Bur Oak Wed. Night Race Series

We're less than a month away from the beginning of another Wednesday Night Bur Oak Mountain Bike Race Series!  To keep things fresh the format is a bit different this year, featuring mass start cross country races, an individual and a team time trial, a relay, and a pursuit race.  Cool.

After the jump you can check out the whole series schedule, or take a look at the complete MCA 2012 race calendar here (Wed. Night Series details are not yet listed on the MCA calendar).

Draw prizes at each Series race, and onsite registration only.  Thanks to our friend at OCC, AlterEgo, and Element B for putting on the Series.

MB Randonneurs 2012 Brevet Schedule

Every year the Manitoba Randonneurs put together a number of rides with progressively longer distances to challenge the long-distance roadie in you.  The rides are self supported but with a well laid out route map.  They start in early May and bring you through to the end of July.

Fore more info click here or email or call Brain Leier at beleier@hotmail.ca or 204.294.2342.

Shimano Di (electric) shifting is in the house

Check it out!...our first in stock Shimano Di "electric" shift bike. Before we get flooded with emails and calls for the new electric bike we should say quickly that just the shifting is electric. You still pedal the bike solely with your legs. If you want to take a break from pedals we can recommend a few good motorcycle shops. They're fun too.

At any rate, the pic above is a close up of the Cannondale SuperSix Ultegta Di 2. At $4950 it ain't cheep, but it is cutting edge. As billed in all the media coverage the electric shifting is crisp and effortless.

If you want the latest, this is it. Come and check it out anytime.

One more Peg City Trials Video

Liam's had a few days of cinematic inspiration and put together another trials video from some footage that's been sitting around for a bit.  This one features a cameo from globetrotting and sometime bike mechanic Luc on a decidedly non-trials bike.

Canadian Cycling Buyers Guide

The Canadian Cycling Magazine Bike Buyer's Guide is in! Pick one up today and read all about your next bike. Or just skip the magazine rack and buy the bike. Either way it's all good.

Used Bike Update

Time for another used bike update. Check out the Niner Air 9 pictured above. The frame is actually brand new and most of the parts are just a year old or less. And speaking of the parts, they're all top notch...including a Reba shock, Juicy Ultimate discs, FSA K Force Light crank, Thomson post and stem, and much more. At $2850 this bike is one of the best deals we've ever had in our used section. It's an XL so if you're at least 6 feet or taller this could be the deal of the year for you.

Here's a list of our other used bikes at the time of this posting:

Trek 9.9, $1500
Karate Monkey, $800
Marin Lucas Valley, $600
Redline d660, $2000
Trek 2300, $690
Marin Team Titanium, $2000
Devinci Apex, $750
Focus Black Raider, $1800
CCM Élan, $150
Trek Carbon EX, $2800
Giant Two x One, $599
Giant ATX 780, $350
Raleigh 3 speed, $150
Oryx Equipe, $250

Another Peg City Trials Video

Another video featuring our mechanics Liam and Adrian A. doing what they do:

Iditarod Invitational 2012 - Lindsay's Account

To read Lindsay's official account of the Iditarod Invitational 2012 click here or if you can't access Googledocs you can read the account by clicking 'read more' further below. 

Lindsay graciously forwarded this account to us with many pictures included, but due to formatting issues the pics had to be removed from the post.  Hopefully we'll put the pictures back up as we resolve the issues.  For now, enjoy the story!

Many of our customers have been following the recent adventure of our shop founder Lindsay Gauld. To read our live updates (now archived) click here to filter our posts according to Events (a few of the recent events posts aren't related to Lindsay, but most are so just click and scroll down to find what you're looking for).

Giant XTC 29er 2

We fell in love with the XTC line of Giant mountain bikes a long time ago - the good folks from Giant have been tweaking the XTC line-up for years and it just keeps getting better.

With 29ers really taking off in the last few years the XTC added some bigger hoops to the line up and there are now a few large diameter models to choose from including the XTC 29er 2 pictured here. It's essentially an entry level 29er racing bike, with some Alivio bits (and Deore rear derailleur) to keep the cost down.  It has a 100mm travel Marzocchi fork and Avid Elixir 1's to stop you.

Frankly, it's just a good, solid 29er that can be ridden or raced without compromise and can be had for a very reasonable $1410.  The local trails are drying up fast, so get ready now!

Argus invites you

This picture just had to be shared. If you're lucky Argus the shop dog will be around during your next visit. He's a friendly mutt that's happy to welcome anyone to the shop with a smile before he lies down in the sun again. 

We snapped this random picture yesterday and think it captures his personality perfectly. He can't wait to see you!

Giant Via 1

Okay, it feels a little cold outside as we post this but that's just because we were spoiled over the last week. The truth is cruising weather is here a month early so we're trying to get our cruis'n bikes built as fast as we can, including this bike from Giant.

With a 3 speed internally geared hub, white rims, full white chain guard, custom white basket, gorgeous frame finish, and a few other nice touches this is a great cruiser for $580.

Come and check it out and get some good riding in early!

Used Bike Update

Time for another uses bike update. Featured above is a used Giant ATX 780. It's old school welded steel with a cool lightening blue crackle paint job with matching stem. It's a larger size (to fit guys or gals starting around 6 feet or so). Canti brakes and a mix of components from Acera to XT complete this old school but in remarkably good shape bike currently on sale for just $350. 

Here's a list of our other current used stock:

Trek 9.9, $1500
Karate Monkey, $800
Redline D660, $2000
Trek 2300, $690
Marin Team Titanium, $2000
Focus Black Raider, $1800
CCM Élan, $150
Niner Air 9, $3000
Trek Carbon EX, $2800
Giant Two x One, $599
Surly LHT, $1000
Raleigh 3 speed, $150
Devinci Apex, $750

UCI Cross Country Racing Live on Red Bull TV!

For those who don't know, Red Bull TV is streaming live all UCI World Cup Cross County Mountain bike events in 2012 on www.redbull.tv, starting today, March 17th!  Just though you should know.

Spring Tune-Ups

Well believe it or not it's already that time of year...the time for spring tune-ups.  We're suddenly booking up fast so if you'd like us to slot you in for a bike tune-up call us at 888-4586 today and we'll get you on the schedule.

Our excellent mechanics can usually turn your bike around in a day, and no matter the issue with your bike trust us, they've seen worse before.  Maybe you just need a regular full tune up for $60, or maybe you need a complete overall, or maybe you just need some new brake pads, some cable adjustments, a replaced bottom bracket, or any number of things we can do for you a la carte.

For a full rates list and a service description check out our rates page here.

Whatever your needs give us a should and we'll take care of it, but don't wait...it's only going to get busier.

Marin Hidden Canyon kid's bike

Now that spring has hit (we can't believe we're saying that mid-March) if your kids haven't asked for a new bike yet they will soon. Fear not, we have them in stock, including this Hidden Canyon which is on sale for $340 (reg price $380). 

You can check these and many other kids choices anytime - we're open 10-9 weekdays and 10-6 on Saturday. We'll be open on Sundays from 1-5 for a bit longer, then we're closed on Sundays over the summer.

Batavus Fryslan

We like talking about, posting about, and most importantly riding high performance racing bikes, but not exclusively. Sometimes it's nice to just kick back and cruise around, and that's exactly where the Batavus Fryslan comes in - it cruises around in unequaled fashion. 

With unique features like an internally geared 5 speed hub, full pin-striped chain guard, integrated wheel lock, drum brakes, brazed on pump peg and matching frame pump, and old school look headlamp that uses new school LED this bike is a real head turner. 

What could be better? How about a really early spring and a sale price? The Fryslan regular price is $1050, but it's on sale for just $850. We can't take credit for the nice weather, but enjoy it just the same!

This bike deserves a few close ups, so check them out after the jump:

Used Bike Update

We happen to have one of our very favourite touring bikes, the Surly Long Haul Trucker, in our used section, selling for just $1000. It's spec'd with LX bits and down tube shifters for long haul reliability. It also comes with a good set of fenders, which are pretty darn appropriate for this time of year. It's a larger frame size. 

Check out the rest of our used bike stock at the time of posting below:

Trek 9.9, $1500
Karate Monkey, $800
Redline D660, $2000
Giant Sedona, $275
Trek 2300, $690
Marin Team Titanium, $2000
Focus Black Forrest, $1800
CCM Élan, $150
Niner Air Nine (new frame), $3000
Trek EX, $2800
Giant XTC $599
Raleigh 3 speed, $150
Giant ATX 780, $350

Niner E.M.D. X.7

The Niner E.M.D. X.7 is one great looking bike, and the ride is even better. In recent years most bike manufacturers have hopped on board the 29er train (we'd say bandwagon but that sounds negative) and with mostly good results, but Niner committed to 29ers, as their name implies, straight away and have been at the top of the game ever since. 

Their E.M.D. is their least expensive aluminum frame option but don't let that fool you because the hydroformed frame rides like a champion. The geometry and ride characteristics are very similar to its more expensive scandium Air Nine cousin but the less expensive frame allows the complete X.7 build come in under $3K, at $2950. 

The bike has the same attention to detail as its more expensive counterpart like a nicely cut stainless steel head badge, gorgeous welds, and a sexy flat black paint job. 

If you're looking for a top notch racing bike at a mid-price point with a real boutique pedigree you need to check this out. Spring, and racing season, is coming!

Our grease monkeys playin in the trees

Liam and Adrian, our two full time shop mechanics, like playing on their bikes as much as they like working on them, or maybe it's the other way around.  Regardless, here's a brief video that Liam put together of the two having a little fun...

Lindsay Gauld Free Press Article

There's a good article in the Winnipeg Free Press on Lindsay's recent adventure and his current physical state here (but for the record we had the accompanying picture posted here first).

For more on what we're talking about click on the "Events" link on the left column of this page to sort our posts and read our most recent accounts of Lindsay's adventure.

Used Bike Update

Time for a used bike update:

Check out the really nice used 20" Karate Monkey for sale for just $800. It's set up as a single speed (but is easily converted to a geared bike) with a really nice old school XT crankset in the front, it has a disc brake up front and a flip flop hub with linear brake in the rear, and it has a nice, swept back bar, but maybe most significantly of all (if almost purely aesthetic) it has a nice, new custom paint job in a gorgeous robin's egg blue that's very similar to the current Cross Check colour. 

It's been ridden with love by one of our close associates and OCC members and is ready to treat someone else as well as it's treated him.

As with all our used bikes when it's gone it's gone. Look below for our other used bike specials available at the time of this posting:

Trek 9.9, $1500
Redline d660, $2000
Giant Sedona, $275
Trek 2300, $690
Focus Black Raider, $1800
CCM Élan, $150
Niner Air 9, $3000
Trek carbon EX, $2800
Giant ATX, $350
Surly LHT, $1000
Raleigh 3 speed, $150
Giant XTC Two x One, $599

Black Forrest 1.0

The new for 2012 Focus Black Forrest 1.0 29er is a great racing bike at a slightly more recreational price.  It's spec'd out with a Shimano XT 2x10 drivetrain to provide great performance and weight savings a half the cost of the one-step-up XTR.  The Magura brakes do a good job of stopping the bike when the terrain prevents you from going fast (because the rest of the bike isn't going to hold you back) and the Fox fork has all the requisite adjustments in a lightweight cross country package.

Aesthetically there are  many thoughtful touches like reed highlights that include cable housing and grip ends to tie in with the frame's paint job.  All in all this bike affirms the German stereotype of attention to detail, and if you're looking for a bike brand that's just a little different than most of what's out there on the trails you'd do well with the German Focus. At $2500 this bike compares very favourably with similar cross country racing bikes that easily cost $500 more.

A post event report from Lindsay's wife (updated w. pic)

Update: Lindsay is in the hospital in Anchorage where he was kept overnight.

I just got off the phone with Lindsay.  As I suspected, he is suffering from frostbite and it is not "minor frostbite". It is a little more severe. He lives with minor frostbite. 

(What are we talking about? Click on the Events link on the left hand column of this page to view recent posts about Lindsay's adventure).

His nose is black. His cheeks were so swollen his vision was impaired. He had no feeling in his hands and could not get any of his packs open to remove clothing or food from his pack.

So..... common sense prevailed and he withdrew. He is being flown out from Rhon and then on to Anchorage. He has had some medical attention, but will get some more once he is in a larger settlement.

He was disappointed not to be able to continue but realizes it would not be wise.

So, for the time being, he is chatting away with the folks at the checkpoint and waiting for the plane.

To complete the picture, Lindsay can't get his boots on and is in his down booties with stuff sacks over top.

More to come...

Lindsay's Iditarod Adventure comes to an end

Well it looks like Lindsay's Iditarod adventure has come to an end - info on the official site now lists him as DNF'ing, just as more than half the race did before him.  In the end he was on course for about as long as he would have anticipated being out there to finish the whole event, but due to possibly the worst conditions they'd ever seen it would have taken Lindsay about twice as long to finish the even as anticipated.

What are we talking about?  Click on the Events link on the left hand column of this page to read recent posts about Lindsay's latest adventure.

We're sure we'll here about the adventure in detail from Lindsay himself before long, and though he's a humble guy we can all agree that what he got thru this year was more than many have gone through to complete the event in previous years.

More to come...

Latest report from Lindsay...

Lindsay's wife just passed on to us the latest from her husband, as follows. What are we talking about? Click on the Events link in the left hand column of this page to see other recent updates about Lindsay and his exploits.

He called at 11:00 pm. Much to his surprise, he figured out how make the sat. phone work. I don't think we can say this is a mastered skill right now, but let's hope he can do it at least once more.

Although you could hear the fatigue in his voice, the excitement was there too. Right now he is with a group of 5 others resting and refueling at the cabin at Rainy Pass Lodge. They had been there since about 3:00 in the afternoon. I took it as a good sign that they were being sensible about getting some sleep and food. The cabin is about at the half way point of the journey distance wise, but not effort wise. They were readying themselves to climb Rainy Pass. Their plan was to head out in a short while for the stretch to the tent at Rohn. Once again he stated it was like nothing that anyone could ever have expected; lots of pushing the bike through the snow and minimal riding. One of their group who had ridden the event before assured them they would eventually come to a stretch where they could ride! Hope springs eternal.

Other bits of significant information:

- they really appreciated eating the food the people who had withdrawn had left in their drops bags (apparently that's understood)

- they are hoping the dogs don't catch up......

- he's pretty sure he won't make his flight connections home

- the group he is with are all really nice guys

Lindsay still making progress (updated)

Update: Lynne just emailed to say that Lindsay phoned her last night around 11pm from a cabin at Rainy Pass Lodge where he had been since about 3pm resting up for the next leg.  He's well, safe, and in good spirits. 

Don't get to excited - Lindsay doesn't look as fresh in the middle of his epic adventure as this pic might indicate.  It was forwarded to us by his wife, Lynne, but as she points out it was likely taken during the pre-race meal.  None the less Lindsay appears to continue to progress well and at the very least is still a part of the 50% or so of competitors who has not yet scratched.

Actually, his pace has picked up quite a bit.  This may be due literally moving faster on the trails and/or doing a good job of sleep management. Either way, it's beyond impressive that he's still going.

For more info you can visit the leaders board here, or the Iditarod Trail Invitational Facebook page, or click on the OCC link on the top right column of this page to read additional updates from the Olympia Cycling Club gang.

What the heck are we talking about?  Click on the Events link to filter our posts and view are latest invents posts which will get you up to speed on Lindsay's latest adventure.

Lindsay's still in, many others are out.

Lindsay's wife Lynne just forwarded us this news article (it can also be found on the Iditabike Facebook page) which really showcases this year's extremeness of an already extreme event.

Lindsay is still plodding along and at last report is in good spirits despite the conditions.  With an almost even split between those still in the race and those who have scratched at this point, including some veterans and race favourites, we think it's safe to say that Lindsay has already risen above the challenge and earned an immeasurable amount of respect no matter what happens hereafter, but we wish him Godspeed thru to the end.

What the heck are we talking about?  Read about recent posts on Lindsay's adventure by clicking on the events section of this site.