For The Shopper

Before we even look at a bike there are a few questions you can answer that may narrow down your search and put you with in a certain budget.

• What are your biking goals?
  Will you be riding for fitness, a commute, leisure, trails, or a specific terrain?

• Where will you be riding?
  Will the bike need to be suited for off road, tough city streets, smooth pavement, rails to trails, or a combination?

• What types of bikes have you owned in the past and what did you or didn't you like about the experience?
  Were you in an uncomfortable position?
  Were the seat and tires wrong for the majority of the biking you were doing?

• Are you looking for performance, comfort, or both with an emphasis on one or the other?
  Do you want speed but suffer from lower back and or other bodily issues?
  Do you prefer to be upright so that you can ride heads up so that you can be aware of you surroundings?

After you find out about your self and what criteria you would like your bike to meet a budget can be generated and you are ready for a test ride.

Hard-tail: this type of bike is good for single track trails as well as urban assault. Typically these bikes will have a low gear ratio for loose terrain and climbing. The Wheels are a 26" diameter and generally equipped with wide tires to absorb impact. The front suspension usually found on these bikes absorbs impact as well. However you will find that these bikes require alot of effort on paved roads. There wide tires and suspension create rolling resistance as well as a source of energy consumption. We have a wide range of hard-tail Mountain bikes. These bike are used for an assortment of riding and have a wide range of price points beginning with steel framed recreational mtn. bikes. Depending on the abuse the bike is intended for will give you varying price points. The more durable the bike the higher the price point.

Dual Suspension or Soft-tail: This bike will be needed if keeping both tires on the ground at all times is a requirement. A rear suspension is added to a pivoted rear triangle for heavier duty off roading. This bike will begin in the low $1000.00 price point and will keep on going until you say uncle.

These machines have been tailored to the every day rider who wants to put in a few miles before work to the avid racer looking to set the next land speed record. Road bikes are equipped with a high gear ratio and can be customized to elevation. The large 700cm wheels and narrow tires offer low rolling resistance. The high pressure of the tires and the overall stiffness of this type of bike allow for maximum power transfer so as to get the fastest results. Road Bikes, because of the mileage, material, and emphasis on performance will start at a higher price point then a recreational bicycle would. Lighter, stiffer, an stronger equals more money so by thinking of the rider that you are going to become and not the rider you are now will prepare you for the future and protect you investment. The concentration on aerodynamice leaves little room for comfort but the proper fit can solve all of that. Not all road bikes are so "Racy." Comfort modifications have taken place so as to relieve the rider of some unnatural positions. Taller head tubes, shorter top tubes, and upright brake levers are among some of the features that have a lot of recreational riders saying ahhh. Women specific bikes have also become common place in the cycling world.

Some riders like a variety. Hybrids are the meshing of different features. For example a hybrid will take the wheels and tires from road oriented bicycles and the frame, handlebars, and gears from a Mtn. bike. This allows for a fast ride with maneuverability and quick acceleration. Both Hybrids and mtn. bikes now have added features to make the ride more comfortable. These bikes are called "Comfort Bikes." Having an adjustable stem and a swept back handlebar can push the rider into a more upright position. This upright position places more of the rider's weight on the wider more comfortable part of the saddle. This position, which is ideal, eliminates the "Engine room." In order to get all of your power to your legs you must engage your glutes by leaning forward. Wheels and tires can vary for street or loose terrain. Suspension seat posts and front suspensions tie the whole package together in a nice, enjoyable, heads up, and comfortable ride. We highly recomend the Specialized Crossroads/Expedition series and the Trek 7000/Navigator series.

This style of bike is specific to 20" wheels. Sturdy frames and strong wheels open the doors for vert, flat land, and dirt riding. We represent a melding of these styles in the Specialized Fuse series and the Trek Vert series. Both bikes will come in at a similar price points. If you like to test the laws of gravity in the air or on the ground this style of bike could be for you.

These Beach going machines offer the utmost comfort while allowing you to take your time and enjoy the scene. Typically single speed you can find these bikes in 3 to 7 speed verions. Always a good choice if you are looking for something low maitenence and just your speed. We carry a wide range of Trek, Caloi, Jamis, and Fuji cruisers.

"Happy to be stuck to you" as the great Hewey Lewis once sang is precisely what you will be singing as you enjoy the company of a fellow rider on the same bike. These bikes for two, come in a variety of styles form road to trails to beach cruiser. Double the power means double the fun and double the cost. At least you will always have some one to share with.

Kids bikes start with a 12" wheel. The next size up is the 16" wheel and increase by increments of 4" until you reach 24". A child is fit to a bike depending on size and coordination. When we fit the child with take into consideration that they will be growing rapidly and compensate for that. Gears and brakes are on some 20" models and almost all 24" models unless of course it is a beach cruiser. Training wheels can be secured to any single speed model.

Other ideas for children include trailers, child seats, and tag-a-longs which can be secured to an adults' bike. A trailer is just what it sounds like. Seating 1 to 2 children this device allows for parents to secure the kids in a roll resistant cart. This option does add weight and increases your turning radius. A Child Seat can typically support up to 45 lbs. The seat we carry is the "Baby" sitter by Topeak which works with a detachable rack and seat system. An Extra rack can be added so the "load" can be shared. Tag-a-longs are a great answer for children learning to ride but don not have the ability to keep up with the pack. This device comes in two sizes and secures itelf to the seatpost of the adult riders' seat post. A Tag-a-long essentialy looks like a long bicycle with only a rear wheel. The wheel is a free wheel design so the rider can choose when to pedal.

After the Shoppe employee has given you every piece of technical information you were dieing to know, it is time for the test ride. The test ride is a vital part to finding the right bike for you. The bike that you test ride will be made ready so as to give you the proper impression of how the bike is going to ride and feel. After the test ride, which only requires a valid drivers' license, you will have started to formulate inquiries about what you did and did not like about the bike. With that new information our well trained professional staff will begin to aid you towards a solution.

Proper fit is what we aim for. It is helpful, when you are ready to begin test riding bikes, that you where the apparel that you would typically be wearing while riding. There is obviously a more in depth fit procedure then just asking if you are comfortable. Most recreational bikes are quite adjustable. Handlebars are made to adjust closer to the seat allowing for a closer reach. Seat posts are raised for proper leg extension and seats can be exchanged for maximum comfort.

Road bikes as well as some hybrids require a little more in depth fitting. Professional fitting is something we take very seriously. When you schedule an appointment to have your bike properly fit to your anatomic specificty rember to bring your riding gear. Our staff has been educated and trained by profesionals who work with us in order to give you the information and fit you require.

With a wide range of bicycles and parts we are bound to find the right bike to fit your needs. Each one of our bike is adjusted and assembled with care. Our reputation is built on the quality products and services we offer our customers. It is true that you can find a bike for less at a department store and it is also true that you will have to replace that bike each miserable year you did not spend riding it becuse the experience was like the swan ride at the local park and not Mr. Toads wild ride down the side of an erupting volcano.

(msrp does not reflect shipping and assembly)