So you’ve got a bike. Now what? To fully enjoy riding you will need a few accessories to help you on your way. These are my top 10 pieces of gear that will your cycling life better.
Padded Cycling Shorts
If you ride more than just around the block you’ve probably had a sore butt or chafing at some point. Padded bike shorts go a long way in reducing back side discomfort. You can get them in the classic skin tight lycra or a baggy short with the padded short built in. The fabrics are a modern wicking material that helps pull sweat from the skin to protect the skin and be more comfortable. Either way they will give the bum some more padding, reduce chafing and help manage moisture.
Pump
A pump is one of those things that isn’t very exciting until you need it. Then it’s your best friend. I recommend both a floor pump for home use and a mini pump that you can carry on your bike in case of flats while riding. The floor pump take far fewer strokes to get a tire up to pressure making it less of a pain to inflate a tire. The mini pumps work but I only use it for on the ride repairs as they have you pumping like a mad man to get up to pressure. Far better than walking but not something I want to do every few days.
Repair Kit
Like the boy scout motto goes, “Always be prepared”. Get one of the little bags that strap under your saddle and fill it with a spare inner tube, patch kit, tire levers, fold out mini tool (allen keys, screw drivers and chain breaker) and mini pump. With this kit you can take care of most of the problems you will run into while out riding.
Chain Lube and Cleaning Supplies
A clean and lubricated chain is a happy chain. You will have better shifting and longer life to all your drive train parts if you clean and lube your chain regularly. If your lazy like me you can use Pro Link Gold chain lube which clean and lubricates in one step.
Gloves
Whether for comfort, protection or warmth, cycling gloves are a must have. You can do short rides without them but just like the bike shorts, having gloves reduces pressure and chafing.
Vest and Warmers
A wind vest, arm warmers and knee warmers take a summer cycling outfit and extends the temperature range down by 10 degrees. Of particular utility is the fact that on a cool summer morning your can start with these pieces on and as it warms up can remove and store them in your jersey pocket.
Sport Glasses
You need to protect your eyes from the sun, wind and debris. In expensive sport glasses are available with interchangable lenses so one set will cover all lighting conditions. All it takes is one bug in the eye to see how important eye protection is.
Hydration System
This can be bottles and cages on the bike or a Camelbak hydration backpack. If you are riding for more than 30 minutes or it’s hot out you need to rehydrate. You need 750-1000 ml of fluid per hour of riding and you need some way to carry it.
Light Set
Even if you are a road rider who only goes out during the day light, at some point you will get caught out as the sun goes down. A small LED front and rear light can be the difference between making it home safe and getting run over. Many of the small lights will go on your bike without adding much weight or wind drag but they are there when you need them. If you ride at night regularly a more powerful front light that throws enough light to light your way.
Bike Knowledge
All of the cool accessories in the world won’t do anything if you don’t know how to use them. Check with your local bike shop or community college as they often offer bike repair courses. If you develop the skills, things like flat tires, misaligned gears and mushy brakes will be simple fixes you can do yourself and keep riding.

If you’re not into racing, the Summer charity rides are a great way to challenge yourself. With lots of options in length you can always find a ride that will be right up your alley. That being said the target for many charity riders is to do a century or 100 miles in a single day. You can find rides for just about any cause so you can participate in one that has some meaning to you. Signing up for a ride like this is a great way to help you accomplish your fitness goals because it has a set date that you need to be ready for.

With that in mind how do you get ready?

The easy answer is “Ride Lots”, but a focused plan will get you results quicker. If your goal is to ride 100 miles you will need a minimum of 4 months preparation if you don’t have a back ground in cycling. While this isn’t a complete training plan I’ll give you a number of tips and guidelines to help you on your way.

Ride a minimum of 4 times per week. Make two rides longer, steady rides building the length up each week. The other two rides should be high intensity intervals working at increasing your speed. You can do Velmax intervals, Threshold intervals or Tabata intervals. Google them and you’ll find how to do these workouts. Back off about 20 % ever fourth week to give the body a chance to recover.

Do Yoga at least 2 times per week. Yoga is a great way to build core strength and flexibility that you will need for long rides. The breaking point on century rides for many people isn’t the fitness of the legs but the support structure (your back and upper body) giving out. You can attend yoga classes or do it at home with DVD programs. Either way, put the time into the yoga and it will pay dividends when it comes to ride time. In addition, yoga really helps improve recovery from workouts and it makes you feel great.

Figure out you on the bike nutrition. For rides much over a hour, you need to be taking in calories to fuel the ride. Depending on your body weight, you need 200-300 calories per hour, mainly easy to digest carbohydrates. You can use gels and sports drinks or you can use real food like bagels, fig newtons and bananas. Either way test out your food on training rides to see how things sit in your stomach. I tend to stick to gels and drinks as they are easily absorbed and I don’t have to chew. I recommend Hammer Nutrition products as they are the best formulated and easiest on the stomach.

Drink lots of water. You need to drink at least one large water bottle per hour. If you lose 2 % of your body weight due to dehydration you will experience at least a 10% drop in power. You can run a Camelbak on long rides but I find it too hot on summer road rides. In hot weather you will want to add extra electrolytes to your water or sports drink to replenish what you lose in sweat. Electrolyte depletion can lead to increased fatigue and muscle cramps.

Follow these guidelines and you will find that your fitness will be ready to tackle your first Charity century ride. The goal of your first one is to just finish but in time you will be challenging yourself to finish them faster. Keep at it and before long you will be one of those cyclists who can knock off a 100 mile ride every weekend.

Join us at Braun’s….is Bicycle for our 85th Annual Year End Clearance Sale.  We are offering 35% off all 2010 Bikes, an opportunity for you to Pre-Order a 2011 Bike at a great discount, specials on Bike Repair Packages and a whole bunch of  Year End deals.  Keep reading to get all the details…

35% off ALL bikes*

That’s every kind, every style and every price point!

*limited quantity, instock only, does not include 2011 models - Braun’s Optional Lifetime Service Program is available at an additional cost on these bicycles

SAVE BIG when you Pre-Order your NEW 2011 Bicycle

Option #1. SAVE 28% - A  15% Discount OFF the top and then a Discount equal to the HST 13%

Payment in Full is required and your new Bicycle will arrive in the Spring of 2011 – Braun’s Optional Lifetime Service Program is INCLUDED FREE on these bicycles

Option #2.  SAVE 15% - A  15% Discount OFF the top

50% Payment is required and your new Bicycle will arrive in the Spring of 2011.  The Balance due is paid when you pick up your new bicycle.   - Braun’s Optional Lifetime Service Program is INCLUDED FREE on these bicycles

Beat the Spring Rush with a special deal on our Bike

Service Packages.  SAVE up to $100+

So, winter is over and spring is finally here (I know I’m jumping ahead a little here) and you can’t wait to get out on your bike!   You get your bike out but the gears are grumbling and the brakes are squeaking and your chain is crusty….  Why not have your bike serviced now, avoiding that wait in the spring!  We have a great deal on our Service Packages during the month of October.  

Bring in 1 – 2 bikes for repair and save $10 on each repaired bike.

Bring in 3 – 4 bikes for repair and save $15 on each repaired bike.

Bring in 5+    bikes for repair and save $20 on each repaired bike.

The savings in Labour is off of any of our Service Plans that are regularly priced at $59.98 and up.  The more repairs that you bring to us in October, the more you save.  If you can only transport 1 or 2 bikes at a time, just tell the mechanics that you will be back over the next few days with more bikes and they will see that you receive the maximum savings possible.

Year End Deals**

• 35% off all Helmets

• 25% off all CamelBak Hydration Bags

• 25% off all Cycling Shoes

• 20% off Trailers, Joggers, Strollers and their accessories

• 20% off all Bike Trainers and Rollers

• 2 for 1 Summer Cycling Clothes

• 2 for 1 on all Bike Tires

• 25% off all lights

• 25% off all Winter and Summer Cycling Gloves

• 20% off all SnowShoes and Poles

**Ltd Qty, Doesn’t include 2011 Models

A brand NEW End of Line Clothing Rack – You decide the size of Discount you want to receive  (This deal is only available in our Kitchener Store)

All of the  Items of Clothing on this rack need to go to make room for next year’s clothing

So we decided to try something different.  This Year End Sale goes to October 30, 2010.  Each week into the sale we Increase the Discount on this Specail End of Line Clothing Rack until all the clothing is GONE.

50% OFF until Oct 2

55% OFF until Oct 9

60% OFF until Oct 16

65% OFF until Oct 23

70% OFF until Oct 30

You choose your discount – BUT remember, someone else may be willing to pay more.  Shop EARLY for best selection.  All sales are final on the End of Line Clothing Rack.

The 85th Annual Year End Sale Details

1. Year End Clearance Sale is on until closing October 30, 2010
2. Unless specifically stated all the above deals are for Instock, NON 2011 models
3. Limited Quantities are available – shop early for best selection.
4. If you don’t see something you are looking for, please ask one of your sales staff and they will check our other store for inventory that we can transfer over for you.
5. These DEALS are GREAT – Don’t miss out

Hey everyone!

Time has been flying by this summer and it seems like only a matter of days before the rides will become less and less frequent. Keeping that in mind, I figured sharing one of my favourite rides with you while you still have time to check it out would be an awesome idea for this post.

Many of my rides are rushed and hectic (seemingly like most other things in my life) and I am looking for the best bang for my buck when it comes to short sessions after work. I’m sure many of you are in the same situation and may find my advice helpful. For times like these I choose the Hydrocut. The Hydrocut is a network of trails in the west end of Waterloo that traces the edges of the Waterloo Region Waste Disposal Facility (Dump). The “Cut” as it is called by many (including Pat in his riding preference debate post) is known for tight, fast, singletrak and trails of varying difficulty.

There are many entrances to the Hydrocut, the most popular of which being the Glasgow Road entrance (or Glasgow Side). This entrance is often crowded and the trails leading in and out of this area tend to be busy and in many ways slow going. This can be especially annoying when wanting to head out for a short sprint! Heeding this advice, I suggest taking the Snyders Road entrance (The part of the trail referred to as “The Pines”). This entrance is a small parking lot off of Snyders road which tends to be used far less frequently. This means when you are looking for a quick sprint there will be fewer riders in your way and you can focus more on your ride than the others around you.

When heading into the trails from this entrance, you will run along a downhill doubletrack and around a bend. This section of the trail is unnamed . The next section will be a steep climb that banks up and to the right (challenging even the most experienced riders). After the ascent, riders will start onto a trail called “Jessica”. This is a short connecting trail that will lead you to “The Bootleg Trail” another short trail to get you into the heart of the pines. From this point, your options vary depending on the length of you ride you want to go on. My personal route is to shred “Adam’s Run” ( a longer more challenging trail) then head around the back corner of the Pines. A flowing section which consists of: “Sweet Street, Jake’s Attack, Jake’s Breakaway and then Dead Camel Bend.” The return trip requires a bit more climbing, however it encourages you to push yourself through the end. Running back through “Twister” gives you a taste of all styles of riding. From this point, the most exciting way back out is to retrace your steps on “Jessica”, then shoot the berm section of Kamikaze; directing you back onto the doubletrak you rode in on.

This network of trails tends to be less tapped than the Glasgow section and time is not wasted getting to this section from the Glasgow entrance. If you are up for an adventure, head out and don’t take a map: eventually you will find your way or a friendly face on the trails who can direct you to another fun section. If you are the safer type: print one of the various maps I have attached (with thanks to the Waterloo Cycling Club, Region of Waterloo and The University of Waterloo) and take it out with you for your adventure.

Satellite Map:

http://rcn.uwaterloo.ca/gps/Hydrocut_Trail_Map.JPG

Rendition Map:

http://waterloocyclingclub.ca/node/46

Unlabelled Trail Directory:

http://waterloocyclingclub.ca/sites/default/files/WCCTrailsMap.pdf

Until next time…
Keep the rubber side down and hope to see you on the trails!

Bryan

Hey everyone!

Now I know that I am supposed to be discussing bike service techniques, and advice on how to get the most out of your bike components. However there are all these topics that I feel are crucial in order for everyone to enjoy riding even more! Once I knock the main ones off the list, I will discuss more service topics, and filter in my professional experience.

Today’s post is all about how to transport your bike!! Now… no matter what type of bike you have, or what vehicle your driving, there is a right and wrong way to transport your ride and I’m here to help you find the best way to move yours.

As always, we will begin with the basics and go from there…

You can either transport your bike inside your vehicle or on the outside. The preferred method is on the outside of the vehicle, as it helps to keep mud and water from damaging the interior of your vehicle, and it helps to keep from damaging the bicycles components.

However, if you must transport your bicycle inside the vehicle, do so with the drivetrain components facing upwards, and be sure to prepare the vehicles interior (with a blanket, or rug) to protect it.

The preferred way to transport your rig is on the outside using one of various styles of bicycle auto racks. In this category, there are three different styles: first, trunk mount racks, second, hitch mounted racks and finally roof mounted bicycle racks. All of which have benefits, and are preferrable for different styles.

Trunk Mounted racks, such as the Saris Bones 3 Rack (seen above) are an excellent option for people who occasionally transport recreational style bicycles, on multiple vehicles. The versatility of a trunk mounted rack is that it allows for use on multiple vehicles, and can be adjusted to fit vehicles of almost every style. Trunk mounted racks are capable of carrying anywhere from 1 to 4 bikes that are able to be mounted by the frame.
That is where trunk mounted racks are limited, as they require the frame to be hung onto the rack for transport, and will not accommodate small frame sizes, step through frames, downhill frames, or freeride bikes. Further, it is important to remember that the weight of the bicycles is being carried by the trunk lid, and transporting too many heavy bicycles in this manner can cause damage to the vehicle.

The next possibility for transport is to use a hitch mounted rack. These types of racks mount into the receiver on the vehicle and can carry bikes in either a hanging or platform fashion. The latter of which being the preferred, as it allows almost all styles of bicycles to be transported. A rack such as the Thule T2platform rack is compatible with both 1 1/4″ and 2″ receivers, and can transport from 2 to 4 bikes on a platform. The rack does not make contact with the frame, and secures the bikes using the wheels. This allows it to transport bikes with wheel sizes from 20-29″and any style of frame (from road to downhill). The platform style rack is also lockable, both the rack to the hitch, and the bikes to the rack, which allows you to ensure that your bikes are secure. There are few limitations to these racks, aside from the requirement of having a hitch.

The final style of rack which is good for securely transporting your rig is roof mounted racks. In this case, load bars are attached to the vehicles factory roof rack, or an aftermarket Thule fit kit is added to the vehicle to make almost any vehicle compatible with a roof style bike rack. Bikes mounted onto Thule load bars can be done so in either a fork mounted or upright position. The roof rack method of transport offers a variety of options, and many different units can be used together in an effort to transport a variety of bikes at one time. Fork mounted racks do not make contact with the bicycles frame, and mount to the fork and rear wheel. These racks are excellent as they do not contact the frame, but are not compatible with 20mm axles (found on downhill, dirt jumping, and freeride bikes). Upright racks can either attach to the frame, or can hold the bike via the wheels (an example is the Thule Sidearm Rack).

It is important to consider all factors when determining which style of rack is best for you. A key consideration is if you tow a trailer when transporting bikes (as this directs you towards a roof transport style rack) or if you constantly need to access the hatch of your vehicle…

Any of our sales associates at Braun’s Kitchener or Guelph locations can help to find the perfect rack for all your transport needs. Feel free to drop by the store, and we can further explain all the options to you!

Take care, and until next time, be sure to double check the straps!

Bryan

Hey everyone,

As I was preparing my gear for a ride earlier this week, I began to think… what an awesome topic to touch on as there are so many scenarios to consider when preparing your gear!  Quite often people ride with either far too much gear, or far too little.  Both of which can greatly impact your safety and the enjoyment of your ride!

For this post I will discuss the necessary items for both road and trail rides and help to make sure you have all the essential items. I will break things down into two separate lists, as some of the gear overlaps, but many items differ depending on genre of riding.

Let’s begin with the basics, as these topics will apply to both road and mountain riding. You need a helmet, no questions asked… they are called accidents for a reason!  Depending on the length of your ride, you will want water accordingly. This can be carried in either a CAMELBAK, (more mountain) or in bottles mounted to the frame (more road). (It is important to note that when using camelbaks you only take as much water as you will need, it can be tempting to simply fill the bladder.) Second, you should consider nutrition.  Hammer Gels (make sure you check out Pats post on them!) or granola bars serve as sources of energy when you begin to slow down. Packing food should once again be based on the duration and intensity of your ride.

The gear list for trail riders is all based on the premise that things can and will go wrong.  While preparing for my last ride, I debated if I needed my chain tool (as it was quite warm and boy did I want to squeeze in that Gatorade bottle) but I was glad I fit that tool in!  On one of the last challenging climbs at Puslinch, I snapped my chain, and was glad I had my chain tool to get my rig up and running again. For reasons such as this, you want to ensure you have the right tools and spare parts to fix problems that may arise. My recommendation is a quality multi-tool, such as the Park Rescue Tool MTB-3C. Tools such as this and other multi-tools provide all the necessities you will need to make adjustments and repairs while on your ride.  If you do not have a multi tool, you will want to pack a 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm hex wrenches, a #2 philips screwdriver, a slot screwdriver, a chain tool, tire levers, a three way spoke wrench and 8, 9 and 10mm open wrenches. The final things to pack include a quick link, a spare tube (as the tire levers are no good without it), a high capacity pump, and a patch kit (just in case you have a really unlucky day!)  This list is crucial, as having the right tools can really get you out of a jam and all this can be carried in your CAMELBAK or in your seat bag… that one, is up to you.

For road riders, it is somewhat reassuring that there is less that can potentially go wrong, and therefore, the amount of gear you need to carry is smaller. The likeliness of needing a chain tool, or spoke wrenches is far smaller while riding on the road. The gear list can still include a multi tool, but a more simplistic one may serve more practical for you. Regardless, when heading out for a road ride, you will want to carry 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6mm hex wrenches, a Philips and flat head screw driver, tire levers, Park GP-2 Super Patch Kit and a compact pump.

Ensuring you have the right gear packed can make the difference between an enjoyable ride and a long walk back to the car.  A few questionable items include gloves (as these can be used to your preference) and your cell phone. Although I would not recommend texting and riding, being able to contact the appropriate services can  be very important in case you are stranded due to a blow out or a serious situation is to arise.  I made good use of mine on a road adventure last fall when I had to call a friend to rescue me from a violent thunderstorm about 10km north of Aurora.

Is there anything you take on your rides that you would like to recommend?  What about things you have found you don’t need?

As for me, it’s about time I get ready for my ride into the shop. Let’s hope it’s smooth sailing and a flat free morning!

Until next time… Keep your pack light, but take the gear you need!

Bryan

Alright, so it seems now, we are firmly seated in the nice weather.  Other than some weird “Canada” days, it’s getting hot out.  As the temperature and humidity rise, staying properly hydrated becomes more and more important.

Now, it should be obviously noted, that hydration is always important, whatever the temperature or ride.  The difference is the rate at which you perspire in the summer which equates to faster fluid loss, you get the gist.

So this post isn’t about sweating more in the summer but it IS about keeping your water or sport drink cold and refreshing.

The folks at Camelbak have come out with some pretty awesome bottles as of  the late, everything from stainless steel to tasteless plastic.  Now I know what you are thinking… it’s really hard to get excited about a water bottle, it does such a simple job.  But this may change your mind and outlook.  It’s called the Podium Chill from Camelbak and…yep, it’s insulated!

OK specifically,  it’s not just insulated but it’s actually pretty light…AND insulated, a feat in my experience, that has escaped other insulated bottle companies in the past.

What is probably going to grab your attention first though is the funky looking valve that the Podium features on top of the lid.  Riders familiar with the brand would immediately associate the look as hydration pack inspired-uniquely Camelbak.  The company hails the spill proof valve as “always open, always closed”.

Other cool stuff ?  How about BPA free and like their bags, features a taste free polypropylene construction with anti microbial hydro guard.

No longer is the water bottle the most over looked piece of equipment.  Camelbak advertises it’s bottles as the “better bottle”.  You can be the judge.  One thing for sure is the Podium bottle is light years ahead of everything else.

P

How’s it goin EH ?  First off, let me just get this off my chest GO CANADA GO!!  Today was a great day to be Canadian.  Canada and Canadian Olympic athletes had a smashing day taking home 3 Gold and 1 Bronze Medal.  This, after an incredible win in Ladies Hockey yesterday and the list just goes on.  This brings Canada to 14 Gold medals total, which is the most of any competing country right now!

Well to say the least, I was inspired to share my jubilance with everyone and tie it into my first product post.  I looked around the shop today for something to fit the bill and one thing stood out in all it’s circa 1990′s anodized glory! The Lezyne Alloy Drive Pump in four catchy colors.  Of course, the two that stood out the most was, you guessed it… Red and Gold!!!!!!

For those not familiar with Lezyne, they are a relatively new company in name but certainly not in design experience.  The company was founded by Micki Kozuscheck who was the founder and  point man for Truvativ before it was sold to SRAM.

As I mentioned, the Alloy Drive boasts 4 silky anodized color options which just scream PICK ME UP!  to any cyclist but it’s when you actually touch the pump that you notice it’s seemingly bomb proof construction.  The pump is entirely, 100 % CNC machined aluminum construction.  For us mountain bikers that means you can shove it in a jersey or camelbak and not have to worry about it being banged up from a few stray branches, or day I say an  all inclusive vacation over your handlebars.

The Alloy Drive is wider barrel, lower volume pump and will get you to a max pressure of 90 PSI which means it’s mainly directed towards the mountain bike, hybrid, comfort bike crowd or really any tire running less than 80 PSI.  Don’t worry my skinny tire, road warrior brethren, you’ll have your pump reviews too!

Lezyne was also very clever in the way in which the hose attaches to your tire valve.  The hose itself is stored inside the pump and threads on the end of the pump when in use.  It’s soft rubber, flexible design makes pumping simple and quick with a lot less stress on your valve stem.  Lezyne claims a 30% reduction in pump strokes than any other pump.  Presta valve? Schrader? no problem.  Simply reverse the end of the hose and thread on whatever end you need.  Like most pumps it also comes with a plastic bracket so that you may mount the pump to your seat tube or down tube of your bike via the water bottle screws on your bike frame.

Although a newer company, Lezyne has been attracting a lot of attention with this pump, winning multiple bike industry awards.

So who knows, maybe all that talk of CNC machined aluminum and sweet anodized colors reminiscent of mountain bike culture of old will talk you into an upgrade or maybe just an addition to the gear chest… if JUST for the eye candy.

back to Canada vs USA Men’s Hockey count down…

P