Many factors go into a successful outcome when you're purchasing a new bike.  Below are a few things we think you should look for when you start "doing your research".

1. What kind of riding do you want to do? Experience level, and your approach to cycling are important.  Are you motivated by weight loss, speed or fun?  Are you looking for a social outlet?  Where you live is important, because the riding out of your front door is the easiest to do.  The more you refine these thoughts the better we can help guide you into the proper bike.

2.  You'll need a good mechanic!  Whether you end up riding a singlespeed cruiser or an electronic shifting road bike, you're gonna need an experienced bicycle mechanic.  Knowing how to turn a wrench is the least important trait of a good mechanic.  A good mechanic wants to understand you as a rider, willing to search for "hard to find" parts, and has an extensive riding background of his own.  Well qualified shops/mechanics will most likely be qualified by Park Tool, the industry's top manufacturer of cycling specific tools.

4.  Buy what you like.  You need to feel good about what you're buying, even if its not available.  One small example, the color of the tires, and bar tape, can be a reflection of your personality.  So, you may opt to change that out to give your new bike a bit of flare.  We will happily do this for you.  Other things such as shape of the handlebar (standard vs compact), seat, and perhaps wheels can, and sometimes need to be changed, to make the overall package that much better.  

5.  Demonstration.  We see lots of people getting back into cycling after a long respite.  Braking and shifting systems, and pedal systems, have changed dramatically over the years and you should get quality instruction on how to use them prior to delivery.  Dont be afraid to ask questions, even if its a topic you dont understand.  

6.  Community.  Outside of having the proper equipment, you may want to get plugged into a community of other cyclists.  We're a little different in this respect as we discovered the need for a club environment for racers and recreationalists alike can merge together.

These are just a few points on what we feel makes up a successful outcome in a bike purchase.  Cycling is more than a sport, its a lifestyle.  We're here to help guide you, give us a call. 

Who hasnt thought they could do better or get more from their workout session or race?  There's alot to think about when training for triathlon or cycling events, but here's 3 key areas that deserve your focus.

1. Trim up the rotating weight!  I'm not talking about the weight around your waistline, rather the weight that is rotating on your bike!  Think about it... Hubs, rims, spokes, tires, tubes, pedals, chainrings, chain, crank, bottom bracket, shoes, cleats, list goes on... Regardless of what bike you have, the best bang for your buck are new wheels.  Most complete bikes come with very basic "training" wheels.  Just about any wheelset purchased aftermarket would be an upgrade to this type of wheel.  The most practical way to experience what wheels can do for you is to discuss your riding style, mechanical abilities, and budget with our staff and we can recommend some options, as well as, set up a demo.
 
2.  Dress the part!  This is often the most overlooked area.  Articles such as an aero helmet, or shoe covers can gain you 1-2 mph.  Shoe covers alone can gain you 5-10 seconds every 10-15 miles or so.  Of course we dont always have time to put on shoe covers, but an aero helmet is a no-brainer!  Properly sized cycling or tri tops are also very important.  If your top drags in the water, you are wasting energy, much like if your cycling top or jersey is flapping in the wind you're giving up speed.  A shoe that helps you get it on and off quickly is also something to consider.  Velcro straps instead of buckles even.  

3.  Feed the beast!  Your body is an engine, and engines need fuel.  A rule of thumb we follow: Per hour, consume 2 calories for every pound of lean muscle mass.  For example, if you weigh 200 lbs and are 20% body fat you need 320 calories per hour (200 x .8 x 2 = 320).  This formula is NOT absolute, it is merely a guideline.  Bottom line you need to be properly fueled in order to get the most out of your engine.  Consuming an adequate amount of clean burning calories before, during, and after will greatly improve the quality of your workouts.  

One of the most common complaints among cyclists we see is hot feet.  Hot feet is typically known as the burning sensations near the toes during a ride.  This sensation is mostly due to pinching of nerves.  It can stem from a number of situations, but I recommend checking your shoe size, cleat placement, and the soles of your shoes.

Shoe Sizing
Cycling shoes are made to be as stiff as possible to allow power transfer during the downstroke (plantarflex) AND to fit snugly enough to aid in the upstroke (dorsiflex) as well.  Cycling shoes stretch very little, therefore you shouldnt expect them to do so during the break-in period.  When shopping for new shoes, I recommend wearing the same sock you intend to ride in, while you try them on.  The end of the day is usually a better time to try on shoes cause your feet are swollen from the day.  I also recommend trying on shoes with an appropriate footbed as they can require additional space.  Sizing guidelines vary, but you should end up with a shoe that fits snug around the heel, but allows your toes to move freely.  Any reputable bike shop should spend plenty of time with you while you try on shoes as this is a very important piece to the cycling puzzle.

Cleat Placement
The cleat is the first link in our chain of body parts that propel us on the bike.  It is often overlooked as a source of problems.  It is very important to have your shoes and cleats working as a single unit to allow the power generated by the hips to transfer thru our feet and into the crank.  The term "ball of the foot" is a misleading concept that should be shot dead.  I encounter many riders who are slamming their sesamoid bones 5000 times per hour because someone told them to put the cleat on the ball of their foot.  Its a general term, or rule of thumb, that is a simple starting point.  Discomfort in our feet, however, can be due to improper bike fit in relationship to the cleat position.  Its more complex than one might assume.  The cleat is link #1.  Another factor to consider is your pedal platform.  Wider platform pedals (ie.Speedplay's) distribute force better than a smaller counterpart.  Not saying one is better than the other, but to reduce discomfort we pay attention to everything, and each case a little different than the last.

Carbon fiber shoes today are made of improved composites that are stiffer than ever.  Carbon soled shoes made as early as 4 years ago are not as stiff as a comparable carbon shoe today. There are many studies that have illustrated how "un-stiff" carbon soled shoes were in the early stages compared to nylons and plastics.  Today that is not the case with new "lay up" technics and improved composites.  Therefore, if you have an older pair of carbon shoes and you experience discomfort, that may be the underlying cause.  Time for new shoes!

Footbeds
Often riders will exhaust all their options, in regards to hot feet, before finally giving in to a custom orthotic.  This is actually flawed logic as footbeds can offer many more benefits than a last ditch attempt to aleviate hot feet.  We feel footbeds do not have to be expensive, and you should not need a Dr's appointment to get them.  Those days are gone!  Today's advancements in medical technology allow us to have these products OTC (over the counter).  Good foot health is crucial for any athlete and a shoe alone is just not custom enough.  As cyclists we require optimal forefoot balancing, deep heel cups, and metatarsal separation.  Sole has been making an outstanding product, and has served our customers well over the years.

Regardless of how much attention you pay to your feet there will always be the chance for discomforts.  If you cycle long enough, or run enough, you can actually wear the fat padding on the bottom of your feet thin.  If it gets to this you need to seek out medical advice.

Hope this helps!

Bianchi is the official bicycle-supplier to team Androni Giocattoli for 2011 season. Italy-based team, winner of 2010 season-long Italian Championship, is equipped with the new Oltre carbon frame, the flagship of the HoC collection.

On Your Mark Performance is a proud Bianchi dealer.

Lets face it, women have special needs, thus require special attention.  This idea has inspired us to provide specific events for ladies only!

What you can expect: We'll have food, wine, lots of info on biking, how to get started, what you want (hint-hint), and what you need.  We'll bring in bike and clothing vendors to discuss their women-specific products.  It's an opportunity for women to connect with other women cyclists and learn a few things along the way. We"ll also give special discount offers for purchases made during these workshops, and have a few door prizes.  

So, whether you're a seasoned veteran or just starting out, we need you're input and company!  

• April 6 - Clothing, Accessories, and Gear for Women - Sponsored by Terry Clothing
• June 8 - Bike Fitting for Women, Injury Prevention
• August 10 - Bike Maintenance, Inspection, and Minor Repair