• Know the law: In Seattle it is required that every rider have a front light that can be seen from a distance of at least five hundred feet in addition to a rear reflector. Many cities and states have their own laws about bike lights, so make sure to know the law in your area.
• Storing lithium-ion rechargeable batteries: If the lighting sustem is not going to be used for several months, there are a couple simple steps you should take to properly store the battery. First, you should charge the battery to approximately 50 percent, then the battery should be charged after every six to eight weeks in storage. Lastly, the headlamp should never be plugged into the battery when storing, as this increases the battery discharge rate and could also result in it accidentally being turned on. Following these simple steps will increase the longevity of the battery pack.

Rechargeable vs. Disposable

Rechargeable lights offer the latest technology and several advantages

• More Lumens: rechargeable lights will offer more lumens (light output), with some models offering upwards of 3,000 lumens. This level of light output is similar to what automobiles offer.
• Batteries: Using rechargeable batteries lessens the impact on the environment. A properly used rechargeable battery pack can last years, versus all the disposable alkaline batteries that end up in landfills.
• Serviceable: Most rechargeable lights can be serviced by the manufacturer should the need arise

Given this information, disposable battery-operated bike lights still may be the right fit for some customers.

• Cost: A disposable-battery bike light can cost less than $15
• Ease of use: Typically these lights feature a flash and constant mode, without additional modes. This makes them easy to use.
• Size/Weight: The weight of these bike lights is usually much less than their rechargeable counterparts.

Published in: Urban

1. Avoid Overdoing it

Overinflated tires are as much to blame for pinch flats as underinflated ones. Know your psi. An overtightened bolt can cause small parts to break under pressure and bigger ones to form stress risers. Get a torque wrench. Overlubing gunks up your drivetrain and attracts dirt and dust. Wipe off excess with a clean, dry rag.

2. Work on your bike in this order

Wash, rinse, dry, lube, adjust, wax. "You can't properly adjust a bicycle that is dirty and not lubricated," says Karl Frisch, chief mechanic for Team Tibco/To The Top.

3. Watch for signs of Wear

4. Make this easy upgrade

Treat your bar to new tape for a better grip and a showroom look. Tip: If your hands roll to the outside in the drops, wrap in that direction (that's clockwise on the right, counterclockwise on the left). Always wrap the flat section toward the saddle.

5. Avoid checking bolts before every ride

Every time you do, you tighten them slightly. By year's end you could end up turning a bolt one full rotation. Torque them right the first time.

6. Get down to the nitty-gritty

Like gravel on a skinned knee, grit will infect your bike. Here's where it hides: in brake pads, between tubes and tires, in cleats and pedals.

Published in: Bike Maintenance

So what does it all weigh?

Keep in mind these weights include all parts- from shifters to derailleurs, cranks to brakes- and everything else one might need, including a chain, battery and wiring connectors (if applicable). The weights for Shimano's four priciest groups (supplied by Shimano) are as follows:

• Dura-Ace Di2: 2,219 grams
• Ultegra Di2: 2, 482 grams
• Dura-Ace (mechanical): 2,149 grams
• Ultegra (mechanical): 2,402 grams

What about the gearing?

Shimano designed the Ultegra Di2 fron derailleur to work specifically with the Ultegra 6700 cranksets, both standard (53/39) and compact (50/34) varieties, but it will still work fine on equivalent offerings from other manufacturers. Since the Ultegra Di2 will only accommodate two chainrings, fans of triple cranksets are still out of luck as they were with the Dura-Ace Di2. Ultegra Di2's rear derailleur will accommodate up to a 28-tooth cog.

Just like the Dura-Ace Di2, Ultegra Di2 has absolutely no limits for 'pre-shifting.' While coasting and not pedaling, you're free to shift gears to your heart's content, even all the way across your rear cassette, and the rear derailleur will engage the gear change once you start pedaling again. At the same time, the front derailleur will utilize its 'auto trim' feature and angle itself as necessary so that when the gear change occurs, your chain line will be as optimal as possible.

How long will the battery last?

The Ultegra Di2 system uses the same battery as the Dura-Ace Di2. It takes 90 minutes to achieve a complete charge, and Shimano guarentees the battery will be good for at least 500 full recharges during its lifespan. As to how long the battery will run between charges, that largely depends on your shifting frequency and riding conditions (extremely cold weather will drain the battery faster than hot-weather conditions under similar shifting frequency). Shimano is hesitant to lock in specific time frames for battery run-time, but our experience indicates that you'll go anywhere from three to six months between full charges. But, we'd recommend popping your battery into its charger every few weeks, however, just as you would recharge your cycling computer, GPS unit or cell phone.

So how do we think it works?

The biggest difference between Shimano's mechanical shifters and the electronic versions is that both the shifter and brake levers remain stationary when making a shift. The push-button shifters found on the outside face of each lever redefine the concept of 'light action.' The bottom line is that no matter the gear selection and no matter the load on the pedals, the battery-assist shift will happen at any place and any time.

Those who test rode the Ultegra Di2 at Shimano's launch in Aigle fell into one of two camps: those who had previously ridden the Dura-Ace Di2, and those who had not. Those with absolutely zero Di2 experience were quick to rave about the Ultegra Di2's smooth, consistent shifting, as well as the front derailleur's auto-trim feature, which virtually eliminates chain rub. The first-timers' experience with the Ultegra Di2 was a revalation, akin to what the second camp's initial impressions were of the Dura-Ace Di2. For those with the good fortune to have ridden Shimano's first electronic drivetrain beforehand, the impressions were positive on the whole, with particular enthusiasm due to a high performance-to-price ratio.

Indeed, riding with the Ultegra Di2 feels just like riding with the Dura-Ace Di2. Although Shimano says the shifts are just as quick between the Ultegra and Dura-Ace, we did detect the shift feeling a mere millisecond slower. Most importantly, the shifting is just as consistent, and we experienced no troubles during our two days of test riding. Like the Dura-Ace Di2, the Ultegra Di2's most impressive attribute is its front derailleur, which makes its shifts under load without the fear of dropping a chain or causing any sort of calamity. As is the case with Dura-Ace Di2, sequential shifts are still the order of the day, so you can't jump gears. But because the shift buttons equate to clicking bottons on your computer mouse, you can still shift multiple gears in rapid succession with minimal effort.

Yeah, but what does it cost?

A set of Ultegra Di2 electronic components will run you $1,600 in retail, which includes derailleurs, shifters, battery, wires and connectors, but doesn't account for mechanical items like cranks and brakes. By comparrison, the 2012 Dura-Ace Di2 electronic parts selection should retail for around $2,500. Projected prices for complete 2012 bikes outfitted with the Dura-Ace Di2 range from $7,000 to well over $10,000. Ultegra Di2 equipped bikes should sell for around $4,000-$6,000, which will be just about what a mechanical Dura-Ace equivalent bike will cost.

Published in: Product Reviews

Four Common Bicycling Myths

• Myth #1: "Bicyclists should ride facing traffic": This myth causes about 25% of car/bike crashes. At intersections, few drivers look for traffic coming the wrong way. Ride where folks expect you!
• Myth #2: "A child need a bike to grow into": Wrong. On a big bike, kids wobble and weave down the road. They won't be able to react quickly in an emergency. Your child should be able to stand over his or her bike with both feet flat on the ground.
• Myth #3: "My child needs a 21-speed mountain bike": Probably not. Leave the fancy bike for later. Few young kids can work standard-sized hand brakes or confusing shifters while steering and pedaling. Ask 10-year-olds how they stop a high tech bike: "I drag my feet." "I don't stop." "I run into something." For your child's first bike, choose a sturdy one-speed with a coaster brake.
• Myth #4: "Our neighborhood is quiet, so we don't have to worry": Many bike crashes involving children happen on quiet two-lane residential streets with 25 mph speed limits - largely because that's where kids bicycle. Sound like your street? We often forget safety in familiar surroundings, and that can lead to trouble.

Three Common Bike/Car Crashes

• Crash Type #1: The driveway ride out: A child rides out of the driveway and is hit by a car. This scenario accounts for about 8% of all car/bike crashes and it gets kids early: the average is less than 10. What you can do: If bushes or trees block the view, trim them back. And teach your child these safety rules: 1. Stop before entering the street 2. If parked cars block the view, edge out to see beyond them 3. Look left, right, and left again for cars 4. See any? Wait until it's clear 5. No cars? Cross with care
• Crash Type #2: Running a stop sign: One car/bike crash in ten involves a bicyclist running a stop sign. The average age is about 11. Tip: If you "roll" stop signs, your child will learn your bad habit. What you can do: Teach your child that running stop signs could lead to a bad crash. Take him or her to a stop sign near your home. Emphasize the following: 1. Stop at all stop signs 2. Look left, right, left for cars 3. See any? Wait until it's clear 4. No cars? Cross with care 5. And never run a stop sign even if a friend just did so
• Crash Type #3: The "no look" left turn: In 10% of crashes, bicyclists turned left without looking back for traffic. If they had looked, they would have seen the cars coming and likely waited until it was clear. What you can do: Teach your child to walk across busy streets. Period. For residential streets, a 9- or even 10-year-old can be taught to make safe turns: 1. Look back 2. Yield to traffic coming from behind 3. Yield to traffic in front or to the side 4. Signal before moving or turning left 5. Confused or worried? Pull to the curb and walk your bike in the crosswalk

Published in: General

Cateye EL-135 White Body Headlight

• Reg. $25.00
  Sale: $15.99
  

Mars Click Front or Rear Light

• Reg. $12.99
  Sale: $11.50
  

Fiatlux USB Rechargeable Front or Rear Light

• Reg. $25.00
  Sale: $22.00
  

Cateye Combo Light Set

• Reg. $35.00
  Sale: $26.00
  

Gloves

Giro Proof Waterproof Gloves

• Reg. $60.00
  Sale: $39.99
  

All regular priced Pearl Izumi and Giro gloves in stock 10% OFF

Saddles

Brooks B-17 Leather Saddles

• Reg. $100.00
  Sale: $85.00

All other Brooks saddles in stock 10% OFF

Jackets/Vests

All jackets and vests in stock 10% OFF. Brands include Pearl Izumi, Endura Gridlock Waterproof Jackets, Bellwether

Cycle Computers

Cateye Strata Wired Computer

• Reg. $39.99
  Sale: $29.99

All regular priced computers in stock 10% OFF

Messenger Bags

Chrome Citizen Bags (in stock colors only)

• Reg. $140.00
  Sale: $130.00

All Timbuk2 messenger bags in stock 10% OFF

Cold Weather Gear

All hats, leg warmers, arm warmers in stock 10% OFF. Brands include Endura, Bellwether, and Pearl Izumi

Tools

XLC Multi Tool 10 Function Set (#143546)

• Reg. $11.99
  Sale: $9.99

Gift Certificates

Holiday sale ends 12/31/11

Published in: General

Get excited because the 2012 Cascade events are scheduled to roll! We know the registration process was challenging in January, and we do not want to repeat that experience. In order to offer smooth service to event riders, we've made some improvements to the even registration process for 2012 season.
First, registration for the 2012 regional tours, RSVP1 and RSVP2 will be handled by a lottery system. The lottery will remain open for application several weeks as indicated on the schedule below. You can enter the lottery at any time until it closes, and there is no advantage to registering on the first day. Lottery draws will be random.
Second, registration dates will be staggered. We believe that the following schedule will provide a better online registration experience for all event riders.
Note: We expect RSVP1, RSVP2 and the regional tours to sell-out during the lottery. In order to participate in the lottery and advance registration dates, your Cascade membership must be current. Renew online at Cascade.org.

Key Dates for 2012:

• Tuesday, 01/10/12 - Members-only registration opens for Chilly Hilly, Flying Wheels, STP, and RAW opens
• Wednesday, 01/11/12 - Members-only lottery for RSVP1 and RSVP2 opens
• Wednesday, 01/25/12 - Members-only lottery for regional tours opens, with one lottery per tour
• Friday, 01/27/12 - RSVP1 and RSVP2 lotteries close. Registration process details will be sent with notification of lottery draw.
• Tuesday, 02/07/12 - RSVP1 and RSVP2 registration for lottery winners opens. Public registration for Chilly Hilly, Flying Wheels, STP, and RAW opens.
• Friday, 02/12/12 - Regional tours lotteries close. Registration process details will be sent with notification of lottery draw.
• Tuesday, 03/27/12 - Registration for High Pass Challenge and Kitsap Color Classic opens.

Published in: General

Published in: General

• Sempre Nero SRAM Red Limited Edition: high end, race-ready, critically acclaimed B4P carbon race frame receives a special matte black with celeste paint treatment, SRAM Red and Vision carbon wheels.
• Sempre Ultegra Di2: high end, race-ready, critically acclaimed B4P carbon race frame receives a special matte black with celeste paint treatment, Shimano's all-new electronic Ultegra groupset paired with FSA Energy BB30 compact crankset and Fulcrum 5 wheels.
• Impulso Ultegra: all-new, triple hydroformed technology, triple-butted aluminum frame with welds so clean it looks like a carbon fiber frameset. 100 grams lighter than the Via Nirone, this model features Shimano Ultegra and bridges the gap between our aluminum C2C and performance carbon models.
• Pista Sei Giorni: aluminum pista frameset with drop handlebar and stunning white and celeste paint scheme. Track-ready version of highly popular Pista Dalmine.
• Camaleonte Tre (III): up-spec'd version of popular Camaleonte Due featuring Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and full 9-speed Deore drivetrain in white with celeste graphics.
• Metropoli Due (II): all new, hydroformed aluminum frame with more upright ride position and greater standover clearance than Camaleonte. Sleek metropolitan styling on a practical bike equally adept on city streets and suburban bike paths. Features hydrolic disc brakes, rear rack, and fenders with Alivio 24-speed drivetrain.
• Metropoli Uno (I) and Metropoli Uno (I) Dama: all new Metropoli frameset. Features v-brakes, rear rack, and fenders with Acera 21-speed drivetrain in both men's and lady's step-through versions.
• Via Veneto: all new, single-speed Turismo model based off Iseo platform provides stylish, comfortable, and practical transportation at an affordable price point. Easily accepts rack and fenders to meet specific needs of the urban or suburban rider.

Published in: Product Reviews

Published in: Employee Picks

Published in: General