APRIL SALE BIKE - 2013 SPECIALIZED CRUX COMP CARBON

A few weeks back we did some chatting about Tire Size and Rolling Resistance and different bikes that handle larger sized wheels.  Today there is another option and this one is on sale for a great price - 2013 Specialized CruX Comp Carbon:

• 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

This bike retailed for $3,000 and is on sale for $1,995.00.  That is 1/3 off (33.3333333%) (GREAT DEAL) - how ever you want to say it - say it loud!!!!

If you are in the market for a bike and are interested in getting into the Carbon world for under $2,000 then this is a great option for you.  We have a pretty good size run available as well so stop on in and take this for a test ride!

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