Specialized S-Build

Are you looking to do a Dream Build on a S-Works Tarmac or S-Works Epic Frame?  Specialized has a new program out now called S-Build that allows you to build out the bike with the components of your choice.  You get a great Fact Carbon frame outfitted with the components YOU want on it.

For more information on this program stop by the shop and we can cover build options with you and show you exactly how the program works.  Ride the best built for the best - YOU!

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 10-8!

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

Mountain Bike Monday - 2015 SPECIALIZED CRAVE PRO

I admit we have been kind of Fat Bike heavy lately but when you get 70" of snow you figure it might stick around and what better way to enjoy that much snow but on a Fat Bike.  Well, we also know that it melted and is pretty much completely gone now so we headed out to Sprague Brook yesterday on our regular Mountain Bikes and I figured today would be a good reminder that just because it is cold that does not mean you can't still mountain bike!

Today we are highlighting the 2015 Specialized Crave Pro:

The Crave Pro is designed for fast cross-country racers. It delivers race-winning performance with the help of a FOX Float Evolution fork, Shimano Deore XT rear derailleur, and Shimano SLX shifters, while the Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes provide confidence to attack each corner.

• M4 Premium Aluminum frame is super-lightweight, stiff, and features XC 29er Geometry
• 100mm-travel FOX Float Evolution 29 fork w/ CTD damper is lightweight, plush, and tunable
• 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 2.1"/Fast Trak Control 2.0" tires with race-proven performance
• Custom SRAM 10-speed XC double for ideal 29er gearing
• Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes for dialed modulation and stopping power
• Shimano XT Shadow Plus, 10-speed derailleur w/ Clutch technology for shifting precision
• 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.

MSRP is $2,000.00 and that is great price point for this level of a bike and it is very easily adaptable to a 1x drive train as well if that interests you.

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

Finger Warmth Friday - GLOVES & BAR TAPE HEAT

Looking at ways to keep your hands warm on winter/cold weather rides?  Tom's has some great options for you and today we are highlighting AME Heated Bar Tape for Road Bikes or Mountain Bikes and gloves from Castelli or Sugoi.

1. A'ME Heated Bar Tape:  A’ME Grips is introducing their NEW Heated Road Bike Wrap. This wrap is made in the U.S.A. and features bluPulse™ ‘Adaptive Thermal Regulation’ technology. This state-of-the-art technology combines intelligent micro electronics with thermal sensors in each wrap, and allows a rider to select between six temperature settings with a simple push of a button. A blue LED indicates both the selected temperature setting and heating status while the micro processor varies the amount of heat generated to maintain the selected temperature. These wraps allow for comfortable hand temperatures in all riding conditions, reduce fatigue, and maintain finger dexterity which improves a rider’s control of the bike.  MSRP with installation by our professional mechanics is $250.00

Castelli Gloves that I use for High 20's and warmer rides

Castelli's Estremo Glove are ones that I have just started using this year.  I love them so far and my one tip is to make sure you size them properly.  Castelli generally runs smaller than other brands and just be sure they fit properly.  MSRP is $80.00

Sugoi Lobster Gloves that I use for mid 20's and colder rides

Sugoi RSE Subzero Lobster gloves have been in my wardrobe for 2 winters now and they work great in very cold conditions.  I bought a size larger so that I can wear a liner underneath as well in case of a mechanical issue.  MSRP is $75.00

We also have Hand and Foot Heat Packs for sale individually.  If you are going to ride outside this time of the year preparation is paramount!

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

Winter Travel By Bike - SURLY ECR

You want to do some winter travel by bike do you?  Well one of the best options out there is the Surly ECR:

Attention bike camp/exploration nerds! Are you sitting down? Behold ECR. ECR is a sure-footed, multi-terrain, offroad-obsessed 29+ camp bike. It’s something of a lovechild borne of our Krampus, Ogre and Long Haul Trucker.

Like the Ogre, ECR can run racks, fenders and disc brakes simultaneously, front and rear. It’s compatible with singlespeed, full derailleur and IGH drivetrains (it even features a dedicated Rohloff torque arm mount) because the rear dropouts are just like those on our Ogre and Troll frames. Run what you like. ECR has multiple mounts on the frame and fork for water bottle cages and larger gear cages, so you can bring lots of water, stove fuel, milk, a sleeping pad, small mammals or what have you.

Even though we don't stock these currently they are able to be placed on order.  Stop by the shop for more information and how to best fit out this cool and reliable all around bike!

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 from 10-6!

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

Bike Industry News - CAMPAGNOLA SUPER RECORD

We haven't done a Bike Industry News tidbit in a while but I found the new Campagnola Super Record Review and I figured why not.  If you are looking to upgrade your drive train for 2015 this group with a MSRP of $3,485 is a nice way to go.  For more information on this or any other upgrade stop by the shop and we can discuss all of the options available to you!

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 from 10-6!

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

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

Dirty Dozen Hill Climb - WHAT I LEARNED

Canton Avenue - 37% Grade and possibly the steepest road in North America

I don't know when I first learned of the Dirty Dozen Hill Climb in Pittsburgh, PA, but a buddy of mine has done it the past 4 (including 2014) years and I got real interested in reading his take on them (just so you know he is one of about 5 or 6 out of 300+ that do this ride on a Single Speed and that is just darn impressive) and with my daughter having so many friends in Pittsburgh now from college it just seemed that one of these years I would be doing the "race".  It just so happened that this year worked out perfectly between family, work, and the weather!

#1 Lesson Learned - I am a bike junkie: When you put 300+ people together you are bound to have a huge variety of bikes in the area and you can believe it that this past Saturday my drool factor was on 10 seeing some of the rides out there.

#2 Lesson Learned - The Engine is a very important part of the equation:  There were people that conquered these climbs with platform pedals, toe straps, steel bikes, hybrid bikes, titanium bikes, aluminum bikes, carbon bikes, mountain bikes, fat bikes, and even a Tandem!

#3 Lesson Learned - Hill Climbing is 90% Mental:  If you doubt that you are going to make a hill well you just convinced yourself to quit trying.  In the above picture is Canton Avenue which is the steepest hill on the course (and quite possibly the steepest road in North America) and all I ever heard was that it will be more than 1 attempt to be successful.  Let me paint a picture for you - you are riding through Suburban Pittsburgh and you make a left turn up a hill.  You make the next right turn and you hear this loud roar and see the angle that which the riders are heading up on a road.  The roar gets louder and the adrenalin starts to flow even more.  You attack the hill and take in every cheer, shout, horn, or word of encouragement and you drive your legs down harder than you ever have before.  Don't ever doubt that you can do something and when it happens embrace that moment and live in it for a while because it is amazing!

#4 Lesson Learned - Western New York has some pretty good hills as well:  Being a southtowner and living where I do hill climbs are a necessity for me to get any type of ride in unless I want to do a 3 mile loop 20 times.  We have some great terrain to train on around here - all it takes is for you to get in your car and head down to the Chestnut Ridge Park area and pick a road - there will be a hill somewhere close by for sure.

For more information on hill rides, a climbing specific bike, or to get some more information on good climbing technique stop by the shop.  We want you to challenge yourself and we want to hear about it afterwards as well.

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