New Stuff

Hello to everyone out in blog land. It's been a busy summer here in the bike shop, and new blog posts have been a low priority, but I wanted to do a quick post about some of the cool new stuff we have in the shop.

First up is something we are all excited about being long time fans of Vans footwear: Vans sole pattern lock on grips from ODI.

Available in classic natural, black, red, and white. $30 per pair.

On the handlebar coverage front, we also have a fresh batch of Deda handlebar tape in a wide range of colors in synthetic cork and synthetic leather. The cork is stretchy and cushy, and you can clean it with soap and water when it gets grimy.

Colors to match any paint scheme! Regular synthetic cork is $15, synthetic leather is $20.

We also have a new helmet model which has turned out to be a hot seller, the Lazer Beam. It has an automatically adjusting headband, and comes in 2 sizes and 4 colors.

On the left is hi viz yellow, on the right is grey. Also available in black and brown. $50.

We also have a new batch of Raleigh closeout bikes. They are all models we have carried before, but now they are on sale. First up is the Furley, Raleigh's disc brake equipped single speed cross machine.

On sale for $800. We have 53, 55 and 57cm.

Next is the Clubman Mixte, a classy step through road bike for commuting, light touring or weekend fun rides. Great mix of Shimano components and color matched fenders.

We have the Clubman Mixte in 50cm only. It's $1,100, which is $200 off.

Next is the Raleigh Port Townsend, randonneur champion and commute slayer. Bar end shifters, Shimano CX 50 cantilever brakes and a smart and affordable parts mix make this a super versatile steed.

Available in 55 and 57 cm. On sale for $900!

We also have a cool new model from Felt called the York. It's a sharp, classically styled city bike with a 2 speed kickback hub, hammered fenders, and a roomy front rack for hauling your stuff.

In stock in 56cm.

Finally, something we've had for a little while, but is still fairly new to us; the Devil and She Devil from Handsome Cycles. Cro Moly steel frames with all the braze-ons for racks and fenders, and plenty of clearance for big tires, they're ready to be turned into your ideal adventure machine.

We've also got plenty of closeout models that are priced to move. Checkout out our website for a complete list of all our in stock bikes.

Bend Weekend

I did a bunch of mountain biking in Bend over the 4th of July weekend. Here are some pictures and words.

 Day one was COD, on the southern edge of the Phil's Trail complex. The plan was to head west on COD to Storm King, then north to connect with Grand Slam before swinging back south to the start. Unfortunately, a misleading  fire road derailed my plans and brought me back to COD early. Still a good ride.

View from the Deschutes River trail. This was my jumping off point for the first ride of the weekend, COD.

The Battleship, looking tough.

I didn't ride it, but it sounds good.  It's hidden away on the back side of the Phil's complex near Storm King.

On Day 2, I wanted to cover the ground I had missed the day before, but I attacked from the north. I started on Kent's Trail from the main Phil's trailhead, then took it to the junction with the actual Phil's trail and followed it to the north end of Storm King via the helicopter pad. From there I descended Storm King to Grand Slam and headed back west to the start.

The so called "helicopter pad" at the top of Phil's. You couldn't really land a helicopter there.

Grand Slam. This is my new favorite trail at Phil's. Part of it parallels a spine of rock that makes for some fun and interesting situations.

More fun and techie bits on Grand Slam.

Day 3 I rode Mrazek, a super fun out and back that runs along the ridge north of Tumalo Creek. I started at Shevlin Park, and climbed 1500 feet in 11 miles. The climbing was mostly gradual enough that it didn't feel like a chore, and the trail was twisty and fun, with many berms. Of course, 11 miles of climbing means 11 miles of descending.

On the way back down, you get a choice of difficult or intermediate.

Unfortunately, this is as good as the view got. Looking south towards Mt Bachelor.

Suck it horses! Getting ready to descend Mrazek from near the top.