Bicycle Helmet 101

Everyone should wear a helmet.

Let me rephrase that.

Everyone should wear a helmet that fits correctly, is not damaged, and less than 5 years old.


The basics are, as a helmet becomes more expensive, generally, they get lighter, have less contact to the head, and have more venting.

Bontrager Helmet Retention System

Each company has there own style of retention system to hold the helmet on your head.
They all have a strap and buckle to make sure it doesn't get knocked off your head during an impact, but most of the nicer helmets will also use a retention system to caress your noogin and fit around the back of the head to hold it in place more securely. 



 The helmet fit story also varies between companies. The shape or mold they use to design there helmets around are slightly different.

Giro Helmet Retention System

For example, if you have a round head, a Bell helmet would fit you better than a Giro helmet. Giro helmet fit you better if your head is slightly oval. To find the helmet that fits you best, you will need to try a few on. When you are doing so, make sure the straps are not twisted inside the helmet before you put it on. Once on your head, align the front of the helmet so it is parallel to the ground. Not on the back of your head pointing up.



Most cycling related impacts are frontal. Mountain bike helmets will provide more protection in the back than a road helmet due to the nature of off road cycling. Sometimes you fall backwards.

 

Back of a road (left) and mountain helmet (right). Notice the mountain helmet has more protection.

Now for venting.

We carry a Bell product, I call the Bell Crock Pot.

Bell Crock Pot

The Bell Crock Pot does its job. It straps on your head with the traditional strap & buckle system. It also has some holes on the top for steam to escape. It does not vent well. You can see from the above picture there is no light inside those holes. And if there is no light, there is no wind coming through. In the summer while wearing this bad boy, you will find out why I call it a crock pot.

Moving up the scale we carry the Bontrager Solstice. This is our #1 selling helmet.

Bontrager Solstice helmets ready to go.

These helmets step up the game with a real helmet retention system as well as the strap and buckle. All the helmets we carry from here on up also have retention systems and straps.

Bontrager Solstice vents

Now we have some light creeping through there. This helmet fits good and has some ventilation. It also comes with a snazzy visor you can remove if you desire. Leave it on to block the sun. I use glasses. My visors come off.

While we are on vents. This is one of the main reasons helmets cost more money. The more advance the venting system, the more "pulls" it takes for the mold to make them. Each direction and different shape requires another "pull" from the mold. The more advanced the mold, the more it costs to make it. Also, while helmets are being made, there is always bad ones being made, and there is a higher chance of a bad helmet being produced when there is more going on during the manufacturing. Once again making the helmet cost more money. You can see with the Bontrager Circuit, Bell Volt, and Giro Aeon, the venting systems are much better.

Bontrager Circuit has large vents. No crock pot here.

Depending how much you ride, how often you ride, and your budget usually will dictate how much to spend on your helmet. Do not buy anything that doesn't fit well. If if is uncomfortable, you won't want to wear it. Spending the extra bucks to get a better fit is worth it.

Bell Volt

Giro Aeon

The Bell Volt has quite a bit of light shining through there. The Giro Aeon an amazing helmet. Lots of venting and very little weight. These two helmets are getting up there in price. But when it comes to fit, ventilation, and styling. They are hard to beat.

All the helmet we have been talking about so far are what is called a "single impact helmet". These helmets are designed for one impact. The foam that makes them up is harder then another type of helmet called "multiple impact helmets". These are the "skater" or BMX styled helmets. While you should replace your single impact helmet after a accident or even dropping it on concrete, the multiple impact helmet is designed to take more abuse. The trade off is there is more helmet on your head. They are designed to take impacts from all around your head. They also offer some fancy styling options not found on other cycling helmets.

Bell Faction helmets are all fancy and look pretty sweet with the BMX bike paint jobs.

Bell Faction vents. Kinda. You will look cool, but be warm.

Do you have to ride a BMX bike or fixed gear to wear one of these. Nope. Can you race cross in one?

Go Speed Go!

Yup. You will look like Speed Racer. But you will be hot doing it.

Which ever helmet you like the most, you will wear the most. Just wear one.

When it comes to wearing one. The position of it on your head and the correct fit is essential.
First make sure the straps aren't all twisted up when you are putting it on your head.

Helmet strap twisted. Will not fit correctly on your head.

Helmet straps nice and flat. Will fit good.

Now that the straps are ready, put Mr. Helmet on your head. Place it so the front of the helmet is level to the ground. Not on the back of your head. Helmet retention system goes on towards the back.

No. No. and No.

The ladies of the Chicago Cross Cup take helmets very serious.

 Once it is on your head and level. You will need to tighten the retention system so the helmet is firmly on your head. It should be tight enough that when you move the helmet, your eyebrows move with it. If you don't have any eyebrows from your younger days as a pyro, use a sharpie of something else to draw them on for testing. A real pro would use a marker that matched his or her kit.

Next it is time to adjust your straps. You adjust the straps on the side of you head so that they fall under your ear.

Adjust these fellers so the straps are under your ear.

You will also be adjusting the fore and aft position of them at this time as well.

Once you have this all figured out. Time to adjust the buckle. These days helmets are held secure by the retention system. The strap under your chin does not have to be so tight you can't move your jaw. It needs to be tight enough that the strap does not come over your chin while buckled.

Chin strap. Not flapping over.

Helmets can also get old. The foam starts to age from the minute it comes out of its mold. The rule of thumb for helmet age is, that you lose about 10% of the helmets effectiveness each year it is alive. After 5 years, the helmet is half dead, and should be replaced. Otherwise the foam could be less effective and you could end up half dead. Or even all the way dead.
Helmets with damage to them like cracks or busted straps should also be replaced.
Good news is, most helmet manufactures have crash replacement prices available for their product.
If you crashed in a helmet you like, you can get it replaced for a discounted price.
Boom.

Children's helmets a go go!

 Don't forget your children need helmets too. There are many styles available for the little ones too.

Bell Fraction. Staying stylish on little heads.

Even fancy BMX helmets from Bell called the Fraction.

That is all for now. More helmet info to come. But what ever you do.

WEAR A HELMET!

And chastise those who don't. It saved my girlfriends life. I am quite glad she wears one.

Wet Train Tracks and Your Bicycle

The other day I was riding in the rain, and came across one of my least favorite obstacles while commuting:

Wet train tracks running at an angle to the street and my direction.

Even though I cross them often, when they are wet, they still deserve respect. I know quite a few people who have learned the hard way that wet tracks can bring you down with the quickness.

Here are a few of my suggestions on how to handle them.

First and foremost, if you find yourself in a situation with a rough crossing or are nervous about a busy crossing near cars. There is no shame in walking your bike. Play it safe until you build up your bike ninja skills and confidence on your wheels. The fall isn't the worst part. It's landing in a slush puddle in the winter or having the car tailgating you almost run you over.

That being said, here is how to roll over those slippery suckers.

Come at the tracks at as close to a right angle as possible. The masterpiece below shows what I am talking about. The red lines is the path of the bike.

After you have your path picked out. You need to reduce your speed to your comfort level before getting to the tracks. Be aware the area around the train tracks is also quite slippery. And the road way before them will have oil on the ground from when cars are waiting for the trains to go by. Roads with oil are most slippery with just a light bit of rain on top of them. Keep this in mind when choosing your speed and when to start braking to reduce it.

So you have your approach all ready. Now it is time to roll over them bad dogs. You want your weight distributed evenly over your bike. Meaning not all your weight on your seat. Distribute it evenly over your hands, feet, and booty. Stay loose, but maintain a fir, grip on your bars. Not a death grip, but you want to hold your bars to keep them from spinning if the tire hits something at a funny angle.

When you are crossing the tracks and the crossing matting, you can coast if it makes you feel more comfortable as you roll over to the other side.

Done and done. Easy as pie. Piece of cake.

Somethings to keep in mind are:

The rear wheel tracks on a different path then the front wheel, so give yourself space to get both wheels 90 degrees to the tracks. See below. The blue line is the rear tire.Roughly. And I do mean roughly.

If you don't have the room to achieve an angle that makes you feel safe, SLOW DOWN, and pedal over the tracks nice and easy.

Walking over them is better than falling on them.

Wear a helmet and gloves. Keep your head safe at all times. Always wear a helmet. And if you do fall, the first thing people tend to do is put their hands out. If you don't have gloves on, you may end up with a palm full of broken glass and gravel. Ouch.

Check your tires. Keep your pressure maintained and watch for excessive wear. The siping (the tread on road or hybrid tires that is cut into the tire, not knobs that come out of the tire like off-road tires) in the tread of the tire along with the rubber compounds of the tire work to help keep you upright.

Holiday Photo Caption Contest

Would you like to win a code worth $50 towards anything on our website?

If you do, head over to our Facebook page and put your best caption forward.

Get the most likes on your comment by January 4th at noon, and win the code.

Here is the link to the contest page


http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150415935727237&set=a.298867207236.154463.43751817236&type=1&theater

Get your captions ready, and go post.

Disc Brake 101 & Disc Brake Bed In Procedure

Things you should know about disc brakes.


* Do not squeeze hydraulic brake levers while

the wheel / rotor is not in the bike.

Doing so may result in having to have your

pistons inside the brake caliper reset.

This may include re-bleeding the brake

system.


* Disc brakes make some noise. There is only

a millimeter or so spacing on each side of the

brake caliper. During your ride, as the wheel

flexes the rotor will contact the brake pad

and make a zinging noise. Other noises, such

as squealing may be dirty rotors,

contaminated pads, or damaged rotors.

If you are unsure, please feel free to ask our

service department for help.


* Do not use spray lubricants on your chain.

The over spray may land on your rotors and

contaminate your brake system. Only use

isopropyl alcohol to clean your rotors.


* NOTE: While disc brakes work wonderfully

even in extreme conditions, it's still important

to keep them in tip-top shape. Different

types of discs may require specific

maintenance not covered here.


Disc brake pad & rotor bed in procedure


All new brake pads and rotors should be put through

a wear-in process called ‘bed-in’. The bed-in procedure,

which should be performed prior to your first ride,

ensures the most consistent and powerful braking

feel, along with the quietest braking in most riding

conditions. The bed-in process heats up the brake

pads and rotors, which deposits an even layer of

brake pad material (transfer layer) to the braking

surface of the rotor. It is this transfer layer that

optimizes braking performance.

Warning!

The bed-in process requires you to perform heavy

braking. You must be familiar with the power and

operation of disc brakes. Braking heavily when not

familiar with the power and operation of disc brakes

could cause you to lose control of your bicycle. This

could lead to a crash, serious injury, and even death.


If you are unfamiliar with the power and operation

of disc brakes, you should have the bed-in process

performed by a qualified bicycle mechanic.

Important!

Do not lock up the wheels at any point during the

bed-in procedure


To safely achieve optimal results, remain seated on

the bike during the entire bed-in procedure.


1. Accelerate the bicycle to a moderate speed, then

firmly apply the brakes until you are at walking

speed. Repeat approximately twenty times.


2. Accelerate the bike to a faster speed. Then very

firmly apply the brakes until you are at walking

speed. Repeat approximately ten times.



Important!
 
3. Allow the brakes to cool prior to any additional riding.

For more information on disc brakes. Check out our website.

To Embro, Or Not To Embro? That Is The Question.

Being I ride in the cold weather and race some of that cyclocross stuff I have been thinking about busting out some fine embrocations. So, being it was cold, and I was going for a ride, I decided to try out some for the first time. It was a brisk 26 degrees when we started our ride and all I had with me was my DZ Nuts InHeat High Heat Embrocation. No tights, no leg warmers, no DZ Nuts InHeat Medium or InHeat Low Heat Embrocation. And while my ride was excellent and my legs were very much happy the whole time. It did warm up to over 40 degrees and as things warmed up, so did my legs. We rode for about 2 hours, and afterwards I had nothing to clean the embro off, so on went the pants, and let me tell you. My legs were toasty. Super toasty. The shower when I got home. Hot. Legs like fire. The lesser llama would had slightly watery eyes. And for 30 minutes after the shower. Towel only, no pants. But after about 45 minutes, everything was back to normal.

Legs so warm I rolled up the knees on my knickers.

Here are some things I learned in the process.

1. Use gloves to apply the embro, and start with small amounts.
I did use gloves, but I did not use a small amount. It was a large blob, and it was too much.

2. Don't touch anything with embro but your legs. I must had wiped my nose while applying the embro cause it was cold and it was running. I know this because my nose was warm the whole ride. Warm and tingly.

3. Bring something to get the embrocation off. This stuff is made from what makes hot peppers hot, and washing it off with water does not work. Use something like dish soap. I almost tried milk during the shower. Either way, do your best to get it off before you put on pants. Trust me.

4. NEVER USE HIGH HEAT! Unless it is very, very cold, and you are riding for at least 2 hours.

DZ Nuts InHeat Embrocation. Fire it up!

We keep all 3 levels of DZ Nuts InHeat Embrocation in stock at our store. Or you can buy online through www.villagecycle.com.

No Hose? No Bucket? Dry Mud? Clean Your Bike!

As much as I preach keeping your bike and cleaning it after you use it. Sometimes you just don't have the chance and your bike ends up with dry, hard, mud all over it. After our ride at Palos Sunday found us stuck on a muddy ass trail. Our bikes were nasty. No water or rags available at the trail, and I came home to a frozen hose. Before our next muddy ride, I will have a hose cut down to 15-20 feet so I can drain it and bring it inside when it is below freezing. But for now, I have a very dirty bike.

My first step was to bring the bike to the shop.

That way, I didn't have the huge mess that is on my bike on my floor at home. I already had to wash my shoes off in the sink, so I figured, on down to Village Cycle Center on my day off to clean my bike.

 Second, I prepared my work area. Bike box on the floor with old rags to catch the large amount of bike clean it is going to take to do the nasty.

I also get all my cleaning jazz together. I use Pit Stop (until its gone, then it shall be Pedro's Green Fizz), Motorex Bike Clean, Clean Streak, Tri-Flow, ProGold ProLink, and a big ol' pile of rags.

 Knock off as much of the big chunks of mud as possible. Then it is time to start soaking down the dry mud and make it easier to remove.

Keep on spraying.
Then I wipe off the wheels. Rims, spokes, hubs and tires.

 To make cleaning the rest of the bike easier.
The wheels come off. And the dirty stuff is removed.

 Keep wiping and spraying as needed until most of the crud is gone.

 Get the big chucks out of the drive train area.

 You can remove your cable housing from the guides by using your hand to add slack to the cable system by pushing in your derailleurs. Removing the housing makes it easier to clean and allows for removal of debris that is stuck in the frame mounted cable stops.

 Don't forget the cable stops in on the back too!

 I remove some of the components to make cleaning easier as well as allow me to grease areas that need it. Pedals come of cranks, cranks are removed from bike.

More spraying, wiping, and cleaning.
Getting closer.
Once the frame is clean. Move on.

 Pile of parts awaiting cleaning. Clean them before installing them. Pedal systems also need love. Lube springs and grease axles.

 Brakes get a lot of use. And also need love. Remove brakes, clean them, and reinstall. Don't forget grease where it is needed.

 Wheels, brakes, and cranks back on.
Clean the wheels the rest of the way.

 Once I am done cleaning the wheels off. I use Clean Streak on the braking surfaces to remove any left over residue from cleaning the bike. Sometimes bike cleaners will cause contamination in your braking system. Vibration from sticky pads may result in noise. If your pads are contaminated. Sanding the braking surface can remedy them. If clean rims and clean pads do not help. You can replace the pads or toe in the brakes. Brakes that are toed in, make less noise, but have less stopping power.

 Viola! Clean bike. Ready for the next ride, or race. Which ever comes first.

Speaking of racing, if you like to, check out the team we sponsor.

Kinky Llama Racing
On Facebook
or on the internets

Big left over mess. I could leave it for Rus, but I am a courteous feller and cleaned up my own mess.

Bike Maintenance by Llama

Proper bicycle maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of your bike as well as the safety of the rider. Some well placed lubricant and a general wipe down of your frame and components will save money on prematurely worn and/or rusty parts. The more you ride, the more love you need to show your bike. Especially if you ride/commute in wet or snowy weather. The winter months of commuting are some of the harshest on your bike. Salt soaked wet roads can destroy bikes and their parts.

Llama's Maintenance Tips


Before every ride:

Check air pressure in tires or shocks. - I got a pinch flat because I was too lazy to check my air pressure. Now I check it before every ride.

Check drive train, make sure chain is slick and clean. - If the chain is sticky and gritty, it does not like to shift very well. A drop of lube per link and a wipe down with a rag to remove excess lube and dirt will help keep you chain moving smoothly through out your ride.

Check wheels. - Are the quick releases on correctly? Are the hubs loose? - I would rather not learn about forgetting to check if my wheels are on tight the hard way. Anytime your front wheel comes off, you will get hurt. And if you ride on a loose hub, the hub will most likely be toasted when you are done. Please don't blame the wheel manufacture for building crappy wheels when it is more a seat-handlebar interface problem.

Other checks.  - Stem bolts tight? Any strange noises? (I will bounce my bike lightly and listen for loosed items that will buzz or vibrate) Flat repair kit all together? (CO2, tube, levers, $20 for a cab?)

Post ride maintenance:

Tend to mechanical issues that came up during the ride - If I notice a derailleur or brake that is out of adjustment during the ride, I will try and take care of it when I finish so the bike is ready to go for the next ride.

Wipe off bike - When it's wet or salty, this is very very important. Speaking of salty, sweating all over your bike can cause rust as well as nasty residue. Wipe it off as well. There are loads of different cleaners out there. I use a couple depending on the condition.

Lube! - After the cleaning and the wiping, more lube is required. Lube the chain, brake pivots, shifters, derailleurs, cables, pivot points, etc. Pretty much every part that is metal on metal and moves, needs lube. More information on lubrication here.

Now the bike is happy and ready for the next ride.


Here are some of the products I use and what I use them for.

Cleaners:
Pedro's Green Fizz - Cleaner of dirt and grime. Good cleaner with very little polishing effect.
Motorex Bike Clean - I use this on my better bikes. This stuff cleans well and also leaves the bike shiny.

Degreasers:
Clean Streak - Not Simple Green. Clean Streak is a strong alcohol based cleaner/degreaser. It evaporates off of parts after a wipe down. Simple Green can actually damage parts if not used correctly and most manufactures do not want Simple Green in contact of their parts.

Lubricants:
Pro-Gold ProLink - Excellent metal adhesion technology. Stays on the chain with a nice, thin film and works very well.
Tri-Flow Drip - I use this on dirtier parts or for lubrication of brake pivots, derailleurs, and what not. Tri-Flow has a penetrating agent, as well as Teflon.
White Lightning Wet Ride - Sticks to chain and metal parts very well through the nastiest of conditions. I only use this stuff in the winter. As well as protecting the chain well, it also gets dirty fast. I wipe off excess grime after almost every ride, but my chain and parts do not rust all winter.

Bike Polish:
Pedro's Bike Lust - Silicone based shininess for your ride. Pretty much Armor All for your bike. Be careful not to get this stuff on your brakes or braking surfaces. If you do, use Clean Streak to clean it off.

Grease:
Park Tool Poly Lube - The industry standard. The familiar green grease used for most bike applications. Like metal seat posts, bolt threads, and pedals.
Phil Wood Grease - Boom! Very water resistant. I use this for bottom brackets and hubs. Also if you have a loose ball bearing headset, there too.
Buzz's Slick Honey - A thinner grease than the Park or Phil Wood. I use this for cables and housings as well as shocks.
FSA Carbon Grease - You got carbon? You need carbon grease. Use on carbons seat posts, stems, handle bars. Not on carbon steer tubes where they are in contact with the headset.

Here are some tips:

Clean your chain often. The more you clean it, the easier it is. I will use Tri-Flow to clean my chain and ProLink for the final lube. I over apply the Tri-Flow and use a rag to remove it. Once clean and as much of the Tri-Flow has been removed, I apply ProLink. One drop per link. If you have your lazy pants on, you can spin the drive train while you drip it on the chain, but make sure it doesn't end up on your brakes or braking surface.

Grease your seat post. This gets overlooked often and if you have a steel frame or steel seat post, it only takes a couple months of wet weather to get that sucker seized in your frame. At least once a month, grease your seat post.

Bearings need love too. Bikes that get use in wet weather need more love. And the love they require includes having bearing points greased. Hubs get some of the most use of all the parts on your bike. My rule is that if you ride the bike all year round, get the hubs, headset and bottom bracket cleaned and re greased twice a year. Once before winter and once after. If you live somewhere without such an event. Do it in the Spring and the Fall.

Don't forget your locks and other accessories. Locks need lube too. The shackle and lock mechanism needs to be taken care of as well. Check with your lock manufacture to see what they recommend.


Here are some resources for you.

http://villagecycle.com/how-to/bicycle-lubrication-pg364.htm
http://villagecycle.com/how-to/bike-maintenance-chart-pg265.htm
http://villagecycle.com/how-to/how-to-clean-your-chain-and-drivetrain-pg163.htm

Would you like to save some money on tune ups? Check out our coupon section for current deals.

Got a question? You can email us at info@villagecycle.com or give us a call at 312.751.2488.

First Snow Under My Wheels

Today was the first snow in Chicago that actually stuck. And I forgot how much I love it. I look forward to riding my bike through fresh snow and laying the first tracks down my alley in the mornings. Up until 3 years ago, I did not have such enthusiasm for the cold day rides. I call this time in my life pre-Gore. This was when I liked to ride my bike in the snow, but I would eventually get wet and freeze my ass off. Then along came Simon with his Gore Bike Wear. And for the first time ever, I looked forward to snow rides and was smiling while riding on the coldest days.
This time, is called Post-Gore. This time rocks. I won’t bash on the brands that didn’t cut it, if you are cold and unhappy while riding in the winter, you already know which ones they are. I highly recommend Gore-Tex and Windstopper products from GBW. A couple of my must haves for cold weather are: Tool Jacket, Vista Windstopper tights, Gore-Tex socks, Power Thermo jersey, Power Beany, and depending on your facial hair, either a Windstopper hat, or balaclava. When things get uber cold, or for the wet days prior to the cold ones, a Fusion Jacket and Fusion Pants are my go to coverings. You can check out my review on them here.

Today was 24 felt like 17. I had a delivery on the way in, so I had an extra layer over my tights of knickers. I also only was going a total of 6 miles. So I was a bit over dressed and rode slower than usual. I wore a Craft baselayer, Gore Bike Wear Power Thermo jersey and my Tool jacket. Bottom side held Xenon II Sonic bibs, Vista Windstopper tights, Sidi Diablo GTX, and a custom version of the City Overshoe I made into gaiters. On the head Winstopper Bike Headband and Merino wool cycling hat.

The ride was fun, cars were courteous, and the delivery customer was happy to see me.

If you are not sure what to wear, check out this handy guide. http://www.bicycling.com/whattowear

Cyclelogical Urban Gaiter - Keeping My Pant Legs Clean

I ride everyday. In all types of weather. Hot, cold, rainy, snowy, blustery (I love that term), windy, however the days comes. One of my favorite little pieces of gear is the Cyclelogical Urban Gaiter. It has a Velcro wrap closure, reflective sides, built in pocket, and is built tough. I dig this little feller, it provides me with a couple functions I like.
First one being it keeps the bottoms of my pants clean and salt free on the really wet or sloppy days. For those times I will use two, one for each leg. On the days when the roads are just wet, but the skies aren't doing the same, with fenders and the gaiters, everything stays clean and I don't need my rain pants.
Another is having the pocket. I can put my flat repair kit in it if I don't feel like carrying a bag. You could put your wallet or keys in it if you desire. Or, I will even hold a flask (Zym of course).

Trek Fisher X-Cal 29er

I decided to move from my tried and true 26 mtn bike to a 29er.  I had heard great things, did my research, and decided that Trek Fisher was the way to go on a 29er.  He pioneered them and has worked every year since to perfect them.  I wanted to get the Superfly carbon but it was a bit out of my price range for now.  I decided on the X-Caliber, solid AL frame, x7 parts, Rock Shox fork, and Avid hydralic disc brakes.  My first ride out I realized that all the hype was completely true, it was fast, smooth, and had a very confident feel.  It was like driving a monster truck on the trail, the big wheels just rolled over the small stuff that I used to feel on my 26er.  I put some Schwalbe Big Apples on their to cruise around the city and they are great.  Fast, grippy, and allow me to jump off stuff and not worry about any damage to the rims.  All in All I would recommend the X-cal or any Trek Fisher 29er hardtail out there.

Whose Nutz? DZ Nutz! Pro Chamois Cream

For years I was one of those late adopters. Last one to get a cell phone, last one to get clip-less pedals, etc. "I don't need all your fancy expensive novelty gadgets to get the job done!" I would proclaim. I took pride in enduring - even thriving - in less than ideal conditions. I even resisted padded shorts for a time when I first took up road biking 10 years ago (stupid stupid). Now, when it comes to road riding, I use the phrase "if you haven't done it you don't know what you're missing" a lot. Of course this applies to padded shorts and clip-less pedals, but now to DZ Nutz Pro Chamois Cream as well. I first noticed the smooth buttery feel upon application, then a scene from Revenge of the Nerds comes to mind - "you put liquid heat in their what?!" That was the menthol kicking in, proving a nice initial motivation to get in the saddle and hammer. Before long, it was I didn't notice that was most notable...the rubbing, scraping, and chafing associated with the endurance riding I like to do. Comfort is everything on the bike, and if you have any annoying distractions while in the saddle, you can't perform. There's a reason the pros do certain things, but you don't need to be a pro like David Zabriske to add a little comfort to your ride. Eliminate the irritation and rashes/sores on your next ride...Thanks to DZ Nuts Pro Chamois Cream.

Review by Coby H. from Yelp

- 11/29/11 - by Coby H. from Yelp


Very accommodating staff. Took the time to answer my questions and explain the differences between the various products I was interested in. I left feeling like I got a fair deal and that I was important to them as a customer. Can't ask for much more than this out of a retail operation.

Sidi Diablo GTX - Making My Feet Happy All Winter Long

Roses are red,
violets are blue.
Sidi Diablo GTX,
I love you!

If you have yet to get yourself a pair of dedicated cold weather shoes, get yourself some Sidi Diablo GTX. Up until last year I was using my Dragons with Gore Tex socks, and City Overshoes for slushy days. But then I was lucky enough to get my feet into a set of Sidi's Diablo GTX and since then, my feet have never been happier. I use them for my daily commute, cross racing in a foot of snow, or mountain biking at Palos once everything is frozen over. Usually a pair of thin socks is all I need, but occasionally, on the uber cold days, I need some thick socks. Which Sidi was kind enough to think about by adding some extra room so my tootsies still get blood flow.

After a pedaling through a full Chicago winter last year, 2 races, and couple trips to Palos, mine are still holding strong and ready for another year.

Sidi Diablo GTX

Your feet are vulnerable on cold, wet off- and on-road rides. Keep them toasty and dry with Sidi’s Diablo GTX shoes. They sport waterproof and thermal Gore-Tex uppers along with neoprene cuffs and billow tongues so winter seems a world away. Plus, you'll benefit from supreme pedaling dynamics with Sidi’s Competition soles and Velcro closures for fine-tuning the fit. And, you'll appreciate the aggressive tread on the soles for all-conditions traction.

http://villagecycle.com/product/sidi-diablo-gtx-52463-1.htm

In stock at Village Cycle Center, with a fill order on the way.

Check them out in our store or online here.

Trek Ticket Stub and Trek Ticket Exchange

You may have seen these trick bikes underneath Cam McCaul and Brandon Semenuk as they busted out 360 tail whips, supermans and backflips. Trek's Ticket Stub and Ticket Exchange are ready, willing and able with a tight, maneuverable, super-tough frame. They are versatile too. Both come with horizontal drops that can be converted so you can roll gears if you want. And, up front, you've got a stout 100mm-travel fork for smooth re-entry, while the burly Alex wheels handle landing after landing, just like the BMX-style 3-piece chromo cranks and Black Label Pivotal seat. Plus, to scrub off some speed before the lip, you're equipped with Hayes discs. Slopestyle, jumping, parks, you name it; this is one Ticket that gets you into all the events.

On the way to our store....


'12 Trek Ticket Stub

 


'12 Trek Ticket Stub Specifications

Specification - Description

Frame - Trek Alpha Gold Series aluminum
Fork - Manitou Circus Comp, 100mm-travel
Rims/Wheels - Alex FR30
Hubs - Formula
Tires - Bontrager G1 Expert, 26 x 2.25
Crankset - 3-piece tubular-chromoly
Chainwheel - Black Label, 28T
Rear Cogs - 14T
Handlebars - Bontrager low riser
Tape/Grips - Black Label Repeater
Stem - Bontrager Earl
Brake Levers - Tektro
Brakes - Hayes MX-5 mechanical-disc
Pedals - Black Label nylon
Saddle - Black Label Pivotal
Seat Post - Black Label Pivotal


'12 Trek Ticket Exchange



'12 Trek Ticket Exchange Specifications

Specification - Description

Frame - Trek Alpha Gold Series aluminum
Fork - Manitou Circus Comp, 100mm-travel
Rims/Wheels - Alex FR30
Hubs - Formula
Tires - Bontrager G1 Expert, 26 x 2.25
Crankset - TruVativ Hussefelt
Chainwheel - 34T
Rear Derailleur - SRAM X4
Rear Cogs - SRAM PG830, 8-speed: 11-28
Shifters - SRAM X4 trigger
Handlebars - Bontrager low riser
Tape/Grips - Bontrager Rhythm
Stem - Bontrager Earl
Brake Levers - Shimano
Brakes - Shimano M446 disc w/6-inch rotors
Pedals - Black Label aluminum
Saddle - Bontrager Evoke 2