See & Be Seen - SPECIALIZED REFLECTIVE CLOTHING & LIGHTS

Most of us know that Saturday Night/Sunday Morning it is time to set the clocks back 1 hour.  Yes you gain 1 hour of sleep (or partying depending on your lifestyle) but the sun is up less and is lower when it is up so being seen on the bike, if you want to keep riding outdoors, becomes more dependent on outside sources rather than the good old Sun!

Here is a VIDEO out of Chicago that shows some cyclists riding without lights at night - not a smart move at all!

Specialized is doing it's part as well by providing Reflective Material outerwear, lights, and Visible accents on bikes, shoes & tires as well.  They have a page See & Be Seen that has a bunch of information for you to look over and become and educated consumer.

As a point of reference, I commute (not daily but as often as possible) year round in Western New York and do a large amount of night time riding.  Now with the daylight hours shrinking my setup is 1 Main Front Light (To See), 2 front flashing lights (To Be Seen) but one of these can go Steady lights for single track riding to see more in my sight path because I have it attached to my helmet, and 3 flashing rear lights (To Be Seen).  It may be overkill but I have had enough close calls on the bike in the dark that my thoughts are better too many lights than not enough lights!

We have a huge assortment of lights, reflective clothing, and high visibility shoes/tires so stop by the shop today or tomorrow from 10-6 and check out our inventory.

Want a great way to stay in shape this winter?  Sign up for a slot of our Indoor Training Series.

Indoor Training Series is on right now.  Information HERE!

WE RENT FAT BIKES NOW!  Interested in trying out a Fat Bike without having to purchase one?  We now rent the Specialized Fatboy at Tom's Pro Bike!

WNY Cross has a new Facebook Page with all the Buffalo/Rochester Race Information posted.  5 races left this year!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

It Is You - Only Faster - SPECIALIZED TURBO

Specialized Turbo X with a larger battery and more features!  MSRP $4,500



Specialized Turbo Levo to take you places you never thought you could go on a mountain bike!  MSRP $7,500

Check out this cool VIDEO from Specialized as well to give you more insight into the Turbo line of bikes!

Stop by today from 10-8 and check out our complete line of Turbo bikes.  Words don't justify the riding experience so I will just leave it up to you to get a test ride in!

Want a great way to stay in shape this winter?  Sign up for a slot of our Indoor Training Series.

Indoor Training Series is on right now.  Information HERE!

WE RENT FAT BIKES NOW!  Interested in trying out a Fat Bike without having to purchase one?  We now rent the Specialized Fatboy at Tom's Pro Bike!

WNY Cross has a new Facebook Page with all the Buffalo/Rochester Race Information posted.  5 races left this year!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

Road Aero Helmets

I found an interesting article that Tested 3 Aero Road Helmets on the Velo News website today:

Five helmets were tested. Velo‘s 2014 Editors’ Pick road helmet, the Giro Aeon, was used to provide a baseline comparison. Giro makes no aero claims with the Aeon, touting only its low weight and exceptional cooling. It was not designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency.

Three popular aero road helmets were tested, one each from Giro, Specialized, and Kask. Each is something of a hybrid between a road and time trial helmet, designed to be cool and comfortable and also reduce drag. To complete the spectrum, a Kask Bambino time trial helmet was tested.

As a point of reference, if you switched out the stock aluminum Mavic Cosmic wheels to pricey carbon Zipp 404 Firecrest wheels on a Cervélo S3 aero road bike, WAD is lowered by 65.9 grams. To get those efficiency savings in a helmet swap, a rider would have to switch from the Aeon road helmet to the unvented Kask Bambino time trial helmet. That’s not practical for someone riding on the road; it would be too hot on most days.

In all, the aero road helmets we tested will decrease drag by about one-third to one-half as much as changing to an aerodynamic wheelset. But the price cannot be argued with.

My take from this is if you are looking at a way to reduce aerodynamic drag and money is not a factor - wheels are the way to go.  If you have a limited budget and need a new helmet then switching over to the Specialized Evade ($225.00 MSPR) is a good option.

Want a great way to stay in shape this winter?  Sign up for a slot of our Indoor Training Series.

Indoor Training Series is on right now.  Information HERE!

WE RENT FAT BIKES NOW!  Interested in trying out a Fat Bike without having to purchase one?  We now rent the Specialized Fatboy at Tom's Pro Bike!

WNY Cross has a new Facebook Page with all the Buffalo/Rochester Race Information posted.  5 races left this year!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

Why Do You Shop At A Real Store?

A friend posted an interesting article about Online & In Person Bike Shopping Statistics so I figured I would twist it a little and ask the readers of this blog (and our Faceboook page) why do you shop at a store instead of online?

Here are some of the details from the article:

Some details from the study:

• The number of consumers who visited a bike shop, but purchased a bicycle from a discount/mass merchant increased by 117 percent (compared to the 2012 study).
• At the same time the number of adults who visited a bike shop, and went on to purchase a bicycle from a bike shop fell by 20 percent.
• And adults who visited a bike shop and went on to purchase from an online retailer such as Amazon also declined by 36 percent.

The person who posted the article originally made the comment that because shops don't stock the exact part you are looking for and have to order it anyways.  I can attest that at Tom's there are a lot of parts available and I know Tom takes pride in that fact.

As I said recently you don't ever see an Amazon.Com bike club.  You also won't find a capable repair shop or a place to rent a bike while traveling on the web.

What makes you desire personalized service over a discount for shopping online and dealing with a computer?  Let us know because we appreciate our great customers.  Stop by today from 10-8 to check out our inventory.

Want a great way to test out your bike?  Purchase the bike and sign up for a slot of our Indoor Training Series.

Indoor Training Series is on right now.  Information HERE!

WE RENT FAT BIKES NOW!  Interested in trying out a Fat Bike without having to purchase one?  We now rent the Specialized Fatboy at Tom's Pro Bike!

WNY Cross has a new Facebook Page with all the Buffalo/Rochester Race Information posted.  5 races left this year!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

How To Winter Proof Your Bike

We all know what is around the corner for those of us in Western New York - winter time!  What are the best precautionary steps to getting your bike set for those cold & damp winter days when you just can't stand another ride on the trainer?

CHECK THIS VIDEO OUT

To learn more about winter riding, appropriate apparel & bikes that can handle a wider studded tire with fenders stop by the shop today from 10-8

Want a great way to test out your bike?  Purchase the bike and sign up for a slot of our Indoor Training Series.

Indoor Training Series is on right now.  Information HERE!

WE RENT FAT BIKES NOW!  Interested in trying out a Fat Bike without having to purchase one?  We now rent the Specialized Fatboy at Tom's Pro Bike!

WNY Cross has a new Facebook Page with all the Buffalo/Rochester Race Information posted.  5 races left this year!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

Choosing A Cyclo-Cross Tire

Thanks to QBP for the research to give you some solid information on tire selection for Cyclo-Cross racing:

“What Cyclocross Tires Are You Running Today?”

It’s one of the most commonly heard questions at every cyclocross race, and for good reason. Few things can affect the outcome of a cross race more than tire choice. If two riders on a muddy course are equally matched in their abilities, but one has file treads and the other has mud tires, it’s pretty easy to predict who the victor will be. 

For the most part, cyclocross tires can be grouped into three categories: file tread, mud, and all-condition.

File Tread (Probably too late in our season for this tire choice)

File treads are the perfect choice for a dry course with a lot of grass and dirt. File treads have a series of tight and extremely short knobs down the center of the tire. (Think about the metal file you have in the shop and you’ll get the idea.) Many file treads, like the Clement LAS, feature shoulder knobs to give the rider a little extra traction while cornering. Since file treads are so condition-specific, and not a great choice for muddy courses, they may not be ideal for riders who have to choose one set of tires to ride all season. If riders have a second set of wheels or plan to switch out tires based on course conditions however, having file treads on hand is a great way to ensure that all of their bases are covered. 

Mud (A very good choice this time of the year)

Cyclocross and mud go together like peanut butter and jelly—and as it happens, it’s not uncommon to feel like you’re riding through peanut butter on many cross courses. For those conditions, a mud-specific tire is crucial to be able to even finish the race, much less have a chance at a podium spot. Mud tires feature very aggressive knobs along both the center tread and the shoulder of the tire. It’s not just the size of the knobs that make them great in the mud, but also how widely spaced they are and how they’re angled. The combination of these three things gives mud-specific tires superior mud-shedding abilities. While the Challenge Baby Limus and the Clement PDX are the two most commonly seen mud shedders, other models like the Schwalbe Rocket Ron and the Maxxis Mud Wrestler are also superb at throwing muck to the wind.

All-Condition

With treads that aren’t quite as minimalistic as a file tread and not as aggressive as a mud tire, all-condition tires are the perfect choice for someone who is looking for one tire to ride all season. All-condition tires feature a center tread of knobs that are spaced similarly to a mud tire but aren’t as tall, so as to minimize the amount of rolling resistance on grass, pavement, and packed dirt. Larger and more spaced-out knobs line the shoulder of the tire to aid in cornering and provide a bit of mud shedding. Look to the Challenge Grifo, the Continental Cyclo XKing, the Schwalbe Racing Ralph, and the Vredestein Black Panther for an all-around tire that will do the trick on just about any cyclocross course.

There are other tires that don’t quite fit into into any of the above categories but are still great options in the right conditions. The Surly Knard tread, for example, while not technically a file tread carries all the same advantages as a file tread with slightly larger footprint.

For more information on any of the above tires stop by the shop today or tomorrow from 10-6.

Want a great way to test out your bike?  Purchase the bike and sign up for a slot of our Indoor Training Series.

Indoor Training Series is on right now.  Information HERE!

WE RENT FAT BIKES NOW!  Interested in trying out a Fat Bike without having to purchase one?  We now rent the Specialized Fatboy at Tom's Pro Bike!

WNY Cross has a new Facebook Page with all the Buffalo/Rochester Race Information posted.  5 races left this year!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

Fall Clearance Sale - CERVELO R3 ULTEGRA (2013)

We are into the final 3 days of the Fall Clearance Sale at Tom's Pro Bike and today we are highlighting the 2013 Cervelo R3 Ultegra:

Feel the benefits of extreme light weight engineering with no compromise in stiffness, strength or comfort. You’ll search out hard hills not only to feel the light weight on the climbs, but also the speed and control on the descent. The result: an understated design that allows performance to make the statement. A settled ride that allows you to feel the road while minimizing rough road feedback. A comfort magnified with the ultra-thin seat stays developed to increase vertical compliance and vibration absorption for a smooth ride.

• Retail Price: $3,900 SALE PRICE $2,535
• Model Year - 2013
• Components - Shimano Ultegra 10 Speed
• Sizes Available: 51cm, 56cm, 58cm

For more information on this awesome bike stop by the shop today from 10-8 and take one out for a test ride.

Want a great way to test out your bike?  Purchase the bike and sign up for a slot of our Indoor Training Series.

Indoor Training Series is on right now.  Information HERE!

WE RENT FAT BIKES NOW!  Interested in trying out a Fat Bike without having to purchase one?  We now rent the Specialized Fatboy at Tom's Pro Bike!

WNY Cross has a new Facebook Page with all the Buffalo/Rochester Race Information posted.  5 races left this year!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

Fall Clearance Sale - FINAL DAYS

More and more leaves are falling to the ground, the winds are that much cooler when they are blowing, and we even had a light snow over this past weekend.  What does this all mean?  The end of fall and the end of Tom's Fall Closeout Sale - this Saturday at close of business!

I just went through the web site and all of the great deals and found what I believe to be one of the best deals out there - the 2014 Specialized Stump Jumper Hard Tail Expert:

• All-new FACT IS 10m carbon frame with dedicated 29er geometry and full SWAT technology kit, internal cable routing, PF30 BB, and 142mm dropouts for the lightest race-ready design
• Custom RockShox SID 29 fork with Specialized Brain inertia-valve damping has 90mm of air-sprung travel and 15mm thru-axle to create the most efficient and supple cross-country fork available
• Roval Control Carbon 29 142+ hookless carbon wheelset with durable DT Swiss internals, 15mm thru-axle, and stainless DT Swiss spokes brings carbon wheels to a whole new realm of fun
• Custom SRAM S-2200 carbon double XC crankset with 38/24 gearing is built for strong, lightweight performance
• Magura MTS hydraulic disc brakes with a carbon master cylinder and reach adjust provide consistent and reliable stopping power
• Shimano XTR Shadow Plus mid-cage, 10-speed rear derailleur is tough, lightweight, and delivers pinpoint shifts

ON SALE FOR $3,495 - this is a great deal and sizing is limited so if you are looking at upgrading your mountain bike for next year now is the time to do it!

Stop by today from 10-6 and take one out for a test ride

Want a great way to test out your bike?  Purchase the bike and sign up for a slot of our Indoor Training Series.

Indoor Training Series is on right now.  Information HERE!

WE RENT FAT BIKES NOW!  Interested in trying out a Fat Bike without having to purchase one?  We now rent the Specialized Fatboy at Tom's Pro Bike!

WNY Cross has a new Facebook Page with all the Buffalo/Rochester Race Information posted.  5 races left this year!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

Hike-A-Bike Shoes - SPECIALIZED RIME EXPERT

So you sign up for a cool ride and about 45 miles into it you look up and this image is staring at you.  You better have some good shoes on that are going to keep you from falling and busting your knee, face or bike on some nice size rock chunks!  

What do you want to be wearing?  Something that comes from an outdoor hiking experience such as Vibram soles would be nice right?  Well, Specialized has the perfect shoe for you:

The RIME EXPERT:

The Rime Expert blends protection, great fit, and a confidence-inspiring Vibram® sole worthy of trekking in the Alps or hitting your local trails. Enjoy a truly adjustable fit thanks to the Boa® dial, while its Body Geometry comfort features make the Rime a perfect shoe for the modern adventure seeker.

• Body Geometry sole construction and footbed: ergonomically designed and scientifically tested to boost power, increase efficiency, and reduce chance of injury by optimizing hip, knee, and foot alignment.
• Vibram® rubber outsole for unmatched traction and durability.
• Nylon composite internal plate for efficient pedaling performance yet flexible for off-bike adventures: Stiffness Index 7.0.
• Single Boa® S2-Snap dial for on-the-fly micro-adjustment, backed by Boa's Lifetime Guarantee.
• Dial/lace assembly is replaceable in seconds with Snap cartridge system.
• Durable synthetic upper with hard molded toe to handle all-mountain abuse.
• Ballistic mesh keeps trail dirt out.
• Wrap-style tongue for comfort, secure fit.
• Standard Fit last for all-day support and off-bike comfort.
• Two-bolt cleat pattern fits all major MTB pedals.
• Approximate weight: 435g (1/2 pair, size 42)

I have had mine for almost 2 years now and they are still going strong.  Commuting, mountain biking, cyclo-cross, ultra-cross and everything else has been thrown at these and they are comfortable, stable and long lasting.

To find out more information on the Rime Expert stop by the shop today from 10-8.

Want a great way to test out your bike?  Purchase the bike and sign up for a slot of our Indoor Training Series.

Indoor Training Series is on right now.  Information HERE!

WE RENT FAT BIKES NOW!  Interested in trying out a Fat Bike without having to purchase one?  We now rent the Specialized Fatboy at Tom's Pro Bike!

WNY Cross has a new Facebook Page with all the Buffalo/Rochester Race Information posted.  5 races left this year!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

Epic Races - IRON CROSS XIII

I made the trek down to Williamsport, PA over the weekend for the running of the Iron Cross XIII.  The picture above does a great job of breaking down the different aspects of the course but the upper left image comes about 48 miles into the race and was just sheer torture.

You can add in Snow, Sleet and some wet pavement on a sweet 12+ mile descent into the finish line to make this race a must do if you enjoy races that test every aspect of bike handling there is:

We had rock strewn single track

We had 6700+ feet of climbing

We had gravel ascents and descents

We had paved ascents and descents

We had Hike-A-Bike leg cramping sections

But mostly we had a great time

This is one of those rides that you are just counting down the miles to the finish line (all 64+ of them) while trying to take in some breathtaking scenery.  You cross the finish line and you tell yourself that race will never come back on the schedule in the future but after you change and refuel and rehydrate you think to yourself it wasn't that bad and if I did this or that I could shave some time off and get sub??? (no I am not telling you my finish time - you can research it but I did finish Top-100 ;) )

There were Fat Bikes, Full Suspension Mountain Bikes, Hard Tails, Cross Bikes (I rode my All City Space Horse with 41mm Surly Knard tires and loved the decision from the get go - maybe some easier climbing gearing but oh well I survived with a high gear of 39x30).  There were a ton of Specialized's out there from the CruX to S-Works Mountain Bikes!

Hopefully they run it in Williamsport again next year - an easy 3 hour drive south east of the Buffalo area with some great accommodations and some awesome riding all the way around.  This is a definite must do if you enjoy pushing your limits.

Stop by the shop and check out our complete line of bikes that can carry you all the way from a comfortable?? finish up to a shot at the podium (but you better be strong) with a Mountain Bike or Cross Bike.  We are open from 10-8 today so stop on in and check out our inventory!

Want a great way to test out your bike?  Purchase the bike and sign up for a free demo slot of our Indoor Training Series.

Indoor Training Series is on right now.  Information HERE!

WE RENT FAT BIKES NOW!  Interested in trying out a Fat Bike without having to purchase one?  We now rent the Specialized Fatboy at Tom's Pro Bike!

WNY Cross has a new Facebook Page with all the Buffalo/Rochester Race Information posted.  5 races left this year!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

2015 Fall Clearance Sale - Felt F5X (2014)

With the cooler weather hanging around why not post another Cross bike to tempt you to come out and race in the next 6 weeks.  So today I am going to put another great deal up from our Fall Clearance Sale - the 2013 Felt F5X:

With the F5x we bring carbon fiber performance to new levels of affordability. We use our UHC Performance MMC carbon fiber to produce a disc-equipped carbon fiber frame lighter and stiffer than anything comparable. Like its more expensive stable mates, it features our flattened, shoulder-friendly top tube. The UHC Performance monocoque fork delivers superior strength and low weight. We pair SRAM Apex shifters and front derailleur with a Rival rear derailleur for lightweight and fuss-free shifting. Avid BB5 mechanical discs make sure you stop when you need to. This is carbon fiber performance at an aluminum price.

• Retail Price: $2399  SALE PRICE $1,919.00
• Model Year - 2014
• Components - SRAM Apex Double Tap
• Sizes Available: 55cm

To take one out for a test ride stop by the shop today from 10-8.  You want to ride this in cooler weather so you get a great feel for true Cyclo-Cross conditions!

Want a great way to test out your bike?  Purchase the bike and sign up for a free demo slot of our Indoor Training Series.

Indoor Training Series is starting soon.  Information HERE!  FREE DEMO RIDES THROUGH 10/17

WE RENT FAT BIKES NOW!  Interested in trying out a Fat Bike without having to purchase one?  We now rent the Specialized Fatboy at Tom's Pro Bike!

WNY Cross has a new Facebook Page with all the Buffalo/Rochester Race Information posted.  And our own Ryan Barnes is doing great in the overall series leading Cat 3 racers!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

2015 Fall Clearance Sale - Felt F65X (2013)

With the cooler weather hanging around why not post another Cross bike to tempt you to come out and race in the next 6 weeks.  So today I am going to put another great deal up from our Fall Clearance Sale - the 2013 Felt F65X:

Built with internally and externally butted Superlite aluminum frame, the F65X addresses every need for the cyclocross racer. The frame and fork have maximum clearance for mud shedding, and the bike is equipped with Avid BB5 disc brakes for precise braking in any condition. With a BB30 bottom bracket, ControlTaper headtube, and SRAM components, it all adds up to a quick, lively and durable ’cross bike ready to tackle any course.

• Retail Price: $1,859
• Model Year - 2013
• Components - SRAM Apex Double Tap
• Sizes Available: 53cm

To take one out for a test ride stop by the shop today from 10-6.  You want to ride this in cooler weather so you get a great feel for true Cyclo-Cross conditions!

Want a great way to test out your bike?  Purchase the bike and sign up for a free demo slot of our Indoor Training Series.

Indoor Training Series is starting soon.  Information HERE!  FREE DEMO RIDES THROUGH 10/17

WE RENT FAT BIKES NOW!  Interested in trying out a Fat Bike without having to purchase one?  We now rent the Specialized Fatboy at Tom's Pro Bike!

WNY Cross has a new Facebook Page with all the Buffalo/Rochester Race Information posted.  And our own Ryan Barnes is doing great in the overall series leading Cat 3 racers!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

2015 Fall Clearance Sale - Specialized Crux Comp Carbon (2013)

Yesterday we blogged about our ongoing Fall Clearance Sale and also posted a picture from the weekends cyclo-cross race that Ryan won.  They are running a cross series this year and the races are half over so that means you still have 6 good weeks to go and race!  And what better way to race than on a 2013 Specialized CruX Comp Carbon bike:

• Retail Price: $3,000 - SALE PRICE $1950
• Model Year - 2013
• Components - Shimano 105 10 Speed
• Sizes Available: 52cm, 54cm, 56cm

• Specialized FACT 10r carbon canti frame, features cross specific geometry and race freatures, tapered headtube, and OSBB for greater stiffness, acceleration, efficency and handling on any race course
• All-new FACT carbon canti fork with tapered steerer provides ample tire clearance and the best balance of strength, stiffness, and compliance for cyclocross racing
• Race-ready DT Axis 3.0 wheels are fast, light and durable; fitted with Specialized Tracer Pro tires for reliable traction over all course conditions with fast CX tread
• Specialized Tracer Pro tire with 120 TPI provides reliable traction over all course conditions with fast CX tread
• FSA Gossamer BB30 crankset has cross-specific gearing and is tough and reliable in the nastiest conditions
• Smooth, precise Shimano 105 STI shifters are renowned for their race-ready performance and exceptional value
• Featherweight Phenom Comp saddle, tuned for stiffness, built for competition, and with light, super durable hollow Cr-Mo rails

To take one out for a test ride stop by the shop today from 10-8.  10r Carbon is a stiff, light and nimble frame material so this bike is ready for the Winner's Podium!

Want a great way to test out your bike?  Purchase the bike and sign up for a free demo slot of our Indoor Training Series.

Indoor Training Series is starting soon.  Information HERE!  FREE DEMO RIDES THROUGH 10/17

WE RENT FAT BIKES NOW!  Interested in trying out a Fat Bike without having to purchase one?  We now rent the Specialized Fatboy at Tom's Pro Bike!

WNY Cross has a new Facebook Page with all the Buffalo/Rochester Race Information posted.  And our own Ryan Barnes is doing great in the overall series leading Cat 3 racers!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086