Scratch the grimy surface of any bike shop employee and you are bound to find a gear junkie. We love stuff that makes our bikes faster and lighter. Whether you are just getting started or have been riding for years, equipment upgrades pump up the enjoyment and are a great incentive for reaching your goals. Below, you will find some common upgrades that are guaranteed to make your bicycle perform better.
If you are not quite ready to retire your current bicycle, a new wheelset may be your best performance upgrade. We carry Bontrager, Shimano, Mavic and Easton wheelsets for Road and Off-Road bikes. High performance wheels decrease rotating weight and increase efficiency and are a great way to upgrade the acceleration and braking of an entry-level bicycle.
New Off-Road wheel designs are typically Tubeless compatible. A tubeless system allows the rider to have more grip by using a lower air pressure. With the tire conforming to the trail, the rider finds it easier to maintain control in technical situations.
High end wheelsets for road bikes are typically lighter and more aerodynamic. Bontrager wheelsets feature a paired spoke design with DT/Swiss hubs and locking alloy nipples. Bontrager wheelsets have been used to win the Tour De France, the Giro D'Italia, the Vuelta a Espana the Tour of Georgia and the Tour of California. Shimano wheelsets are recommended for their precision ground races and long term durability, and the new Dura-ace wheels are actually compatible with Hutchison's Tubeless road tire. Mavic's cutting edge Ksyrium wheelsets began the high-end wheel craze by offering great durability in a super light weight package with Rock Star looks. We offer free installation on wheelset purchases. We mount the tires, install the cassette and adjust shifting at no extra charge.
When your cycling becomes serious, clipless pedals will be on your shopping list. If you’ve been riding on standard pedals with tennis shoes, you are in for a surprise. Shoe/Pedal systems will increase your power output more than any upgrade. Consider that the pedal always travels in a perfect circle while your leg more closely resembles a piston. Because of this difference, most riders only create significant power when pushing down on the pedals. By attaching the shoes to the pedals you can train your legs to create power throughout the stroke. Spinning the pedals in CIRCLES and spinning them QUICKLY allowed Lance to go from cancer survivor to seven time tour winner and it will increase your power and speed too. We offer pedals from Shimano and Speedplay in both road and mountain bike to meet the unique needs of each rider. Also, when you purchase shoe and pedal systems from us, we take the time to install your pedals and set up your cleats so that you enjoy the benefits.
Most new bikes are equipped with a saddle that meets the needs of the average rider. Of course that leaves many people with a desire for something more. We offer saddles that are wide, narrow, soft or firm. If you are unhappy with your current situation, our 30 Day Comfort Guarantee allows you try our saddles at no risk. Our most popular saddle is the Serfas RX. It features a flat top Gel base with a large cut out that is designed to eliminate pressure. We also carry Terry saddles for men and women who are looking for more comfort. Bontrager's new saddles were developed using body mapping technology and come in three widths to fit differ pelvic anatomy.
An easy upgrade for comfort and performance, we offer Bontrager and
Easton
components. The trend in this area is moving toward the use of carbon fiber. The
unique damping properties of carbon prevent much of the vibration of the road or
trail from reaching the rider. This helps lessen upper body fatigue
that is common on long rides. Carbon fiber handlebars are particularly effective
upgrade for mountain and road bikes as they damp vibration before it reaches
your hands.
Mountain bike tires are available to satisfy every need. Whether your riding takes place on city streets or rock ledges, we've got a tire for you. Street tires will greatly increase speed by decreasing rolling resistance on pavement. If you ride a significant amount of street, consider investing in a pair. Prices are reasonable and they last forever. We have off-road tires that are designed to excel in a variety of conditions. If you need an ultra-fast racing tire for the Bump and Grind or a Phat Freeride tire for Hurricane Creek Park we got you covered with tires from Bontrager, WTB, IRC and Hutchinson.
Road bike tires are also available for a variety of conditions and needs. If flat prevention is your primary need, Bontrager Hardcase tires feature kevlar belts to reduce punctures; anti-pinch ribs to eliminate pinch flats and specially designed sidewalls to reduce cuts. Michelin tires use a high energy silica rubber mix that produces tires with low rolling resistance. Extra supple casing materials create a smoother ride without compromising road feel. They are the tire of choice for no-compromise performance. The latest generation of Continental tires feature the new Black Chili compound, a cutting edge mixture of polymers and carbon fillers made up of the smallest particles ever created for tire production. Black Chili tires roll faster, grip better and last longer, we highly recommend them.
Studies show that dehydration increases a cyclist's heart rate and decreases power output so starting out hydrated and staying hydrated is critical if you want to do your best. Long distance road cyclists are starting to realize what mountain bikers have known for a long time, that hydration backpacks are a great way to ensure adequate water intake on long rides. Backpacks offer a good way to carry water and also allow other gear to be stored in their pockets. Clothing , cameras and even lunch can be taken along . We carry hydration backpacks from Camelbak and Dakine.
Bike Lights are a great way to improve your safety even when riding during the day. New light systems rely on LED's which provide good illumination and excellent battery life in a very lightweight package.
It's easy to track your progress with the latest generation of bike computers. Basic computers measure speed, distance and time, which is great, but GPS technology is now available with color screens that allow you to track your position in real time and store your rides for downloading to your computer later.
