First Impression Reviews - CERVELO C5

Are you interested in an Endurance Style frame with Disc Brakes?  Looking at upgrading over the winter?  Cervelo is releasing their C series of bikes soon and today we are highlighting some reviews of the Cervelo C5 from VeloNews and Bicycle Retailer & Industry News:

Light, agile, and fun to ride — not the words you’d normally associate with an endurance bike. But that’s exactly what came to mind while chasing town line sprints and climbing steep California hills aboard Cervelo’s new C5 endurance bike. The 850-gram frame (including small parts) is a versatile machine that provides a smooth ride without giving up Cervelo’s signature race feel. While Cervelo says it’s unlikely that we’ll see any pros racing the C5 this year (except maybe at Paris-Roubaix), the endurance bike is best-suited for mixed terrain including pavement, gravel, and dirt roads for everyday adventures.


MSRP for C5 Di2 9070 is $9,000 and for more information stop by the shop today or tomorrow from 10-6!

Keep an eye out on Facebook for our daily 12 Days of Christmas specials we are running this year!  

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

Intermediate Repair Clinic

Are you looking for that perfect gift for the bicycle rider in your family?  Check out the Intermediate Repair Clinic that Tom's Pro Bike is offering:

3 Session for $150.00 (Click on the link above for more specific information on the clinic).  This is going to help you keep your bike in top condition outside of regular tune-ups.  For more information stop by the shop from 10-8 today!

Keep an eye out on Facebook for our daily 12 Days of Christmas specials we are running this year!  

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

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

Where To Ride Your Fat Bike

So we finally convinced you to purchase a Fat Bike and you are the reason that it hasn't snowed in this winter yet in Buffalo!  Well I found an article that gives you some travel locations to bring your Fat Bike to the snow while we wait for our winter to start (and honestly I am fine with this weather until April 1st and Spring Conditions!).  Singletracks has posted 20 trails that you probably never heard of and some are "close" to WNY:

We began by pulling trail status data for trails that had been reported as “Snow: Packed” (the ideal fat biking conditions) at least twice in 2015. Once we had that list, we ranked the trails based on the number of winter check-ins they received, to find out which trails are the most popular–and hopefully, the best to ride. Especially with fat biking, having well-packed/groomed trails is critical, so the more they get ridden and maintained, the better.

So without further ado, here are 20 popular fat bike trails that you may have never heard of!

Now that you know of some trails and you don't have a fat bike hurry in today from 10-6 and check out our inventory.  Heck come closer to 6 and stick around for the Holiday Party as well!

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

5 Fat Bike Accessories from Outside Magazine

***NOTE*** - Some of this gear might not be available in the store.  If inventory allows for it they can be ordered!

Browsing the InterWebs led me to this cool article from Outside Magazine about the 5 Accessories to have on hand for Fat Biking:

Thankfully, fat biking continues to proliferate, with almost every bike brand out there now producing a winter steed. Likewise, the range of soft goods and accessories for pedaling when it’s cold out is also on the rise. Here are some of the most interesting new products for the season.

We stock the NiteRider lights mentioned in the article but the other items would have to be ordered as long as the provider has inventory on hand.  For more information on any of the gear or to check out our Fat Bike inventory stop by the shop today from 10-8!

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

Easy To Do Bicycle Care

I was browsing the Specialized web site trying to figure out what to blog about today and I came across a story of Back Country Fat Biking in British Columbia.  I love these types of stories and I decided that I could do a post about this but then a picture caught my eye and I figured that pointing a simple thing out might just make you Bicycle Care that much easier to take of.

Do you see anything wrong with the bikes in this picture?  Trust me looking at the mountains in the background took over 90% of the picture for me but someone is mis-treating their bike and if you are this deep into the woods it is not a smart thing to do.

If you have leaning spots it is always best to lean the bike against something (like the trees) but if you have to lay it on the ground do not lay it derailleur side down.  Damage might not occur but it is more likely to occur that way than if you lean it derailleur side up.  It is the simple things that can make your bike continue to ride & shift properly!

Now if you want to learn more about bike packing or fat biking stop by the shop today from 10-8 and check out our complete line of fat bikes.  They are an excellent way to ride year round and, most of all, are a blast to ride!

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

Adventure By Bike

Ever find yourself in the doldrums while riding your bike?

Do you often look off into the hills while cruising down local roads and wonder what is on the other side?

Do you like leg searing bike climbs?

If you head into rural Western New York you are going to find some awesome roads to ride.  Some paved and some gravel, some flat and some with great climbing involved.  Either way if you are looking at doing some Adventure By Bike then you need to stop by Tom's and check out our inventory of bikes that will allow more fun than spinning 23 or 25mm tires down asphalt covered roads.

You have your choice of Fat Bikes, Cross Bikes or Adventure Bikes.  All 3 will provide the platform for you to leave the ordinary and go find the extraordinary on two wheels.  We are open from 10-8 today so hurry in and go for a test ride -  you won't be disappointed!

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.  3 races left this year!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

Adventure By Bike - SPECIALIZED DIVERGE EXPERT X1

Don't get me wrong - I love my Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon from 2015 but this one is right up my alley with the 1X drive train.  Simplistic yet geared well enough that you can still crest some of the big climbs in WNY and around the world!  Check out the stats on the Specialized Diverge Expert X1:

The Diverge Expert X1 excels where the road ends. With its unique bottom bracket height and front rake angle, the Diverge performs confidently and smoothly across any terrain. Meanwhile, the high-end FACT 10r carbon frame and fork provide both efficiency and comfort for long adventures in the saddle. Unique to the X1 is the simplicity and efficiency of the SRAM Force 1 drivetrain, which provides ample gearing options without the headache of front derailleur adjustments. The only limit to your exploration is how good your map is.

• The Specialized FACT 10r carbon frame and fork combine the lightweight performance and compliance of our top-end carbon production methods with the vibration damping of Zertz inserts to smooth out even the harshest roads and provide confident and predictable handling.
• AXIS 4.0 Disc wheels provide plenty of control and performance in a bulletproof package, while the Roubaix Pro tires with Blackbelt protection keep flats at bay over rough terrain.
• The SRAM Force 1 single-ring crankset is the ultimate in one-by simplicity, providing seamless, efficient power transfer without the worry of a front derailleur.
• The SRAM Force 1 11-speed rear derailleur is designed to work in perfect harmony with a one-by drivetrain, providing ample gearing options for varying terrain.

MSRP is $3,900.00 - For more information on this great adventure bike stop by the shop today - November days do not get much better than this for test rides!!!

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.  3 races left this year!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

All Around Fun Bike - SPECIALIZED FATBOY COMP

Chris, TS, Ryan and I all met at Sprague Brook last night for some fun in the dirt.  They showed up with 3 fat bikes and I was rocking my Single Speed skinny tire bike (2.1 compared to 4.6 they were rolling).  I have a fatty but it is set up for road rides right now and I was too lazy and/or disinterested in switching things around so that I could take it along for the ride last night.  Let me tell you those guys had a blast and I was sort of jealous that I wasn't out there on a fat bike with them as well.

That leads me to today's blog on the 2016 Specialized Fatboy Comp:

Whether you ride through a snowy winter or a sandy summer, you know the havoc that salt can create when it comes to your bike. Even in the best trail conditions, rogue rocks, branches, and well, life in general, can take their toll. For these reasons, it's hard to argue against the merits of an aluminum construction, especially one as awesome as what's found on our Fatboy Comp. It provides the perfect blend of efficiency and durability, so you get a touch more security without sacrificing anything in the performance department. And in keeping with this theme, we spec'd it with a no-nonsense build that's hungry to perform on the trail, season after season. Once you go fat, you never go back.

• The frame features an M4 alloy construction that provides the ideal blend of efficiency and durability, while the geometry creates a roomy top tube and short chainstays for easy climbing and confident descending.
• A FACT carbon fiber fork provides tons of compliance and absorbs chatter, while simultaneously keeping the overall weight of the bike down.
• Our Stout XC 90 alloy rims have been laced to Stout XC hubs to form a wheelset that's dependable, rugged, and efficient. So whether you're trail riding or plowing through the snow, these wheels will be the perfect mix of performance and strength.
• 26x.4.6" Ground Control tires help soak up bumps, while also providing a game-changing level of traction, control, and floatation for better handling out in the wild.
• A Race Face Turbine Cinch one-by crankset features an alloy spindle for added strength and long-term durability, while also leading the way for an efficient, lightweight, and simplified drivetrain with plenty of gear range for hard drives on the flats and climbs.

This is a mid-range Fat Bike with a MSRP of $2,500.00 but it is ready to roll in all conditions and for myself personally this is the bike that I would go with for all of my summer & winter (and spring & fall) rides on snow & dirt!  For more information stop by the shop today from 10-8!  This is the last day we are open until Tuesday morning at 10:00am for our trip to the World Championships!

For the upcoming World Championships in Richmond we are going to be closed starting Friday September 25th and will not be re-opening until Tuesday September 29th.  Make sure you stop by before Thursday at 8:00pm for your weekend biking needs.

Indoor Training Series is starting soon.  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!

* Looking to do a Pittsburgh Dirty Dozen type ride?  Set aside 10/4 for the DD716 which is going to be a punishing 60 or so mile route over & through some of Erie Counties biggest hills and prettiest countryside.  Route is being analyzed so more will follow.  This is a no joke ride that will start and finish at Chestnut Ridge and will be a "controlled" roll to each climb where you will be set lose to challenge yourself and those around you!

WNY Cross has a new Facebook Page with all the Buffalo/Rochester Race Information posted!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

(716) 651-9995

Touring Bike - SURLY DISC TRUCKER

I was riding home from work yesterday and happened upon a bike tourist going from Maine to Washington.  I escorted him around the crazy Rt-5 traffic down to Hamburg and then bid adieu to him as he headed onward toward Fredonia for the night.  I have done 2 bike tours in the past - 1 solo and 1 with a buddy.  Solo is a whole different animal because of the mental aspect of you are in it alone and when the struggles happen only you are there to motivate yourself and only you to blame when a navigational error occurs as well.

Long story short to get to today's posting of the Surly Disc Trucker:

Our Long Haul Trucker enjoys a reputation as one of the best riding and most value-packed touring bikes out there. It’s been around long enough to be tested in the real world, in all kinds of places, with all kinds of loads on all kinds of roads.

The great thing about the Surly Trucker model is that it is available in 26" wheels or 700c.  You may be asking yourself why a 26" wheel?  Well if you ever plan on touring to a 3rd world country you won't ever find a 700c tube or tire so you best be rolling 26" wheels.  That is how thorough Surly is in the development of all of their bikes in case you are curious about the company itself!

We don't stock the Disc Trucker but we can discuss your desires and order one in for you.  This is no light weight bike - this is a bike that is ready to tour and take the beating that tours throw at bikes!  Stop by today from 10-8 for more information on the touring bikes, racks, panniers and accessories!



For the upcoming World Championships in Richmond we are going to be closed starting Friday September 25th and will not be re-opening until Tuesday September 29th.  Make sure you stop by before Thursday at 8:00pm for your weekend biking needs.

Indoor Training Series is starting soon.  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!

* Looking to do a Pittsburgh Dirty Dozen type ride?  Set aside 10/4 for the DD716 which is going to be a punishing 60 or so mile route over & through some of Erie Counties biggest hills and prettiest countryside.  Route is being analyzed so more will follow.  This is a no joke ride that will start and finish at Chestnut Ridge and will be a "controlled" roll to each climb where you will be set lose to challenge yourself and those around you!

WNY Cross has a new Facebook Page with all the Buffalo/Rochester Race Information posted!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

(716) 651-9995

Fall Century This Sunday

This Sunday is our first Tom's Pro Bike Fall Century.  We leave the shop at 9:00am and are heading east to Batavia and then north towards Lake Ontario and then make our way back to the shop.  Right now the weather forecast looks awesome for this ride.

This is a self-supported ride so here is a small list of some things I would have with you to ensure that you have a great time:
#1 - Bike
#2 - Shoes
#3 - Helmet
#4 - Padded Bike Shorts & Chamois Cream to keep you comfortable in the saddle
#5 - Dress in layers - it is much cooler at 9:00am than 1:00pm this time of the year so arm/knee warmers come in handy and are easily removed once the temperatures hit their daily peak.
#6 - Money or Credit Card for refueling along the way
#7 - Emergency Repair Kit and the knowledge to use all of the pieces included.  2 tubes might not be a bad thing or at least a patch kit
#8 - Bike Candy - easy to reach fuel sources for the first part of the ride
#9 - A full tummy from a healthy breakfast - it is no fun doing an early bonk due to poor nutrition choices.  This is going to be a 6+ hour day on the bike and starting out with negative calories is not a wise choice
#10 - A big old smile and willingness to enjoy whatever comes your way - hills/wind/flats - just think and enjoy the fact that you are on your bike!

We are open today from 10-8 if you need to pick up any last minute supplies for the ride or to pick our minds about what are the best choices for you.  We even have some great deals on our 2015 & older inventory if you want to break in a new bike this weekend!



Indoor Training Series is starting soon.  Information HERE!

Help Make Tom's Pro Bike the 2015 BikeRoar Best Bike Shop U.S.A.  If you vote you also earn a chance for a $200.00 voucher to use at Tom's Pro Bike!  Click on the link and go vote please.

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!

* Looking to do a Century?  Set aside 9/20 for Tom's Century Ride - Free Ride but Pre-Registration HERE Required!

* Looking to do a Pittsburgh Dirty Dozen type ride?  Set aside 10/4 for the DD716 which is going to be a punishing 60 or so mile route over & through some of Erie Counties biggest hills and prettiest countryside.  Route is being analyzed so more will follow.  This is a no joke ride that will start and finish at Chestnut Ridge and will be a "controlled" roll to each climb where you will be set lose to challenge yourself and those around you!

WNY Cross has a new Facebook Page with all the Buffalo/Rochester Race Information posted!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

(716) 651-9995

Plus Size Tires - 2016 SPECIALIZED FUSE COMP 6FATTIE

Yes we have posted about this recently but I was reading through an industry magazine and they had an article about the different tire sizes so I figured I would share some of the article with you and remind you of the awesome bike that is now available at Tom's Pro Bike!


Grip It. Grip It Good.

Plus-size tires fall somewhere in between a traditional mountain bike tire and a fat tire. By definition, they are between 2.8" and 3.25" when mounted to a 40–50mm wide rim. The combination of a wide-profile rim and the girth of a plus-size tire creates a larger contact patch for the tire to connect to the dirt, which we all know equates to one thing: traction. Plus-size tires aren’t just between fat tires and mountain tires in terms of width though. They also fall right in the middle when it comes to tire pressure as well. Add that to the extra grip the tire itself offers, and you’ll be stuck to the trail in the gnarliest of conditions.

The whole article can be FOUND HERE!  It is a very interesting read especially if you are into mountain/fat biking.

For more information on Fat Tires/Plus Size Tires/Mountain Bikes stop by the shop today from 10-8.  The sun is shining & the roads and trails are dry so get out on your bike - you won't be disappointed!

Help Make Tom's Pro Bike the 2015 BikeRoar Best Bike Shop U.S.A.  If you vote you also earn a chance for a $200.00 voucher to use at Tom's Pro Bike!  Click on the link and go vote please.

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!

* Looking to do a Century?  Set aside 9/20 for Tom's Century Ride - Free Ride but Pre-Registration HERE Required!

* Looking to do a Pittsburgh Dirty Dozen type ride?  Set aside 10/4 for the DD716 which is going to be a punishing 60 or so mile route over & through some of Erie Counties biggest hills and prettiest countryside.  Route is being analyzed so more will follow.  This is a no joke ride that will start and finish at Chestnut Ridge and will be a "controlled" roll to each climb where you will be set lose to challenge yourself and those around you!

WNY Cross has a new Facebook Page with all the Buffalo/Rochester Race Information posted!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

(716) 651-9995

Cyclo-Cross Season Is Upon Us

Friday we highlighted the 2016 Specialized CruX Sport E5 and yesterday we sponsored the 2016 Buffalo Ski Club Cyclocross race on a perfect Cross fall Sunday.  This is only the 3rd race this season and there is still a lot of time to get into the Cross frame of mind!  We stock Specialized, Fuji & Felt Cross bikes and even have some on clearance from 2015 and older.

Stop by today from 10-8 and check out our complete Cross inventory and then sign up for this weekends race on Grand Island!

Help Make Tom's Pro Bike the 2015 BikeRoar Best Bike Shop U.S.A.  If you vote you also earn a chance for a $200.00 voucher to use at Tom's Pro Bike!  Click on the link and go vote please.

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!

* Looking to do a Century?  Set aside 9/20 for Tom's Century Ride - Free Ride but Pre-Registration HERE Required!

* Looking to do a Pittsburgh Dirty Dozen type ride?  Set aside 10/4 for the DD716 which is going to be a punishing 60 or so mile route over & through some of Erie Counties biggest hills and prettiest countryside.  Route is being analyzed so more will follow.  This is a no joke ride that will start and finish at Chestnut Ridge and will be a "controlled" roll to each climb where you will be set lose to challenge yourself and those around you!

WNY Cross has a new Facebook Page with all the Buffalo/Rochester Race Information posted!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

(716) 651-9995