What Do You Consider Fun - Thereabouts Reprise #2

Browsing around the other day I came across this cool article about some pros and their ride from Boulder, Colorado to Moab, Utah.  It is called Thereabouts Reprise and this is Volume #2:

A quote from Taylor Phinney: My level of appreciation for comfort had deepened immensely and I lived in this moment of gratitude as presently as I could, knowing that this moment, like every moment in our lives, is fleeting.



Get out there and find your own level of discomfort and push it further and further!  Who knows you might find yourself throwing your bike and post holing to it along a snow covered trail!

Keep an eye out on Facebook for our daily 12 Days of Christmas specials we are running this year!  Today you get free cleats & install with the purchase of shoes.  We are open from 10-8 today!

Want a great way to stay in shape this winter and to monitor your power & fitness levels? 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!

Tom's Pro Bike
http://www.tomsprobike.com/
3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

New Product Line Wednesday - RITCHEY PRODUCTS

In the market for a new carbon handlebar for your mountain bike?

Or how about a new carbon handlebar for your road bike?

How about a light weight carbon seat post/saddle combination that will give you greater flexibility with seat fit problems you might be having?

We have a lot of new Ritchey Products in stock now at the shop so stop by from 10-6 today to check out our complete inventory of Ritchey Products.  Dreaming of a special Ritchey Frame build?  We can help you with that as well!

Here is some updated information about the Winter Race Series.  It began 1/12/15 and as a Thank You to all of our great customers we are offering the whole Winter Series for $150.00.  All you have to do is CLICK HERE and schedule when you want to ride.

Once again, stop by the shop today from 10-6 for more information on all of our inventory, our Indoor Race Series or to see where the races take place and to check out our great inventory of bikes, clothing, and accessories!

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

Triathlon/TT Tuesday - UPCOMING RACES

We just want to thank all of you for your support and business during Tom's Annual Summer Sale.  It ended last night and if you missed out on some of the great deals keep an eye out for future sales on the blog or at our FaceBook Page.
 
Today we are going to highlight an upcoming busy month of Triathlons around the area.
 
 
 
First up is the Saturday July 5th - A Tri in the Buff.  Clothes are mandatory and so is going fast:
Welcome to A Tri in the Buff! The oldest triathlon in Buffalo held on the shores of Lake Erie in beautiful Evangola State Park. This event offers something for everyone from beginner (Try A Tri) to experienced (Intermediate Tri). Be sure to visit some of the many beach clubs in the area.

Tom's is a major sponsor of A Tri in the Buff so look for us around the venue!

 
 
 
A couple of weeks later you can race at the Nickel City Triathlon on July 19:
EVERYONE can come and race on the same course that some of the top North American and European multi-sport athletes did. Both Olympic & Sprint distances will be competed on a completely closed course.



Ramping up the August race schedule is the Wet & Wild Triathlon on August 2nd.

Now you have some race options to prepare for.  The question is do you the proper bike and accessories to make the race a successful one?  Stop by Tom's for more information on all things Triathlon!  We stock Quintana Roo, Cervelo and Specialized Triathlon Bikes and carry a wide variety of accessories and nutrition.  We are open from 10-8 today.

A great way to test the your new Mountain Bike out is in the southern tier this week - Ellicottville Wednesday Night race series is happening (off this week due to Holiday but resumes next Wednesday). A great week to get muddy and sweaty on the mountain bike! Keep an eye posted on Facebook for some pictures from the Raccoon Rally yesterday that 4 of us from the shop participated in (and suffered immensely!)

Check out our Events Page

If you are interested in learning about XTERRA Syracuse or XTERRA ASP and doing training in group settings stop by the shop for more information.

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

Bike Industry News

Just a reminder to start the day off that Tom's Summer Sale is still taking place so if you are in need of clothing, nutrition, accessories, or a new bike stop by and check out our great deals!



Specialized has a new helmet out - the S-Works Evade. HERE is a review of it for you if interested.



Preliminary start lists are out for the 101st Tour de France next month.  Check out your favorite team HERE and see if your rider made the cut!



Specialized is introducing a new wheel for mountain bikes - The Roval Traverse: 

To prove the concept, the engineering team used an angled grip table to simulate leaning a bike over in a corner. This helped them visualize what happens to tires at load, and proved the wider is better concept wasn’t just a placebo.

Studying the graph, you can see that the tire on the wider rim moves less under the same amount of force, which translates to better support and handling on the trail.

 

Available in Aluminum and Carbon.

 

A great way to test the your new Mountain Bike out is in the southern tier this week - Ellicottville Wednesday Night race series is tonight and the Raccoon Rally is this weekend also. A great week to get muddy and sweaty on the mountain bike!

Check out our Events Page to find out what is going on around the shop and don't forget time is running out to get your bike serviced for The Ride for Roswell June 28th!

If you are interested in learning about XTERRA Syracuse or XTERRA ASP and doing training in group settings stop by the shop for more information.

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


 

 

 

 

 

Travel By Bike Thursday - BIKE TO WORK WEEK

You may be aware that this week is Bike To Work Week and May is National Bike Month.

Tom's carries all of the accessories to make your commute as dry as possible, safe, and comfortable.  We have bikes specifically manufactured for commuting also.  Just search our past blogs on Thursday's for more bike information or stop by the shop to find the ideal commuting bike for you.

Accessory wise we have Fenders, Lights, Locks, Clothing, Racks, Panniers, Tool Kits, Bike Computers, and anything else to help you out.  Stop by the shop and check out our inventory (by the way the above picture is not from our shop - I deleted the one I took of our Commuting Wall)

EVENT SCHEDULE is up at the website. Check out our upcoming 2014 events and pre-plan your schedule! May 18th Spring 25/50! If you are riding the Hospice Gran Fondo we will be out providing support as well.

May is National Bike Month - why don't you try and commit one more bike commute to work than you did in April as a motivational tool. Remember we have all the tools available to make your commute dry, safe, and comfortable!

A great way to test the your new Mountain Bike out and to start off the Mountain Bike season is to race. Single Track Racing is hosting a 6 race series at Sprague Brook starting May 20, 2014. Check out their Facebook Page for more information or Register Here. This is coming up fast so go on line and register for the series even if you think you can't make them all so you can help Mountain Biking in Western New York. The group that runs these races are good folk and deserve our support!

Huge clothing sale taking place right now - stop by and check out our inventory!Included in this great sale is Mavic Mountain Bike Clothing.

Don't forget if you are contemplating the XTERRA Syracuse or XTERRA ASP to let us know if you are interested in joining a training team at Tom's as well.
S-WORKS 2014 Spring Clearance Sale! In-Stock Merchandise only!

Tom's Pro Bike Service
3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, New York 14086
Phone: (716)651-9995
E-Mail Us: tom@tomsprobike
http://www.tomsprobike.com/

Travel By Bike - BACK TO WORK COMMUTING

We hope everyone who stopped by the WNYMBA Mountain Bike Social had a great time last night.  Tom's appreciates you coming out and if you have any questions about our Mountain Bike inventory and accessories stop by the shop or give us a call!



We have all suffered through a pretty long winter in the Buffalo region this season.  Before Tuesday this week, the last time I rode my bike to work was Christmas week.  Almost 4 months between commutes and I generally top 100 commutes annually, with many from January through March before the weather breaks and I shoot for 4 a week.

Well the weather finally broke some and I got back on the bike and you want to know the most immediate difference I felt - was that I felt happier walking into work than I ever do driving.  The temperatures were in the low 20's that morning so it was not a "comfortable" commute but as I tell people I have enough clothing to keep me warm - I just want the roads to be dry and safe before I start riding.

At Tom's Pro Bike we have a variety of bikes that will work as "Commuter" Bikes from the Specialized Sirrus/Vita (those are all 3 separate links as an FYI so you can chose your link of choice) which are solid hybrids that would provide many years of comfortable and reliable commuting to you all the way to a top of the line road bike.  You can commute on any bike that you chose to but some bikes make it "easier" than others.

We don't generally stock Single Speed bikes but for reliability they are the way to go.  Limited moving parts make for less liability on the road and when I commute my goal is to make it to work as quickly and easily as possible without mechanical issues.  We can order Surly or All-City and our major lines generally have a Single Speed option to chose from as well.

Stop by Tom's for more information.  We are open until 8:00pm tonight.



                                                                      Sirrus Elite Disc


                                                                             Vita Elite Disc EQ

To start off the season Single Track Racing is hosting a 6 race series at Sprague Brook starting May 20, 2014. Check out their Facebook Page for more information or Register Here.

Huge clothing sale taking place right now - stop by and check out our inventory!

Included in this great sale is Mavic Mountain Bike Clothing.

Starting today through April 20th - UGOE 500 Lumen Light receive 20% off of $75.00 MSRP ($60.00 Sale Price)

Stop by the shop to check this awesome light out.  If you ride at Dusk or Dawn this light will help you be seen and to see!

If you test ride a Felt between now and April 15, 2014 you get a free entry to try and win a trip to Hawaii and other prizes as well! Felt Ride to Hawaii Event.

Tentative EVENT SCHEDULE is up at the website. Check out our upcoming 2014 events and pre-plan your schedule!

NEXT WEDNESDAY March 19th WNYMBA Social starting at 6:30pm - we will have guest speakers about many different aspects of Mountain Biking in Western New York.
Don't forget if you are contemplating the XTERRA Syracuse or XTERRA ASP to let us know if you are interested in joining a training team at Tom's as well.

S-WORKS 2014 Spring Clearance Sale! In-Stock Merchandise only!

Tom's Pro Bike Service
3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, New York 14086
Phone: (716)651-9995
E-Mail Us: tom@tomsprobike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

Bike Industry News

Mark Renshaw is returning to Mark Cavendish's team and this is his 2014 S-Works Venge to help him lead out the Missile on his runs into the finish line.  Click on the above link for more information and pictures of this beautiful bike.



Speaking of leading here is an update on the Paris-Roubaix field that is going to challenge Spartacus this year.  The directors are expecting more GC contenders than in years past because of the addition of cobbles to the Tour de France this summer.  That will just make an awesome race that much more enjoyable to watch!



Fi'zi:k has a new saddle out:  Volta Road Saddle and here is a link to a Write-Up on it and a Review of it.  Fi'zi:k is one of the top saddles out there and if you are looking to make a change check out Tom's inventory of saddles.  We are sure to have one that will make your rides more comfortable and more efficient!



For the mountain bikers out there worried about pinch flats or running too high of a pressure:  Check out this Dual Chamber Rim by Sytace and tire system by Schwalbe.  Check out the article for more information on this upcoming technology to help alleviate the problem of pinch flats at lower pressure or rim damage.
 
Tentative EVENT SCHEDULE is up at the website. Check out our upcoming 2014 events and pre-plan your schedule!

Don't forget if you are contemplating the XTerra Syracuse to let us know if you are interested in joining a training team at Tom's as well.

Tom's Pro Bike Service
3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, New York 14086
Phone: (716)651-9995
E-Mail Us: tom@tomsprobike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/ 

Bike Industry News Wednesday

Well the shop is closed again thanks to the driving ban and conditions in the area so we will give you some reading material to browse over until tomorrow when you can come back in and do some real life shopping!
 

 
With the increasing amount of Fat Bikes out there more and more accessory lines are coming out.  The Fat Bike Company is introducing a line of Rims and Rim Strips.



Looking for an inexpensive entry to read your Power?  Stages Left Crank Arm is reviewed at the link.  It gets some good reviews based on price and weight.



XLab has a new toptube bag for angled stems for those looking for such an item.  We stock various XLab items at the shop as well.

For more information on these items or items related to them stop by the shop and check out our inventory!

This coming Sunday we are riding at Tillman Wildlife Area at 2:00pm. We have a Medium and Large Pugsley in stock right now with a price of $1900.00. If you are interested in learning more stop by the shop and check out this great bike that provides riding enjoyment year round!
You can still sign up for the WINTER INDOOR RACE SERIES STARTS 1/13/2014. Click link for more information and to sign up!
Tom's Pro Bike Service
3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, New York 14086
Phone: (716)651-9995
E-Mail Us: tom@tomsprobike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

Race Day Service Box

Race season is over unless you are traveling down south or planning on hitting any of the upcoming winter mountain bike type races that pop up periodically around Western New York or Southern Ontario.  One good idea I have read about is to have a Race Day Service Box available.  VeloNews broke it down and here is their discussion around what to have ready for next race season:

The pros have got it pretty good. They arrive at the race and their bikes are prepped and ready, waiting for them to hop on. Pros don’t clean, they don’t tune; all of that stuff is handled.
It’s harder for the rest of us. When we race cyclocross we often have no support and no one in the pit, and somehow we need to make one bike last the whole race. Sure, we might have a second bike, but it’s a bailout, a last resort, not a fresh-bike-every-lap option.
When I started thinking about doing a story on how to prep for races and what equipment to bring along I canvassed a bunch of my friends and asked them about their systems. Turns out everyone is different: Some have buckets; some have a pile of random stuff in the back of their car; some hit up their friends every weekend to make sure they have pit help.
Me? I have The Box.
The Box is a living thing, ever evolving, but one aspect remains constant: It always has everything I need to race tucked away inside. It’s nothing fancy, just an old plastic file box from the office store. It has an attached flip-top lid and some cracks and dings, but it’s what’s inside that counts. Over time, some things, unused and taking up room, have been removed, while other items have been added as they assert their usefulness.
The Box gets checked and reloaded at the beginning of every season. It only has to be done once, and after it’s ready to roll all I need to remember is to replace any used or depleted items. If a spray or lube gets used a lot, I like to carry two in case one runs out.
During the season The Box goes in the back of my pickup on Friday night and comes out on Monday morning. Clean, simple, and self-contained. I don’t have to look for anything or check lists of things I need — it’s all in The Box.
Here’s how to put together one of your own.

Inside The Box

A small but concise tool kit is essential. Tools should be kept in a tool roll, small toolbox, or even something as simple as a pencil case or old toiletries bag (compartments are a nice touch).

Tools to include:

• Set of Allen wrenches
• Cogset removal tools
• Disc rotor truing tool
• Pressure gauge
• Torx wrenches
• Chain tool
• Small crescent wrench
• Scissors/razor knife
• Box wrenches for cantilever brakes and other specialized uses.
• Tire levers for clinchers
• Floor pump (it might not fit in The Box, but you need it)

Lubes and sprays:

• WD-40. General lube/water displacer and solvent. Can be used to keep drivetrain running in wet/frozen conditions.
• Silicone spray. To keep pedals running smooth in dry conditions. Once applied it doesn’t attract dirt/dust.
• Chain lube. A selection of lubes for different conditions.
• De-icer. For frozen and icy conditions, great for pedals and drivetrains in the instance of water splashing up and freezing on contact. Deicer can be harsh on plastics and decals but is OK on metal.
• Pam non-stick spray. Not everyone goes for it but I have used it with decent results to help stop mud from sticking to frame tubes and metal parts.

Spares:

• Tires
• Tubes
• Brake pads (disc and/or cantilever)
• Disc brake rotors
• Derailleur hangers (I carry two; don’t ask)
• Cleats
• Spare buckles or fasteners for shoes

Miscellaneous:

• Tire sealant and everything needed to get it in a tire.
• Rags and towels
• Toe spikes for shoes
• Roll of electrical tape or silicone rescue tape
• First aid kit

Ideally The Box should contain whatever might be needed on race day without a bunch of excess stuff that won’t be useful. You still need to clean and dial your bikes completely before the race; the items in The Box are for contingencies and emergencies only.
If possible the tools should be duplicates of tools that are in the garage or at least dedicated to The Box so they don’t get left behind on race day.
If you have doubts about an item, throw it in and see if it gets used. After racing in different conditions over the course of a season it will be obvious what should stay and what should go. Building up a race-day kit and getting the contents right can take a bit of time, so get started now and have it dialed for next season.
For bigger races or races with conditions that will require bike changes, you are still going to need to rope in a friend for pit help. Thinking ahead and making sure you have what you need will ensure that on race day, whether it’s the local series or nationals, you will have the best ride possible.

Stop by the shop for more information or to pick up some of the products.  We can order hangers and rotors and generally have most brake pads in stock.

Tom's Pro Bike Service

3687 Walden Avenue

Lancaster, New York 14086

Phone: (716)651-9995

E-Mail Us:

tom@tomsprobike.com

 

http://www.tomsprobike.com/