Mountain Bike Time - 2015 SPECIALIZED CRAVE SL

Hopefully the weather breaks and the trails start to dry out and we can get out to Sprague Brook, Hunters Creek, Harris Hill, Ellicottville or any of the other areas to mountain bike at.  If you are in the market for a new Mountain Bike and are contemplating a Rigid Single Speed then take a peak at the Specialized Crave SL:

With a super-light Chisel carbon fork, the Crave SL is a singlespeed specialist for riders looking to explore race courses with the simplicity of one gear.

• M4 Premium Aluminum frame is super-lightweight, stiff, and features XC 29er Geometry
• Lightweight and stiff Specialized Chisel carbon rigid fork for simplistic performance
• Stout XC SL aluminum with 21mm inner width hookless 29” rims are dialed for the XC course
• Specialized Hi Lo disc hubs with reliable and smooth sealed cartridge bearings
• Specialized Ground Control 2.3"/2.1" tires with a fast-rolling yet grippy tread
• Custom SRAM singlespeed specific drivetrain for ultimate simplicity and light weight
• Shimano hydraulic disc brakes for dialed modulation and stopping power
• The custom color—Rocket Red—is designed to naturally age over time. It will exhibit splashes of a dark rich color when exposed to prolonged direct sunlight. This finish is deliberate and therefore not covered under the traditional warranty policy.

Come on in today 10-8 and check out our great inventory.  Hopefully the snow stops falling and the temperatures start going up so we can all get out on the bikes!

Tom's Pro Bike

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086
(716) 651-9995
email: tom@tomsprobike.com

We Have 3 Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon Available

So I lied last week when I said Tire Size & Rolling Resistance blogs were over.  I went into work Saturday and found out that even though Specialized is sold out of the Diverge Expert Carbon we have laid our hands on 3 of them in size 54, 56 & 58

This is the bike that I have been riding a lot lately and I have to tell you it is beyond awesome.  Sure the price tag is up there but to get a Carbon Ultegra Hydraulic Road Disc Brake bike for $4000.00 that seems like a pretty good deal to me.  We are currently researching wheel sets to upgrade from the current one and should be posting about that in the near future as well because that is the only part of the bike that is in need of changing in my opinion.

For more information on the Specialized Diverge line stop by the shop.  We have a full inventory of the Diverge Sport A1 and even have 1 Diverge Carbon Di2 model in stock as well.

Come on in today 10-8 and check out our great inventory.  Hopefully the snow stops falling and the temperatures start going up so we can all get out on the bikes!


Tom's Pro Bike

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086
(716) 651-9995
email: tom@tomsprobike.com

Tire Size & Rolling Resistance - WRAP UP

It all started last Friday with a post about Rolling Resistance based on Tire Size and Inflation Pressure.  That got the mind working all weekend and we moved forward into this week about bikes and other good stuff.


Monday we brought out the Specialized Diverge A1.  This bike is capable of 35mm tires and runs disc brakes and is based on the Roubaix/CruX platform with long endurance road/gravel rides in mind.



Tuesday we highlighted an entry level bike by Felt the V100.  Capable of the same larger tires that the Diverge runs but built with a lower component level and a lower price point.



Wednesday, thanks to Jeff, brought on a Latex Tube vs Butyl Tube discussion.  If you are a road bike rider and looking for a way to lower rolling resistance on skinny tires then latex tubes is an inexpensive way to try something new out.  Comparable to Tubular Tires but at a much lower price point this is a good experiment to use before stepping up in wheel sets!



Thursday wrapped up the week with the Fuji Tread 1.3 Disc.  This bike fits right in between the Felt V100 and the Specialized Diverge A1 price wise and is another option at wider tires and endurance geometry.

Come on in today or tomorrow from 10-6 and check out our great inventory.  Hopefully the snow stops falling and the temperatures start going up so we can all get out on the bikes!

Tom's Pro Bike
3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086
(716) 651-9995
email: tom@tomsprobike.com

Tire Size & Rolling Resistance - FUJI TREAD 1.3 DISC

We are getting ready to wrap up the theme we have been running with lately and before we summarize everything tomorrow I thought I would post another bike out there that handles larger tires with a more traditional endurance road style.  Fuji Tread 1.3 Disc is not stocked at Tom's yet but if you are interested in this bike we can easily order you one and build it up in time for the upcoming riding season.

Running Shimano Sora 9 Speed drivetrain, Fuji is hoping this bike catches the interest of Endurance and Gravel Riders around the world.  It comes stock with 32mm tires and until I see one live I cannot comment on the fact that it can or cannot handle a wider tire.  This is just another option outside of today's standard Road Bikes and if you are looking for an overall do everything bike then taking a peak at the Fuji Tread, Felt V Series, or the Specialized Diverge Series would be a great place to start.

Stop by the shop today from 10-8 for more information on any of these models, accessories, clothing, and all of our other great inventory.  Riding season is slowly arriving - so be prepared!

Tom's Pro Bike
3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086
(716) 651-9995
email: tom@tomsprobike.com

Tire Size & Rolling Resistance - Latex Tubes

I don't steal posts without giving out proper credit so today I would like to thank Jeff for his Facebook post yesterday to his buddy about latex tubes and the benefit to them.  I thought to myself what a great follow-up to the chatter we have been having since Friday about ways to lower Rolling Resistance.

Here is the Link to the Article:

In our previous article on road bike tires, we touched on the benefits of latex tubes. Because of their flexible, supple material properties, latex tubes improve both comfort and rolling resistance by a substantial amount over a normal butyl tube. Careful testing by Tom Anhalt has shown a power savings of around 3-4 watts per tire at 25mph, along with better comfort and handling. A good clincher tire with a latex tube can offer the same or better rolling resistance and comfort as a tubular.

The context behind the article was a comparison to Tubular Tires vs Clinchers.  I am not saying that Clinchers with Latex Tubes is a true alternative to Tubulars but it is a "less expensive" alternative since you don't have to get a new wheel that is Tubular compatible.

I have run Latex Tubes in some of my bikes and I know our mechanic TS runs them on race day only on his Mountain Bike.  I am not scientific by any means when it comes to the difference of one setup compared to another.  If it is harder to pedal I either switch gears or pedal harder.  I don't have the time or the interest to have 3 alike bikes setup with Tubulars, Latex Tubes, and Standard tubes but if you see what is referenced above it is showing a savings of 3-4 watts per tire at 25 mph.  Now simple math since we are riding bicycles would make that 6-8 watts saving at 25 mph.

If you ride with power and ride long distances then I imagine that is a pretty nice savings of energy for more power at the end of a ride.  If you are a recreational rider that is just focused on turning the wheels over on beautiful days in the country then I would recommend sticking with the set up you have and keep on enjoying life.  If you are looking for an alternative to tubulars then I would definitely look into the Latex Tube aspect.

For more information on all of the above stop by the shop.  We can get you Power, Tubulars, Clinchers, Latex Tubes, or just standard tubes from 10-6 today.

Tom's Pro Bike
3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086
(716) 651-9995
email: tom@tomsprobike.com

Tire Size & Rolling Resistance - Felt V100

To continue Friday's conversation on Tire Size & Rolling Resistance and yesterday's post on the Specialized Diverge Sport A1, today we are highlighting the Felt V100:

This is a do everything bike that doesn’t stop when the road does. Constructed from Adventure Road Disc FLite Custom Butted aluminum the V100 is gravel ready.

MSRP: $849.00 which brings it in at a lower price point than the Diverge A1 but the drivetrain is not the level that the Diverge is at $1,250.00.  There is the Felt V85 which will be highlighted at some point this week but we only have the V100 in stock currently.

So if you are looking for an entry level road bike that gives you some tire options then I would seriously take a look at the Felt V100.  If you are looking for some higher quality components then we have some options for that as well.  Stop by the shop today from 10-8 and check the Felt V100 out.  Dress warm because it is a bit cool out there but hopefully the weather breaks and we get some good riding weather in the next week.

Tom's Pro Bike
3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086
(716) 651-9995
email: tom@tomsprobike.com

Tire Size & Rolling Resistance - Specialized Diverge Sport A1

After Friday's post about Tire Size and Rolling Resistance, I figured that writing a blog about a bike that is capable of a little wider tire than most "road bikes" might come in handy.  The 2015 Specialized Diverge has been a very popular model already and availability is limited right now but we have a full size run available in the Aluminum Sport A1 model and have some other sizes in the carbon models as well:

Whether it's dirt roads or navigating potholes on the road less traveled, the Diverge Sport can handle it all. With mechanical disc brakes, Shimano Sora 9-speed drivetrain, and tuned frame and fork it's only limited by your imagination.

• Specialized A1 Premium Aluminum frame is both stiff and compliant
• Specialized FACT carbon fork w/ Zertz for road chatter damping
• AXIS Classic Disc wheels for durable, all day performance
• Specialized Espoir Sport 700x30c tires w/ double BlackBelt protection for all conditions
• Shimano Sora, compact crankset for efficient power delivery and gearing options
• Tektro Spyre, mechanical disc brakes provide confident braking all day
• Shimano Sora STI shifters provide reliable and clean shifting performance
• Compatible with Specialized Plug + Play Fender Set

If you are a follower of the blog, you know that I am currently riding the Diverge Expert Carbon and am loving it.  This bike is very much like the Specialized Roubaix but with thru-axles and wider tires it has the benefits that I was looking at for the type of riding that I do.

If you are in the market for a new bike and want something a little outside of the typical "road bike" frame style then you should stop in from 10-8 today and check out our line of Diverges.  The weather will hopefully be breaking soon and now is the time to get the new bike set up for the sunny days that are sure to come!

Tom's Pro Bike
3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086
(716) 651-9995
email: tom@tomsprobike.com

Tire Size & Rolling Resistence

Are you a bike geek?  Then today's post might be of interest to you.  There is an older article out about Tire Size and Rolling Resistance.  If you aren't well you just might learn something that "goes against the grain" when out looking for a new bike or maybe your first bike.  Today's bike manufacturers really do not take the "average" rider into consideration with most of the frame technology and size capabilities in my opinion.

I read an interesting quote that goes something like this: "When was the last time you were 2nd place on the podium because of a 28mm tire instead of a 23mm tire?"  Maybe another good question might be when was the last time you even raced your bike in a sanctioned USAC race?  If you race Cat 3 or higher then I would guess you are pretty dialed in with bike tire size and pressures.  But if you are a recreational rider looking to gain comfort and fitness on the bike then maybe you should consider wider tires as a good option to help get  you started.

Here is my favorite point from the article:

On rough surfaces, however, a tire at lower pressure is able to absorb more of the bumps than a tire at higher pressure, with less deflection of the bike and its rider. This is the same “sprung vs. un-sprung weight” argument that demonstrates why suspension makes a bicycle faster on rough terrain — it takes less energy to keep the bike rolling if only a small amount of weight is lifted (like a small section of the tire) than if the entire bike and rider is lifted by the bump.

If the bike were rolling on smooth glass, it’s clear that higher pressure would be faster. The question is, what is the ideal pressure for the surface you’ll be riding on?

When was the last time you rode your bike on smooth glass?

There are many frame options that allow for a wider tire today - you just have to be open when talking to the shop staff and explain what your end goals are from your bike riding.  If you are looking to get in shape, see some great sights, and just enjoy the open road then a wider tire, in my opinion, is the way to go.  If you are planning on racing and training hard then a narrower tire and the frame that limits tire size is the way to go for you.  We are not all cookie cutters so be open and try one of each and you decide which bike feels better.

For more information stop by the shop.  We are open from 10-6 Friday and Saturday.

Tom's Pro Bike
3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086
(716) 651-9995
email: tom@tomsprobike.com

WNYMBA Thursday - SPECIALIZED CRAVE PRO

In honor of tonight's WNYMBA Spring Meeting at Tom's Pro Bike we are highlighting an awesome Hardtail 29'er from Specialized - The Crave Pro:

The Crave Pro is designed for fast cross-country racers. It delivers race-winning performance with the help of a FOX Float Evolution fork, Shimano Deore XT rear derailleur, and Shimano SLX shifters, while the Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes provide confidence to attack each corner.

• M4 Premium Aluminum frame is super-lightweight, stiff, and features XC 29er Geometry
• 100mm-travel FOX Float Evolution 29 fork w/ CTD damper is lightweight, plush, and tunable
• Stout XC SL aluminum with 21mm inner width hookless 29” rims are dialed for the XC course
• Specialized Hi Lo disc hubs with reliable and smooth sealed cartridge bearings
• Specialized Ground Control 2.1"/Fast Trak Control 2.0" tires with race-proven performance
• Custom SRAM 10-speed XC double for ideal 29er gearing
• Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes for dialed modulation and stopping power
• Shimano XT Shadow Plus, 10-speed derailleur w/ Clutch technology for shifting precision
• The custom color—Rocket Red—is designed to naturally age over time. It will exhibit splashes of a dark rich color when exposed to prolonged direct sunlight. This finish is deliberate and therefore not covered under the traditional warranty policy.

If you are looking for a solid bike to carry you over the local trail scene then you should stop in and check out the Crave line of bikes from Specialized.

It is Spring time and that means club meetings.  The next two weeks are pretty busy with club meetings at the shop and it continues tonight at 7:00 with the annual WNYMBA meeting.  Once again there will be great conversation, great food, and great inventory of mountain bikes.  So come on out for that meeting and get prepared for the expanded Spring Race Series and our expanding trail system.

Friday is an official party with the Winter Indoor Training Series at the shop.  Thanks for all of the participants this year who made this a great series.

Be careful, stay warm and stop by the shop today  from 10-8 for more information on all of our inventory of bikes, clothing, and accessories!

Tom's Pro Bike
3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086
(716) 651-9995
email: tom@tomsprobike.com

Ritchey Swiss Cross

You know the old saying our mistake is your gain?  The Ritchey Swiss Cross Frameset Only in size 57 was accidentally ordered and now is available for your purchase at the shop.  Just a quick side not that if this was size 55 this post would not be taking place.  So if you are dreaming of a new Steel Canti Cross build for the upcoming season, you take a size 57 in cross bikes, and want to own just a sweet bike then hurry into the shop and check this beauty out.

We have numerous Ritchey components to go along with it as well.  The only non-Ritchey parts that could don this is the drivetrain and brakes.  Outside of those two areas the choices are endless!

It is Spring time and that means club meetings.  The next two weeks are pretty busy with club meetings at the shop and it starts off tonight at 6:30 with the Buffalo Triathlon Club meeting.

We have always been a huge supporter of the local triathlon scene and we appreciate all of the business that we get from local triathletes as well.  So, if you are a member of the BTC make sure you stop by Wednesday night for some great conversation, food, and check out our inventory!

Thursday brings on the annual WNYMBA meeting at 7:00pm.  Once again there will be great conversation, great food, and great inventory of mountain bikes.  So come on out for that meeting and get prepared for the expanded Spring Race Series and our expanding trail system.

Friday is an official party with the Winter Indoor Training Series at the shop.  Thanks for all of the participants this year who made this a great series.

Be careful, stay warm and stop by the shop today  from 10-6 for more information on all of our inventory of bikes, clothing, and accessories!

Tom's Pro Bike
3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086
(716) 651-9995
email: tom@tomsprobike.com