Sport Chalet Bike Shop News

How to center Hayes Hydro Disc Brake calipers.

2010-09-15T16:25:00.000-07:00

The attached presentation covers this procedure but adds the use of business cards as spacers. They are not mandatory, but can be used to solve other problems. Please click on the text just above the window below to "full screen" the window. Enjoy!

Hayes Bicycle Disc Brake Centering Plus

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Presentations & Slid world planning

Avid Juicy Seven Brake Bleed Procedure

2010-05-17T21:33:00.000-07:00

2011 SRAM X7 group goes 2 x 10?

2010-03-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

Those hubs have a lot of the design features from American Classic/WTB's. Pretty cool. The general recommendation is for use in "XC" situastions on bikes with LESS than 5 inches of travel. If X7 goes 2 x 10, it's reasonable to think that X9 and X0 will also.
Keep in mind that the chain must be narrower, potentially more brittle and may affect durability.

Click on link- SRAM's Web Site

Will we be seeing much of it? We'll have to wait until ????? to find out.

"Brake lever; whatever?" NO!

2010-03-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

In our Master Mechanic classes we teach everything possible, but due to time and payroll constraints some things get less attention. I’d like to take just a moment and show a small but critical difference between two brake levers.

In ~1995 the Dia Compe PC-11 brake lever was available. It’s designed for Cantilever brakes, which have a short caliper arm, so the leverage is “high”. We can see this by looking at the distance between the cable path and the lever pivot, it’s about 0.65 inches.

The Shimano BR-M739 brake lever has a cable path-to-pivot distance of about 1.27 inches, a dramatic difference from the Dia Compe lever. This lever is made for use with V-brakes only, with a little adjustment possible in it’s “low” leverage design.

I’m no engineer, but I can see that the Shimano lever will pull much more cable with lower force than the DiaCompe. I’m not going to calculate that with the angle of the brake lever, but it’ll be “more”. As a mechanic I can tell these levers can’t be swapped from these pictures, and have any quality of function.

Today, bike functions and parts are getting mixed more than ever. “Flat bar Road Bikes”. “Road Bikes with Disc Brakes”. “BMX bikes with V-brakes”. We’re seeing demands for greater braking power on many bikes, and we may get requests with good intent and bad execution. Regardless of the reason, brake parts within a category are made to work together. Mixing low-leverage systems (Modern V-brakes, mechanical disc brakes) and high-leverage systems (Cantilever, basic side-pull, U-brakes and all modern road bike brakes) in any form can only result in compromised performance or loss of safety. There are very few exceptions to this, please contact any Bike Trainer in our company for details if needed.

It can be tempting to dismiss the value of training, but we discuss things similar to this in all of our classes. Whether you've hired a "Pro Racer" or absolute "newb", they need to go through Sport Chalet Bike Dept training.

Be Safe!

The Yahoo Cycling Team Is Going To Love This New Google Maps Feature by Techcrunch/MG Siegler on Mar 10, 2010

2010-03-10T10:20:00.000-08:00

Feature by Techcrunch/MG Siegler on Mar 10, 2010 

Yahoo is  backing a cycling team. I don’t know why — but they’re doing it. And  today their passion got a little boost: from Google.

Google is announcing tomorrow at the National Bike Summit in  Washington, DC that Google Maps will now include biking directions in  the U.S. Apparently, this was the most-requested feature for the  service, as some 57 million Americans ride bikes.

Thousands of miles of bike trails have been added to the maps. And  there is also step-by-step directions, much like you can see for driving  or public transportation directions in the maps. There is also a new  layer that shows bike trails and bike-friendly areas on roads. Yes, it’s  a bike-lover’s dream.

To make this new feature happen, Google partnered with Rails-to-Trails  Conservancy, a nonprofit group that converts old rail lines into  bike trails. The group have given Google information on some 12,000  miles worth of trails in the U.S.

To coincide with the launch, Google also has a cycling contest. To  enter, you simply have to tweet with the hashtag #bikewithgoogle. The  randomly selected winner will get a voucher for $2,500 to be used  at American Cyclery.

I fully expect that hashtag to be dominated by members of Yahoo’s  cycling team tomorrow.

This is great news for any cyclist, especially those that commute to work. Enjoy!  

4,500 volunteers needed for Amgen Tour of California!

2010-01-28T08:43:00.000-08:00

More Than 4,500 Volunteers Needed for May Event from Velonews.com

LOS ANGELES (January 27, 2010) – Volunteer opportunities for the 2010 Amgen Tour of California are now posted online at the official race Web site, www.amgentourofcalifornia.com . Anyone wishing to volunteer for an opportunity to participate in the fifth-annual cycling race can apply online for positions, including hospitality, volunteer course marshals, security, and media operations, among others.

Considered cycling’s most important and successful road race in the United States, some of America’s most accomplished cyclists, including Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer, Dave Zabriskie and George Hincapie have already committed to participating in the 2010 Amgen Tour of California. The fifth edition of the annual race will travel to 16 host cities throughout the state over the course of eight days from May 16-23, including the very first mountaintop finish in race history. The eight-day race will begin in Nevada City and travel by some of the state’s most scenic landmarks, with the overall finish taking place in Thousand Oaks.

“The support of the volunteers in the local communities that the Amgen Tour of California travels through is essential to the success of the race,” said Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports, presenter of the race. “Getting involved with the race as a volunteer allows local residents to take part in an event that captures the attention of local communities and the world, in addition to witnessing first-hand in the behind-the-scenes planning involved in an event of this stature.”

More than 4,500 volunteers in communities throughout the state participated in last year’s race, making it seamless and successful from start to finish, and solidifying it as the largest sporting event in the state of California. In each of the start and finish cities, as many as 350 local volunteers were recruited to help staff the race.

The majority of volunteers are needed to serve as volunteer course marshals, providing support for the 75 professional course marshals that travel with the tour and support the local law enforcement authorities in each city. Course marshal volunteers have an opportunity to be on the race route, close to the cyclists, with responsibility for monitoring pedestrian traffic, barricades and road closures.

Volunteer positions for the 2010 Amgen Tour of California include:
Volunteer Course Marshals – Assist with the coordination and safety of the fans and participants in a designated area along the race course
Media – Assist with distribution of media credentials, media hospitality, media operations press room management, media liaisons and press events
Security – Assist Tour security staff with access-control, including on-course, hospitality, awards and special events
Site Decoration/Restoration – Assist with installation and clean up of banners
Lifestyle Festival EXPO – Assist Tour Lifestyle Festival staff with EXPO coordination – guide vendors and exhibitors to their tents for set-up; assist with festival logistics as needed; and assist with marketing activities in EXPO
Sweepstakes Surveyors – Ensure that Festival guests are aware of the Tour Sweepstakes opportunities, as well as all of the amenities of the festival
Volunteer Check-in – Assist LOC volunteer coordinator with set-up, check-in/registration and deployment
Volunteers must be over the age of 18 or accompanied by an adult. The online sign-up form offers volunteers the opportunity to rank their top-three job preferences, and every attempt is made to match volunteers to their area of interest. Shortly after filling out the online form, volunteers will be contacted by the local organizing committee for further information.

Dates of the 2010 Amgen Tour of California:
Stage 1: Sunday, May 16 – Nevada City to Sacramento
Stage 2: Monday, May 17 – Davis to Santa Rosa
Stage 3: Tuesday, May 18 – San Francisco to Santa Cruz
Stage 4: Wednesday, May 19 – San Jose to Modesto
Stage 5: Thursday, May 20 – Visalia to Bakersfield
Stage 6: Friday, May 21 – Pasadena to Big Bear Lake
Stage 7: Saturday, May 22 – Los Angeles (individual time trial)
Stage 8: Sunday, May 23 – Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village/Agoura Hills

For additional information on volunteering for the 2010 Amgen Tour of California, please visit www.AmgenTourofCalifornia.com/Tour/volunteer.

Comments Needed for L.A. City Bike Plan

2010-01-04T08:45:00.000-08:00

(As posted from SHARE 2010/01/03)

WIIFM? The city and county of Los Angeles is backing away from their support of mountain biking, and are relenting to pressure from equestrian groups that horses and bikes "don't mix". Your voice has effect in this issue, please respond to the links below.It's easy to feel unaffected by this, but as access is lost in one area others fall easier.

The draft Los Angeles City Bike Plan was recently released and mountain bicyclists should be concerned with the direction it has taken. We need comments not only from L.A.-based riders, but from anyone who has positive stories about relationships with equestrians and other trail users on California trails.

Public comments can be submitted online or via postal mail, and are due before Jan. 8, 2010.

Here are some suggested talking points:

1. Somewhere in L.A. City Parks there should be opportunities for mountain bicyclists -- it's bad public policy that all dirt roads and trails are closed to bikes.
2. Bicycling is a positive, safe, health-promoting activity for people of all ages and should be encouraged with both natural-surface and paved riding opportunities.
3. The 2009 plan should incorporate the 1996 bicycle plan language that called for pilot projects and a gradual increase in mountain bike opportunities in the parks.
4. Bicyclists safely share trails with other trail users, including equestrians, all around the globe.
5. Mountain biking is a sustainable, manageable and appropriate activity for L.A. parks -- it works in dozens of other cities so why not ours?

Additional Information

For several years, anti-bike groups have mobilized to perpetuate the bicycle ban in LA City Parks. An older 1996 bike plan proposed a gradual increase in mountain bike opportunities, but they were never enacted. The new plan abandons those proposals and focuses instead on studies and research.

An analysis of the plan (PDF) published by the Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Association (CORBA), is available online.

At public meetings related to the plan, anti-bike equestrians have testified that bikes and horses simply don't mix and that even separate trails for bikes and horses won't work because bicyclists won't follow rules. Most of the opposition has been from equestrians who ride in Griffith Park, many from the nearby cities of Glendale and Burbank. Griffith would be a great place to bike, especially for locals, but bicycle advocates have not asked for Griffith specifically. We've asked for some trails somewhere, but the anti-bike groups' response has essentially been, "No, nowhere, never."

You can submit comments online via the link at the top of this page, or by mail on or before Jan. 8, 2010.

City of Los Angeles, Department of City Planning
Attn:Jordann Turner
200 N. Spring Street, Room 721
Los Angeles CA 90012
jordann.turner@lacity.org

For further information, contact Jim Hasenauer at imbajim@aol.com

Sell the complete experience, please!

2009-11-23T09:57:00.000-08:00

In this holiday season things may get rushed with the flood of business. It's a normal part of the holiday retail experience, but please take an extra moment and let the customer know of the "other" things they may need. A helmet, a jacket, or an awesome set of gloves can change their day from horrible to exceptional. Go "All In" for our customers!

November issue of "Diamondback Dirt"!

2009-11-11T18:58:00.000-08:00

DB November DIRT

Tour of California Dates/Cities Announced

2009-10-23T10:25:00.001-07:00

(From Bicycle Retailer's website 2009 Oct 23)
Beginning with a road stage, a first for the race, the 2010 Amgen Tour of California will visit 16 host cities for official stage starts and finishes, while other cities along the route also will have the opportunity to witness the excitement of elite professional cycling. Stages for the 2010 Amgen Tour of California include:

Stage 1: Sunday, May 16 – Nevada City to Sacramento
Stage 2: Monday, May 17 – Davis to Santa Rosa
Stage 3: Tuesday, May 18 – San Francisco to Santa Cruz
Stage 4: Wednesday, May 19 – San Jose to Modesto
Stage 5: Thursday, May 20 – Visalia to Bakersfield
Stage 6: Friday, May 21 – Pasadena to Big Bear Lake
Stage 7: Saturday, May 22 – Los Angeles (individual time trial)
Stage 8: Sunday, May 23 – Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village/Agoura Hills

Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong’s announcement of his intent to compete in the fifth-annual race was met with enthusiasm from race organizers and fans. After mounting an incredible comeback to professional cycling in 2009, competing in the Amgen Tour of California and other top races around the world, including finishing third in the 2009 Tour de France, Armstrong will start the 2010 season on his newly formed Team RadioShack. Returning to the Amgen Tour of California for the second consecutive year, Armstrong is expected to be a top competitor in the race.

We have stores in many of these cities, and there are some opportunities for us here. The smallest of those would be scheduling a day off to see the world's greatest riders roll through your city. A big one for Sport Chalet would be some level of sponsorship. If you fit in the middle, volunteering is an option: http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Tour/volunteer.html

Main info page on the race: http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com

Bike University 2009!

2009-10-06T11:55:00.000-07:00

Bike U is on, at the same place as 2008. It's a one day event, so no demo rides are planned, and it'll be a very full day. Oct 27, 2009, starting at 07:45 and concluding at 18:30. Sign up thru the Endzone training calendar. 2 paid per store, voluntary attendance "possible" with pre-registration.

We need a logo, and PDQ. Not just a symbol, not just text and simpler than what's above. Please let me know if you can throw something together, it may get used! Deadline? Sunday PM.

Can't afford Hope? Try Alligator!

2009-10-06T11:48:00.000-07:00

This has nothing to do with Obama, so ease up there. This entry refers to me mentioning Hope Gothic rotors for years, and how nice they look. (Well, to a bike goon like me, they look cool!) I had held off from getting a set as they were kinda expensive at a minimum of $50 each. A friend of mine was changing from this set to another, and made an offer I couldn't resist. Once burnished in, these run silent thru the pads and have about the same power as Hayes V6's. Since these have less surface area they are likely to wear faster than Hayes, but for the price it's reasonable.

Let me know what you think and maybe we could stock these!

Thule vs. Yakima- True Competitors

2009-08-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

We will be going through a rack vendor transition this month, and the road may seem bumpy in this decision. I’d like to suggest that you look forward to this. If you’ll think through all the roof rack customers that you have ever worked with, how many of them have bought more than one base rack system from you? Not too many, right? How many have bought more than two? Almost none, right?

Buying a base rack system can be compared to buying a house. Once you have a house, you then buy the things that make it a home. In your house there are a number of accessories. Refrigerator, TV, sound system of some sort, and on and on. It’s not a “home” until you have it fixed up just the way you like it.

Over the last four years we have really focused on selling base rack systems. Selling “houses” and less of selling “homes”. I’m not backing away from that philosophy, but it lacked vision. Instead of telling the customer about how to get the base rack we should be talking about how to use it. And digging a little to find another way they could use it. We should be selling the experience of being outdoors, not selling hardware! Here’s an example; Cargo boxes. If someone had only told me years ago how useful cargo boxes were I’d have bought one sooner. Don’t tell me the price. Don’t tell me what it weighs. Don’t even tell me if it’s in stock! JUST TELL ME WHAT I CAN DO WITH IT!

“Sir, the space inside your car is for PEOPLE. If you had a cargo box your camping gear could go in it. If you’re going skiing/boardin’ all of that could up there. If you’re hauling the kids to the soccer field, the bag of practice cones and balls goes up there. Think of all the dirty gear that goes in your car now, and how easily it’ll go in there…”

Had I only known. The company we are partnering with has the easiest to load hitch bike carrier, the T2. They offer the best consumer truck rack, the Xsporter. They make more cargo boxes than the other company by a factor of twelve. They offer the easiest to load kayak carrier, the Hull-a-vator. For a traveling fisherman, see the Cast-a-way. How about a ski/snowboard carrier that doesn’t make you monkey-climb all over your ride in boots after a full day? (PullTop) Open up their catalog and you’ll easily find this info.

The difference in accessories is only one of the reasons we are changing. Yakima is a great company and makes great products, but the time has come for a change. You may hear me say we sell and install base systems in classes, but on the sales floor we’ll be selling an experience and the accessories that’ll make it happen.

Thule vs. Yakima Training

2009-08-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

With the change in vendors, many have asked if we'll be recertifying all our Rack Installers. That answer is 100% no. The two companies have slightly different execution of similar concepts, once one is understood the other one is also. For the last 18 months we've been teaching all of Yakima's details and many of Thule's, we will just be all Thule from this point on.

Think of another "system". An elbow is an elbow. It's the hinge between the wrist and the shoulder. There are differences between mine and yours, but I understand how those you own work.

No retraining is planned, suggested or required, it all installs by the directions that are included. But come to the new clinic for more details on Thule products if you'd like!

How do I refill this grease thing?

2009-08-02T17:25:00.000-07:00

Please see the video for how to refill and troubleshoot most grease gun issues. It runs less than eleven minutes long...

Should Diamondback make a Singlespeed?

2009-05-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

They're one of the few companies that doesn't, and maybe that's because all the distinctive elements of design have been played out. It's probably a "if you can't be different why do it" thing.

However, this example weighs 25lbs on the ultra-accurate hyper-calibrated scale in the Lab. (It measures to 2 decimal points, OK this is 25.18lbs. Easy man, decaf.) I know it's an oddity, I mean who runs bar ends since 1995? But they help to add more power to the pedals under max efforts.

I like it, and it's climbs/handles great. Let THEM know if you think it's a good idea.

From Response SS

Hayes Stroker Brake Bleed Procedure

2009-05-17T21:31:00.000-07:00

Is bigger “better”?

2009-05-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

In riding this Solo-One I am stunned by some impressions of the wheel size. If we just do some basic math it makes facts easier to see. A 29” wheel is 3” larger than a 26”. Easy math, but so what? The circumference of the 29” wheel is a little over 10% greater. This affects how the wheel feels and the gear ratio that moves it.

Feel- This bike has absolutely phenomenal traction. I am used to getting a little wheel spin on uphill sprints; not on this bike. With the tire pressure taken down to 30psi front and 34psi rear it was amazing. Please keep in mind that this bike has no suspension travel so I was not hitting corners as aggressively, but still 80% of normal. Still fast enough to get “snow globed” from the bumps. (That’s when you get shaken up enough that your vision blurs, like shaking a snow globe and watching the flakes float around.) The diameter of the wheel reduces the impact of trail bumps so trails you know feel smoother. The larger wheel has it’s axle higher off the ground but the crank assembly is at the normal altitude. This means that you ride this bike with a lower center of gravity. You’ll feel it, definitely. I’ve been riding MTB’s since... well..the early 80’s and it’s an effect that’s very attractive. It makes the bike have a longboard feel, and it carves smooth radius turns like poetry. If you are 5’ 10” or taller you should definitely try a 29’er. The difference is dramatic.

If you’ve attended classes with me you’ll be ready for the other side of the coin, that every choice has an up and down side. By using a larger wheel your rolling assembly will weigh more. How much more is determined by you, but it’ll weigh more. Added weight makes ascending harder. That added weight will also make your brakes less effective, so don’t use cheap brakes on your 29’er. Since the wheel has greater momentum the steering response is slower but there’s easy ways to deal with that, use shorter width handlebars.

Gearing- If you’re going to singlespeed this wheelset plan on owning a few extra rear cogs. The Solo-One comes equipped with a 32:20 gear ratio. Depending on your personal fitness level and the steepness of your trails you may want to have an easier gear. If you look closely at some affordable cassettes you may be able to disassemble them and have 2 or 3 usable choices for a pretty low cost. 32:20 equals a ratio of 1:1.6. 32:21 = 1:1.52, 32:23 = 1:1.39, and any lower you can calculate on your own. A common mountain bike has a range of ratios from 0.65 to 4, so keep in mind that if you have ONE gear don’t go too low. Or toddlers on tricycles will look like Lance Armstrong as they pass you.

Also- consider bar ends! They can really help you to power up some hills.

An Expert should try new things...

2009-05-04T10:01:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about the title of this entry, and realized I was missing some basic biking experiences. It’s been 2 years since I’d ridden a 29’er. I’ve never ridden a single speed MTB in XC mode. And it’s been a long time since I had gone “full rigid” off road. (The opposite of full suspension, thank you.) I called a friend @ KHS, and did all three things at once. My plan was to ride a local loop for the test period and note the changes.

From KHS Solo One 1

May 1- I picked up a KHS Solo-One demo bike from KHS and took it to the Lab for a full tuning. The full MSRP on it is $679 including disc brakes and an aluminum frame. I was very grateful to note the huge 2.3” Kenda Nevegal tires for traction and a softer ride. The fork may look “long”, but it’s made to have extra height to allow for the owner to add a suspension fork and not mess up the geometry. There’s no way around it, this thing is burly at 28.85lbs with the stock platform pedals. Balance that against the huge tires and durable 29” wheels, and it begins to make sense. I took one short lap and realized that “some” suspension would be a help. The seatpost in picture five is a Cane Creek Thudbuster LT, and it works perfect on this type of bike. The 3” of travel makes a world of difference.

From KHS Solo One 1

I’m 5’9”, and this is a medium size. On the Solo One I’d advise you to get a larger size if you are 1/4” of an inch taller than me. If you wear pants with an inseam longer than 28”, immediately install a longer seatpost. Beyond that it just works. This bike will be ridden in a way totally different from your other bikes, so avoid big changes until you’ve tried it.

May 2- The introduction is over, it’s time to crank this thing! The Fullerton Loop is a very popular trail in my region, which courses through city parks and open spaces between houses. It ain’t epic, but it’s local and fun. Normally I burn off 700 to 800 calories doing it on a full suspension bike. I used 1559 calories today. Let me start by saying that riding a single speed bike is fun. Like out-running an alligator type of fun.(I realize my idea of fun may be a little twisted, but I think you’d like one too. Bike, not alligator.) For me the KHS Solo-One has three modes.
Mode A is when you are spinning “on top” of the gear or coasting. Since there’s ONE GEAR you don’t get to shift if you go faster than you can pedal that gear, you spin it at 180+ rpm/coast/spin/coast until the terrain changes.
Mode B is when the gear and terrain demands an effort from you that you can manage. Easy climbs, short mellow hills, that’s OK. “Nice”.
Mode C occurs on a short steep hill. A hill that beginners see and immediately get off and walk up. This is the core moment of single-speediness for me. You’re tensed against the pedals, clipped in, putting 100% of your available strength into the cranks. You are pulling on the handlebars, leaning into the climb, to keep the bike balanced side-to-side, You are also keeping “just” enough weight on the rear tire so you don’t roost away your momentum. Maybe you add your own soundtrack, groaning/grunting or warrior-wailing your way to the apex of the hill. There is a “zen” to that moment of energy and balance that completely resonates with me.

Aw nuts, I’m becoming a single speeder. It hasn't killed me yet, I must be getting stronger. I’ll do more on the wheel size in the next installment.

From KHS Solo One 1

Diamondback April Dirt!

2009-04-07T19:46:00.001-07:00

DB April Dirt

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Magazines & Newspape

Marin Bikes reviews modern suspension designs

2009-04-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

Marin Bikes has released a comparison of modern full-suspension designs that warrants your attention. The perspective does favor their design, but I believe it's important for us to share.

Marin Quad Link Clinic 2009

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Illustrations & Maps training products

Don't call Iron Horse Bikes. For Anything!

2009-03-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

Bankrupt with rumors of financial misdeeds. Details here.

Hayes Post Mount Bolt Chart

2009-03-18T16:18:00.001-07:00

If you have been mounting an oversize disc brake rotor with a post-mount for the caliper, things get complicated quickly. The bolts are color-coded and it's easy to lose track of what you needed. If you use the wrong ones you could strip the mount, and the damage could run into the hundreds of dollars. Ouch!

To help avoid this, please check this chart for what rotor size goes with what bolt. I know you should just measure it out,this is only shortcut you'll get on this topic.

From Untitled Album

Diamondback Newsletter for March 2009

2009-03-13T13:39:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!
Diamondback Newsletter-March Dirt 09

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Newsletters Periodicals & Report

Yakima acquires RackandRoll multi-sport trailers

2009-01-20T10:04:00.000-08:00

If you own a vehicle that is completely rack incompatible (BMW Z4, Dodge Caliber, etc) you had zero options, until RackAndRoll came along. They make trailers to carry bikes, and are lightweight. They even fold flat for easy garage storage. Pretty Cool!

MSRP is $2,149 for the basic model, and you must not own something so unusual that a trailer hitch can't be mounted to it. Wow. Suddenly the Q-tower system seems really affordable.

Yakima RackandRoll Trailer site

How be an Expert again. Let a newbie show you the joy!

2009-01-15T15:07:00.000-08:00

Let me give you a little background first. I’ve been riding mountain bikes since 1980. If that predates your birthday, just keep that to yourself please. I’ve worked with all kinds of customers, and ridden with a very wide variety of people. I may have become a little jaded when it comes to bike riding, I can admit it. My attitude a month ago to hitting the trail may have been very “whatever”.

In the last two months I have been a better friend to a few people. One of them, in his mid-40’s, has really discovered mountain bike riding for the first time. He’s ridden motorcycles in the desert for years, and was getting burned out on the whole experience. Go to the Airport for Race Fuel for the motos, fuel up the truck, load and hook up the trailer, drive an hour and half, and unload the bikes. Put gear on, ride motorcycle for 3+ hours. Get back to rig, stow ride gear, load trailer. Drive an hour and a half home, unload everything. Clean the trailer and bike. Park trailer, disconnect, park truck. It makes me tired just reading all it takes to go ride!

Compare this to; grab helmet/ Camelbak/ shoes/ bike. Put in truck, drive 15 minutes. Ride 90 minutes. Drive home, stow gear, lube chain. Feel good, have the rest of the day available. Do it again the next day. Easy!

After you’ve done a sport for some time, it can be easy to take some things for granted. Riding with this guy is just fun. Even when he feels like barfing because the hill climb was so steep, he radiates happiness in being there. He dreams of mountain biking. He doesn’t quite know it yet, but he’s gonna snap and buy a $3,000 bicycle in a month or two. He has got “it”. By helping this person into the sport, now I have “it” again. In fact I’m getting the better part of the deal, I think.

What am I suggesting in relating this to you? You will get something from mentoring a person, even if they’re older than you. Get involved, and make a difference. It may make you an expert all over again.

Tough times don't last. Be the Team Leader.

2009-01-05T11:36:00.000-08:00

There is a lot of concern and discussion in our stores about the economy. You may not have been working with Sport Chalet in the days after Sept 11, 2001. Although the country bounced back quickly after that tragic event, our company learned a valuable lesson. Sales went down, but customers kept shopping. When they gained confidence that the country was recovering, sales came back up. Our customers that wanted to be outside running, swimming or skiing a year ago still want to do that. The desire for what we sell has not changed, and the customer will satisfy their needs and wants soon. The customer in your store today is here solely because they want to buy a product. They will buy it, and they’ll buy it from you if you’ll speak with them.

Keep your focus. We are in the customer service business.

Extra info on Bike University

2008-10-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

Bike University is an annual event for Sport Chalet employees. This two-day clinic allows intensive training by our vendors direct to store staff, and is something we look forward to all year. It can be difficult to include all the info, so I thought I'd post a couple of additional resources.

Tomorrow's Weather in the area @ Weather.com
Where is the site? Google Maps
Are there trails? Yes, from SoCalMtb

Know the Bike Dept? Prove it!

2008-10-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

I was recently looking for a snack, and found a brand-new Yakima Flexfit hat! (How did that get there...) I wondered how to fairly share this with the loyal readers of this blog... hmmm. A QUIZ!

If you're the first person to email me, and can answer any question from the test accurately you win. I'll make three tries to call you, and then move on to the next potential winner. Once the prize has been given away, I'll note that here. The crescent rolls, ham and bacon are not included, only the hat.

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Lance vs Greg LeMond in Vegas

2008-10-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

So, Lance is running a press conference on his return to the Tour de France and competitive cycling. Can you imagine him as a domestique, what pressure on the leader! Greg LeMond was there, with permission of the Livestrong group. Greg needed permission as he's been so negative on doping in cycling that even as a previous Tour winner no one wants to talk to him. That issue may have been a major factor in Trek dropping LeMond Bicycles from it's lineup.

Anyway, at 5:40 in Greg gets the mic and starts on his "thing". Lance answered his question just previously, and looks for another from the group. Greg starts in again, and gets shut down by Lance. It's good to have a focus to your life, and even better if it's one that hasn't been beaten to death.

Lance Armstrong Returns - Press Conf Las Vegas from CYCLEFILM on Vimeo.

Odd Shimano Bling Parts

2008-10-01T16:56:00.000-07:00

In a quiet space in Shimano's booth there was a display with intricate XTR parts that looked as though they were made of gold. It struck me as unusual as they did this for the off-road groups, and not for road. I wonder if they'll sell many units. "Yumeya" means dream workshop in Japanese. The scanner cut the big "White Gold" and "Racing Spirit x Prestigious Kit" off the page.

The pictures are scans of the brochure that commemorates the offering.

Some company rode to Interbike...

2008-09-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

This year seven employees from the Specialized Bicycle company and an equal number of invited retailers rode the 660-mile distance to Interbike. I saw bits of their experience on TV stations in Visalia, Southern Calif and Vegas, and thought it was kinda cool. They were also collecting donations for the Susan G. Komen breast cancer fund. They benefited from this exposure in several different ways, but primarily to the bike brand.

Links I could put up quickly, you may need to cut-n-paste 'em:
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local&id=6399240
www.bicycleretailer.com/news/newsDetail/420.html
http://carbonneutraljournal.com/wordpress/2007/09/28/getting-to-las-vegas/
http://www.bikemonkey.net/?p=839#more-839

Why don't WE do this next year? It's about 300 miles from Corporate to Las Vegas, and take 4 to 5 days. Rent a 15 seat van, get a person to drive/handle logististics/make lunch and snacks. The outlay could be $1,500. I saw coverage all over, and that would hit our target of showing we are involved with the sport in a manner appealing to all. I would like to designate the "Tour de Cure" as the charity, as I am diabetic and very supportive toward that goal. We'd roll into Interbike with a HUGE dominance in news coverage. I would do it in a heartbeat.

Why wouldn't we? Please leave a comment!

How much is the 2009 DB Sortie Black?

2008-09-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

5 inches of travel front and rear.
They're making about 30 of them.
Approx 26.5lbs.

$5200. No kidding.

Some views from Interbike 2008 09 25

2008-09-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

Today is hyperlink day, please click on the link to see the picture.

The 2009 Fuji Finest 2.0 is still looking great!

SE Racing had an amazingly cool looking 24” Cruiser. Even the rims are wood-grained. Closeup.

Fuji had a sweet looking F/S 29’er. Until you saw the price. Nice, but ouch.

Tyler Hamilton’s rippin’ around on a Fuji. Ask Tom Roth for the story.

Rocky Mountain had this sexy full carbon F/S bike out. I didn’t dare ask about the price. Pictures can not convey how nice it is.

Interbike Demo Day Two

2008-09-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

Just the basics!
1. A very busy vendor, doing lots of test rides!
2. The Sortie Black from Diamondback; 5 inches o' travel and 26.5lbs.
3. The Hammerschmidt, a two speed crankset. RJ was liking it!

RS on stunts

2008-09-23T18:17:00.001-07:00

RS on stunts
Originally uploaded by Rico Stryker

It certainly ain't amazing, but it is video proof that I was there and was riding.

RJ on stunts

2008-09-23T18:11:00.004-07:00

RJ on stunts
Originally uploaded by Rico Stryker

Interbike On-Dirt Demo Day One

2008-09-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

Today I just walked around to talk with people and appreciated the 91 degree temp. Didn't that sound positive about the heat? I thought I'd just post a few pics for today.

The Surly bike is not one for fun riding, but for automobile replacement.

The bike closeup picture is of the new BB30 bottom bracket design, that just presses into the frame like a headset. I can't wait until this is commonly used!

Mongoose Test Ride Bike Check Out- Does ANYONE want to ride?

Less Car; More Bike Part Seven of Eight

2008-08-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling- James E. Starrs

How expensive is your car? Or truck?

I’m sure we all know where this could go, which should result in a comprehensive “yeah yeah, what ever” response. Let’s look at it from a different perspective.

Where do you park your car while you’re shopping? Chances are the space is either owned or rented, but what does it actually cost? There is the real estate cost of each space, and then the development cost. It was graded, paved and painted, and then there’s probably a light to help you find your place in the dark. If the facility has fewer spaces, the cost per space goes up. If it’s in a parking structure, that’ll change it’s price due to the increased engineering. But let’s settle on $10,000 per space as a starting point. It is usable for several years, maybe as long as 40 years. I hadn’t mentioned maintenance! It’s got to be clean, secure and safe, and it all adds up.

Pretty amazing, right? Think about how many parking spaces an average car uses, one each at home/work/mall/ library/etc. If you couldn’t park there, you wouldn’t go there; right? So what are we up to so far? How many spaces, and at what cost?

Someone pays for each of those parking spaces. The Mall, your employer, the City of whoever. To businesses and governments it’s a mandatory cost. The government is you. Your employer takes it out of your pay, although the math gets a little indirect. You are paying for the cost of all those parking spaces in taxes and cost of your breakfast/lunch/dinner/dessert. The cost is added to everything, and you never see it. Who pays? It ain’t them, because there is no them. It’s YOU.

You already know how much gas costs, and your insurance. You might even have a plan to replace your car in the future, and how that’ll change your monthly payment. A car needs maintenance, and repairs. Have you ever calculated how much of each day’s work goes to feed the vehicle? We’ll stop at this point, and also hold up from getting into the political side of what oil costs. People get wildly emotional on that point, and usually pretty quickly.

Let me just finish with this question: When will you start to use a bicycle for daily errands? Think of the impact that will cause if you make it popular!

i-Bert Seat: Pro reviews at MTBR.com

2008-08-07T17:17:00.000-07:00

I don't know of anyone without an opinion one way or the other on this product. I think that an unbiased review should warrant some attention, so here it is.

i-Bert seat review at MTBR.com

For a single-child situation, it may be a great idea for gentle rides on smooth trails. Give it a chance!

Lance Armstrong is racing off-road?

2008-08-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

Yeah, the Leadville 100. It's an extremely tough race, details @ the link below.

http://www.velonews.com/article/81301/lance-armstrong-is-riding-a-tricked-out-23-pound-full

Delay in the Car:Bike series due to work load

2008-07-14T20:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry Faithful Readers, due to travel, class scheduling (Why did I book a class for Bakersfield Tuesday and San Diego Wednesday? That's almost 500 miles in two days. Way too much car time, dummy.) and some work-related legal matters I'm going to have to postpone Part Seven for about one week.

It'll be worth it though. It's amazing how much each space in a parking lot costs that business, and you as the consumer.

See you then!

Less Car; More Bike Part Six of Eight

2008-07-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

Get a bicycle. You will not regret it, if you live.- Mark Twain “Taming the Bicycle”
Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy

In the last installment we focused on getting started. This time I’d like to note a few waypoints along your progress.

-The amazing value of Baby wipes!
-Pants clips, to keep your pant legs clean vs. the chain. Maybe you don't wear pants at work.
-Are you yelling “HAPPY MAN” at the guy who lives under the bridge, who yells “BIKE DUDE” and waves at you first?
-Where do you change clothes at work? The restroom is not the first choice, right...
-How you now carry your “stuff” (Phone, ID, lock, keys, etc)
-What have you forgotten behind, and had to ride back to pick up?
-Do you make sandwiches with Bagels now, since they’re harder to smash?
-How did you feel riding back from the movie theater, under a full moon?
-Hasn’t the route gotten easier? Can you predict exactly when you’ll arrive now?
-Are ALL your clothes fitting a little looser yet?
-Was it REALLY as bad as you thought it was?
-Have you gotten anyone else started in this process?

Your positive comments are welcomed, next time we’ll discuss how much a car costs per month. It’s a staggering amount, and may make you mad.

BTW- there's a famous bicycle race in France, going on right now. Here's a favorite moment. Note when Tyler Hamilton reminds Ullrich about sportsmanship.

Less Car; More Bike Part Five of Eight

2008-06-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

Shoot a few scenes out of focus. I want to win the foreign film award- Billy Wilder
Marriage is a wonderful invention: then again, so is a bicycle repair kit- Billy Connolly

I want to thank you for your continued reading of this series. I’m surprised we’re at part five already! Just like in #1 of the series, maybe it’s time for some honest reflection. Have you been affected by the rising price of gasoline? Have you been able to cut down on unnecessary trips? I’d like to not be a doom-sayer, but if just one refinery hiccups in our country we’re gonna be reviewing this series much closer. Have you actually ridden or walked to the grocery store and brought a load home?

Well, why not? What are you waiting for?

In chemical reactions there’s a point where something reacts. If heat is required it’s usually termed the “activation energy”. For me it happens to be called laziness, and it takes a little more discomfort to change. Whatever is holding you back, let’s get over it. Let me take a wild guess... If you haven’t ridden much in the last few years there could be a little fear of committing yourself to a bike trip. This is a relationship with a machine that’ll have to develop to reach your goal of “Less Car”. We have a terrific relationship helper for bikes called the “Survival Kit” that mirrors the Ten Essentials that hikers use. If you’re going riding, you should always have the basic five: Helmet, Water, Spare Tube, Pump and a basic tool for minor adjustments. If you’re going out for fun (Let’s say a couple hour long ride, maybe stop to eat somewhere) you might add another five items: Shorts, Jersey, Gloves, Shoes and a lock or cash. As you gain in experience you may see the value of a smaller seat, better tires and making friends while you’re out riding. You’re not alone in this thing, other cyclists want you to do well also. As usual, please feel free to stop by any Sport Chalet location to ask for ideas and help in this.

I’d love to get your comments too!

This video is a little eccentric, with a society of Supermen amazed by the powers of the BICYCLE REPAIRMAN. I can't resist including it though.

Less Car; More Bike Part Four. Check the hyperlinks!

2008-06-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

>When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me- Emo Philips
>All city bikes weigh fifty pounds. A thirty-pound bicycle needs a twenty-pound lock. A forty-pound bicycle needs a ten-pound lock. A fifty-pound bicycle doesn't need a lock. ~Author Unknown

This week we have two topics, which you may have noticed by the quotes above and below.
For basic errands you wouldn’t ride your multi-thousand $ bike, you’d take something more humble. However, you don’t have to have the worst bike in the rack either. A simple fact I’ve learned from camping in the Sierras is that in case of a bear attack you don’t have to be the fastest runner, you just don’t want to be the slowest. This philosophy also works when you park your bike. Don’t stand out as the most expensive, and don’t have the weakest lock. Here’s a basic bit of lock intel, if you use a decent cable lock AND a decent U-lock at the same time you are no longer the weakest member of the herd. There are specific tools to kill U-locks, and other tools for cables. A bike thief is a predator looking for the easiest most-expensive bike to grab. Make yours tougher than the others, and you achieve success. Also, if your U-lock is over five years old it may be time to upgrade. Locking your bike to the most solid anchor is very important. Smaller trees? No. Chain link fences or posts. Avoid! If you lock up to a pole make sure it’s really anchored to the concrete, a theft ring in New York cut and sleeved 3” poles in the neighborhood. When someone locked up and left, one guy lifted the pole up thru the lock and the reset it with the bike gone. Be suspicious, check out your hitchin’ post!

>The sound of a car door opening in front of you is similar to the sound of a gun being cocked. ~Amy Webster (As you ride along a line of parked cars in traffic...)
Riding safely in traffic takes equal parts of intelligence and visibility, and possibly some luck. I cannot possibly communicate everything you should do to be safe, but I can advise you toward being prepared. Get your head "set" that no one is looking for you, you will have to make eye contact with drivers, and watch closely what they’re doing in intersections. A helmet is obviously needed, and a full set of reflectors. Going up in cost, please find a way to use: 1. Reflective tape on your bike and helmet. 2. A bright flashing LED light on the back of you. 3. A reflective vest. 4. A headlight that illuminates far ahead. 5. And a back-up flashlight. Do your best to watch all vehicles near you with the strong suspicion that they are your enemy. Be careful, and make sure they know where you’re going in intersections. Always be careful!

These are only recommendations toward basic safety and are in no way a complete guide to cycle ownership or traffic safety. Please consult your local Sport Chalet for any specific questions that you may have in these aspects.

Less Car: More Bike Part Three. Lots of links!

2008-06-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

"Let our people travel light and free on their bicycles."- Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire

"Don't buy upgrades; ride up grades."- Eddy Merckx

So, how should you carry things? Let’s think of a grocery store trip as an example. You’re not provisioning a distant outpost, but getting “some” food/supplies for a few days. Don’t get discouraged because you don’t have the perfect rig, just do it.

If you walk, you’ll probably use a backpack. Compared to a month of gas/short trips, a backpack is a good investment. Upside- it’s easy to use and maintain. Downside- Slow and sweaty, maybe heavy. Packed carefully, carrying a few 2-liter soda bottles and some groceries can be very possible.

If you ride, you have more options. We’ve covered the backpack already, but I can’t really suggest it for riding.

Low dollar/light load/short distance? Think Beach Cruiser with a handlebar basket! If the bike looks horrible, it’s less likely to be stolen. I’ve heard of people covering a nice bike in saran-wrap, and then spray painting the saran-wrap . “Camouflage!” Blend into or below the urban environment.

Mid-price/load/distance? Think of an older or lower dollar value bike with rack mounts, and add a rear rack and panniers. Jandd makes a pannier called the “Grocery Bag Pannier”, click on that name to see it. This is a nice option, but what’s on the other end of the price range? Something Home Made! There are very nice new-bike options available for commuting...

Open Budget/large load/distance unlimited? Get a BOB or similar design trailer. Get a Touring Bike and “Bag it out”. (Only handlebar and rack Bag shown, fully loaded here.) Or for the over do-ers reading this, get an Xtra-Cycle or Surly Big Dummy. That link shows a bike-towed trailer with about 400lb of 4’ x 8’ x 3/4” plywood ready to go. How about a Touring Unicycle, I kid you not! If you need to carry something, it can be done. (Thanks to SurlyBikes for some of the pics!)

As usual, your comments are welcome. Next time let’s look at traffic visibility and security options.

Less Car: More Bike Part Two

2008-06-09T06:02:00.000-07:00

Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race- H.G. Wells

... The bicycle is the most efficient machine ever created. Converting gasoline into human calories, a bicycle gets the equivalent of three thousand miles per gallon. ~Bill Strickland, The Quotable Cyclist

At the conclusion of last week’s episode I’d asked you to think of three positives of living without a car. I wasn’t kidding, post ‘em as comments! I asked you to do that as change is sometimes a little scary. You might want to change your life a little, and that can be uncomfortable. Your customers are thinking of this also, so be ready to tell them what you learn.

The reasons to drive a car are obvious, and recently the reasons to drive less are also. Your reasons WHY are personal, and important. Honestly, do you really need 300hp in a 4000lbs vehicle to go get a soda? Where could you cut out that one trip in the dino-burner? Work? Groceries? Where is that one excess trip that you can eliminate?

An obstacle to getting started in this is your perspective from the vehicle, “those other drivers have serious issues”. So don’t ride the same road as them. Please navigate over to www.bikely.com, and take a look at alternate routes to your destination. For most trips you may find at least one alternate route, but it can be safer. Or cleaner/nicer. Until you know of alternatives, feeling trapped makes sense.

As usual, your comments are welcome. Next time let’s look at carrying methods and bike options.

Live without a car? How about “much less car” travel?

2008-06-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hello Blog Reader. Please come into my office and have a seat, thank you for coming to this meeting.

We have something very important to discuss, and it’s something you’ve been trying to ignore for some time. Ignoring something does not make it go away, you might’ve noticed. Let’s get right to the bad news; we will likely never again see gas prices in the $2 per gallon range. It is likely that we will see gas in the $5+ range within the next two months. This is very hard news, I would like a tissue too. We HAVE to acknowledge this change, because ignoring only hurts us. To acknowledge it fully, we have to deal with it, and the easiest way is to start in our own homes.

In your anger at the situation you might ask “what makes you so smart about this?” You’re feeling a loss, and that’s normal. I can discuss this with you as I’ve done it, through one of the wettest winters in Southern California history. If we work together, this can be easier. I will give you my experience and references. Your relationship with your car must change, and it’ll be OK. The quality of your life might even be better...

As we meet quietly on this blog, we’ll discuss the steps to take; some difficult and some easy. My goal as your guide is to help you keep your cash in your pocket, and get the things done that life demands. As you leave today, I’d like to reflect on the concept of “I can live without a car”. Don’t think of the obstacles, but of three positives.

See you next week. Bring a note pad, or hook up your printer!

QBP raises order minimum to $175.

2008-05-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

QBP positives:
1. A beautiful Manual that now must be ordered by each store individually.
2. The widest selection of parts from all categories.
3. Suspension and Brake Tuning Center.

To us, QBP is a valued partner. But today they've raised their minimum dollar amount by $25.

Let's think of the positives of KHS/Raleigh-DB/SBS:
1. They are located closer to our stores, so your order gets delivered quicker and at lower cost.
2. All of them are competing for our business, so we get better prices.
3. Their order minimums are MUCH less than QBP's.

We appreciate all our business partners. However, we'd suggest that when you form a customer Special Order you balance these factors, and order from QBP only if the other vendors don't have what you need. It's better for the customer, and it's better for us.

It's a buffet of answers!

2008-05-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

Special Orders- Special orders for customers now go direct to the vendor or distributor, without involving the buying team. A special order is usually a single item order, and is different than a parts order or employee purchase.

QBP Parts Manual- No manuals are available thru Corporate, or the training staff. The only way to get this leviathan manual is to use a STORE EXPENSE PO, and call the order in to QBP. The cost for the manual is about $10, and is definitely worth it. We are NOT currently having stores order parts for repairs or for their showcases.

Chain Lube, Grease, Degreaser- Available thru Execusystems, ordered via a Manager. Please do not 100% out your floor stock, as it increases the "shrink" numbers for your store.

Pictures of problem parts to Vendors- So you're handling a bike part issue, and the vendor requests a digital picture as proof of the problem. You may have noticed that manager computers cannot email outside our company. Solution: email the picture to me with exceptionally clear directive of to whom I should forward that message to. Having the target email in the subject line is a decent idea.

Post Mount Disc Brakes- Disc brake calipers mount to forks by the "International Standard" or by a "Post Mount". "Post Mounts" require the bolt length to be longer for required thread engagement, and are becoming more widely used. If you or a customer have stripped out a "post mount" it is not a warranty issue, and the responsible party gets to pay for the replacement lower leg assembly and installation.

"Rack Install class is focused on Yakima, but my store also sells Thule"- Our Rack Install class IS based on Yakima systems, as both systems have comparable parts. A Q-tower and 400XT Aero Foot tower both do the same thing, but all of our stores stock Yakima parts. If you feel you need more info on Thule systems and training please navigate over to www.RackItScience.com and you'll have all your questions answered.

Sport Chalet Jerseys- A sneak peek...

2008-04-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

We are finally getting the jerseys we've been asking for!

You can see our current jersey in your store.

I'm not certain if/how much "Sport Chalet" logos will show on this one (None are on this proof), but I'd pay retail for this argyle one! (Should be arriving any day now.)

And in mid-to-late May we'll see this "Alpe d'Huez" design.

I hope you're as excited to see these coming in, please help your customers to see them!

An Open Letter Among the Bike Trainers

2008-04-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

Confidence or Convenience?

In our group of trainers I’ve been getting more requests lately to change things around, like to just certify someone outside of the class, or have ‘em attend day three of a MM series to demonstrate their skills, or to run a candidate through a series out of order in order to “get him certified”.

Before you ask for this, please ask yourself why you would do this. I’m been tempted in the past, and may have made choices that I’d later regretted. Most of the justifications for an exception will be related to:
a. “He’s really experienced”
b. “He can’t get to the class due to… school/family/kitties/lunch money/whatever”
c. “The store can’t spare his hours for training”

These responses are considered by you because of your:
1. Confidence- “This person presents himself so well (Or helped ME out of a problem) that I can’t possibly waste his time in class.”
2. Convenience- “I can then get another person certified, and/or a manager off my back.”

I understand these things. I once cancelled a Corporate meeting to certify someone 75 miles away. I was there on time, with tools set up for a one-on-one day with an associate with over 10 years of Sport Chalet experience. All three tests and samples laid out like a pro. The guy showed up with an issue that got him dismissed for the day; session rescheduled. I didn’t respect my time or the “Program”, and wasted a day for it. Called myself a "dummy" all the way home too.

If you have the chance to work with a “really experienced” associate in a MM series, your day will go easier. You may even learn something from him, or at least have an easier class! The MM clinic is designed with escalating levels of mechanical participation from the associate, with time between sessions to review and integrate the previous lessons. By running the class in order we reinforce the previous class, which is a huge benefit to all of the associates. You may not be aware of it, but some people learn primarily thru “listening”, “seeing” or “doing”. Depending on the complexity of the demonstration, it may be all three.

Finally, what if their store “can’t spare the associate”? This is going to sound harsh, but that’s not your problem. If they don’t value critical training, it’s a big indication of other problems outside of your control. Stores that support a high degree of proficiency in their associates ALSO have higher SPMH. This is not something I’ve just made up; it’s a proven “action-reaction” linkage. By training their associates, they get better retention of that person. When they spend time with you they learn how to solve problems easier, and how to get questions answered in a way that they will learn no where else. Your time with them has a value that cannot be calculated.

Why would you help to deny these benefits to someone? (I’m not gonna touch the legal side of this here- call me for that one.) There’s a hundred “reasons”, but why? Is it your confidence, or your convenience getting in the way? Stick with the program, Gentlemen. It’s everyone’s best move.

Have you tried a 29'er?

2008-03-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

The 29-inch wheel size has "infected" the bike industry. I don't mean that as a negative, but it jumped from one mfr to another, and now everybody's got it. When this craze started I felt that it was just another fashion that would pass quickly. It has hung on long enough that most bike companies are offering at least one bike with them. At the last Interbike Demo event I got to ride a Marin Alpine Trail 29’er, and had some solid impressions. One of them is that it's not a fad...

1. The larger wheel size rides smoother, due it’s greater diameter. There’s a number of explanations out there, but you’re using a larger size hoop to roll over the obstacles. This reduces the effective size of trail irregularities which feels smoother. I was riding it in rocky desert terrain, and was very surprised. I had that “Hey it’s not MY bike, PIN IT!” thought from the start and was riding much more aggressively. It was very nice!

2. Due to the larger diameter, the bottom bracket sits lower to the ground. The net effect of this is that the rider is centered lower between the axles, so the bike carves turns in a more stable manner. I felt this on the first turn, and loved the stability. In the sketchy rock and sand I could trust this bike to roll thru the turn I had planned.

3. Possible negatives are A. The greater weight of the larger rim may reduce the agility of the bike. B. Different tube size, so walking out may be more likely if you get a "multi-flat" and are alone. C. Longer spokes may lead to a more flexible/weaker wheel. These are all fairly unlikely, but worth considering.

Any design can have negatives if you’re looking for them. In my view the 29” wheel size is a great alternative for XC riders that are clear on the non-jumper/non-downhill focus of this wheel size. Tire widths for this diameter rim vary from 1.125” to 2.3”, and rim widths also vary to match that range. One of our trainers has a fixed-gear bike built as a 29’er with Rhyno Lite rims- it’s really durable.

Summary- if you haven’t tried one, what are you waiting for?

DB Overdrive Pro '08

DB OverDrive '08

Marin Alpine Trail '08

Marin Muirwoods 29er '08

Quick-Release legal news

2008-03-04T08:56:00.000-08:00

A New Jersey legislator has proposed a law banning quick-release devices on bicycle wheels. If enacted, it would only affect New Jersey but would also set a precedent for all other states. This item bears watching, as it could cause a sudden change in all bikes for sale nationwide.
Also, the case that spawned this law involves a bike sold by Walmart, who did not educate the customer in anyway on quick-release operation OR get a waiver signed. Walmart is not assisting the fight against this law in any form. "Big Thanks to Walmart".
Additional info: Montague Quick Release, Experts predict this to be used for all wheel QR's

From BicycleRetailer.com today:

NBDA Adds $7500 To Quick-Release Fight

COSTA MESA, CA (BRAIN)—Following an initial contribution of $7500 last summer, the NBDA Board has voted to commit another $7500 to defend the ubiquitous quick-release axle.

The latest contribution will be matched by the supplier side of the industry, said NBDA executive director Fred Clements.

The fight is against a ban on quick-release axles that has been proposed in the New Jersey legislature. While the law, if passed, would affect only New Jersey, it might set a national trend, making the fight a national issue.

The bill exempts axles that also have a “secondary safety device,” but fork tips apparently do not qualify for the exemption and there is currently no other technology that would.

The proposed law was a response to injuries to children riding Wal-Mart bikes with quick-release wheels, Clements said. But with the exception of some high-end BMX bikes, the kids bikes sold by independent dealers do not have quick-release axles anyway. The New Jersey bill as written would ban quick-releases on all bikes, adult as well as juvenile.

Funds contributed by the NBDA and the Bicycle Products Suppliers Association are to be used to hire a lobbyist to make the case against the bill.

Consequences of one choice affect many others.

2008-02-26T18:08:00.000-08:00

Good story, from "Mountain Bike Like a Champion" by Ned Overend.

A classic epic ride from my hometown of Durango in Colorado is called the Kennebec Pass loop. You head out of town and into La Plata Canyon before climbing to the top of the 13,000-foot pass. From there, you can get on the Colorado Trail. It's a spectacular ride with a ton of climbing. Depending on your pace, it will take you between 6 and 10 hours to get out and back. Or it could take a couple of days. People get lost up there all the time. Several trails intersect, so it gets disorienting. The big mistake is turning away from Durango and dropping in on the wrong side of the divide. Once people realize their mistake, it takes a major effort to ride back up again. There's no way to get home before sundown.
One day, the search-and-rescue guys asked me to help them get two riders out. They wanted me to show them the area where people take the wrong trail. I drove part of the way up the pass, and then got into a helicopter.
It was a super windy day. At that altitude, the helicopter didn't have much power. We climbed toward a notch in the mountain, and everything seemed fine until we hit a downdraft. I could feel the chopper sinking. I could also see the pilot sweating. He fought with the stick as we jerked all over the sky. He couldn't turn around, because we would lose momentum and then really sink. We were so scared. I've never felt that helpless. Just as we were being pushed into the ridge, the downdraft eased and we made it over. When we finally landed, the co-pilot got out and immediately threw up.
Be responsible on epic rides. If you get lost or have a major problem far from the nearest help, you're not only putting your own safety at risk but you're also endangering everyone who tries to find you.

Many riders think that they're out for a "short ride", or "I'm in cell phone range" so they skip the basics of safety. When they get nailed by dehydration, or a flat tire in the middle of no-where the problem gets shifted to others. Their choices can affect many others, so let's make sure we spread that understanding.

Showcase and Repair Parts Ordering?

2008-02-13T16:59:00.000-08:00

Back in early 2005 no one was coordinating our parts orders. Some stores were just ordering whatever they needed. Both situations needed improvement. Each store was doing the work that we already had a buyer doing. Although market specialization is a good thing, it means we had 45+ buyers doing a job inefficiently. We have a corporate buyer, an E3 analyst and our E3 system to keep the stores supplied with essential parts. Rick Stryker volunteered to step in, and coordinate the orders for a few months. He set up a system of ordering that simplified the process to something that’d make sense to all of our distributors and speed invoice processing in our Accounting Dept. That was rolled out to all stores in August 2005.

The process worked well enough that it has continued to this day. It also grew, and Rick was eventually returned to the position of Bicycle Training Coordinator. The coordinator(s) for those orders are now Tom Connell and Aaron Dunn, who are our Fitness and Bicycle Buying Team. However, we still have too many people doing "buying". If you consider it fully, each store is still forming repetitive orders for repair and showcase parts. Those who are doing an excellent job are still only affecting their individual stores, which is a waste of good work and intelligence.

We have three types of orders in the Bike Dept.
1. Repair parts- these are things that are used in the process of normal repairs. Cable housing, tubes, chains, etc. If communicated to the buyers, these items should be coming into your store by way of our E3 system. It is far more efficient to have these items on-hand in our warehouse, and send ‘em out on the next truck.
2. Showcase parts- this category of parts is used to attract customers, and show the range of service that we are doing. These parts may also be “cutting edge” or used to grow a category of bike sales/customers.
3. Special order items- sometimes you have to order something in for a customer. We currently have to dance around some distributor “minimum order” amounts, but those orders are still being processed well.

Here’s the plan for orders in the future:
1. Repair parts- No one goes from zero tune ups a month to 60, so your rate-of-sales on all parts would change over a month, instead of a day. These parts are tracked and reordered thru E3 now. The parts that E3 orders and stocks will need to be increased in their range and depth, but this is something we are likely changing now. Shop Personnel time should not be spent generating orders for basic items that ALL stores are ordering. Future state: Repair parts are automatically ordered by way of E3 and tuned to your store's range of customers by communication with the buyers and E3 analysts.
2. Showcase parts- we demonstrate our expertise by ordering parts that are compatible and interesting to our customers. We can and should be relying on the buyers and E3 system more, by communication of hot new products and customer interest/demand for products that we don’t stock yet. Example: if stores begin consistently sending in organized “Top 10 items to add” and “Bottom 10 items to lose” emails we will manage our inventory across 50+ stores in a very smart way. Instead of ordering "one at a time plus shipping x 50 stores", we put the power of our organization into the ordering process. This will have to be managed by the Buying team if it’s going to work well.
3. Special order items- trying to change this will only reduce our ability to please the customer. If they want something, we order it when pre-paid. “Please the customer”, it’ll never be a bad policy.

When the Bike Trainers first heard this, we were “not happy”. After some discussion, we saw the value. You may be in that stage right now. Think about how much time you spend on basic orders, and how you could be growing your repair volume instead; it just makes sense. As ever, your comments are appreciated.

Dorel buys Cannondale

2008-02-04T08:45:00.000-08:00

This story is a little dull, until we realize Dorel owns Pacific Cycle. Pacific moved Schwinn to Target stores and that class of retailers. It wouldn't make sense to do that with Cannondale, but life is full of surprises.

From BicycleRetailer.com today:

Dorel Buys Cannondale

MONTREAL, Quebec (BRAIN)—Dorel Industries has just announced the acquisition of the Cannondale Bicycle Corporation.

The total value of the all-cash transaction will be $190 (U.S) to $200 (U.S) million, subject to Cannondale's earnings results for the year ending June 30, 2008.

The transaction, which will be immediately accretive to Dorel's earnings, is being financed through debt.

Cannondale and Sugoi are being purchased from an affiliate of Pegasus Capital Advisors, which acquired the company in 2003. 2007 sales for Cannondale and Sugoi were approximately $200 million.

Dorel president and chief executive officer Martin Schwartz said that in light of the acquisition the Company's Recreational/Leisure segment is being split into two distinct operating divisions.

A new Dorel Independent Bicycle Dealers (IBD) division, the Cannondale Sports Group, is being created and will focus exclusively on this category with premium-oriented brands.

Backed by Dorel's extensive resources, the Cannondale Sports Group will build on Cannondale's strengths to grow significantly within the IBD channel.

"Our intention is to build a world-class company that dealers will want to buy from," said Schwartz. Pacific Cycle will become a stand-alone division with an exclusive focus on mass merchant customers.

"The Cannondale purchase is consistent with Dorel's plan to concentrate on its core businesses. Since buying Pacific Cycle in 2004 we have learned a great deal about the bicycle industry and have found it to be a true value driver for Dorel. We are committed to pursuing this sector, and this important transaction will position us globally in a most material way. Dorel recognizes the importance and potential of the Independent Bicycle Dealer channel and is purchasing Cannondale as the first step to become the world's number one IBD player. Cannondale will be the crown jewel of this new Dorel division, which will seek additional such growth opportunities," he added.

"We're excited about the future for Cannondale and our retailers. Cannondale's goal is to be the number one supplier to the IBD channel. Dorel's vast resources and experience provide us with long term stability and the ability to accelerate our goals for growth with our retailers," said Matt Mannelly, president and chief executive officer of Cannondale.

Dorel purchased Pacific Cycle (Schwinn, Mongoose and GT Bicycle brands) in 2004.

—Jason Norman

Headset Spacers, how many?

2008-02-01T07:56:00.000-08:00

There's been some discussion regarding steer tube material and the number of spacers between the headset and the stem. All of the discussions I've read are focused on racing-quality lightweight stuff. If you have a thin aluminum or carbon fiber steer tube, it makes sense that zero spacers focus the stress right at the focal point of the structure. This is how a Pro racer, like George Hincapie in the recent Paris-Roubaix, can have a catastrophic failure. His steer tube snapped at mile 131.5 of the 161 mile race. This is a very demanding race, and this failure put him in the car with a damaged right shoulder. Big George'll understand it's a risk of racing, your customer will not be understanding about it if you set it up.
In the opposite case-by having a large number of spacers in place, the mechanic adds leverage to the rider handlebar input, which may also quickly fatigue the steer tube.

What do you do?

One industry expert has gone on record:
The number and placement of spacers does have an effect on the fatigue life of an aluminum steerer tube. Running less than 5mm of spacers under the stem can concentrate or "point load" a great deal of stress in one spot on the steerer. Therefore, Bontrager recommends a minimum of 5mm, and a maximum of 40mm of spacers between the stem and the headset to maximize the fatigue life of the steerer.
Scott Daubert Trek Bicycles

This has little to do with a $400 hardtail bike as set up by the manufacturer. But if you are replacing a fork, or even considering using a steer tube extender (BAD!), it is a factor to be aware of. If your customer is asking for a large amount of steer tube spacers, be sure to let them know they probably have the wrong size or type of frame. Do not install a large number of spacers, or get into a physics debate on the leverage difference of a long handlebar and tall stem vs. stem extenders etc. There is no set guideline, as it varies to the quality of the components.

"BE the Expert, do it right!"

Why did we get a "Heads-Up" memo?

2007-12-18T16:28:00.000-08:00

It was probably 2002. We had been pursuing a vendor for over a year, and we'd finally got them to consider us. They visited several of our stores, and only one of them dropped the ball. Their Natn'l Sales Manager walked up to our counter, and wasn't greeted in a minute and a half by the tech who was doing a tune up. Not a difficult tune up, but the tech felt like that person would wait. At the 91st second she pivoted from the counter, called our buyer and let them know the deal was off.

We have people working in our stores, and people make mistakes. We do not expect you to do everything perfect, but you are expected to do your best. If the tech above was in the middle of Brain Surgery, his response would have made sense. His action did not, and lost for all of our stores a valued vendor by his choice alone.

The details always make a difference. Please be the one in your store that goes the extra mile, and achieves perfect customer service this month. Make it your goal, and you'll be much more able to do it.

That "Easy Button" looks good.

2007-12-16T12:51:00.000-08:00

It's tough to not love those Staples commercials, where basic problems are solved by slappin' a red button. Nice!

But are we helping our customers to find the same thing in our stores? For cyclists, the "button" is called a "Survival Kit". Think of the things that ALL novice cyclists should own, maybe just five things. What would those be?
1. Patch kit, 2. Tire levers, 3. Trail use pump (As opposed to home use), 4. Spare tube, 5. Wheel removal tools if needed. This is the absolute minimum I'd want to sell, to pretty much anyone. I know some things aren't on the list, like how to carry it all on the bike. (Seat bag, Camelbak) Everyone needs water, that should be on there too. (Bottles/cages or Camelbak).
What next? Better tools, Tire liners or Slime tube sealant, and a good lock. We've now outfitted the bike, don't forget the rider...

We are experts, let's do everything to get our customers off on the right foot, er, pedal.

Why should we do Rack Installations?

2007-11-21T11:38:00.000-08:00

In case that question has ever visited your mind, look closely at the pictures. Yakima and Thule make towers that fit into the slot-like roof raingutters on some vehicles. This Kia does not have that fitment, it has a roof panel that uses "character lines" that channel water away from the doors and requires a "Gutterless" mount tower/pad setup. This vehicle has been or will be damaged by the cargo pressure of anything placed on the crossbars. BTW- I think that's a ten+ year old set of Saris towers, could be Thule, but they're so old and wrong for this vehicle it really doesn't matter.

Why would the car owner do this? I'm sure that answer is personal, but it's probably related to budget and hard-headedness. If asked, he'll say "it works fine". That's because it has not dismounted under freeway wind pressure yet. "Yet", it will in time.

We offer advice and installation service on the rack systems we sell for this exact reason. This owner has not been informed of the consequences that will happen to him in time. This is unsafe. Our certified technicians would never suggest this, and the driver following this guy wouldn't get a big surprise.

We do good things. Let's do them more often. Find these people and help them.

Where has the time gone?

2007-11-08T14:02:00.000-08:00

The last post on this blog was back in September! I can't believe how fast the calendar has spun thru the days, but almost constant travel can do that to you. As a blessing to me, those times have been filled with lots of work, good people and good times.

The picture above is of Brian Rinkenberger, our inside rep at Diamondback. This was taken during the Demo Ride from our Bike University. All of the other pics I took at that ride are available at CLICK HERE.

Other pictures from the Expo part of that event are HERE.

Annnd a few from Blowhard Mtn trail in Brianhead Utah. It was very cold...

Interbike Expo Day One

2007-09-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

I've been on my feet from 07:30 to 19:40 today, so this'll be brief.

I thought this sticker from Fox Racing Shox was very interesting.

What would you give for a device that would put together a list of EXACTLY what your customer needed for thier car rack, including retail prices and updated daily? Thule's cost of $3,500 includes a printer. It's beautiful!

You know how a picture is worth a thousand words? Click on this one and just look at everyone's body language around the art bike. It was loudly playing 70's rock music...

"What else?"....Other Interbike Resources

2007-09-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

Velonews- Leonard Zinn
http://www.velonews.com/tech/report/articles/13384.0.html

Velonews- Day Two takes patience
http://www.velonews.com/tech/report/articles/13383.0.html

MTBR Interbike Gallery
http://gallery.mtbr.com/index.php/cat/561

Day Two, part one. Pictures say more than words, right?

2007-09-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

Day Two, part two

2007-09-25T17:54:00.001-07:00

Day Two, part three

2007-09-25T17:52:00.000-07:00

Interbike On Dirt Demo 2007- Day One

2007-09-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

I'm not promising daily updates, but today was worth it.

I picked up one of "our guys" from the airport, and we drove in to the venue. On Dirt Demo is where you can test ride a bike from any vendor there, on any terrain in Bootleg Canyon. We waled the venue, and finally decided to demo bikes from Marin. There was a Mount Vision for my wingman, and not much else for me. We were planning on taking the shuttle up, and riding "Girl Scout" back. My ride? A 29" wheel Alpine Trail hardtail, a $629 value. I was the only one on the shuttle not riding a full suspension bike, like "what part of this picture does not fit?". Anyway, I got to experience all the advantages of that bike, and liked it. The bigger wheel does smooth things out, and I can definitely see the advantages and sell them.

I've been excited for months about a semi-secret model from Diamondback, the Sortie. (sor-TEE, not sort-ee.) I am a huge fan of the way the Mission tackles trails, and this bike had the same DNA in it's response, but quicker as an XC bike should be. The final parts pick was not what the demo bikes were built with, but it's really close. As with the Mission, there will be Sortie 1 that's the affordable one (Maybe $1399?) on up to the Sortie 3 that'll be the "premier" one. ($2199 at retail.)

We rode hard enough to kill a few inner tubes, and stocked up at store #25 on return to base at Treasure Island. Tomorrow I'll do a better job of listening to others as they comment on their test-rides, and benefit from their experiences.

"Can you fix it, Doctor?"

2007-09-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

As a mechanic, especially a Sport Chalet trained/certified mechanic, when you evaluate a customer's bike for repair you have to consider several factors. How old is it? What condition is it in; damaged/worn/intensity of use/corroded by weather and time? What quality was it originally? What would the price be for repair versus replacement? If repaired, would the customer get enough use to make it worth it?

That's enough to get you stressed right there. But then you add a customer who has financial stress, and it can push you into a zone only fools enter. That's the zone where you repair the symptom, and not the cause of the problem. If a customer brings a wheel for truing, for example, and they tell you they've been riding all the time; that's a good thing. As a Professional Mechanic, you use the tools available to assess the wheel. Wheel goes into the truing stand, you check the bearings for looseness. You then spin the wheel to observe lateral and vertical runout, it's acceptable vertically but goes 10mm to the right and left in every rotation. Using a spoke tension meter, you find that you can "probably" fix this. The repair process to straighten the rim will shift the spoke tension unevenly around the wheel, which will make it less stable. The customer is riding some tough trails, and this wheel belongs to a ~$250 bike that's only three months old. We didn't sell them the bike. What do you do?

If you have already done a repair like this, and had the customer come back mad because the wheel "Got crooked again in the first mile" you know what to do. That wheel is not 10mm off, it is 20mm off! There is no guideline for "go/no go" on repairs like this, it is all experience based. But this wheel smells like toast, and the burnt kind of toast. The major weak spot on bikes in this price level are the wheels, they are built for gentle bike path use. This customer is going well beyond that use, and you should seriously promote the value of a Deore/Mavic XM117 wheelset for $90 retail or a LX/Sun Rhyno Lite wheelset for $140 retail. If you are a new mechanic, your empathy for the customer may lead you into doing the truing repair. Part of the correct wheel purchase price will be removed from the customer, with little to show for it.

In our training classes, we discuss the concept of "doing the right thing" for the customer, even if it's the opposite of what they want. Trust in your training, use the tools available (Wrenches and catalogs) and strive toward building a group of customers that trust your expert recommendations. Do the "right" thing for the customer and your employer, in that order!

Aaaagh! Get out of the rut!

2007-09-10T18:17:00.000-07:00

We all have those moments where this sport just does "it" for us. Maybe for you it's finishing a long ride, when you feel a little giddy 'cause you are soooo tired. Or finally making that one jump that's been haunting you. For me, I love seeing the sun set at the top of a local tough three-mile climb; the view goes out to the ocean. The whole place changes in the 15 minutes from then, all the smells and the feel. You snap on your lights and get a great coast back to the road. Good stuff.

What ever does "it" for you, that's a really good thing to have. Dealing with customers can be challenging, but you have that personal "thing" to balance those times. This is an odd concept, but one of the ways to make that moment better is to share it. How many of our customers have experienced the best of cycling, like you have? Talking about it will reinforce the good parts for you, and make it more intense. Have you shared this motivation/energy/love of the sport with any one lately? Tell 'em or take 'em; let's get others as addicted as we are!

This ancient picture shows me climbing the start of the Poison Spider Mesa trail in Moab, 22 Oct 1993 at 38 degrees. It did warm to 65 degrees later that day; good times!

Man, I gotta go climb that trail again...

Disc Brake Safety and Consequences

2007-08-12T18:20:00.000-07:00


This video reinforces the aspects of safety when working with bicycle Disc Brakes. One should always read the manufacturer's directions that came with the equipment, and use the correct tools in good condition. It is intended to make a lasting impression on our technicians.

The Tour Effect

2007-07-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

Since the Greg Lemond era in the 80’s, when US cyclists watched the 7-11 team win races they could hardly qualify for, I’ve been a fan of professional cycling. I fondly remember watching Lemond beat Fignon by eight seconds in the final time trial of the 1989 Tour de France. All of us in the family-owned bike store cheered and jumped around that tiny black and white TV as he crossed the line, which was a legendary finish. Laurent Fignon was the stereotypical French classic bike racer, shunning the advice of everyone and losing the race that had been his to win. I caught the “Tour Bug” bad that year, and those near me have suffered a little ever since.

My daughters knew that July each year meant Dad was going to upgrade the TV service to get the Tour, and some days he’d even watch the coverage twice! I’d excitedly jump close to the TV and point to look at some small detail “Watch, look at that, he’s just about to attack! GO GO GO!”. The thing I have loved about professional cycling was that I could relate to the smallest details, and get emotional at how much they suffered in the mountains. I know that pain, and I’ll feel it again this week if I’m lucky. Watching Marco Pantani in his prime would take your breath away. Marco looked like the little kid in class that everyone picked on, until the Pyrenees came up. Marco owned the mountains, and he literally danced on his pedals up them. He’d stand and sprint up roads we would not walk up, tire a little, begin to sit down, and just as the saddle touched his rear he’d jump back on the pedals. This would go on for as long as 45 minutes. He suffered, and you suffered with him, watching his face and feeling what he felt. He was a small man in stature, but a giant when things got tough. You could not help but feel encouraged by his will to win.

I have LOVED watching the Tour. But seeing how any American is shredded by the Euro-press has been disappointing. Watching each champion accused or proven of being chemically enhanced is at the least disappointing. Lance battled the press for many years, Floyd blew it. Michael Rassmussen seems to have blown it. Teams are getting booted from the tour left and right this year. Riders had to sign an agreement that if they’re proven to have been “medicated” they must pay their entire 2007 salary to the UCI, and they’re still getting caught. The Tour de France will not be ended by this continuing scandal, but my affection for it has. I really don’t care who wins this year, and if a US rider wins I can only sympathize for his friends and family.

What does this mean to us, as retailers? Think of your next customer, with a fragile interest in road riding. All they’re hearing is “Roadies are Dopers” from the tour coverage. (Denials have been going on for years, but a clean pro sport would have cleared this up years ago.) Truly interested riders will not be affected, but the new riders will be disinclined to join a group with that reputation. Will it have an effect on sales? I hope not, but I may know better.

New Jersey vs. Quick Release Wheels: Bicycle Retailer 6/15/2007

2007-06-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

New Jersey Passes Bill Banning Quick Release Wheels

By Lynette Carpiet

JUNE 15, 2007 -- TRENTON, NJ (BRAIN)--The New Jersey bicycle business may be in serious trouble unless retailers and suppliers take immediate action. State legislators earlier this week approved a bill banning the sale of all bikes equipped with current quick release wheels and tabbed tips.

Under the bill, it would be illegal to sell bicycles with quick release wheels unless they met performance specifications that are not commercially available. Assembly bill A2686, which was introduced in February 2006, passed in the assembly with a vote of 77-3 and is now headed to the Senate Commerce Committee.

While originally drafted to ban quick release wheels on children’s bikes, the bill was recently amended to include bikes with 20-inch or larger wheels. It also stipulates that the secondary retention device on a wheel meet certain specifications, including that it activate automatically and always prevent wheel separation.

“It’s being promoted as a bill intended to protect children,” said Bob Burns, Trek’s legal counsel and spokesman for the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association. “But the language would make every bicycle with quick release currently for sale in New Jersey illegal. This bill is not intended just for children’s bikes.”

Furthermore, Burns said there’s currently no secondary retention device on the market that would comply with the bill. “No system always retains the wheel,” he said. “Even the bolted axle, if the bolts aren’t on right, the kid’s in trouble. As of right now, there’s nothing on the floor that meets this definition and nothing on the horizon that is commercially proven.”

For the past year, the BPSA had been working with Assemblyman Paul Moriarty, the bill’s sponsor, on alternate language that would not prohibit the use of quick releases. The BPSA is now encouraging all dealers to contact New Jersey state senators and voice their opposition to the bill.

While it’s likely that the bill as written would be pre-empted by federal regulations that currently define how a quick release should perform, the law would still be in effect until a successful legal challenge was mounted in the courts.

“Bicycles are regulated by the Feds. If you start getting state-by-state regulation of bicycles, it will make selling bicycles in the U.S. very burdensome and extremely expensive for manufacturers and retailers,” Burns said.

“We need to get the New Jersey Senate Commerce Committee to listen to us and get them to consider the impact the bill would have on the bicycle business in New Jersey,” he added.

I've ridden with QR wheels for more than 25 years now, and never had an incident. We sell thousands of QR equipped bikes annually, with no issues that I'm aware of. Isn't it amazing that NJ has just killed all bicycle sales with this bill?

I wonder what's really behind this?

Change in our Helmet line up

2007-06-12T18:15:00.000-07:00

Over the last few years Bell Sports has been reducing their number of skus. As a retailer I appreciate this, it makes keeping good selling items in stock easier. As a rider, it’s a bummer when they drop your favorite. My favorite was the X-Ray Pro, and if you’ve been in a SRMRE clinic lately you under$tand part of the reason. The new top of the line off road helmet (One that does not look like the back end of a Cruise Ship- Sweep XC) is the Variant. It gains an ounce from the X-Ray, and features more skull coverage similar to the Giro Xen. It’s targeted at the same price point, hopefully the fit is the same. Bell Variant Web Site

Then again, that Fox Flux isn’t too bad looking! It has a really short visor, but a nice fit. (Who sold ‘em on the “Bat Cape” back piece? And what the heck is a “Detox Retention” system; is that when they lock the front door on the rehab center?) Fox Flux Helmet Website

Why am I writing about helmets? Because YOU should be replacing your helmet no later than every two years. Immediately if you’ve deformed it in a crash! As an employee, it’s within your benefit package to do it every year, so why not?

Join me in Big Bear June 22 at Snow Summit

2007-06-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

I’ll be leading a group of Explorer Scouts around the lift and trails near Snow Summit. If you’re at the lift at 9AM that day, join us or just say “Yo”. I think I can get 'em to do 2N51Y/2N08/Towne Trail and 2N10/1E01, and that may be it. Less than 20 miles. There are some restrictions on the bikes that may go up the lift, see www.snowsummit.com for all the ways you could get excluded.

Maybe call or email me to fully confirm this event if you're interested.

Tool Inventory

2007-06-12T18:08:00.000-07:00

The annual Tool Inventory was started last Friday. Last time we did it, it was in preparation for a restock on tools. It took ten months for that Purchase Order to get signed, and it was waaayyyy out of date by then. (Then= last month.) I am anticipating that this one may be replenished back to stores within 30 days of completion. That prediction is accurate only if everyone gets their homework done, so please don’t wait for the deadline to complete it.

Can you get lucky in a crash? (A grim story of fork whackage on the Fullerton Loop.)

2007-06-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

So I’m riding with two other people, and having one of “those” XC rides. The hills you normally climb seated, today you stand and drop all those who you came with. It was a good day, but those are usually dependent on you not losing your rhythm. We took a break after a tunnel section, and looked at the next 15 foot section of roots right before the sand pit drop off. Lately, I’ve just been rippin’ that obstacle.

We take off, and I’m in the back to encourage a little caution for me. I get my speed up, vibrate through the six-inch tall section of roots… and then lose my focus. There’s a ramp of old asphalt you ride, until the little drop off. I’m going slower than usual, and felt like I could look away. Instead of focusing on where I needed to ride, I got distracted by the creek. Nano-seconds later, I’m pointing directly off to the right of the broken asphalt and drop my bike (And fork) directly against the edge. Skateboarders would’ve said “Nice Grind”. The part that made real contact was the brake arch and left upper tube of the Fox Float RLC100 fork. Some of the arch was damaged, and asphalt ground into the upper fork tube. (For those of you not so familiar with this move, it is step one on how to spend $500 for a new fork that you couldn’t afford the first time. Mine is an older fork, but the dollar amount is accurate for the mental trauma.) Like any other injury, I picked off anything extra, picked up anything left behind and tried to ignore it all until I got back to the car.

After much study, I have found that in situations where the anodizing is chipped slightly you may be able to save a fork by intensively cleaning the chipped section and filling it in with clear nail polish. If the surface is still lumpy you may be able to find 2000-grit sandpaper and smooth it out.

Please notice the multiple use of the word MAY, which means that this is definitely a repair you can not do in the store. It’s a crummy repair, but allows you some time to save up to get it repaired/replaced professionally.

Memorial Ride coming up

2007-03-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

At Scouting events kids look at me and say "Wow, you've really done a lot". My answer is always "Me, nahhh. You should meet Burt, he's done it all"...

I had a leader that had my deepest respect. He'd ridden across the nation a couple times with his wife, and ridden in many other places around the world. Rides with scary names like "Furnace Creek 508" were his thing. Yeah, 508 miles. Plus 35,000 feet of ascent. Solo, through Death Valley. Burt was the personalization for me of "Faster, further, higher". The stories about any of his rides make me feel like I'm still using training wheels.

This friend, this leader, this fearless hero of mine that was bigger than life was killed in the last year. On a Sunday we'd discussed a route we both liked , and the next day on a high-speed downhill section a Trash truck ended his life. Since then I have been quietly removing the outer chainrings from all my bikes, I don't need to fly downhill any more. As I sat among the hundreds of people at his funeral, it just didn't seem that important any more.

The Memorial Ride is not just about Burt, it's about all the cyclists that have died on the roads. This year it is on May 16 at 7pm. There are 170 locations nationwide, and a few around the world. ALL of the locations will be doing a 10 to 12 mile low speed ride, in silence and single file, to mark the passing of those who loved the sport as we do. There is no cost to the participants. It's a memorial and a quiet protest. This event will have media coverage all over the world in some degree, and it will help to remind everyone to share the road. There's twelve locations in California, five in Arizona and three in Nevada. You could set one up if your motivation is at that level.

I'll be at one. I'll be a little distracted in my memories, but I'll be there. You should do this, standing up for something like this always matters. I'd appreciate knowing if you are, please post a comment.

Links-
Irvine, http://www.sellin.com/silence/
Nationwide, http://www.rideofsilence.org/locations-domestic.php
Home site, http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php

Broken Man Benefit Report

2007-03-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

The Benefit went very well. The volume of people attending was good, and the industry presence was strong. We may have surprised many people by showing up with almost $1500 worth of bikes as donations. Diamondback threw down a ’07 Response Sport, Marin a ’06 Bobcat Trail and Sport Chalet covered a ’06 Iron Horse Warrior SC Dual Suspension!

Many of the attendees showed up in the appropriate St Patrick’s day theme, as you can tell by Tony’s appearance. (That's not his beard, it's attached to the edge of his brace.) He is doing OK, he can walk and do most things. He had complained at the event of some tingling in his fingers, which came and went so he is definitely NOT fully recovered. He walked around and talked with everyone, but in the afternoon the heat took it’s toll and he had to go. We all were tired after today!

A total of $3,500 was raised through this event. Our vendors were credited during the raffle, and the winners were all very happy. The winners of the Iron Horse and the Marin bikes were rolling around looking at each other, and a after a little discussion they traded bikes! (Warrior SC for a Bobcat Trail) After everything else, it was very cool to see cooperation like that among good people. BTW- green beer did not affect the deal!

Another write up- http://www.socaltrailriders.org/forum/trail-talk/5133-broken-man-ride-you-should-have-been-there.html

Ride Report -
When you get bike people together a ride is sure to get started. This one was planned ahead of time, and everyone was familiar with it. Well, everyone but us. We formed a small Sport Chalet group and stuck together. The ride covered about eight miles with about 1,400 ft of climbing. (See http://www.geoladders.com/show_route.php?route=1 for details) Pretty much you climbed for five miles, fell down a mine shaft for a mile, and then turned right and coasted back to the start. The ride started at 11am, and the day got HOT out on the trail. Fast people do it in under an hour, we took longer than that. And longer than that, and a little longer. It would have helped to not turn LEFT at the road at the end, and add another few miles and more climbing. No one got seriously hurt, new people got a lot of experience and we all finished as friends. Very tired friends.

Additional Pics- 1. Going up the pavement as a group, yes it is this steep!

2. Me at the Gate with Wayne looking grim behind me. The non-Sport Chalet riders jetted away from this point.

3. Mike Dartt very happy. He was the champion today, riding in the back and never letting the slow ones go alone. That takes "inner strength", and he did it well.

FSA to release Road Component Group soon?

2007-03-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

Click on link- from Velonews.

http://www.velonews.com/tech/report/articles/11907.0.html

The Broken Man Benefit and Demo Day

2007-03-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

I've brought this back to the top. I'm hearing that 15 to 20 Sport Chalet people will be there. The meeting place has been moved to Cook's Corner, and the post-event ride will start from there as well. If you haven't visited store 38 in Foothill Ranch, you're in the neighborhood. Stop by and check 'em out.

UPDATE: see http://www.thebrokenmanride.com/ There is a link to donate via Paypal on the right side.

The absolute last thing I want to do on this site is promote other bike shops, but the special circumstances of this case make it an exception.

From www.SoCalTrailRiders.Org:

The weekend before last, Tony Gardikas (aka Tony G) was riding in Aliso Viejo, CA. While riding he lost control of his bike and crashed. He landed on his head and broke his helmet in three places, and his NECK in three places as well (C2, C6 and C7). The doctors said that his injury is consistent with the one Christopher Reeves suffered.

Tony also severely bruised his Carotid Artery and his Dr. was concerned about the chance of a stroke. He is not going to have to wear a halo collar, but is in a very rigid (and reportedly uncomfortable) plastic neck brace. As we speak, Tony is not going to suffer from any kind of paralysis nor is he in any further danger of a stroke...he is going to ride again; not soon, but he will ride again.

The Path Bike Shop in Tustin, CA and The Bike Company in Lake Forest, CA are going to sponsor and organize a benefit on behalf of Tony as he has no health/medical insurance. We are going to hold a demo day and ride on March 17 in Aliso Woods in Orange County, CA. Details to follow, but we will also hold a raffle (the proceeds of which will go to Tony G). The raffle will be for some pretty high-end stuff as many of our vendors know Tony G and want to help and are kicking in some really cool stuff. Stay tuned to www.thepathbikeshop.com and www.bikeco.com for more info as we plan the event.

Tony also worked part-time at one of our stores, and is a "bro" to many of the employees he has helped. We all know the risks of the sport we love, but sometimes the price can be too much for one person to bear. If you can possibly make it down to this event, I would suggest it.

New Product- "Should we carry this item?"

2007-02-28T12:29:00.000-08:00

We get many items sent to us as new products, and each of them are "about to revolutionize" whatever sport they are associated with. "It an amazing product!" "This is totally different!" "Market research and testing tells US this thing is gonna pop, you better get on board...!" "You'll laugh your way to the bank, try it first!"

This company is not quoted above, but SWIGZ dual hydration bottles are an example of a new thing. Almost all of it is made in the US, it holds 24oz divided between two nested 12oz containers. This allows you to have your hydration drink on one side, and water or whatever on the other. Water is mentioned three times on the attached card, vodka is also mentioned three times. They come in four different color combinations, and can be washed in a dishwasher once disassembled. Retail pricing is $12.99 with a 40% margin. More info at www.swigz.com.

The bottle sides are pretty stiff, as that's needed for the structural design. If the valves are closed and the bottle is squeezed moderately, leakage is noted. I think vodka was mentioned as it is clear, unlike the jersey streaks you might get from a colored solution. A fast gulp from this bottle means both sides get squeezed, so the leak factor may be critical.

Sport Chalet associates- let me know if you think we should carry this item. I know what I'm thinking, but I may be wrong. I will report back to our buyers on how many positive replies received from our techs.

LEVI LEIPHEIMER RETAINS LEADER JERSEY

2007-02-23T10:40:00.000-08:00

I got this today in an email update from the race:

Latest News Maps Cities Tour Merch. Amgentourofcalifornia.com Watch Live
Olympic and World Champion Paolo Bettini (ITA), riding for Quick Step-Innergetic, made cycling history when he edged out T-Mobile Team's Gerald Ciolek (GER) in a dramatic photo finish to win Stage 4 of the 2007 Amgen Tour of California. For the first time ever, a reigning Olympic and World Champion won a race held on U.S. soil.

"Day by day, I am discovering California on this course and it is beautiful," said Bettini. "Here in California the courses are good for me. They are difficult, but not too difficult... The fans here are incredible, just incredible."

Levi Leipheimer of the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team finished the longest stage of the eight-day race, at 132.6 miles (213.4km), in 36th place, which was enough for the Santa Rosa, Calif., resident to retain the overall leader jersey. "Today was the postcard of the Amgen Tour of California. Riding down Highway 1 through Big Sur... pretty amazing, very beautiful," said Leipheimer following the stage.

Under clear skies and roaring crowds who packed the finish in downtown San Luis Obispo, Bettini outsprinted T-Mobile's Gerald Ciolek (GER) and Team CSC's Juan Jose "J.J." Haedo (ARG), who finished second and third respectively, to take his first stage win in America. The ride from Seaside to San Luis Obispo was punctuated by two brief rain showers and some of the most striking scenery yet as the cyclists rode hard down the Highway 1 coastline. The average speed was 25.8 mph (41.5 kph), with the leaders completing the course in 5:05:47. Leipheimer, the overall leader since the Prologue in San Francisco, was upbeat about keeping the Amgen Leader Jersey until the finish in Long Beach. "I'm pretty confident. I feel good. I feel like I'm the best rider in the race," said Leipheimer at a post-race press conference.

Tour Of California

2007-02-21T21:23:00.000-08:00

I'm just going to give up on posting anything on this event, there's so much going on I'm hardly able to keep up for myself. Today a "normal" TV channel has been playing commercials to draw people to the event in Santa Clarita and Long Beach. If you go, and I suggest you do, please let me know if you get any good digital pictures as I'd love to post 'em here.
Here's a few good places for info:

www.thefredcast.com
www.velonews.com
http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Route/stages.html
www.cyclingnews.com

Don't miss out, come and see the race!

Disc Brake Adjustments- Why so many?

2007-02-13T11:48:00.000-08:00

You may have fielded a few complaints from customers regarding their disc brakes needing adjustments. Your knowledge of the situation will resolve the issue.

A disc brake caliper and rotor stay in one place, which is determined when the QR lever is closed. We then adjust the brake, and it works great. That brake to rotor relationship is changed when anyone opens and re-closes the QR lever. Most dropouts have a layer of paint on them, and may be made of aluminum or magnesium. The QR and ends of the axle are made of tougher materials, often tool-quality steel. When the axle is released and re-closed it bites down on a new place, or reengages the initial point with hundreds of pounds of clamping force. Either way, some paint or surface metal gets removed. When a bike is new, or the rider is new to the sport, that tension varies widely. Your rotor is usually centered in the caliper with almost one-half millimeter of clearance on each side, which varies widely in the first ten to twenty times the wheel is mounted in the fork.

THIS IS WHY YOUR BRAKE NEEDS ADJUSTMENT!

Often a small adjustment to the QR tension may resolve the issue. If paint on the caliper side dropout has been removed, you may actually need a minor adjustment.

Let's define one other aspect; noise vs drag.
You're listening to a disc rotor spin through a caliper, it might make a small sound. Like a metallic whisper once per rotation. This is very common on a brand new bike. As a new pad and rotor are used together, their surface irregularities from manufacturing wear away and they work much better. A little sound may not require an adjustment.
When you spin the rotor through and it slows the spinning wheel, you need to adjust that. It may be as easy as recentering the caliper, or all the way up to rebuilding the lever/caliper and replacing the rotor and pads. We must repair things to be safe and quiet; please call your trainer with any questions.

Syntace develops a great disc rotor shim!

2007-02-13T11:37:00.000-08:00

From www.cyclingnews.com

Recent rule changes in both mountain bike and cyclocross racing have increased the prevalence of spare wheels in the pit area equipped with disc brakes. Many of those racers have also realised that, in spite of so-called 'standards', the disc rotor spacing on their panoply of spare wheels can vary a bit. Given the tight clearances on most typical disc brake calipers, it doesn't take much of a shift to create some substantial disc pad rubbing.

Rather than iteratively readjust or re-shim their brake calipers with each wheel swap (which, obviously, isn't practical during an event), the more astute riders have rather shimmed their disc rotors so that they all match up, enabling quick and easy wheel swaps with consistent braking performance.

Still, fiddling with tiny shims in multiples of six can be headache inducing, and slight variances in the shims themselves can result in a slightly warped rotor - thus repeating the same problem you were hoping to solve. Instead, the clever Germans at Syntace offer a one-piece rotor shim that is designed to serve the same function as the individual ones. Not only are these much more convenient to handle but they are also properly sized for the M5 bolts commonly used to secure the rotors instead of the larger M6 bolts used for brake calipers.
Syntace's 0.2mm-thick disc rotor shims are offered in packages of eight.

They are available now through QBP, part number BR5015. You may not need them for Hayes or Avid brake set-ups if you're only using one set of wheels, but they are a very simple thing for setting up Disc Brakes properly for any bike. A package should retail for about $10.99.

When should we “CLIP” a dead branch?

2007-01-30T15:51:00.000-08:00

We are coming up on another store inventory, and this question is becoming more popular again. In the store operation process, you have an item that has been damaged and is still in your store inventory. What should you do?

Option A- Contact the Vendor and get the parts replaced if under Warranty status. If it does not qualify as a Warranty item go to Option B.
Option B- Make a list of parts needed to restore the product back to it’s state as built by the manufacturer. Order those parts by way of the Small Parts Program, and be prepared to absorb the invoice amount as a “cost of doing business”.
Option C- We don’t like this option, but still have to use it sometimes. If the cost of the restorative parts are far beyond the profit margin of the product, or the parts are not available, we may need to 100% discount the item and destroy it. For some items, we may be able to use it in training classes. Before destroying any bicycles or new/fairly straight wheels, please email your Bike Trainers and ask if they can use it.

I have heard rumors of sales to employees, for those items that are returned "used" or functional but clearly not new. It could be a fair resolution for the store and an employee who is looking for that item to sell it at a reasonable price. I cannot suggest that as an option, as it opens the door to fraud and possible loss prevention issues.

It can be very difficult to destroy an item for what we see as a minor issue. The alternative is to use a never-ending downward spiral of payroll hours on a product that won’t ever be sold for full price. Sometimes we just have to clip a bad branch, and get back to business. Use your best judgment, work with your Bike Dept Head, Trainers and District Managers.

Please remind me of "Non-Winter"!

2007-01-22T10:59:00.000-08:00

There is a rumor going around that a trip to Moab "could" get organized. This picture is only for scenery, we'd be going on regular trails around big drops like this. I've got "Porcupine Rim" trail on my brain, and would like to go this year. Best times are late May or late September, as it's quite hot between those dates.

Small map to give hint of the ride quality: http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/trails/porcup-tg.htm

We'll talk!

"Cheers" from England!

2007-01-17T13:16:00.000-08:00

When you are working in the bike dept day-after-day, it can be easy to forget the effect we have on our customers. Our customers really do enjoy their bikes, and travel with'em. I got a letter today from our store in Torrance.

"To my friends at the Bicycle Department of Torrance Sport Chalet,
This is John, a recent customer and as you may know I am in England. Well, thanks to you guys and the bike set up I can take these pictures of me with my bike in the Yorkshire Dales of England.
... edited for length...
Well, I have many more miles to ride thanks to you guys and the people of the Diamondback Company for making my 2006 Topanga.

Gratefully Yours, John Koler"

His report details his rides in the area around All Saints Church, Ripley Castle, Bolton Abbey, and around Fewstone Reservoir. It may seem a bit disjointed, but there were eleven pictures with descriptions so I've used his open and closing sections. I have included the best scans possible from his pictures. He sounds like a very kind person, and it takes that quality to sit down and print out his pictures and write it up.

For someone to take that time, we must have treated them right. Congratulations to Store 18 for their quality of business!

Status Update on Inventory Projects

2007-01-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

Small Parts- SKU's are now being assigned, and are likley to be distributed next week.

Tool Inventory- PO for all locations is under review, and sign-off is anticipated soon.

Also, Master Mechanic Shirts- PO has been signed, production is expected to be within the next two weeks. A size/quantity inquiry will go out to all stores when they are ready for distribution.

Cannondale Recalls 2007 Model Road Bikes Due to Brake Failure

2007-01-10T08:45:00.000-08:00

We are not a dealer for this brand, but we know owners of them. Please share your knowledge and keep them safe.

JANUARY 10, 2007 -- BETHEL, CT (BRAIN)--Cannondale and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission are recalling 2007 road bikes made from aluminum and carbon, or all carbon fiber.According to Cannondale the bicycle’s front brake can fail causing the rider to lose control and fall, though the company reports no injuries. The recall affects about 700 bikes and Cannondale is requesting that consumers stop using the bicycles immediately until inspected or repaired.The recalled road bicycles are the Six 13 Team 1, Six 13 Team1/Compact Drive, Synapse Carbon SL1 compact Si crank and standard bottom bracket Dura Ace crank. And were sold by Cannondale dealers from July 2006 to November 2006 for between $3,200 to $4,500.

Employee Purchases, Taxes and QBP

2007-01-04T10:23:00.000-08:00

Sport Chalet has a policy that employees in good standing and past their 90 day probation period may make Employee Purchases from our vendors and distributors with Manager Approval. This is a benefit that most bike-junkies really enjoy. The issue to the state governments is that ALL of those direct payments generated no tax revenue. QBP is the first distributor to respond by not accepting Credit Cards from employees. QBP's intention is that all EP's are to be rung through the receiving store's register, with the taxes added there. What does that mean to us? The fallout from that is if an employee’s part order is processed thru Sport Chalet a 10% charge is added to pay for the store/corporation costs. Oh, and you’ll get charged the normal tax rate too.

This is resulting in some "discussion", which is understandable. That parts kit for your new bike may have just jumped in price from $1000 to $1188. Yes it’s only $188, but that can be a deal breaker. They are still working on the details, as it kills EP's on SRAM/Truvativ/Rock Shox items. Changes are expected in the future on this.

Paying less than retail is still a benefit. If you don't like QBP's policy, go somewhere else. Check other distributors, there may be another way!

Bike Shipping Costs Go UP!

2007-01-04T10:17:00.000-08:00

Received yesterday. This is why we encourage bike deliveries to come from our supply in the Warehouse before anyone sends a Special Order out.

Dt: 01/03/07
To: All Bicycle Dealers
Re: BIG CHANGES to small bicycle & oversized box shipments

As you may be aware, UPS & FEDEX are changing the way they process shipments from generalized package sizing to a “Dimensional” system for large packages. The UPS rates are effective as of January 1, the FEDEX rates go into effect on February 1, 2007.

What does this mean? - SMALL BIKE SHIPMENT FREIGHT AMOUNTS WILL SKYROCKET!

For example, a single large Mountain Bike shipped from California to NYC will go from $37.61 to $61.32!!! with UPS.

Starting IMMEDIATELY, we are switching all oversized box and small bike shipments from UPS back to FEDEX. This will remain in effect for all of January. After the rate increase from FEDEX goes into effect, it may make more sense to send all small bike shipments by trucking companies instead of UPS or FEDEX. We are still evaluating the effect these “Dimensional” rates systems will have on total freight costs, and will make more announcements regarding our chosen shipment methods for oversized box and small bike shipments in the near future.

PLEASE BE AWARE OF THESE CHANGES. IF YOU STILL PREFER UPS FOR YOUR SMALL BICYCLE SHIPMENTS EXPECT HIGHER FREIGHT CHARGES THAN YOU ARE USED TO. AS FOR FREIGHT ALLOWED ORDERS, YOU MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DIFFERENCE IN COSTS BETWEEN FEDEX AND UPS.

We will avoid causing these additional charges wherever possible, but be aware that a Special Order bicycle may have an additional painful freight charge.

Diamondback Mission Frame News!

2007-01-04T10:16:00.000-08:00

Replacements arrive for distribution by DB January 22. If we have a dry winter I’ll try to post more video once one in particular gets rebuilt…

Bicycle Rim Straight Truing Stand Video

2007-01-02T14:24:00.000-08:00


Video shows a rim in a truing stand with a half millimeter lateral wobble. For a rim to be considered "true", this is the maximum. A business card is generally that thickness, and is used as a feeler gauge reference. There is a very small amount of vertical runout, which was due to a rim manufacturing variance.

Bicycle Rim Bent Truing Stand Video

2007-01-02T14:15:00.000-08:00

Deciding whether to fix or replace a rim can be a tough decision due to the cost. The price always becomes affordable once you have seen a wheel collapse at moderate speeds, and the damage that occurs to the rider. A rim-braked wheel has more urgency in this matter than a disc-braked rim, but "safe is safe". This video shows a rim in a truing stand with MORE than a half millimeter lateral wobble. For a rim to be considered "true" an 0.5mm deviation is the maximum. This rim also has it's issue in a short section of rim which indicates it is bent. This rim is beyond correction by spoke tension changes and should be replaced as imminent failure cannot be ruled out.

Oregon Scientific Video Camera Demo Footage

2006-12-29T16:05:00.000-08:00


Footage from camera mounted on helmet, and ridden up and down stairs. The camera sound quality is poor, but putting your own choice of music always kicks the quality up. Editing was thru Microsoft Movie Maker, and really wasn't that hard. Background music: "Wide Side" instrumental by Motley Crue

Affordable Helmet Camera!

2006-12-27T18:05:00.000-08:00

Have you had those issues with telling your friends and family about how fun your off-road activities are? I've struggled with this too, but we have an option for sharing your fun. It's made for Oregon Scientific, and it's a solid state camera. SKU # 186071, our price is $119.99. It's easy to see which stores know about it, as they're sold out. Almost all of our stores got two at the start.

How does it work?
Like a standard digital camera, it saves the compact movie files on a Secure Digital card. You can find the big size (2GB, enough for an hour!) at Fry's for ~$30, or a little more at Staples/Office Depot etc. It runs on two AA size batteries, and since your storage time is not huge you'll be able to check the batteries when downloading video.

It comes with plenty of attachment parts, enough to fit most applications. If you connect to a TV to review your video, the view will be a little pixellated/fuzzy as most TV's are larger than the resolution it records. The camera records at a max size of 680x 480, which is way above what Youtube seems to play at. In other words, plenty of resolution for most uses.

Mounting to things
I tried the handlebar mount first on a XC ride, and got a lot of jittery turning left/right/left as I was climbing. The good news is that any thing you climb looks much steeper, due to the lower perspective of your handlebars. The DH stuff wasn't bad, but seemed to have some weird distortion. When I knew I'd been cookin' a corner, it sure didn't look like it. Maybe it was the lighting? I rode/recorded past dusk, and the video still looked pretty good in the lower-light situations. Better than I'd expected, in fact. Due to the microphone's proximity to the tire, I also got a constant roar. Turning off the mic would've been best here.

When mounting to a bicycle helmet, I had to experiment. It weighs 6.3oz/177 grams so the weight is definitely noticeable if it's hanging off the side of your brain bucket. I tried many other options, and finally realized that the clip did not have to face f-to-rr. The third picture shows the strap running front to back, which was a very solid mount. The camera also needs to be mounted much further back than you might figure, as pictured it may be a little too far forward. I rode around a little today, and you could hear my uh, comment as I smacked the rear rim as I rode up some stairs.

I'll try again when it's not raining. It is very well sealed, but one raindrop on the lens and the video's gonna look nutty. I'd recommend it to anyone who can keep the idea clear that it's a BASIC video-cam.

Hayes Brakes adds Manitou and Answer= Hayes Bicycle Group

2006-12-21T17:48:00.000-08:00

Hayes Bicycle Group, a division of HB Performance Systems Inc., acquired the assets of Answer Products Inc., in November. Answer Products has been renamed HB Suspension Products and is now a part of the Hayes Bicycle Group division. Under this new business arrangement the company will continue to produce Answer™ and Manitou™ brand bicycle suspension forks, shocks, bars and stems.

“I offer my personal assurance that there will be no disruption in company operations,” said Rhonda Kirkwood, vice president and general manager of Hayes Bicycle Group. “We will continue to be responsive and remain dedicated to delivering the highest quality products on time and at competitive prices.” The excellent customer service and support systems that Answer Products’ customers have come to know also will continue, Kirkwood added.

Hayes Bicycle Group products, including Answer™, Manitou™, Hayes™ Disc Brakes and Sun Ringlé™ wheels, rims and hubs, are distributed through 120 worldwide distributors to customers in more than 50 countries. More than 200 worldwide bicycle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are supplied by Hayes Bicycle Group. Its products are well known and respected in the mountain bike market. Hayes Bicycle Group provides products for all segments, especially freeride, gravity and recreational.

Kids bikes incoming!

2006-12-21T17:37:00.000-08:00

We have done a great job of selling thru our 12" to 20" bike range, and some stores may feel low-on-stock. We have a good amount of Diamondback Vipers coming in, which should be in your stores today and tomorrow.

Please build and floor them as soon as possible.

Link: http://www.diamondbackbmx.com/items.asp?deptid=1&itemid=232