Part 2: Best Christmas Gifts ON SALE at Pedal Power

Deluxe Tune-Up Special

(gift card)

Regularly: $110.00       NOW: $80

See More Details about the Tune-up HERE

Park PCS-10 Repair Stand

Regularly $199.99           NOW: $149.99

Giro Shoe and Pedal Combo

25% OFF

Giro shoes and pedals of your choice

Feedback Sports Pro Elite with Pouch

 

Just $199.99

Mag Indoor Trainer by Cycleops

Regularly $199.99         NOW: $150.00

Magnetic resistance unit provides a quiet and frictionless ride.

Linear resistance boosts workout intensity to match each pedal stroke and gear click

Come see these and many other great products at Pedal Power!

1904 Staples Mill Rd.
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 658-2126
randy@pedalpowerbicycles.com
www.pedalpowerbicycles.com

Quick and Easy Christmas Gifts for Cyclists Part 1

CHRISTMAS 2014 GIFT IDEAS   SIGMA BC8.12 Regularly: $49.99 Now: $35.00 8 Functions: Speed, Distance, Average speed, Maximum speed, Total distance, Clock, Ride time, Total Ride Time     Full text display with large easy to read digits Udderly Smooth Chamois Cream Reduces Friction and Prevents skin chafing Regularly: $15.00 Now: $10.00 Park Tool Chain Cleaning Kit     Regularly: NOW:

CM-5.2 Chain Scrubber, GSC-1 GearClean Brush, 8oz bottle of CB-2 Citrus Chain Brite Cygolite Metro Rechargeable Headlight Metro 400 Regularly: $59.99 NOW: $45.99 Metro 550 Regularly: $79.95 NOW: $59.95

 
1904 Staples Mill Rd.
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 658-2126
randy@pedalpowerbicycles.com
www.pedalpowerbicycles.com

Think.Shop.Buy.Local - Saturday Nov. 29th

1904 Staples Mill Rd.
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 658-2126
randy@pedalpowerbicycles.com
www.pedalpowerbicycles.com

8 Steps to a Fixed Flat Tube

How To Fix a Flat Tube

Sooner or later, you are going to get a flat tire. And while the prospect of changing a flat can be daunting to those who have never done it, it is fairly easy with a little practice.




Here’s what you will need to change your own tube:



 

Giant Control Tower 1

1. Pump:

• A good floor pump is a godsend for changing flats at home. It attaches easily to the tube’s valve and inflates the tire quickly. It also has a pressure gauge so you can accurately inflate the tire to the recommended pressure (which you can find on the side of the tire.)

 Park Tool Dial Adjust Frame Pump

• A small hand pump is essential for roadside or trail side repairs. These require more effort to inflate the tire, but work well enough to get you home without issue. Just make sure the pump is set up for your particular valve type.Most have valve interfaces that can change to presta or Schrader. Most do not have pressure gauges, so you should learn to feel with your hands what a properly inflated tire feels like before using the hand pump.

 Giant Control Blast CO2

• Those who have changed a few flats can also opt for a CO2 cartridge system. It inflates extremely fast, but requires some practice to use.

Sunlite Tubes

2. Spare tube:

• Make sure you have the right tube for your tire type. Tubes come in many sizes and configurations. A tube that is too wide or narrow can be difficult to install. A tube with the wrong valve type can be impossible to install. Your bike shop can help you make the right choice. Do not store your tubes with sharp objects like tools which can puncture the tube before you ever use it.

 Pedro's DH Tire Lever

3. Tire levers:

• While many tires can be removed by hand, tire levers make the job easier. For stubborn tires, levers areessential. Get several as they are inexpensive, easy to misplace and you are likely to break one eventually.

Before every ride, check that your tires are properly inflated. The tires on your bike have a pressure range printed on the side of the tire. Within that range, your ideal pressure can vary depending on your weight, the type of terrain and riding style. Your local shop should be able to help you decide. Keep in mind that inner tubes are slightly porous, meaning they can lose some air over time—if you haven’t ridden in two weeks and the tire is low, you may just need to re-inflate.

Changing your tube is the same process, whether you are in the garage before the ride or on the side of the road. Here are the steps:

1. Remove wheel

• Loosen the brake on the wheel to be removed. Have your bike shop show you how to do this. (Make sure toreinstall correctly to avoid potentially dangerous situations down the road!!!)
• Your bike likely comes with quick release levers that attach the wheel to the bicycle frame or fork. Flip the lever to the open position (curved side of the lever facing out.) While holding the opposite end of the skewer (the nut onthe other side of the wheel) turn the lever counter-clockwise a couple of turns to loosen it.
• The wheel should drop out of the frame or fork at this point. On the rear wheel, you may need to pull the chainout of the way to ease removal.

2. Inspect the outside of the tire for thorns, glass or other damage.

• Carefully remove any offending bits, otherwise they will just re-puncture the tire when you reinstall.
• Inspect the tire’s sidewall for any holes, also.

3. Remove one side of the tire and remove the tube

• Starting near the valve stem, work the tire over the rim bead either by hand or with a tire lever. Continue working the entire side of the tire off.
• Remove the tube entirely. Visually inspect for signs of damage

4. Inspect tire and rim for offender

• Carefully run your hand along the inside of the tire to feel for sharp objects and remove them. Your tire lever canbe used to push the thorn or glass from the inside of the tire out if you cannot remove it otherwise by hand.
• If you do not find a thorn or glass, inspect the rim bed of the wheel. Sometimes the rimstrip moves out of place,exposing the spoke holes to the tube. If this is the case, work the rimstrip back over the spoke holes. If you cannotdo this, duct tape works in a pinch. (Also, always carry a little bit of duct tape.)

5. Partially inflate tube and reinstall tire

• Now you are ready to put in the new tube. Inflate the new tube a slight amount, just enough that it begins totake some shape. Too much and the tire will be difficult to install.
• Again starting at the valve stem, work the tire back into the rim channel until it is all the way back on, taking care not to pinch the tube. Make sure the tire is all the way on and the tube is not protruding, or it could lead to a blowout.

6. Reinflate tire to proper pressure and inspect

• If you have a floor pump, you can do this quickly and accurately. If you have a hand pump it will take a littlemore time, but you can still get the proper tire pressure.
• Inspect the tire one more time to make sure it is on the rim securely.

7. Reinstall wheel

• Doing the reverse of step 1, reinstall the wheel.
• Make sure the wheel is in the dropouts properly and is straight
• Retighten the quick release nut.
• Close the quick release lever: the quick release lever should begin engaging when it is perpendicular (90degrees) to the wheel. Tighten the lever rest of the way.
• Make sure to tighten the brakes!

8. Ride On.





1904 Staples Mill Rd.
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 658-2126
randy@pedalpowerbicycles.com
www.pedalpowerbicycles.com

The Ultimate Enduro Machine - 2015 Giant Reign Advanced 27.5 is an Impressive Contender

 

 

2015 Giant Reign Advanced Completes Giant's Extensive 27.5 Line-up

Built around a lightweight, stiff and super-strong chassis, Reign Advanced 27.5 features an Advanced composite mainframe with an ALUXX SL rear swingarm.

It gives enduro, all-mountain and aggressive trail riders 6.3 inches/160mm of rear travel with the smooth, fully active Maestro suspension system. In addition to being the lightest Reign that Giant has ever produced (2,650 grams without shock, size medium), it delivers the added efficiency and control of 27.5 wheel technology. Giant engineered new geometry for the Reign Advanced 27.5 that gives it a lower center of gravity and longer wheelbase compared to its 26-inch-wheel predecessor. It also features a custom fork offset of 46mm that optimizes handling with the new wheel size.

"Giant is reintroducing its 160mm travel Reign in 2015 after a one-year absence. First appearing in 2005 as a 26er, its return (and overhaul) makes Giant’s dedicated-to-27.5 line-up complete. Besides wheel size, there are a few other significant changes as well.

First, the mainframe on the Advanced 1 is carbon fiber with an aluminum rear triangle and stealthy internal cable routing. Next up is a slack 65-degree head angle matched to an adjustable 130mm to 160mm RockShox Pike RC with a custom, 46mm offset to keep steering responsive at slower speeds. Also, the Overdrive 2 head tube is gone in favor of the original design—an external shell that’s still massive but the bearings are now standard 1 1/8 to 1 1/2 taper so you can easily switch out the fork or stem if you want. The Advanced also has a 125mm RockShox dropper post instead of Giant’s own name brand model seen elsewhere.

Rear suspension sticks with the successful Maestro design that utilizes four pivots and two links. It’s a proven performer on long and short travel bikes across Giant’s full-suspension line. The shock is the new RockShox Monarch Plus DebonAir RC3. DebonAir signifies an increase in both the positive and negative air chambers which is claimed to increase initial stroke sensitivity and overall plushness as it moves through the travel. It also has a three-position platform lever: Open, Pedal and Lock."
-Mike Cushionbury
www.dirtragmag.com




1904 Staples Mill Rd.
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 658-2126
randy@pedalpowerbicycles.com
www.pedalpowerbicycles.com

RIDING TECHNIQUE: Incorporate These Easy Tips To Keep From Getting Too Tired Or Sore

Photo Cred: www.Ilovebicycling.com

Body Moves To Help Smooth The Ride

Stop And Stretch 

Stretching helps flexibility and comfort yet it's often overlooked by cyclists. All it takes though, is thinking of it and taking a break to loosen up (we don't recommend on-the-bike stretching because you might crash). One great stretch for the back that's easy to do is standing straight, raising your arms over your head and reaching as high as you can. 

Hold this position for thirty seconds or so and you'll feel much looser. Also, bend your neck to both sides and to the front and back and hold for a few seconds in each position to ease any tightness. To relieve pressure on the hands and arms that causes fatigue and pain, every few miles remove one hand at a time from the bars and shake it out by your side.

Breathe Deeply 

Another good relaxation techniques is monitoring your breathing. Many athletes tense up when exercising and actually hold their breath, which increases muscle tension and fatigue. If you can exhale completely every few minutes and draw in deep breaths of fresh air, you'll help your muscles relax and remain fresher.


Refresh Yourself
 
On warm rides, a great pick-up is washing the face, neck, hands and arms with cool water (usually available on organized rides; or stop at a store). This will remove any salt, cool the skin and feel great.

Always Hook A Thumb 

While it's important to relax your body to smooth the ride, don't mistake relaxation for a lackadaisical approach to safety. Be sure to keep a secure grip on the handlebars at all time, especially as trails get rougher. Remember to always keep at least one thumb hooked beneath the handlebar. It'll prevent your hands from slipping off the bars, a dangerous mishap that can occur if you grip without hooking a thumb.

Softer May Be Better 

Finally, something that can make it much easier to relax is using lower tire pressure when riding off road. This will soften the tires helping to absorb shocks from the trail and keeping them from reaching your body. Many cyclists ride with 50 to 60 psi but a pressure of 34 to 40 will feel much more comfortable as well as provide better traction and control.






1904 Staples Mill Rd.
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 658-2126
randy@pedalpowerbicycles.com
www.pedalpowerbicycles.com

2015 Giant TCR Advanced SL - Precision Boosted and Faster than Ever

Giant Packs the TCR Advanced SL With Features and The Latest Technology 

It’s no secret that the TCR Advanced SL wins a lot of pro races. But the reason for its dominance is something our competitors do keep secret: Giant is the only major manufacturer that controls every stage of design and production, from raw carbon thread to this finished racing machine. 

The others don’t—and the results speak for themselves. Tests show that TCR Advanced SL is the lightest, stiffest, best-riding road bike in its class. 

The all-new TCR Advanced SL shatters the mold of every composite bike that came before it. It uses Advanced SL-grade composite and innovative manufacturing techniques that make it the lightest, stiffest, and most efficient road frame ever produced by Giant.

Steering precision is boosted by the new oversize OverDrive 2 headtube/fork combination. The MegaDrive downtube and PowerCore bottom bracket improve power transfer and efficiency. And the integrated seatpost, a hallmark Giant innovation, reduces frame weight and adds compliance. Ridden to countless victories by Giant pro riders, the TCR Advanced SL is a pure racing machine.

1. Giant's innovative oversized fork steerer-tube design increases front-end stiffness and enhances steering performance. The tapered steerer and oversized bearings( 1 /14" top - 1 1/2" bottom) boost torsional steering stiffness so you can sprint and corner with supreme precision.

2. As the pioneer of the integrated seatpost, Giant continues to improve its design with lighter weight (approximately 45 grams of weight savings, compared to a standard composite seatpost), improved aerodynamics and an even greater "tuned" forgiving ride feel. An adjustable saddle clamp offers 10 or 23 mm of offset for precise saddle position

3. Advanced SL toptubes are "grafted" to the seattube using filament winding and co-molding. This complex process involves hand weaving the two tubes together, then re-molding the area under heat and high pressure to unify the junction — resulting in a lighter, stronger junction than with traditional molding.

4. Carbon Nanotube Technology refers to a microscopic polymer added to Giant's custom-blended resin. Acting like miniature buttresses, CNT particles strengthen the layers of composite. Frames treated with CNT are 14% more impact resistant than those that aren't.

5. Continuous Fiber Technology is a new manufacturing process that allows Giant to construct the front triangle of Advanced SL bicycles with larger — and therefore fewer — sections of composite material. With fewer pieces and junctions, the frames are up to 100 grams lighter and significantly stronger.

6. Giant's all-new chainstay integrated wireless data transmitter is called RideSense. The fully integrated, removable transmitter sends wheelspeed and cadence information directly to any ANT+ compatible computer.

7. Giant's all-new composite bottom-bracket shell saves 15 grams over its alloy-reinforced predecessor, while all-new composite dropouts save an additional 15 grams. High-compression, multidirectional composite ensures long life.

8. Free of alloy tips, Giant's all-new composite fork and frame dropouts save 15 grams over their predecessors. High compression, multi-directional composite ensures long life — even after repeated clamping

Come check out our great selection of Giant, Fuji, and KHS Bikes today!



1904 Staples Mill Rd.
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 658-2126
randy@pedalpowerbicycles.com
www.pedalpowerbicycles.com