Tis The Season - 15 Ways to Winter-Proof Your Bike

If you are going to ride your bike during the winter months there are some easy steps that you can take to prepare the bike for the slop that will surely cover it from time to time.  Here is an article with 15 tips to Winter-Proof your bike:

You'll require

• Time: One hour
• Difficulty rating: Medium
• Tools: Anti-seize; pedal wrench / 6mm or 8mm Allen key; 4 and 5mm Allen keys; P-handled Torx T25 key; carbon assembly paste; electrical tape

For more information on winter riding accessories or to drop your bike off for a Winter Preventative Maintenance Tune-Up stop by the shop today from 10-6!  You can't beat the weather we have been having lately for late November/early December!

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

Surly Pugs SS

Why not continue bragging on Surly???  Today it is a Single Speed Snow Machine - The Surly Pugs SS:

If you’ve ever ridden a singlespeed you probably remember it being the most fun you’ve had on a bike but you may have found it odd how little you thought about the bike while you were riding. It was just you, hauling ass down the trail. It was just you pedaling for all you were worth. There was no noise… no clunky. There was only speed, one speed, only fun. There really isn’t a better frame to give the single speed treatment to than the Pugsley. It’s the same E.D. coated, proprietary Surly 4130 Cro-Moly we all know and love. It’s durable, relatively light and uses size specific tubing for a tuned and lively ride. And, it can fit gigantic tires. The parts spec on this bike is what you’d expect to see on a single speed, picked because of its simplicity and radness. Knard 3.8” tires on 65mm rims are a versatile combo that will provide the same great float and traction of any fat bike without slowing you down on the hard stuff. Take the Pugsley SS and ride it at stuff as fast as you can, screaming. Charge the drifting snow late at night. Derby until you puke. The Pugsley SS demands this type of behavior. It is a single speed and it will not be denied.

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!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

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

Christmas Gift List - CUSTOM WHEELS

I have this cool SS/Fixie bike The Nature Boy by All-City (sure you can do the Rick Flair Wooooooooooo right now if you want but you have to be dressed to the nines and have a fur scarf laden coat on as well - Google him if you don't understand what I am saying!) that I built up 4 years ago as a commuter bike.  The one thing I never did was put a great wheel set on it and I felt this was the time to do that.

I want to use this bike for some 2015 and beyond Gravel Rides so I went with a buddies recommendation - HED Belgium + (for a wider rim to handle a bigger tire) and some All-City Hubs to match the bike.  Ryan built them up for me and they came in as pictured at just around 1800gms.  I have not weighed my old wheels yet but will do that as a comparison and post something in the near future as well.

Stock wheels are generally a solid product based on your purchase point but going Custom Hand Built Wheels is a great way to reduce some weight and improve your ride as well.  Higher quality bearings in the hubs reduce friction which helps you roll faster - all of which lead to more speed on the bike.  So if you have a bike with stock wheels and are looking at ways of improving it come on into the shop and check out our inventory or talk to us about a build that you are interested in.

Are you planning on being out and about doing some running around today?  Want to stop by the shop and start your shopping or start working on your list?  Bring you bike along with you and drop it off for a Tune-Up and you can earn some Tom Dollars to use at Tom's Pro Bike.  As the picture above shows - purchase a complete tune-up and receive $15 Tom Dollars or purchase a Deluxe and receive $25 Tom Dollars to use in the store.  Tune-up must be completed by Jan 15, 2015 and the Tom Dollars are good until March 15, 2015.

Do you have a bike lover on your Christmas List?  Check out Tom's Holiday Specials.  If you are unsure of what to but pick up a Gift Card and let them chose from our inventory or get an idea from the Great Gift Idea section based on your budget.

We have some excess 2014 and older inventory that we are trying to clear out to make way for the 2015 models that are becoming available each day.  For 2014 you receive 10% off the MSRP and also a 10% Gift Card to use in the store.  We have financing available if you quality and we also have free lay-a-way: 20% down is all that is required to secure your new ride for the 2015 season and beyond.

Our 2013 and older inventory is marked down even lower as well.  It may not be as low as it was during our Reverse Auction Sale but you can still save a lot if we have your size and model choice available.

Indoor Race Series information is out. Click on the link to register and purchase your race credits because it is going on right now!  Sure the weather was ideal for outdoor riding recently but you saw what happened last weekend.  Don't miss out on some great winter training opportunities!

For more information on any of the above items stop by and see us today - we are open today and tomorrow from 10-6!

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

Mountain Bike Monday - LYNSKEY MOUNTAIN BIKES

If you have been following Facebook at all - you know I have been traveling around the south with my Lynskey Ridgeline 29 Titanium Hardtail.  They have a full line of mountain bikes and even though they may be on the higher end of the cost scale, if you do a lot of mountain biking I feel the cost is justified.  They are durable and reliable and manufactured right here in the USA!  Here is the full Lynskey Mountain Bike Line.

If you are looking to save money and missed out on the Reverse Bike Auction and all the great deals on 2013 or older models. Until 10/31/2014 - ALL 2014 BIKES ARE 10% OFF & YOU RECEIVE A GIFT CARD FROM TOM'S PRO BIKE FOR 10% OF REMAINING VALUE.  That is not a bad deal at all.  The remaining 2013 inventory is on sale - just not as big of a price cut that you could have scored the last 3 or 4 weeks with the Auction - stop by for more information.

We are open from 10-6 today so come on down - the weather looks like it is trying to clear up for some more beautiful fall riding.

Don't forget we stock Assos Clothing & Accessories now.  In the picture of Tom below from Arizona he is wearing a kit from Assos, so when he gets back ask him about the line and get some first hand review about a great line of clothing.




Indoor Race Series information is out. Click on the link to register and purchase your race credits because it is going on right now!  Sure the weather was ideal for outdoor riding recently but you saw what happened last weekend.  Don't miss out on some great winter training opportunities!

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

Single Speed Mountain Bike Monday - LYNSKEY PRO 29 SL

If you look closely you will see no derailleurs hanging from this beauty.  You see a beautifully crafted Titanium Single Speed Hard Tail ready to rock and roll on any trail you throw at it!  You may ask why would anyone want to ride a Single Speed?  Well there is minimal maintenance required and at the end of the day it truly makes you a stronger biker in this guys opinion.  How so?  When you hit a hill on a geared bike people typically gear down to make the climb easier.  On a Single Speed you have 2 options: #1 - people your butt off and make it to the top or #2 - get off and walk.  Enough jibber jabber on Single Speed talk - trust me if you haven't done it give it a shot you will love it!

Back to the Lynskey Pro 29 SL:

The ongoing evolution of our flagship 29er brings a whole new meaning to the word PRO. The all new 2014 Pro 29 adds to its already impressive list of race attributes a PF 30 BB for unmatched power transfer, tapered 42/52 headtube for stability and strength up front, and 12x142 thru axle slider dropouts or choose our standard single speed sliders. Sliders not only provide adjustment for tire clearance and chain tension during the use of geared setups, but also play a pivotal role in the overall performance by allowing you to fine tune the wheelbase. The overall result when combined with a 2 inch Helix'd downtube; speed, stiffness and stability in a durable lifetime purchase.

The 2014 Pro 29 SL enhancements include tapered and integrated head tube using the 42/52 headset for tapered 1.5 to 1 1/8" steerers, PF30 bb now allowing either BB30 cranks or with the threaded adapter, standard Shimano, and thru axle rear dropouts at 12x142. One other subtle change will be "under top tube" full length housing cable routing. No more under BB routed cables. Hardtail 29ers simply don't come any faster than a Pro29.

For more information on this or any other mountain bike in inventory stop by the shop - we are open from 10-8 today.

SUMMER SALE STARTS NEXT THURSDAY - BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR MORE INFORMATION

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 (Only 2 left) race series at Sprague Brook on Tuesdays. Check out their Facebook Page for more information orRegister Here. This is in full swing and to help support Mountain Biking in Western New York come on out for the next 4 races (or 1 or 2 or 3 if that is all you can make). The group that runs these races are good folk and deserve our support!

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!

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

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/

Mountain Bike Monday - SPECIALIZED CRAVE SL 29

Thanks to everyone who came out yesterday and supported the Lancaster Heritage Trail by participating in Tom's Spring 50 (and 25).  We had over 100 people ride this year and it was a great time!

Tomorrow is the opening night for the Sprague Brook Tuesday Night Race Series - sign up link below!




Are you looking for something simple and straight forward to hit the trails with?  You could be looking for a rigid single speed then?  Light weight, limited maintenance, and just pure fun.  We can get you a great one and you need to check out the Specialized Crave SL 29:

An all-new Crave frame, with the super-light Chisel fork, makes this singlespeed specialist an incredible option for anyone looking to explore race courses with the simplicity of one gear.

• New, fully butted, smooth-welded M4 Premium Aluminum frame is super-lightweight, stiff, and features XC 29er Geometry, integrated headset, tapered headtube for front-end stiffness, plus bridge-less seatstays for compliance over bumps
• Specialized Chisel rigid carbon fork with tapered steerer tube provides precise handling at the lightest possible weight
• Specialized Stout SL Disc 29" wheels feature double-wall rims with sealed bearings for lightweight, durable wheels
• Custom SRAM singlespeed specific crankset with 29er gearing and GXP bottom bracket offers lightweight and durable performance
• Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes use 180mm front rotor for increased braking power, while 160mm rear rotor keeps weight low. Shimano levers feature lever reach adjustment

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

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 (TOMORROW). 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/

Mountain Bike Monday - SALSA EL MARIACHI SINGLE SPEED

One of the perks of my day job is I get to travel.  And when I travel and time permits, I find a bike shop in the local market and go check out their bike inventory (and other toys they carry ;) ).  This past week I found my way to Richmond, VA and stopped at a local shop and found this beautiful Salsa El Mariachi on display and once I stopped drooling over it I decided to do a blog post about it.  If you are in the market for a Rigid 29'er SS then this bike is one to contemplate!

Here is what Salsa says:

The El Mariachi SS is our take on the singlespeed: one gear, rigid, with no provisions for derailleurs…a single-bladed Swiss Army knife you might say.

Our proven Alternator Dropouts provide secure chain tensioning, and quick wheel removal and installation. For 2014, we shorten the chainstays and update the geometry to deliver the same overall feel, while boosting the bike’s on-trail agility. The Kung Fu CroMoly frame delivers a lively and comfortable ride.

Frameset
Frame	El Mariachi SS CroMoly w/Alternator Dropout
Color	White
Fork	Salsa CroMoto Tapered 15mm

Drivetrain
Cassette	18t Cog
Chain	KMC Single
Crankset	Singlespeed w/ CNC-machined chainring, 32t

Components
Headset	Cane Creek 40 ZS44
Stem	Salsa Guide Stem
Handlebar	Salsa Salt Flat, 11-degree, 700mm
Grips	Salsa Backcountry Lock-On
Front Brake	Shimano Deore
Rear Brake	Shimano Deore
Brake Lever	Shimano Deore
Rotors	Shimano
Seatpost	Zoom
Saddle	WTB

Wheels
Front Hub	Salsa 2, 15mm
Rear Hub	Salsa 2, Singlespeed
Spokes	DT Swiss
Rims	NoTubes ZTR Rapid
Tires	Schwalbe Nobby Nic 29 x 2.25"

MSRP (USA)
Complete Bike	$1,399

* Specification and pricing subject to change without notice 

El Mariachi SS. One love.

The only change I would make to the stock build is putting Red Brake Housing (which is now available for Hydraulic Brakes from Jagwire) on it, find a red/white color scheme saddle, and possibly look into a Red Crank Set for it or a Red SS Chain just to tie all the color together.  Obviously blue, yellow, or red cages would be in order as well.  Nothing mechanical - just cosmetic changes to bling it out even more!

If you are interested in learning more about the Salsa El Mariachi stop by the shop.  It is a bike that we would have to order in for you but if you love the look of it on the blog just think how much more awesome (if that is even possible) it will be when you pick it up after the guys build it up for you!

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/