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.

You are invited to our VIP Night

Tuesday April 5th (in our Kitchener Store)

from 6 till 8pm - 2 hours of VIP Deals.

Braun’s VIP Night is almost here!  Bring a friend or two, enjoy a coffee, see the NEW 2011 Bicycles and Cycling Toys, get a great deal and maybe win the door prize!

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Door Prize – Vetta Heart Rate & Bicycle Computer

A value of $119.98

Someone who comes to our Kitchener Store April 5th, between 6 and 8 pm will win this.

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VIP Pricing is Great! 

There are LOTS of Deals.  Too many to list here.  But we listed just a few, to get you thinking …

Spring → Braun’s → Cycling → Freedom →→→Yes!

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All of the below specials are available all week except for this …

Every Instock Regular Priced Item is 20% OFF

Every Special Order Item is available at 15% OFF

Tuesday Night for 2 hours only.  Thanks for being our customer!

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Example #1 – 2010 BMX Bicycles – VIP Pricing 40% Off  (special buy)

Example #2 - All Other 2010 Bicycles – VIP Pricing 35% Off

Example #3 – All In stock Swagman Bicycle Hitch Racks for your car, truck or van – VIP Pricing 25% Off

Example #4 – Blackburn AirFix Multitool & Co2 Inflator – Reg $49 – VIP Pricing $19.99

Example #5 – Kryptonite Evolution U-Lock with 12 mm cable lock set – Reg $99 – VIP Pricing $39.99

Example #6 – Bicycle Trainers, Rollers and Options – VIP Pricing 50% Off

Example #7 – Winter Cycling Gloves & Winter Clothing – VIP Pricing 50% Off

These are great for early/late rides this time of year

Example #8 – Snow Shoes - VIP Pricing 50% Off

Example #9 - Selected Tires & All Steel Studded Tires – VIP Pricing 50% Off

 … and so on.  Tons of Great Deals, on lots of fun cycling items, to help make getting outdoors fun and easy.

Can you FEEL the Freedom?

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The Details:

Ltd In stock Qty, Can’t be combined with any other offers, Shop early for best selection.

Tuesday evening 6 to 8pm is – Kitchener Store ONLY,  Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat during normal store hours is Both Kitchener & Guelph stores.  The chance to WIN the Door Prize is ONLY in our Kitchener Retail Store  Tuesday April 5th from 6 to 8pm.

For a chance to win the Door prize you must come into the Kitchener Store between 6 – 8pm April 5th and fill out a ballet.  No purchase is necessary.

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Thanks again

for the opportunity to meet your cycling needs!

The Braun Team in Kitchener, Guelph, Online & EBay

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Thursday Feb 17 to Saturday Feb 26th, 2011

It’s time to clearout our winter products just before Winter is gone. 

 Some great deals on winter products that you still get some winter use of this year.

→Roof Rack Ski Racks

Ski & Snowboard Attachments for roof racks

Save 50% OFF

→Winter Cycling Clothing

Jackets, Tights, Arm & Leg Warmers, Bella Clavas, Booties and Winter Cycling Gloves

Save 40% OFF

→Steel Studded Tires

26″ and 700c sizes

Save 40% OFF

→SnowShoes

Snowshoes, Poles & Gaiters

Save 30% OFF

→Bike Trainers

Trainers, Rollers, Trainer accessories & Trainer tires

Save 25% OFF

→2010 Bicycles

Includes Lifetime Service

Save 20% OFF

→Bike Service Plans

Deluxe – Reg $79.98 Special $49.99

Full – Reg $189.98    Special $99.99

The Details

Instore and Instock Inventory, Ltd Qty, The sale pricing will only be available in our Retail Stores while supplies last.. Sale ends Saturday Feb 26th, 2011

Follow our Deals on twitter

Hey everyone,

Hope you’re all enjoying the frosty mornings and cool evenings that have quickly crept up on us. For some people, the first signs of snow and ice are the end to the riding season… they pack their gear away, store their bike in their basement and wait for the snow to melt before they get back out there. 

For others, the winter season offers a unique and enjoyable experience in the area of winter riding. Many people commute year round, and this group comprises the majority of the winter category. The smaller portion continue to ride through the winter for personal enjoyment, with the smallest portion continuing to trail ride year round!

No matter which style of winter riding you choose to participate in there are many factors that need to be carefully considered before doing so, choices such as clothing, gloves, footwear, and hydration are all vital factors in enjoying your winter ride. More importantly though, is making sure that your bike is up to the challenge. There is various maintenance that should be performed during the winter season, and I will cover these aspects throughout the season as the weather dictates. For today… I am going to focus on Studded Tires!

Studded tires are just that, tires with metal studs (can be made from various steels, carbite, etc) mounted in them to incresase traction, handling and control during the winter season. Similar to the concept of snow tires on a car, they also utilize a softer rubber compound to enhance grip on ice and frozen surfaces.  Studded tires are available in both 26″ and 700c sizes with various profiles to ensure fitment on just about every ride. There are various different styles of studded tires, from full stud, to partial stud, and I will help to differentiate between them.

Full Studded Tires have a what is considered a full studded pattern where metal studs are found on both the running surface (center of the tire) and the shoulders (the edges of the tire). The studs on the shoulders are to provide grip when cornering and the running surface studs provide increased traction for accelerating and braking. These tires are designed for more extreme riding conditions, and typically utilize 260-300+ studs per tire to provide the ultimate traction abilities. An example of a full studded tire is the Schwable Ice Spiker Pro, which is a heavily studded tire design for trail and extreme use.  

Partial Studded tires consist of either running surface or shoulder studs. They are designed to be used on predominately ice and predominately pavement respectively. Partial studded tires offer benefits for riders whose roads are normally plowed and salted and those who are always fighting with a road less travelled. These tires can be used in pairs, as well as in split sets (one drive tire, one directional tire).

Shoulder studded tires are desgined for those who commute on roads that are well maintained. They have metal studs on the edges to provide traction while cornering, but not reduce rolling resistance while on plowed surfaces. These tires are best for city commuters whose road is normally well maintained.

The 700c Schwable Snow Stud Tire is a good example of this.

In contrast, the centre ridge studded tire is designed for those riders whose road consists of that which is normally covered in ice. It has cente ridge studs that provide excellent traction during acceleration and braking. An example of this is the Schwable Marathon Winter tire is a good example of this.

It is important to note that many other different styles and manufactuers of tires exist, and that those listed only represent a fraction of those available. Partially studded tires can be used in matching and staggered pairs to tailor your style of winter riding.

No matter what, do not forget to adjust to your riding conditions, obey the rules of the road and always wear a helmet.

Until next time…

Always consider that the ability of the rider, greatly outweighs the capability of the parts.

Bryan!

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

Safety Equipment

Riding with children

Use care and caution when cycling with young children who are too young to ride themselves. Keep in mind that a bicycle child seat mounted behind the bicycle seat alters your centre of gravity while riding and may increase the risk of losing balance. Take extra caution when placing and removing the child from the carrier. Never leaveyour bike unattended when a child is in the carrier.

An alternative way to carry children is to use a child bicycle trailer towed behind your bicycle. Bike trailers are stable and not prone to tipping. Most trailers are attached either directly to the bike frame or the seat post by means of a u-joint.

Be seen and heard

Because bicycles are one of the smallest vehicles on the road, it is important for cyclists to be as visible as possible to other road users at all times.

Lighting

By law your bicycle must have a white front light and a red rear light or reflector when you ride between one-half hour before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise. As pedestrians. well, the law requires white reflective strips on the front forks and red reflective strips on the rear stays.

Clothing

Clothing can improve or reduce visibility. Yellow and white stand out best at night; dark colours are difficult to see. Pedal reflectors and reflective material on wrists, ankles, heels, clothing and helmets help others see you.

Dawn and dusk

When riding directly into or away from the sun at these times, leave extra room and be ready for sudden stops or swerves by traffic around you. Be particularly alert at intersections and scan carefully.

Be heard

Bicycles are very quiet vehicles, so it is important to warn other cyclists and pedestrians of your approach. By law, all bikes must have a working bell or horn to announce your approach. At times it is just as effective and more courteous to shout something like “passing on the left” when overtaking other cyclists and pedestrians.

pedestrians.

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Over the next number of blogs we will cover Safety Equipment (Sizing, Safety Check, Helmets, Visibility), Handling Skills, Riding in Traffic (Where, Intersections, Signs and traffic signals, Dealing with trucks and buses), Obstacles and Road surfaces, Cycling and the Law and Electric Bicycles.  Stay tuned for the next few weeks as we cover some important information to keep YOU safe while cycling!

Watch for” CYCLING SKILLS (Safe Cycling)  Part 5 – Handling Skills” in the Blog on Monday, August 9th.

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The following information is taken from the Government of Ontario website and addresses “Ontario’s Guide to Safe Cycling”.  For more information please see http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/cycling-guide/index.shtml

Have you seen the advertisements for Braun’s is BICYCLES 85th Anniversary sale?  There are some pretty amazing deals in there.  But, have you wondered how you were ever going to fit one more thing into your week and still get some riding in?  Well, check out the sale items online under Great Deals.

These Great Deals are the same sale items being offered in our 85th Anniversary sale.  BUT….you can order them online, without leaving the comfort of your own home/office.  It’s easy and quick to arrange to have the items delivered or you can pick them up in either one of our Guelph or Kitchener Stores.

This is a brand new option.  Tell us what you think of it, what you would add and if you would like to see any changes.

Thanks

Kim

Braun’s is BICYCLES

Braun’s is BICYCLES 85TH ANNIVERSARY SALE is now on until June 26th at 5 p.m. 

ALL BIKES 15% – 25% OFF*

 Also Beat the HST tax

*Shop early for best selection.  Limited quantities.  Instock only.

Also on sale:  Clothing and Shoes, pumps, cycling computer, lights, bells, locks, gloves etc.

 Purchase 1st item – get 2nd item at 1/2 price

 *Includes Shorts, Jersey, Jackets, Tights

REGULAR Round Bar End Mirror

Regular Price $16.98

Sale Price $10.85

BLACKBURN Shorty Mini Pump 

Regular Price $39.98

Sale Price $25.85

BRAUN Micro Ping Bell

Regular Price $9.98

Sale Price $5.85

CATEYE CC-MC100W Micro Wireless Computer

Regular Price $89.98

Sale Price $59.85

These are just some of the specials you will find instore.   Come in for complete selection or visit us online at http://www.brauns.com/gc/gc_search.exe?F=L&K=1

Hours of operation:

10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.     Monday

10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.     Tuesday

10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.     Wednesday

10 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.     Thursday

10 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.     Friday

 9 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.      Saturday

Closed                         Sunday

Hey World Wide Web  – I’m Pat.  Although we probably don’t know one another I bet you we still have a few things in common… say like… the love for shiny new bike stuff ? ya thought so.

So welcome to “Hot Off The Truck” where I’m going to be talking about gear, tons of glorious new, mouth watering gear! and other things that come across my desk that will make your ride even better.  Everything from performance cycling apparel to bicycle trainers to cool new accessories, hear about the latest from yours truly.

Stay glued.

P