing rig.
But what is cyclocross? The competitive event of cyclocross takes place in the fall/winter, often in poor weather conditions where a versatile bike is required. The two most significant features of cyclocross competition are that (1) they are of relatively short duration (usually not more than an hour) on a looped course, and (2) they incorporate barriers such as one foot 'walls' or natural barriers such as logs that make the competitor dismount from the bike, run over the barrier, and then remount. Check out the Manitoba Cycling Association race calendar |
Devinci
is headquartered in Chicoutimi, Quebec, where they seem to take
their bike riding seriously but also sensibly. Sure they build
impractically fast road racing bikes, insanely beefy huckers, and
other models that aren't exactly built for weekend pleasure riding,
but they also build a lot of models that make sense for the everyday
rider who just needs to get from point a to b without a lot of fuss.
With
the snow here and looking might it might stay for good this time
it's time to pack up our 'serious' bikes (we'll still keep one or
two out for the winter commute and some general fun in the snow).
There's still plenty of stuff to keep us busy in the winter (have
you checked out our ski selection?) but winter is also the time to
plan for next year. If you're planning to finally take on that
challenging long-distance route in '08, whether it's a trip up to
the cabin at Riding Mountain park or that cross-Canada trek you
always promised yourself you'd get to, you'll need the right bike
for the job.
If
you're looking to ride thru the winter and don't want to mess up
your summer ride with all of the sand, sand, and corrosion related
to winter riding but you still want to ride a relatively high
performance bicycle the Cannondale 1FG might be just the thing for
you.
.
.
For
the past month or so we've been treated to a fairly regular freeze
and thaw (below zero at night, near melting temperatures during the
day) and it looks like that trend may remain for a while. That
means it's likely we'll also continue to see lots of mushy, salty,
sandy roads - just the kind of conditions to ensure that you'll get
lots of road grit gumming up your bike and 'decorating' the back of
your jacket and pants.
