If you have been following us on Twitter or our Blog posts than you know how giddy we get when new stuff shows up, yes, maybe even overtly so but we usually chalk that up to the exceptionally strong pot of shop coffee.

So of course it’s been like fireworks here for the past week as we have been receiving our 2011 Argon18 shipments.  Never heard of them ? You should have by now!

Argon18 is a Canadian road bike manufacturer started by former Canadian national champion and Olympic cyclist Gervais Rioux in 1989 out of his bike shop in Montreal.  What started as a bicycle shop house brand has now picked up an incredible amount of momentum wining the company many international design and industry awards.

Argon18  is also the first bike sponsor of team SpiderTech, the first Canadian team to achieve UCI Continental Pro team license (effectively that means that we could now have a Canadian road race team in the Tour De France).   That’s massive news for the sport of cycling in Canada and its great news for a progressive company like Argon18.

A detailed look at the bike line up can be seen here but here”s a few things to note.

As I mentioned before the break, Argon18 is a Canadian road bike company.  Which means they concentrate a lot of effort into a particular segment of their bike line up.  This is very evident in models like the E-112 and E-114, with an incredible amount of unique performance features, for which, the company has been recognized .

Yet, Argon18 is not strictly about the super high end market.  Bikes like the Radon and Krypton offer massive amounts of performance at a more entry level price point!  But, you would never know that, by looking at the bikes.

The Radon is your classic aluminum/carbon mix with geometry that closely resembles that of its higher end counterpart, the Gallium.  If your ready to get into your first full carbon frame or upgrading from an aluminum bike, the Krypton is where it’s at.

The Krypton is a full 5650 high modulus carbon fiber frame with a host of wheel and component options.

As I get into the above, perhaps the one thing I like the most about Argon18 is the ability for the customer to custom build their bike as they desire.  Argon18 offers several component kits which allow you to choose everything from the wheels to the gearing  to the groups, to even the size of your handlebar and stem.  You’re not stuck loving a rear derailleur but indifferent on your crank set.  Better yet, your “stock” frameset can be partially custom “fitted” to your needs all at no extra cost.  Argon18 makes it easy to have the custom spec’d bike of your dreams without breaking the budget.

See ya out there.

P

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,

It has been a busy week at the shop and I have been helping my parents redo their deck, which, with our weather taking a turn for the better leaves me wishing I were out on the trails more. I figured I would offer some advice on how to get your bike back up and running if you happen to have chain problems on the trail.

To begin… as unfortunate as it is… everyone will break or damage a chain at some point in time.  In the case of mountain riding, too much tension on a climb, or catching a log while in the big ring can damage the chain and result in breakage or a stiff link. Not to worry, as both concerns can be resolved.  For the roadie type… an over exerted chain resulting from a missed shift or shifting error can cause similar problems.

-Seen above is an example of a stiff link that can be found in a chain (this will cause shifting and riding difficulties).

Follow these steps and your problems will be solved.

1.) To this problem there is one simple solution… get your rig back up and running at the side of the road without losing too much time off your ride.

2.) In order to resolve this problem you will need the following tools:

-A decent chain tool
-A quick link connecter
-Some patience (the latter of the three being the most important!)

3.) When you have a chain concern, your best option (be it road or mountain) is to pause your ride and stop where you can suspend your bike in an upright position:
-using the surroundings available, i.e. a tree, bench, guardrail, etc.
(This allows work to be more easily performed on the bicycle as it is upright and will function similar as to when you are riding it! (try not to work on your bike upside down.)

4.) Next, using your Park CT-3 (seen above) or similar tool, remove the stiff link, or fabricate two female ends to prep the installation of a quick link. This will allow the fastest, no issue install.
It is easiest to make these adjustments when the chain is not highly tensioned, so shifting the chain into the smallest rings (front and rear) will make it easier to repair the bike.

-When fixing a stiff or broken link it is important to remove the damaged portion (even if it makes the chain too short). This will help to ensure tensile strength in the chain.

5.) Check your regular riding  gears to ensure it will not cause any shifting problems and that you have removed any other stiff links.

*Note* For fixing broken chains: you are best to use a powerlink when your chain is new, however, pushing the pin on a link is better when your chain is aged. On those weekend trips up to the trails it never hurts to bring an extra chain along… just in case you have one of those days!

Until next time, keep your chain stressed, but not your nerves!

Bryan!

Hey everyone,

Hope you’ve all been enjoying our unseasonably wet spring!

It has been a busy week at the shop, and finding time to write these posts seems increasingly more difficult. The one thing on my side at the moment is all the (for the most part) unwanted rain we have been receiving in the past few weeks. For those who prefer not to ride in the rain… they may have to put the bike back on the hook and focus on indoor activities. However, for us devotees out there, there is a way to continue to enjoy riding, even when the weather is unfavorable.

Indoor Trainers and Rollers offer all the physical benefits and enjoyment of a ride, without having to leave the comfort of your own living room! Pictured above is an example of a Tacx rear wheel, fixed bicycle trainer. These styles of trainers attach to the quick release of your rear wheel, and a resistance roller is placed in contact with either, the running surface or sidewall of your tire. These trainers are great as they allow you to pedal the bicycle without having to maintain balance. They do require the use of a specially formulated trainer tire, which is designed for the repetitive contact on the running surface or sidewall and will not deform or fatigue as a result of the heat generated. These tires are available in both 26″ and 700c sizes. You will also need a riser block for the front wheel, as the trainer raises the back wheel off the ground. The riser blocks are available in varying heights and are adjustable so that climbs and descents can be simulated on the trainer. As a result of this unseasonably wet weather and being a respectful rider and not wanting to damage the trails, I elected to install my trainer tire back on one of my rigs in order to be able to enjoy cycling no matter the outside conditions.

Rollers (as mentioned earlier and seen in the above photo) work on a similar premise. However, the bike is not fixed to the rollers and the rider is responsible for maintaining balance on the bike. They provide a much more realistic riding experience but they do require far more concentration when using inside the home.

The best part about either style is that they allow you to maintain your regular riding schedule, no matter the weather conditions and do so in the comfort and convenience of your own home. I personally find setting up the trainer in view of a TV and catching part of a game, or throwing a movie on, is the best way to stay motivated. There are also simulation ride DVDs in a first person point of view which can be purchased in order to keep you even more involved in your exercise.

There are those times however, where there is nothing better then going out for a nice ride in the cool rain on a quiet afternoon and if the forcast is correct thats what my ride may end up being. Make sure you check out the trainers, but remember there is a lot of world out there… and you want to see as much of it as you can!

Until next time, make sure you stay on the rollers!

Bryan

ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT in the Braun’s… is BICYCLES 85th Anniversary Sale!  Hurry in for these great specials before it is too late.  Sale ends this Saturday, June 26 at 5 p.m.  

15 – 25% OFF ALL BIKES

Also Beat the HST tax

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

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

 (includes shorts, jersey, jackets tights)                                     

CYCLING SHOES:  10% OFF 

CATEYE WIRELESS CYCLE COMPUTER:  $59.85 (Regular price $89.98)

SIGMA FRONT & REAR LIGHT SET: $18.85 (Regular price $49.98)   

BLACKBURN FLOOR PUMP:  $25.85 (Regular price $39.98)

BRAUN’S BOTTLE & ALLOY CAGE:  $8.85 (Regular price $18.98)

ONGUARD BULLDOG U-LOCK WITH CABLE: $28.85 (Regular price $49.98)

COMFORT SUPER GEL GLOVES:  $19.85 (Regular price $39.98)

PING BELL:  $5.85 (Regular price $9.98)

ULTIMATE WAIST PACK:  $19.85 (Regular price $49.98)

These are just some of the items that are on sale.  Drop into one of the stores (Kitchener or Guelph) to see all the sale items.  Open Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

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