Triathlon/TT Thursday (Switched Days on You) - UPGRADED FELT IA & DA

I made an error in thinking that today was going to be a Triathlon/TT day and did some research and came across the news of an update to Felt's IA & DA bike line so I just rolled with it since Tuesday's post was about our upcoming Service Clinic (which was very well attended if you look at our pictures on Facebook).

IA Trickles Down:

Last year, Felt introduced its top-end, brand new IA bike. The bike came in only one version, designated FRD, for a cool $14,000. This year, Felt is releasing no fewer than three new builds, which use lower-grade carbon, but feature all of the same integration and features as the original. These are styled the IA2 ($10k, Di2 and Novatec carbon clinchers), IA3 ($7k, SRAM RED 22 and carbon clinchers), and IA4 ($5,500, Shimano Ultegra and alloy clinchers). Finally, the frame that makes up those less-expensive builds will also be available separately, and is called the IA1 ($4,500).

Updates to DA and B-series

The DA is getting the top-end TeXtreme carbon.

As usual, Felt hasn't rested on its laurels with regard to its existing bikes. The DA was updated in 2013 with the new Bayonet 4 fork (which contains the same integrated brake as the IA), and incremental updates continue this year on several fronts. First, the DA line has been stripped down to just one model. It's called the DA1, and at $4,999, it's a very compelling entry in the lineup. It's UCI legal, keeps the very slick Devox carbon aerobar and Bayonet 4 fork from last year, and gains two more things. The first is the TeXtreme fabric also seen on the IA FRD, designed to improve or maintain stiffness, while simultaneously dropping weight. Second, and this is a change affecting all of Felt's tri bikes for 2015 (except the lowest-end B14 and S32), Felt has adopted a new vibration-reducing technology is its seatposts made and patented by 3T. The posts basically have an elastomeric material between the clamping hardware and the circular cavity in the seatpost that accepts that hardware. The idea is that this material helps to isolate vibrations from one to the other, basically insulating your bum from some road chatter. Again, the new seatposts will be stock going forward on all IA models, the DA1, and all B-series models except the lowest-end B14.
For more information on the Felt Triathlon line, accessories, or clothing stop by the shop.  We are open from 10-8 today.

Check out our Events Page for upcoming rides and events at Tom's Pro Bike

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

Bike Industry News

Just a quick reminder about tonight's Service/Repair Clinic at Tom's Pro Bike.  Bike Maintenance/Repair Clinic - click on this link to register so we can get a good food count and have enough chairs for everyone!



Here is a first ride impression of Campagnola's updated 11 speed mechanical drivetrain that was released this year.



There are a lot of new releases coming from Specialized and here is Post #1 and Post #2 for you to drool over (Note they are different links so click them both for more reading enjoyment).



Looking for a Cobb Saddle for long days in the saddle?  Check out the new Randee by Cobb.

Remember to stop by the shop for more information on any of these items or to just browse our cool inventory of bikes, clothing and accessories.  We are open from 10-6 today with Service Clinic at 6:30.

Check out our Events Page - Service Clinic 7/23/2014 @ 6:30pm. You can register online at the above link.

Tom's Pro Bike
3687 Walden Avenue

(716) 651-9995
email: tom@tomsprobike.com

Bike Preparedness - TOM'S SERVICE CLINIC WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Well it seems like the appropriate time to do another blog post on bike preparedness and proper maintenance after last nights bike ride downtown.  A friend of mine met me at the waterfront and we cruised around the downtown area after work.  We were wrapping the ride up and he has a running race Wednesday night so he wanted to do the 4 mile loop real quick so we headed north on the bike paths out of the small boat harbor.

Up ahead of us I saw three people huddled around a bike and looking at us as we drew closer.  The first question was did we have a chain tool.  A lady had broken her chain and they were trying to repair it good enough to get her home.  Unfortunately in the bike bag I was riding with last night there was no chain tool and the only way home for her was walking or calling for a ride.

While inspecting the bike and seeing what we could do to get it to work I noticed the overall condition of her drive train as being very poor.  There was what seemed to me a lifetime of chain grease on the drivetrain components and also her frame.  I didn't say anything other than you should really get this bike looked at by a professional and get it cleaned up somewhat for proper use.  I also mentioned that Tom's was having a Bike Maintenance/Repair Clinic Wednesday night and if she could make it out that would be a good thing to do so she could avoid.

I understand we are not all mechanics and not really capable of high end bike repairs but everyone that rides a bike should understand how to change a flat, clean a drive train, the appropriate amount of lubrication necessary to make drivetrain work properly, and also how to do on the move adjustments to brakes/derailleurs to get yourself home or to Tom's for a thorough tune-up.  Bikes are not as complicated as cars which makes the maintenance of them that much easier and also that much more necessary.  This is a good way to avoid a 5-6 mile walk home or call to the SAG wagon halfway through your ride.

Check out our Events Page - Service Clinic 7/23/2014 @ 6:30pm. You can register online at the above link.

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

Mountain Bike Monday - 2015 SPECIALIZED FATBOY EXPERT

We have hit Mid-Summer and that means winter is closing in on us and what better way to spend the winter than riding outdoors on an awesome FatBoy Expert from Specialized:

Fatboy Expert

• Fully butted M4 Premium Aluminum frame w/ up to 5-inch tire clearance is lightweight and stiff
• Specialized FACT carbon fork w/ 5-inch tire clearance for stiff handling
• Fat 26" disc, alloy single wall rims are designed to handle even the worst terrain
• Specialized Ground Control Fat 26x4.6" tires roll over anything
• Custom e.thirteen, PF30, crankset w/ 100mm spindle delivers power and shifting precision
• Shimano Deore, hydraulic disc brakes w/ dual piston stopping power in all conditions
• SRAM X0 Type 2, 10-speed, medium cage derailleur for crisp and reliable shifting

MSRP: $2600.00.  There are some upgrades from last years initial release and I have even seen a front suspension fork on some of the experts as well but nothing official has come out so I cannot confirm that (YET).  These bikes are a blast and we have a 2014 Medium in stock currently and also a Surly Pugsley available immediately.

Stop by the shop to check out our complete inventory.  We are open from 10-8 today.

Check out our Events Page - Service Clinic 7/23/2014 @ 6:30pm. You can call the shop to register or online.

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

Pre-Blogger Bill Vacation Post

During the Summer Sale we had a beautiful Surly Cross Check Frameset for sale.  I posted it on a site that I frequent with Gravel Grinders and Bike Lovers from the Mid-West figuring since no one in Buffalo had jumped at this cool bike then we should offer it to the rest of the world.  I put the post out about 7:00pm on a Thursday and the bike was paid for and shipped out first thing Friday morning.

The story was his girlfriend had the black frame but really loved the Robin's Egg Blue and he wanted to surprise her with this one.  I asked him to send us a picture of the build when it was transformed and he did.

If you are looking to make that special build stop by the shop and let's talk.  We have framesets available or can order on in for you.  Think of it like this - if you were going to own just 1 bike what would you want that 1 bike to be for you?  Write it down and come talk to us at Tom's.  We want to make your vision a reality!

Keep an eye out on Facebook for posts but the blog is officially on vacation for 10 days.  See you on the Tan Side of The Moon!

A great way to test the your new Mountain Bike out is in the southern tier this week - Ellicottville Wednesday Night race series is happening.  A great week to get muddy and sweaty on the mountain bike!

Check out our Events Page - Service Clinic 7/23/2014 @ 6:30pm. You can call the shop to register or online.

If you are interested in learning about XTERRA Syracuse or XTERRA ASP and doing training in group settings stop by the shop for more information.

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

Mountain Bike Monday - SPECIALIZED COMP MTB SHOE

With new models of bikes coming out for 2015 already I decided it was about time to do a shoe review.  Back a few months ago I needed a new pair of mountain bike shoes to put my Shimano SPD Cleat on instead of wearing my commuting shoes to mountain bike in.  I decided to go with the Specialized Comp MTB Shoe:

The new 2014 Comp MTB shoe is packed with performance features that all mountain bikers can appreciate. The Boa® S2 dial allows for a more adjustable fit and the injection molded sole provides the perfect mixture of pedaling efficiency and trail traction.

• Body Geometry outsole and Footbed optimize alignment, improving rider comfort and performance
• Injection-molded nylon composite outsole with rubber tread for moderate pedaling stiffness and phenomenal trail traction: 6.0 Stiffness Index
• Single Boa® S2-Snap dial micro adjusts on-the-fly
• Dial/lace assembly is fully replaceable in seconds with Snap cartridge system
• Hard molded toe kick for protection and durability
• Stitched synthetic and mesh upper with asymmetric strap closure for comfortable fit
• For optimum performance, fit the rider with the proper footbed and shim
• 2-bolt SPD-style cleat pattern, compatible with all major MTB pedals
• Approximate weight: 365g (1/2 pair #42)

With a MSRP of $160.00 these shoes are well built and very comfortable.  I have used them in all types of conditions and even commute with them periodically as well because they are so comfortable and very efficient.  I love the Boa System for dialing in foot comfort and it makes for very easy adjustment if I am feeling that the shoe is too tight or lose while riding.  Sure you could find a stiffer sole out there but you will be paying substantially more (S-Works MTB shoes with a Stiffness Factor of 12.0 run $350 and up)

For more information on the Comp MTB shoe or any other mountain bike apparel, accessory or bikes themselves stop by the shop.  What better way to spend a rainy Monday than bike shopping.  We are open from 10-8 today!

A great way to test the your new Mountain Bike out is in the southern tier this week - Ellicottville Wednesday Night race series is happening..  A great week to get muddy and sweaty on the mountain bike!

Check out our Events Page - Service Clinic 7/23/2014 @ 6:30pm.  You can call the shop to register or online.

If you are interested in learning about XTERRA Syracuse or XTERRA ASP and doing training in group settings stop by the shop for more information.

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

Triathlon/TT Tuesday - UPCOMING RACES

We just want to thank all of you for your support and business during Tom's Annual Summer Sale.  It ended last night and if you missed out on some of the great deals keep an eye out for future sales on the blog or at our FaceBook Page.
 
Today we are going to highlight an upcoming busy month of Triathlons around the area.
 
 
 
First up is the Saturday July 5th - A Tri in the Buff.  Clothes are mandatory and so is going fast:
Welcome to A Tri in the Buff! The oldest triathlon in Buffalo held on the shores of Lake Erie in beautiful Evangola State Park. This event offers something for everyone from beginner (Try A Tri) to experienced (Intermediate Tri). Be sure to visit some of the many beach clubs in the area.

Tom's is a major sponsor of A Tri in the Buff so look for us around the venue!

 
 
 
A couple of weeks later you can race at the Nickel City Triathlon on July 19:
EVERYONE can come and race on the same course that some of the top North American and European multi-sport athletes did. Both Olympic & Sprint distances will be competed on a completely closed course.



Ramping up the August race schedule is the Wet & Wild Triathlon on August 2nd.

Now you have some race options to prepare for.  The question is do you the proper bike and accessories to make the race a successful one?  Stop by Tom's for more information on all things Triathlon!  We stock Quintana Roo, Cervelo and Specialized Triathlon Bikes and carry a wide variety of accessories and nutrition.  We are open from 10-8 today.

A great way to test the your new Mountain Bike out is in the southern tier this week - Ellicottville Wednesday Night race series is happening (off this week due to Holiday but resumes next Wednesday). A great week to get muddy and sweaty on the mountain bike! Keep an eye posted on Facebook for some pictures from the Raccoon Rally yesterday that 4 of us from the shop participated in (and suffered immensely!)

Check out our Events Page

If you are interested in learning about XTERRA Syracuse or XTERRA ASP and doing training in group settings stop by the shop for more information.

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