Argon 18 is a small Canadian company that makes very cool road and triathlon bikes.  Started by Gervais Rioux, a member of the Canadian National Team with Steve Bauer, the goal was to provide bikes that are fast but are comfortable and fit as well as you can do without going custom.  Based on the ride quality and geometry they are spot on.  For 2012, they have upped their game again with the new E-118 triathlon bike in particular that is one of the fastest aerodynamically and is super adjustable for fit. Read More …

Rocky Mountain redefines 29″er full suspension

Big wheels and full suspension is either a recipe for fun or will scare you off depending on your view point.  I love the big wheels but any of the full suspension 29″er I had ridden we’re kind of bus-like in their handling and flexy.  So it was a pleasant surprise when I had the chance to test the Rocky Mountain Element 950.  Instead of just up sizing the current Element design to fit the bigger wheels, they started with a blank canvas to create a unique geometry for the their new 29″ wheeled bikes. Read More …

Rocky Mountain Vertex 970 RSL 29"er

This review is tough to write as I don’t know where to begin with the paradigm shift we are seeing with this bike.  Five years ago the idea of riding a carbon fiber frame offroad seemed insane. Okay for road but not tough enough for the trail.  Now that idea has been dumped on it’s head. For 2012, many companies are offering carbon fiber mountain bikes in hardtail and full suspension with both 26″ and 29″ wheels. The first of these new wonder bikes I’ve been able to test is the Rocky Mountain 29″ Vertex 970 RSL.  Full carbon 29″er with new geometry and sexy style. Read More …

Dear Friend of Braun’s

We have just been nominated for 2 categories
in the Record’s – Reader’s Select Awards.

There are various sections.  We have been
nominated in Two sections:

FAVOURITE BUSINESS SERVICE – Bicycle Repair

and

FAVOURITE SHOPPING – Bicycle Shop

We would appreciate a few minutes of your time
to vote for us so that we have a chance to win these awards.

If you would be willing to do this – Please go to

http://www.therecord.com/

and select “Readers Select Awards”

FAVOURITE BUSINESS SERVICE – Bicycle Repair
is on the first page

and FAVOURITE SHOPPING – Bicycle Shop
is many pages in (about 7 – 10)

Voting Ends – Sept 7th – VOTE NOW
Let’s win this!

Thanks,

The Team at Braun’s

When looking at carbon fiber road bikes it can get confusing.  Different types of carbon fiber and different shaped frames all lead to bikes that look similar on paper but ride very different out on the road.  This is the hard part with carbon. Read More …

It’s the newest thing – everyone is doing it. You may be doing it and not even know.  I tried it recently and the effects are incredible!  I have never ridden as fast or as hard. Read More …

There are a lot of styles of road clipless on the market, making it tough to figure out what would be the right option. Save yourself the cost of experimenting by reading the low down on the different pedal systems. Over the last few years we’ve seen an influx of pedal redesigns from Shimano, Time, Look and Speedplay. Each of these has come with some improvements but they also have come with some changes that may make a pedal not work for you. Read More …

A few years ago when I talked about 29″ wheeled mountain bikes (29″ers) I got a lot of blank stares.  Now more people are becoming aware of this off road option.  29″ers are frames and forks built around wheels that are 3″ bigger than the average mountain bike and are a whole lot of fun to ride. Read More …

The Time Atac design has been around for a while now and while they keep upgrading them with new materials, the basic design has stayed the same because it works. Durable, easy to engage and very good in all weather conditions, the Atac pedals are a great option for mountain bikes, commuters and touring riders who want to be able walk when off the bike.  While there are many variations of the pedals including the Roc and Z-control downhill pedal, the mechanism functions the same for all of them. Read More …