How to Fix a Dropped Chain

Posted on August 19, 2011 by admin

There are three easy alternatives to fix a dropped chain. Start off trying the first two methods to avoid getting your hands dirty and if they don’t work move on to third option.

Method One: While slowly pedaling shift to the bigger gear by using the left gear shifter. If the chain does not pick back up with this tactic try method two.

Method Two: Get off your bike and again shift to the bigger gear. Then pick up the back end of the bike and spin the cranks. If the chain still does not pick up move on to method three.

Method Three: Physically lift the chain and put it back on the chain ring. If you experience any resistance from the chain simply push the rear derailleur forward.

Watch this Specialized video for a better understanding of the three methods.

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Lose the Training Wheels Camp

Posted on July 20, 2011 by admin

Lose the Training Wheels is a nonprofit organization that helps children with disabilities find their independence by riding bikes without training wheels. The program not only helps the kids learn how to ride a two-wheel bike, but also helps them gain self-assurance.

BikeSource recently helped run the 2011 Lose the Training Wheels Camp, and enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the families and children. BikeSource also offered camp participants a deal on bikes to help them continue riding!

The camp deeply touched the children and families that attended as well as the volunteers. Nathan participated in the camp and his father commented:

As of a week ago, Nathan had no desire to ride a bike, especially one with training wheels…One week later, Nathan has impressed me truly with his ability, desire, and willingness to want to ride. As a matter of fact, Nathan’s exact words today at Bike Camp were ‘Dad, this is really fun. I like riding a bike.’ Those words mean the world to me, as we now have something we can enjoy together.

Liz and Andrew volunteered at the camp. Their mother reflected on their interactions with one of the participants, “I can’t begin to tell you what an amazing week this has been for my children. Thank you so much for giving them one of the richest experiences of their lives…Liz and Andrew will never forget Scott and hope to have the chance to work with him again.”

Whether you are interested in participating or volunteering, mark your calendars and join us for next year’s Lose the Training Wheels Camp on June 25th, 2012!

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Presenting the Specialized Tarmac SL4

Posted on July 7, 2011 by admin

The Tarmac is now in its sixth generation, and the full-carbon SL4 was recently revealed to the world at the Tour de France where select riders are riding prototypes to gather data and provide feedback. The original Tarmac was launched in 2004, after three years of development, and from the start has been a bike for climbers and general classification contenders. Levi Leipheimer, Paolo Bettini and Mario Cipollini have all won a Grand Tour on the Tarmac.

The original Tarmac was recognized by its curved top tube and set the groundwork for carbon bikes of the future. To stay ahead of the curve each year feedback was gathered for changes in the bike’s structure and capabilities; and in 2006 when the SL model was introduced, pro-rider Tom Boonen made a number of suggestions regarding the stiffness-to-weight ratio, size, and efficiency, all leading the Tarmac to it’s most recent changes.

When developing the SL4 prototypes, Specialized made changes to the head tube, front and rear dropouts, and fork to develop one of the lightest framesets in the industry. To increase stiffness, and therefore, acceleration and handling, the King Cobra Head Tube as well as the one-piece bottom bracket and chainstays and seatstay are all newly designed for the SL4 version. Finally, internal cable routing is added for internal protection from the elements and carbon dropouts with steel inserts increase efficiency while adding durability for taking wheels on and off.

In the end, Specialized has listened to their riders and created the Tarmac SL4 to be 19% more stiff and 50 grams lighter than the SL3, resulting in a 1995 gram ride that can handle better than ever before. Keep a look out for the SL4 launch on Specialized’s website and to start arriving in shops this August.

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2012 Amira Road Bike: The Best Womens Road Bike in its Class

Posted on June 24, 2011 by admin

With a FACT IS 11r Carbon frame, one-piece OSBB/Chainstay, and tapered head tube, the 2012 Amira is the smoothest, fastest women’s road bike in its class. Specialized has held to the motto “Confidence is Power” when developing products for women, and the Amira instills confidence in the women who ride it by providing them with a lighter weight, increasingly stiff, and overall stunning ride.

The Amira Road Bike has been 10 years in the making as Specialized worked from the ground up to build the perfect ride for a woman. Look just how far Specialized has come over the years:

  • 2003: Specialized created their first women’s road bikes, the Allez Dolce and Allez Vita.
  • 2004: Designs for Women, a line focused on providing products built specifically for a women’s anatomy, was launched.
  • 2005: Specialized sponsored Victory Brewing Women’s Cycling Team, their first women’s team.
  • 2006: Specialized created their first carbon road bike for women, the Ruby, which was named Bicycling Magazine’s “Best Women’s Road bike.”
  • 2007: Specialized launched the first S-works Ruby.
  • 2008: Aaron’s Pro Cycling signed on to race on the S-works Ruby.
  • 2009: The S-works Ruby won its first World Cup Race with Emma Pooley and later that year the Amira was born.
  • 2010: The Vera Bradley Foundation raced the 2010 season on the Amira and provided feedback.
  • 2011: The Amira becomes the bike of choice for HTC-Highroad, the most successful women’s team, who also teams up with Specialized to give feedback on the Amira.

…all to arrive at the 2012 Amira, which remains the best woman’s bike on the market. Stop in your local BikeSource shop to try an Amira on for size today!

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50 States, 50 Days, 50 Rides

Posted on June 20, 2011 by admin

David Landsberg is not only the president and founder of the Society for Organ Donor Awareness (S.O.D.A.) but also a kidney transplant recipient. In July 1999, Landsberg received his transplant only months after being the first individual to complete a triathlon without kidneys.

Now he is putting his passions of fitness and organ donation awareness together by completing “50 States, 50 Days, 50 Rides.” Starting on July 4th in Austin, Texas, Landsberg will ride 50 miles in the capital cities of 50 US states over the span of 50 days. Landsberg will stop by two BikeSource shops on his rides. On July 26th he will be at our Clintonville location in Columbus, Ohio, and on August 8th he will be at the Highlands Ranch store in Denver, Colorado. Landsberg will then conclude his ride on August 23rd in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The public is invited to support this movement by joining their state donor registry, making a tax-deductible donation to S.O.D.A., or riding with Landsberg to help spread the word.

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BikeSource Featured on About.com

Posted on April 20, 2011 by admin

About.com can help its users through the “need, know and accomplish” process of nearly any question by connecting users to more than 800 topic sites. Recently, About.com wanted a new approach to educating users on cycling and they turned to BikeSource for assistance in this project.

About.com spent 13 hours filming Denver BikeSource Store Managers as they walked viewers through the bike purchase, outlined alternative bike types, explained sizing of specific bike types and described techniques to get the most out of their cycling workouts.

To date, seven short films have been posted to About.com featuring University Hills Manager Bob Copeland. The videos currently featured are:

  • How to Find the Right Hybrid Bike Size
  • Five Moves to Enhance an Exercise Bike Workout
  • How to Buy a Bike
  • How to Find the Right Mountain Bike
  • What is a Mountain Bike
  • How to Size a Kid’s Bike
  • How to Find the Right Road Bike Size

The videos range between a minute and two minutes, but provide great details and suggestions if you are looking to expand your cycling knowledge. Check them out at www.About.com.

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Body Geometry Shoes Help You Push Your Pedals

Posted on April 13, 2011 by admin

To avoid injury and lengthen riding energy, Specialized’s Body Geometry shoes feature three technology advancements:

1. The Varus Wedge sits in the front of the shoe to compensate for natural foot tilt. The wedge creates better alignment and avoids foot collapse as well as inward knee movement.

2. “Hot foot,” numbness in the forefront of the foot, can be caused by extended pressure. The Metatarsal Button lifts and separates the front of the foot for greater comfort on long rides.

3. Many shoes provide latitudinal support, but Body Geometry designs also feature Longitudinal Arch Support. This extra support prevents foot collapse and maximizes pedaling power.

In addition to these advancements, carbon outsoles offer minimal weight on the foot. This lightweight technology eliminates foot fatigue allowing for a longer ride. Specialized also offers experience-specific designs, which provide the perfect shoe for different rides and terrains. For example, glass fibers in many Body Geometry shoes reflect road heat.

Check out Body Geometry shoes at your local BikeSource or online at: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqSelectSection.jsp?scid=1019&pscid=1009.

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On the Road: How to Fix a Flat

Posted on April 13, 2011 by admin

Now that the weather is warming up and you are taking more rides outdoors, it is time to brush up on basic bike maintenance so you don’t get stuck walking your bike. One of the best techniques to know is how to fix a flat tire. The first step to repairing a flat is to be equipped with the right tools before heading out on a ride. Make sure to carry a spare tube that fits your wheel, tire levers and a pump. Next follow these easy steps to change your tire:

1. Remove the wheel:

  • Shift the chain into the highest gear (also known as the smallest cog)
  • Turn wheel lever to upper position to move brakes (skip this step if you have disc brakes)
  • Pull lever away from the bike and turn counter-clockwise to release wheel

2. Remove the tube:

  • Release any extra air that that is in the tire
  • Squeeze the tire inward to separate the tire from the rim
  • Wedge the curved end of the tire lever between the rim and tire, running the lever around the tire until it is separated from the rim
  • Pull the tube out from under the tire

3. Replace the tube:

  • Pump a little air in the tube
  • Place the valve steam of the tube through the hole in the rim
  • Work tube all the way around into the tire to ensure that none of the tube sticks out between the tire and the rim
  • Starting at the valve steam use your thumbs to move the tire up into the rim until the tire is evenly seated on the rim

4. Put the wheel back on:

  • Making sure the wheel is between the top and bottom portion of the chain slip the wheel hub into the bike dropout
  • Spin the quick release clockwise while holding both sides to tighten the wheel
  • Fold the lever towards to frame

5. Pump up the tire:

  • Unscrew the valve
  • Lock pump onto the valve stream
  • Match the tire pressure to the other tire

6. Reconnect brake:

  • Hold down the brake cable lever (skip this step if you have disc brakes)

Interested in seeing this process to get a better understanding of fixing a flat? Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/user/specialized411#p/c/F743802EEFDFCA3F/0/uRfrVtYzpUQ

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Tubeless Tires

Posted on February 21, 2011 by admin

When Specialized was founded the first product category the business focused on was tires. Since the company’s start in 1974, Specialized has continued to be a market leader in tire technology and innovations. Specialized is so confident in the excellence of their tires that EVERY tire is guaranteed to meet your expectations or you can return it!

Specialized features tubeless tires in many tire styles, providing riders with the benefit of rarely experiencing a blowout. In addition, tubeless tires add significantly less weight to your bike.

The Turbo Tubeless is designed for road riding. Eliminating tubes in road tires allows the tires to roll on less air pressure, which ultimately results in a more compliant ride.

The 2Bliss Ready is the mountain bike version of tubeless tires. Less tire pressure on a mountain bike allows for more contact between the ground and tread for greater traction.

Check out Specialized tubeless tires at your local BikeSource or online at: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqSCLander.jsp?scid=1008&menuItemId=16151.

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Dress for Success: Body Geometry Apparel

Posted on February 21, 2011 by admin

Specialized Body Geometry technology uses state-of-the-art pressure mapping to ensure maximum comfort and mobility in all apparel. Padding variations match foam location, density and shape to ride length and terrain, allowing you to find the best comfort for your ride.

The PRO RBX provides thicker perforated padding so the foam molds to body shape in long distance riding. For shorter and more aggressive riding, the PRO SL has more flexible padding made of antibacterial fibers to absorb excessive sweating. The most versatile option is the Comp, which is breathable and stretchy for all over comfort no matter riding distance.

In addition to pressure relief, Body Geometry apparel is made of solar UPF 50 fabric. Overlapping fabric construction provides up to 2-3 times more sun protection than normal fabrics. UPF fabrics also provide moisture-managing control for extra comfort in warm riding conditions.

Check out Body Geometry apparel BikeSource or online at: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqSCLander.jsp?scid=1007&menuItemId=16150.

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