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.

Shimano

Shimano is the only one of the bunch that has pedals made from metal, aluminum to be specific.  This improves there durability, particularly across the platform that you cleat makes contact with.  As the pedal and cleat wear you can get rocking so a more durable surface is desirable.  The engagement is solid but the large button headed bolts limit the amount cleat adjustment.  I use the Shimano pedals and have swapped the bolts out for SPD bolts to get a little more adjustment.  The Shimano 105 and Ultegra versions allow a little wider foot stance than do the Dura Ace so they are better choice if you need to have your feet a little wider.  The alloy pedal bodies of the Shimano should stand up to crashes better than the composite of the other brands.  Cleats are available with float or a fixed configuration.  The size of the Shimano cleat allows for easy shimming to fix alignment issues as well.

Time

Times pedal design has a nice feel to the float and a solid engagement. The cleats are limited in side to side adjustment so you may not be able to get the proper stance width. To adjust width you swap cleats from your right shoe to the left. This give 2.5 mm of adjustment which isn’t enough in my experience. I run into the issue that I can’t get a wide enough stance width on the Time so I get knee pain.  The composite or carbon bodies are prone to braking off at the tip if you are a little fumble footed when clipping in. Cleat life is good as the actual engagement point on the cleat is metal.

Look

Looks Keo line engages well but the smaller cleat, compared to their older pedals, limit adjustment.  With the Keo, I personally can’t use them as I can’t get my feet wide enough apart or get the cleats far enough back.  Again these are a composite bodied pedal so over time the platform can wear leading to slop between the cleat and pedal.  To combat this the have added a stainless steel plate but only on the more expensive Keo 2 Max.  Three different cleats are available with different amounts of float from no float to 9 degrees. The older Look Delta design pedals had more adjustment but were a little heavier with a slightly taller stack height.

Speedplay

Speedplay Zero and Light Action pedals are unique to the bunch in that they have the retention mechanism on the cleat rather than the pedal.  Of the pedals the Speedplay is the most adjustable as there are different length axles available and different cleat mounting plates so there is lots of adjustment.  This comes at a price though as different axles and adapter plates must be purchased separately from the pedals, increasing the cost quite a bit.  But if this is the only way to pedal pain-free it’s worth it. The float of the pedals is free, so initially it feels like your standing on an ice cube.  This feeling goes away after you’ve ridden them for a while but some people won’t like the feel, myself included.  Speedplay pedals are the most aerodynamic so you can save a bit energy wise.  Speedplay cleats are the most expensive of the brands mentioned as the retention mechanism is in the cleat.

Overview

Each company makes good quality pedals but if you have unique fit issues the Speedplay may be your best option. I personally run the Shimano SPD-SL as it allows me the right fit.

With the powerful showing of Team Spidertech and Svein Tuft at the Canadian Championships this past week saw Tuft win both the time trial and road race championships aboard Argon18 bikes. In a true showing of depth, Team Spidertech took all three podium spots in the road race.

On Thursday, June 23, over a rolling course in Belfountain,  Tuft rode the Argon18 E114 to his 7th Canadian Time Trial Championships. His competitors were lose at the halfway point of the 43 km course but then then he opened up the throttle and finished over a minute ahead of second place. The Argon18 E114 was designed to cheat the wind and transfer every watt of pedal input into foward momentum. As home on a triathlon bike leg as it is on the time trial course, the E114 is all about going fast against the clock.

For the road race on Saturday, which saw riders climb Rattlesnake Point 14 times, the order of the day was light and stiff. Aboard the Argon18 Gallium Pro, the trio of Team Spidertech riders crossed the line with Tuft in the lead 1:43 ahead of their nearest competitor.  With 7 of the top 10 spots, Team Spidertech had a lot to celebrate.  The Argon18 Gallium Pro is a stiff but comfortable race bike that wins sprints and hill climbs.

You can ride the courses yourself to test your mettle. Click the links below to get a map of the time trial and road courses.

Time Trial Course in Belfountain, Ontario    http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/39035188/

Road Course at Rattlesnake Point            http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/39035640/

Hey Cycling Fans.

One last reminder that our demo day and ride with Argon 18 Bicycles will be happening THIS WEEKEND!  There still are still some Dura Ace equiped test bikes available in both the 10am and 2pm rides.

Times and information are in the link above so click away!

If you want to join us out for a ride you’ll need be 18 years of age or older, have suitable cycling attire and, have your own helmet to bring along.  You will also need a bottle or two for water.

Bring along your own pedals and shoes!  We will install them on your Argon18 test ride bike. If you don’t have pedals or shoes, wear suitable runners and we’ll get you set up with a pair of flat pedals.  Talk to Pat at kitchener@brauns.com to get set up with either ride.. but do it soon.. like now!

If you’re in the market for a new Road, Time Trial or, Triathlon bike, now is your chance to experience the very best in technology and design from the pros at Argon18.

If you don’t wanna ride or don’t have the time, no problem, come down to our Kitchener store this Saturday and ask the Argon18 representative a bike question directly.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

P

Hey everyone,

This past holiday season was extremely busy for me and it probably was for you too.  Well it’s time to get back into you routine. To help keep us active and in shape, one of the major sellers this year was indoor bicycle trainers. These trainers mount to the rear axle of a standard bicycle and offer resistance to simulate a real riding experience. They are an excellent training tool and are very popular for cyclists of all skill levels. (The Blackburn Tech Fluid Trainer, is seen below)

Trainers are an excellent way to stay in shape during the winter months and maintain your time in the saddle. They offer the familiarity of your own bicycle, however allow you to ride without an indoor track! There are several factors to consider when utilizing a trainer: these are the set up and performance components.

It is crucial that you accurately simulate your riding position when using a trainer. In order to do this, “training blocks” must be used to balance, raise and lower the height of the front wheel to simulate climbs, descents and flat terrain riding conditions. The trainer raises the rear wheel off the ground several inches, and therefore training blocks allow riders to adjust the angle of their bike by altering the height of the front wheel. The Blackburn training block offers three different heights in order to customize your ride.

Secondly, and most importantly is the use of a trainer specific tire. Using trainers for extended periods of time generates significant amounts of heat as a result of the tire contacting the steel roller. A standard bicycle tire is not designed to withstand this large amount of heat and is susceptible to fail as a result of fatigue. In addition, standard bicycle tires are also not designed for repetitive contact on a single patch of tire, and therefore will develop flat spots on the centre running surface if used on a trainer.

The solution for all these problems is simple! You need a “Trainer Tire”. (Such as the Continental Ultrasport Hometrainer.) These tires are specifically designed to dissipate the increased heat generated by trainer use and are designed to last longer due to repetitive contact on the centre running surface.

Trainer tires are available in both 26″and 700c tire sizes and are excellent replacements for both standard road tires, but an even better replacement for knobby mountain bike tires as these offer poor performance and resistance when riding on the trainer.

*** It is important to note that trainer tires are not suitable for outdoor use and should be swapped seasonally to ensure a safe riding experience. ***

With the cold winter days we have been having, it is still nice to be able to “get out for a ride”even in the comfort of your own family room.

Until next time, keep the cranks turning!

Bryan

Hey Everyone!

It’s that time of year. The kids are back to school.  The days are starting to get shorter and the perfect time for riding is approaching us.  The mild temperatures of fall allow for excellent conditions no matter what riding style you enjoy.  The cooler temperatures and autumn breezes help to keep you cool and push your potential every ride!

This week’s post is going to be application specific and may relate to either you directly or someone you know who is unsure of the best upgrade for their rig. One question which is often posed to me in the shop is:

“I ride both on the road and on the community trails… although I find my knobby tires really slow on pavement I do not want to sacrifice the loss of traction I would experience on the trails for the gain in speed.  What should I do?”

Okay, well maybe the question isn’t quite this perfectly worded… but this is typically what I conclude after a short conversation with a customer in this dilemma. With my previous experience in tire selection, there is now no debate in answering this question! Companies such as Continental and Schwable have risen to the call of consumers and produced tires for these applications! They can be identified by many names such as: semi slicks, commuter tires, hybrid tires, cross tires, etc. I personally find “semi slick” to be the best definition as it describes the tread pattern of these tires perfectly. Tires such as the Continental Travel Contact and the Schwable Mararthon Cross are both designed with a raised centre ridge for less rolling resistance on hard packed surfaces and knobbed sections on the edges of the tire for better traction on lose terrain.

Differences between the two are minimal.  However, as a result of the variations in tread pattern, the Schwable would handle loose terrain. This is due to the traction ridges built into the drive ridges of the tread pattern. In contrast, the Continental tire would be better for higher percentage road use due to the solid centre ridge which would practically eliminate rolling resistance on the road.

The Schwable and the Continental both offer excellent traction for exploring the trails and will allow you to maximize your potential on the road when you are negotiating with only a single rig. It is a cost effective alternative to multiple wheel sets and does not force you to sacrifice speed for traction or vice versa.

The Schwable and Continental are available in both 700c and 26″ sizes which means there is sure to be one to help update your rig!
(26 x 1.75, and 700 x 38c and 700 x 37c respectively)

If you have any questions about either the Schwable or Continental be sure to drop by the shop or drop me a line and hopefully I can clear up and questions you may have.

Until next time,
Keep a grip so things don’t get away from you!

Bryan

Hey everyone,

As I continue to direct my posts towards bike service and maintenance I found it coincidental that I had a customer in the other afternoon who was in need of some tools in order to service various aspects of his bike. This got me thinking: some people may not even know the tools required, let alone what they are called. I hope to outline the name and functions of these various tools today, as well as some tips which can make their use easier. In the post I will outline a variety of tools  from Park Tool. They are a highly innovative company and have designed many of the tools used in everyday service applications. They are also our tool of choice in the service department at Brauns. There are many other tools available and what I am showing you is only an example of each. Be sure to speak to any of our technicians in the service department to ensure you select the correct tool for the job. A link to Park Tool’s website can be reached by clicking the highlighted name.

Hex Wrenches:

-Hex wrenches are used to adjust and install various components on the bike.
- 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5 ,6, 8 & 10mm Hex wrenches are the sizes most commonly used in maintenance.
- The Park P-handle Hex Wrench Set(ph-1)is perfect for all service applications.

Pedal Wrench:

-Pedal wrenches are low profile 15mm wrenches used for the installation and removal of pedals
-The Park Pedal Wrench (pw-3) is an excellent tool offering significant torque to free even seized pedals.

Crank Puller:

-A Crank Puller does exactly as its name implies. This tool is used to remove both the drive and non drive crank arms from the bottom bracket spindle. This tool is available both with and without attached handles and for both splined and square tapered spindles.
-The Park Tool Crank Puller (CCP-2C) is a self functioning multi-purpose crank remover.

Bottom Bracket Tool:

-This tool is difficult to describe. We will ignore non sealed bottom brackets and deal with them at a later time because the tools required and procedures necessary are far more difficult. For sealed bottom brackets, there are two types of tools: external bottom bracket tools, and internal bearing bottom bracket tools.
-The Park Bottom Bracket Tool (BBT-9) removes external bearings while the Park Cartridge Bottom Bracket Tool (BBT-2) is designed for servicing internal bearing bottom brackets.

Freewheel tool:

-A freewheel or cassette tool is used either individually or in combination with a chain whip to remove a cassette or freewheel.
-Freewheel tools are used to spin the freewheel off a threaded section of the hub. Cassette tools are used to remove the cassette lockring so that the cassette can be slid off the spline of the freehub body.
-The Braun Cassette Tool has become a personal favourite in the service department!

Chain Whip:

-A chain whip is used in combination with a cassette tool to spin the lockring off the freehub body so that the cassette can be removed.
-The Park Sprocket Remover (SR-1) provides excellent grip on the cassette to aid in removal.

Cone Wrenches:

-Cone wrenches are available in a range of sizes from 13-19mm and are used for adjusting the cones on hubs for smooth rolling bearings. Cone wrenches are required to be used in sets, and can be double sided for maximum efficiency.
-The Park Shop Cone Wrench (SCW) are the best in the business!

Chain Tool:

-Chain tools are used for cutting and sizing chains, and installing pins for connecting the ends of a chain. The tool required varies depending on the number of speeds the chain is designed for. (10 speed chains require specialized tools in order to remove and install links)
- The Park Screw Type Chain Tool (CT-3) offers excellent feel for pushing pins into chains for a stiff free connection.

Proper Chain Lubricants:

-By proper, I mean to imply that although that synthetic 5W-30 you run through your engine does it wonders, the chain on your bike would beg to differ! Selecting the correct lubricant for your bike chain requires some knowledge of your riding habits, as well as your maintenance habits. A consultation with one of our service technicians can help you select the best lubricant for your riding and service habits!

-Teflon Dry, Wet Based and Wax Based lubricants highlight just a few of those available for use.

-Teflon Dry is our shops house lubricant and is the best “all around” lubricant on the market.

Proper degreasers:

-Proper degreasers are equally as important as proper lubricants as they help to prep the surface and remove grime. There are both citrus and acid based degreasers which will both effectively clean drivetrain components and chains. Aerosol degreasers tend to be most effective in hard to reach areas and liquid degreasers tend to be better with cassette and chain cleaning.

Finishline Aerosol Degreasers simplify the process!

Tire Levers:

-Tire levers assist in removing difficult tires with tight beads from the rim in order to change punctured inner tubes or install new tires. Tire levers are most effectively used in pairs, and are often sold this way.

-Pedro’s makes the best ones on the market! They offer a Lifetime Warranty and have a no questions asked replacement policy! We have trouble keeping these things in stock! A must have for your pack or tool box at home.

Spoke Wrenches:

Spoke wrenches are specialized wrenches that fit in the nipples of spokes to adjust spoke tension and effectively true the wheels on your bike. There are three different standard sizes of spoke wrenches and several specialized sizes for performance and classic wheels. Major wheel truing should be left to trained professionals, however, being able to temporarily straighten your wheel can really get you out of a jam!

-The Park Spoke Wrenches (SW-0 – SW-3) is one of the biggest bangs for your buck when it comes to at home tools!

If there are any tools you feel I should have included, let me know and I will highlight them in one of my upcoming posts. Just remember that not everyone will make use of a Park Tools Bottom Bracket Facing Tool at home.

Until next time…
I hope to see you out there. Drop by and visit at the shop!

Bryan

Cycling Skills

Ontario’s Guide to Safe Cycling

 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!

The Ontario Cycling Association
3 Concorde Gate
Toronto, Ontario M3C 3N7
416-426-7017

The Ministry of Transportation acknowledges the Ontario Cycling Association, the Ontario CAN-BIKE Committee, City of Toronto, City Planning and the Toronto Cycling Committee for their contributions towards this publication.

Canadian Cycling Association

Cycle Canada

Toronto Cycling Committee

Citizens for Safe Cycling

For more information about cycling safety, contact:

MTO Info General Inquiry:

1-800-268-4686 or (416) 235-4686 in GTA

TTY Users:

1-866-471-8929 or (905) 704-2426 in Niagara

Website:

www.mto.gov.on.ca

For more information on the Highway Traffic Act, Statutes and Regulations of Ontario, visit www.e-laws.gov.on.ca

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

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 1 – Safety Equipment – Sizing” in the Blog on Monday, July 26th.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

The above 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.

If you are looking for a bike that has “Performance and Portability” then this product may be of interest to you.   Road bike or Mountain bike,  1 speed to 27 speeds, assorted sizes and priced from $599.98 to $2499.98.  The unique feature of these bicycles is that they fold.  That’s right….they fold. 

These bikes fold or unfold in under 20 seconds and no tools are required.  Simply remove the front wheel, unlock one frame quick release and fold or unfold.   The frames are made of 7005 series aircraft grade aluminum so they are strong, yet light.  Choose from Pavement or Mountain Bikes.  Full information and specs are available on our website, www.brauns.com .

Some Montague bike basics unique to this brand of bike:

CLIX quick release lever allows the bike to be folded in less than 20 seconds.

F.I.T. (Folding Integrated Technology) is a patented folding system which is based on frame construction and eliminates “breaking” the frame in order to make this the strongest folding bike frame on the market. 

PAVEMENT BIKES

CROSSTOWN:   Just fold and go. The ever classic do-it-all bike. Whether you are riding for health and fitness, or just using it as a means to get around town, the Crosstown’s the perfect ride.

• Speeds: 7
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Folding Time: 20 sec.
• Folded Size: 36″x28″x12″
• Approx Weight: 27lbs

BOSTON:  The BOSTON brings back the basics as the first available 700c single speed folding bike. Stripping away the complexities of urban life, this folding bike leaves you face-to-face with the open streets.

The Essentials

 The Essentials

• Speeds: 27
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Folding Time: 20 sec.
• Folded Size: 36″x28″x12″
• Weight: 27.5lbs

  FIT:  With the speed of a road bike, the versatility of a hybrid, and Montague’s legendary folding bike frame design, the FIT was created in order to provide the highest performance road ride of any foldable bike available, bar none

• Speeds: 27
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Folding Time: 20 sec.
• Folded Size: 36″x28″x12″
• Approx Weight: 26lbs

MOUNTAIN:

SWISS BIKE X50:  Like all Montagues, the SwissBike X50 is designed to fold and fit anywhere. With front suspension and all terrain tires, the X50 folding bike makes for the perfect light trail bike or rugged commuter.

• Speeds: 18
• Wheel Size: 26″
• Folding Time: 20 sec.
• Folded Size: 36″x28″x12″
• Approx Weight: 32lbs

• Speeds: 24
• Wheel Size:26″
• Folding Time: 20 sec.
• Folded Size: 36″x28″x12″
• Approx Weight: 29lbs

SWISS BIKE X70:  The SwissBike X70 is a rugged 27-speed folding mountain bike. Sharing the same solid frame design as the X90, the X70 is built for after-work rides on your favorite trails and full-on weekend excursions up in the mountains

• Speeds: 27
• Wheel Size: 26″
• Folding Time: 20 sec.
• Folded Size: 36″x28″x12″
• Approx Weight: 29lbs

SWISS BIKE XO:  The SwissBike XO is an aggressive 27-speed folding hardtail that can rail rugged single track with the best of them. With a stiff frame and a snappy ride, the XO folding bike beckons to the avid rider who demands both performance and portability.

• Speeds: 27
• Wheel Size: 26″
• Folding Time: 20 sec.
• Folded Size: 36″x28″x12″
• Approx Weight: 27lbs

Soft Carrying Case

Folding Pedals

Well I had my new Argon 18 Radon road bike outside, pavement bound, for the first time this season and initial reaction was a big grin.

It was great to finally get off the trainer and get some fresh air and sunshine.  Not that I mind the trainer too much, it’s a great way to keep going during a nasty winter, however when you purchase a new bike in the winter time it can be very painful.  We were lucky with a fairly cycling friendly winter this year which allowed me to hit the trail several times with the mountain bike.

I think it holds true that you can’t properly appreciate a bike’s handling and fit until you’re actually riding and yes, I know rollers accomplish this to some degree but it’s still not the same.  I mean, there is also the fresh air, the sun and the scenery and even the best flat screen tv can’t replicate that.

Then there is the problem of looking at it when you’re not riding it.  It’s the classic “kid pressed up against the store window glass” you know it’s gonna be awesome and can’t wait for spring… but for now, you’ll have to settle with your trainer and Chris Carmichael.

The ride only consisted of a minuscule (to some but not all) 37 Km and the purpose was just to tweak the bike a bit more, become comfortable with it etc.

I wanted to stay mainly in and around town so I rocketed much of the bike path lane on Ira Needles Blvd in Kitchener, Ontario.  That is a fun little stretch because it is mostly flat, has a dedicated bike lane and sometimes you can pace yourself with motorized vehicles on the slight down-slope sections .

Ira Needles took me towards St. Jacobs, where I headed slightly North and cruised some back roads for a bit.  I then came back into Waterloo in around the Universities and back into Kitchener.

It’s wasn’t a very exciting ride to tell you about, but with the weather, my new road rocket and the prospect of more great rides to come; It was an awesome one that began and ended in a smile.

A lot more ride posts to come.  Bring on the season!

P