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6.30.2008

Hey Everyone,

Just thought I would check in and see how everyone is doing. We have been very busy over the last couple months, especially with the rise in gas prices people are looking for that alternative form of transportation. People are coming in and they are either purchasing new bikes or they are updating their old ones with some new tires, tubes, saddles and grips. There is a rise in rear bike rack sales along with baskets and bags.

So, over the next few weeks, I will send out information on some of the things people are buying and why. In this issue I will be talking about tires and tubes. There are many different types and right now it is the commuter series that has people’s attention.  So here is what is selling.

When it comes to tires, it’s Specialized Armadillo anything. Whether for a mountain bike or a road bike, these are the hottest tires going in the store right now. For $39.99 per, this tire features a Kevlar casing that makes this tire nearly thorn and glass proof. This tire will get you back a forth to your destination with little or no trouble at all. This tire comes in various 20”, 26”, 27” and 700c sizes and will fit on most mountain, road, and hybrid bikes.

We also have some performance oriented tires from Specialized and Continental that retail around $50 price range that will help with those flat issues, but they will wear out faster due to their softer, better grip rubber. Specialized will have the Armadillo Elite technology that features a Kevlar strip located along the tires tread pattern. The Conti’s will also feature Kevlar located in the tire and will help with preventing thorns from penetrating the tube. A great many riders who have those $1500 to $6000 rides come in for these tires for training and racing purposes.

Tubes are always a concern for people. Riders are looking for a tube to hold up and always ask for a suggestion to which tube to go with. If you go with the above tires, a standard to lightweight tube will suffice. A lightweight tube will be suggested so long as you are looking for lower rotational weight (makes you go faster). Thorn resistant tubes are always asked for as well. They are thicker tubes that are NOT thorn proof, but will reduce the how many different types of tubes that can penetrate the tube. Because thorn resistant tubes are not absolute, rider may opt for the Slime tubes, which either come in a standard tube and a thorn resistant with Slime tube. The reason for Slime: to reseal the puncture once a tube has been punctured. You pull the thorn and spin the wheel. Slime will enter the holes, turn fibrous and seal the hole. The only time I will not recommend Slime, is if you only ride once in awhile, because the slime can and will solidify if left sitting for a long period of time.

If that were not enough, there are tire liners that will prevent the thorns from penetrating the tubes. Now the sale of liners has dwindled due to the better tire technology, but this is an item that does help keep those pesky thorns away. Just keep the tire pressure up; otherwise the liners can cut the tubes from the lack of air.

Next time I will go into the different types of accessories people are adding to their bikes for those long and short rides.

What’s new?  Well, not much, but Shimano is putting out that new Dura-ace group set, and I have gone ordered a set due out in November. The retail is slated to be in the $2600 range for the complete set of shifters, brake calipers, front and rear derailleur, crank set, chain and cassette. There will be limited quantity in the beginning, but will moist likely gain full steam next spring. For those who are interested in ordering a complete or partial set, please call (408) 262-4360 or email me. That being said, I know Campy has put out word that they are going to release 11-speed this next season and I know a great many of you’re looking forward to that. As I get more details I will post it here on what I think and what we will bring in.

Also what’s new are a couple of more Videos that were released over the last month or so. First of all the 2008 Tour of California has arrived as well as Seasons, F1rst, and Floatin.’ I need to order more copies of Seasons and F1rst and have already received my second shipment of Floatin.” So what I am saying is that these videos are selling and the feedback on each has been tremendously positive.

Well, that’s it for now, but if you have anything you would like to comment on, please feel free to contact me. Until then, happy trails…

Sincerely,

Jason