Cycling Tires

Tom posted a link the other day from VeloNews about what is the best rolling tire and it was an extremely interesting article.  HERE IS THE LINK

Here are some cut outs to the things that interested me the most:

Compound is paramount - Rubber compounding is the inexact science of mixing together different organic polymers and, often, inorganic compounds. Tire companies tend to hold their proprietary formulas as closely guarded secrets.

Supple casings reduce rolling resistance but cannot make up for bad compounds - All tires have multiple layers of threads holding things together. Two sheets of unidirectional threads laid across each other at right angles generally counts as one layer. Tire casings are specified in TPI (threads per inch) per sheet. The higher the number, the thinner the threads, since more of them can be crowded together.

Check out how tire pressure effects the rolling resistance.  It would be great if we all rode on pure track surface but that is not the case in Western New York.  You need to experiment with different pressures and find what is your best pressure.

Wider tires are faster - Tire rolling resistance comes from internal friction within materials (energy loss due to hysteresis) and small bumps that lift the bike and rider.

When it comes to internal friction, wider tires have shorter contact patches and, thus, less deflection. If pressure is the same, the area of the contact patch must be the same to support the same load. (Since both load and pounds per square inch remain constant, the area in contact with the road will also be the same.) But a wider, shorter contact patch will have less vertical depth of deflection, So internal friction and hysteresis loss will be lower.

If a wider tire is constructed of the same materials in the same thicknesses as a narrower one, it will often roll faster on a rough surface, despite being heavier. This is due to both lower internal friction and the fact that the wider tire will better absorb imperfections in the road, thus lifting the bike and rider slightly less on each little impact.

Stop by today from 10-6 and check out our complete inventory of Bikes, Power Accessories, Tour the Race Room, and start putting your Gift List together!

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

Choosing A Cyclo-Cross Tire

Thanks to QBP for the research to give you some solid information on tire selection for Cyclo-Cross racing:

“What Cyclocross Tires Are You Running Today?”

It’s one of the most commonly heard questions at every cyclocross race, and for good reason. Few things can affect the outcome of a cross race more than tire choice. If two riders on a muddy course are equally matched in their abilities, but one has file treads and the other has mud tires, it’s pretty easy to predict who the victor will be. 

For the most part, cyclocross tires can be grouped into three categories: file tread, mud, and all-condition.

File Tread (Probably too late in our season for this tire choice)

File treads are the perfect choice for a dry course with a lot of grass and dirt. File treads have a series of tight and extremely short knobs down the center of the tire. (Think about the metal file you have in the shop and you’ll get the idea.) Many file treads, like the Clement LAS, feature shoulder knobs to give the rider a little extra traction while cornering. Since file treads are so condition-specific, and not a great choice for muddy courses, they may not be ideal for riders who have to choose one set of tires to ride all season. If riders have a second set of wheels or plan to switch out tires based on course conditions however, having file treads on hand is a great way to ensure that all of their bases are covered. 

Mud (A very good choice this time of the year)

Cyclocross and mud go together like peanut butter and jelly—and as it happens, it’s not uncommon to feel like you’re riding through peanut butter on many cross courses. For those conditions, a mud-specific tire is crucial to be able to even finish the race, much less have a chance at a podium spot. Mud tires feature very aggressive knobs along both the center tread and the shoulder of the tire. It’s not just the size of the knobs that make them great in the mud, but also how widely spaced they are and how they’re angled. The combination of these three things gives mud-specific tires superior mud-shedding abilities. While the Challenge Baby Limus and the Clement PDX are the two most commonly seen mud shedders, other models like the Schwalbe Rocket Ron and the Maxxis Mud Wrestler are also superb at throwing muck to the wind.

All-Condition

With treads that aren’t quite as minimalistic as a file tread and not as aggressive as a mud tire, all-condition tires are the perfect choice for someone who is looking for one tire to ride all season. All-condition tires feature a center tread of knobs that are spaced similarly to a mud tire but aren’t as tall, so as to minimize the amount of rolling resistance on grass, pavement, and packed dirt. Larger and more spaced-out knobs line the shoulder of the tire to aid in cornering and provide a bit of mud shedding. Look to the Challenge Grifo, the Continental Cyclo XKing, the Schwalbe Racing Ralph, and the Vredestein Black Panther for an all-around tire that will do the trick on just about any cyclocross course.

There are other tires that don’t quite fit into into any of the above categories but are still great options in the right conditions. The Surly Knard tread, for example, while not technically a file tread carries all the same advantages as a file tread with slightly larger footprint.

For more information on any of the above tires stop by the shop today or tomorrow from 10-6.

Want a great way to test out your bike?  Purchase the bike and 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.  5 races left this year!

Tom's Pro Bike

http://www.tomsprobike.com/

3687 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086

Winter Riding Tuesday - TRACTION CONTROL

It looks like we are in for a long winter around these parts and what better way to stay in shape, work on bike handling skills, and just seeing some beautiful landscapes snow covered than on your bike.  You get clear roads a lot of the time and even then you might still come across an icy area that having a good set of winter tires will help carry you across.

As you can see in the picture above you can go with Studded Tires or a Wider & More Grip Softer Compound Winter Tire or you could have a wheel set with each of them at your disposal ready to change based on road conditions.  These tires will roll much slower than your current tires due to the softer compound and rolling resistance of the studs themselves but it just makes for a harder workout!

The biggest problem you are going to come across is getting the tires to work in a road bike frame.  The above pictured tires are for Hybrid/Mountain Bike frames but you can get away with some studded tires in a cross frame as well.  If you only have a road bike we can help you out by outfitting a new bike with these tires, fenders, and lights for your winter safety.

Are you 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 from 10-8!

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

Bike Industry News - DEMO DAYS INFO

Welcome to Demo Days Week at Tom's Pro Bike. Saturday is the big day and all this week I am going to be selecting Top End bikes to highlight just to give you a reason to come in and try one out Saturday but today is about industry news and accessories for your bike!



First up is a long term saddle review of the S-Works Toupe.  We at Tom's Pro Bike love Specialized saddles and I am sure this one is more than up to the challenge of being a great saddle to make your long rides nice and comfortable!



The Colnago C59 Italia is reviewed here for your riding enjoyment.  If you are in the market for a new bike there is nothing wrong with taking a peak at this beautiful bike from Colnago.


Specialized has upgraded their Armadillo line of tires to make them tougher and more durable!  For more information on this tire stop by and check out our inventory.

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.

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

Included in this great sale is Mavic Mountain Bike Clothing.

EVENT SCHEDULE is up at the website. Check out our upcoming 2014 events and pre-plan your schedule! April 26th Demo Days, May 7th Service Clinic and May 18th Spring 25/50!

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

The full riding season is getting closer and closer and with that comes more news about new equipment becoming available to the public.



Are you in the market for a new bike?  Check out this Article on What Makes The Best Bike For You posted on BikeRadar.



Specialized and FMB joined forces to make a Spring Classic Tubular tire for the pros and there is going to be a limited quantity available for public purchase as well.  Read more about THEM HERE.



Looking for a top end Carbon Mountain Bike Wheel?  Check out the new Model Line from Enve - beautiful and expensive but if you are looking to go high end this is a good place to start!

Basic Service Clinic - May 7th at 6:30pm.  Sign Up Here and hope that we don't get another blizzard to get this one cancelled as well!

To start off the season Single Track Racing is hosting a 6 race series at Sprague Brook starting May 20, 2014. Check out theirFacebook Pagefor 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!

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/