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 - 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

Bike Industry News

Welcome back to our Bike Industry News where we discuss some cool things that we find out while browsing Al Gore's Internet.  To start off is the pro bike of Andy Blair - the Specialized S-Works Epic 29 WC.  This bike is light, fast, and sweet and is available to you as well but you have to work on the motor to propel it to Professional level.



If you are looking at some new hydraulic disc brakes for your mountain bike SRAM is releasing The Guide.



Reynolds is releasing some new wheels and here is a Sneak Peak at some of the different models.  I spy some Tubular Disc brake Assaults and am already planning on adding those as my first Disc Brake addition.



And to wrap it up today here is a link to Tony Martin's Specialized S-Works Shiv TT.   There are not many faster people in the world in the TT arena and now you can check out his bike that carries him to many victories and you can add it to your arsenal as well!

Don't forget our Huge Clothing Sale taking place right now!

To start off the Mountain Bike 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.



Now 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!

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/

Year End Sales Wrap Up

We are closing in on 2014 and that means the Year End Sales we have been running are coming to an end.  We are closed Tuesday December 31st so you have today and Monday to come in and take advantage of these great prices!

WINTER INDOOR RACE SERIES STARTS 1/13/2014. Click link for more information and to sign up!

Feel up to traveling to Switzerland in February - 24 Hour Track Race February 21/22nd in Grenchen on a 250m Track.  More Details Here!

Black Friday Wheel Sale through 12/30/2013.

Holiday Sale!!!! Come by and check out our selected Helmets and Shoes all 50% off until 12/30/13... Also, ALL tights (men & women) 25% off until 12/30/13!!! Great gift ideas, use up the gift cards you will receive for the Holidays!

Don't forget if you want to purchase a new Specialized bike we have 12 Months Same as Cash for any bike over $699.00

Stop by for more information on any of our wheels, accessories on sale, and the 12 Months Same as Cash financing special.  Remember they end Monday 12/30 at the close of business!

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/

Black Friday Wheel Sale - SHIMANO C50 TUBULAR

We continue to highlight some of our wheels that are on sale through the end of the month and if you are looking for a Christmas Present and a wheels for next season now is the time to stop by Tom's and check out our sale.  Today we are presenting the Shimano C50 Tubular:

Close your eyes and think, 'Dura-Ace.' What comes to mind? For us, Dura-Ace is replaced at the front of our minds by the word 'perfection', and it's easy to see why. Since its inception, the Dura-Ace platform has voraciously led component innovation, and the Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 C50 Carbon Tubular Wheelset is an extenuation of this tradition. Combing a flawless carbon layup, a versatile, wider design, and a hub system that holds no rival, this wheelset will excel on any platform from a Grand Tour to the most epic of weekend rides.
Shimano's Dura-Ace 9000 C50 wheelset epitomizes the illustrious reputation of the Dura-Ace title. The rims feature a 50mm depth that, at once, provides wind-cheating aerodynamics and fierce rigidity. In fact, for the first time, Shimano has fully committed itself to achieving a superior level of aerodynamic advantage. As a result, the C50 was engineered in accordance with the newly developed Blade and Accelerating SPEED concepts. After extensive wind tunnel research, both of these development platforms gave way to Shimano's most aerodynamic wheel profile. So, not only do you benefit from the C50's 50mm depth, but your largest gains in drag reduction actually emanate from the resulting D2 Wide rim design. D2 Wide places Dura-Ace back into the fold of contemporary aerodynamics, and then takes it a step forward. The design hinges on the front and rear wheel having two different widths -- 23mm at the front and 24mm at the rear. This creates an even smoother airflow then varied front and rear rim depths. Additionally, this wider, variable system promotes increased stability in crosswinds, as well as higher levels of lateral rigidity and vertical compliance when compared to the WH-7900 C50.
Impressively, the D2 Wide concept has both extended and adapted itself it into every facet of the wheels. However, with regard to the spokes and hubs, this increased width translates directly to efficiency, rigidty, and power. With the C50 , the weight of the wheels is centered at the hubs. This means that the rim weight is reduced, and thus the rotational weight is decreased. The beneficial results are staggering. Coupled with the aerodynamic 50mm rim depth, you have a wheelset that gets up to speed faster, and requires less rider effort to pin it and hold it. The centering is made possible by a clever Shimano design that's principled in the use of Shimano's angular contact bearings. The bearings' shape allows them to be pushed as far outboard as possible. This makes the hub a wider platform for the spokes to stand on, and accordingly, it makes the wheels capable of higher spoke tensions for a more compliant ride quality. Most importantly, though, the C50 features Shimano's widest hub flanges ever. The wider distance between flanges drastically increases torsional and lateral rigidity -- think about the difference between someone pushing you with your feet together, and then again with your feet shoulder-width apart. Simply put, this design guarantees an effective power transfer so that your wheels put out as much as you're putting in.
Not surprisingly, Shimano hasn't stopped there. New to Dura-Ace 9000, the wheels receive Shimano's OptBal 2:1 lacing pattern. In typical Shimano fashion, this system engineers off of the obvious, yet previously unchallenged, physics of wheel stress. When examining spoke pull at the rear wheel, you'll notice that, under load, the non-drive-side spokes pull twice as hard against the drive-side spokes. So, Shimano changed the ratio of spokes between the sides. Now, the rear drive-side features 21, three-cross stainless steel spokes, while the non-drive-side has 7 radial laced spokes. This shift in the spoke ratio creates a perfect balance while force is being applied. Additionally, the wheels still use just as many driving spokes as a 28 hole wheel, only with greater efficiency, balance, and weight savings. And to further support this new system, the C50 makes use of an offset rim. This reduces the severity of the spoke angle on the drive-side, and accordingly, it increases the lateral rigidity, while creating a greater uniformity of tension at every point of the spoke.
For even further efficiency, the C50 wheelset uses ultra-stiff, oversized A7075 alloy axles, and a quick-engaging titanium freehub body. Every wheel is 100% hand-built, and features Shimano's own high modulus carbon fiber composite. Altogether, each component of the wheel has been designed as a symbiotic system for the ultimate in aerodynamics, efficiency, and pure speed.

The Shimano Dura-Ace 900 C50 Carbon Tubular Wheelset is available in the color Black and with a Shimano compatible freehub body. The wheelset tips the scales around 1449 grams, and is compatible with the new Dura-Ace 9000 11-speed shift system.

MSRP $2,900.00 on SALE FOR $2,000.00 through the end of December!

Don't forget our Holiday sales!!! We have wheels on sale, men's and women's tights all 25% off, sale racks upstairs that have men's and women's shorts, and jerseys that are 50% off and take an additional 20% off!!!!! Stop in and see our clothing for all!
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/

Black Friday Wheel Sale - MAD FIBER CERAMIC TUBULARS

Today we are highlighting another set of wheels that is on sale during our Black Friday Wheel Sale - The MAD FIBER CERAMIC TUBULAR:

A truely oustanding tubular wheelset. These wheels are full carbon and built with a unique design feature that stands out from the rest. They are aerodynamic, lightweight, and extremely durable and have no rider weight limit.

Top Features of the Mad Fiber Carbon Tubular Wheelset

Wheels come with skewers, cork brake shoes, and valve extenders

Four year warranty and damage replacement policy

Rim Depth: 60mm front, 66mm rear

Spokes: 12 front, 18 rear, carbon fiber bladed

Weight: 1085 grams per set

Hubs: White Industries titanium, cromoly axle

Bearings: Stainless Steel

Skewers: Mad Fiber Titanium

Brake Pads: Mad Fiber carbon-specific design

Rider Weight Limit: None

Product Data

Road:	Yes
Weight (g):	1085
Wheel Size:	700c (622)

Please note only Mad Fiber brake pads to be used with these wheels.
With 60mm (front) and 66mm (rear) deep rims, bladed spokes (12f/18r) and narrow flange spacing, Mad Fiber Road Wheels and their patent pending technology have been validated in the San Diego low speed wind tunnel as being among the best in the business in terms of aerodynamics, and particularly distinguish themselves from the competition in crosswinds.

They achieve this level of aerodynamic efficiency while tipping the scales at just 1085g per pair and meeting or exceeding every industry standard for wheel strength, rigidity and durability.

This means that you can choose Mad Fiber wheels when you need the best performance on a day with big climbs - and not have any drop off in aerodynamic performance. It means you can choose Mad Fiber wheels for the flattest, fastest, windiest days - and not pay a price in added weight. And it means you can use them with confidence - even on rough roads - without worrying about rider weight restrictions.

The hubs are made from titanium which is lighter than steel, and more durable than aluminum (no notching from the cogs) and could suggest that titanium may be the perfect freehub material.

To see a set in person stop by the shop and check them out.  MSRP is $3,100 on sale for $1,650.  We have 2 sets available at this great price!

Holiday Sale!!!! Come by and check out our selected Helmets and Shoes all 50% off until 12/30/13... Also, ALL tights (men & women) 25% off until 12/30/13!!! Great gift ideas, use up the gift cards you will receive for the Holidays! and don't forget our Holiday Party 12/11/13 4-7pm!!!!!

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