Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Win an Electra Bicycle | See Us at the Show!

Come see us at booth #1106 of the Great Big Home & Garden Show starting this Saturday and enter to win an Electra Townie Original 7D bicycle! Plus get special show discount coupons on bicycles and more, 2012 Night Ride schedules, and fun "Define your life. Ride a bike." temporary tattoos and stickers. Be sure to click below to save $4 on admission tickets when you use the code "LoveMyBike"!


Monday, January 30, 2012

CC's bike touring experts share their best tips

Century Cycles' staff boasts several cyclists who have thousands of miles of experience on extensive bicycle tours throughout North and Central America. They're sharing all their best tips -- as well as their packing lists, travel journals and their own bike rigs -- at our Bike Touring 101 Clinic on February 7.

Whether you're planning a bike adventure around Ohio or around the world (or just dreaming about it one day), you don't want to miss this clinic to help you get a sense of what such an endeavor entails and how to prepare yourself, your bike, and your route for self-supported bike touring.

Your expert instructors are:

In Rocky River: Krista McNamee and Ray Query
For three weeks late last summer, Krista biked a 900-mile self-supported tour of Nova Scotia, where she is pictured above. Krista has also biked the Southern Tier Bicycle Route and the Great Allegheny Passage/C&O Canal Towpath between Pittsburgh, PA and Washington, DC. Her co-instructor, Ray, is a car-free guy who bikes all year 'round. He has also biked from Cleveland to Costa Rica in 2008 and from Anchorage, Alaska, to Cleveland in 2001.

In Medina: Neil Adams
Neil was one of Krista's riding compatriots for the Nova Scotia tour and is already planning his next tour.

In Peninsula: Kevin Madzia
Kevin biked to Central America with Ray, on a memorable Pan-American Ride in 2008 that was a successful fundraiser for the Melanoma Research Foundation and during which Kevin biked to Guatamala. He also biked Coast to Coast in 2004 and did a 9-day self-supported bike tour of New Mexico in 2007.

The agenda for the Bike Touring 101 clinic includes: Choosing a route, touring bikes, panniers vs. trailers, what to pack (with a take-home packing list), getting your bike there and back, and much more. The clinic begins at 6:30 p.m. simultaneously at all three Century Cycles stores on Tuesday, February 7. It is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be served and all clinic attendees receive a 15% discount on all bicycle accessories and parts immediately after the clinic. To RSVP, call the store location you'd like to attend or email info@centurycycles.com. To view or share the event on Facebook with your friend, go to http://on.fb.me/xoRzOw.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Dinner at the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland


Who knew making dinner could be such a profound (and profoundly fun) experience? When Scott, Josh, Krista, Neal, Justin, Chris, Sharon and Tracey from Century Cycles headed down to the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland on a snowy afternoon last week, they were prepared to make "breakfast for dinner" for the families, staff, and volunteers at the house that evening. They brought the fixings for buttermilk pancakes, lots of bacon, and egg stratas in a variety of flavors, as well the ever-popular blender bike to make smoothies. They were not prepared to truly learn the meaning of the houses motto: "Many hearts. One home."

It was such an honor to cook for the families, some of whom have been staying at the house for months as a child has received treatment at local hospitals. It was a pleasure to bring smiles to the faces of anyone who saw the blender bike in action. And it was an education to see the amazing and so-very-necessary services provided by the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland for families from all over the world. The house never has a vacancy, which is why they have begun a campaign to expand it to help even more people.

We had such a blast making dinner that we are already looking forward to the next time we can do it. We also highly encourage any other company, group, or individual to cook a meal at the house -- just call the wonderful Laura Klingler Doyle at 216-229-5758 (ext. 102) to make the arrangements. You can also help the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland in so many other ways -- from marking your calendar for June 2 to ride with us on our special Night Ride benefit to collecting supplies for their wish list to Tackling the Tower on February 4!


Click here if the slide show above is not appearing for you.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Great gear for bike commuting – 50% off for Hot Deal #7

Bell Muni Helmet - $32.49 (reg. $64.99)
Bell Arella Helmet - $32.49 (reg. $64.99)
Blackburn Flea 2.0 USB Headlight - $14.99 (reg. $29.99)
Koki Dilly Handlebar Bag - $29.99 (reg. $59.99)
Koki Bagaboo Pannier - $37.49 (reg. $74.99)
Koki Bagatelle Pannier - $32.49 (reg. $64.99)
Koki Tuktuk Seat Bag (Medium) - $10.99 (reg. $21.99)
Koki Tuktuk Seat Bag (Large) - $12.49 (reg. $24.99)

Half-off prices valid January 26 through February 8, 2012 only.

This is our LAST Hot Deal for Cold Days this winter, so we've loaded it up with items to help you get an early start on a season of commuting by bike to work, school, or for errands around town!

To start things off, how about a commuter-specific helmet? The Bell Muni Helmet gives you high-performance features without the "serious bike racer" look. Those features include built-in rear flashers that give you an extra level of safety on dimly-lit streets. There's also a rear blinky loop that's compatible with your favorite clip-on taillight. Plus, the visor has a custom bracket where you can clip on the Blackburn Flea 2.0 USB Headlight! Available in a Matte Titanium color and a Medium/Large size that fits most anyone.

For those with big brain power in a smaller package, the Bell Arella Helmet has all of the great features of the Bell Muni Helmet, in a more petite, women's-specific fit. Available in a stylish Black/Gold Flowers color scheme.

Speaking of the Blackburn Flea 2.0 USB Headlight, we offered it last month as a "Stocking-Stuffer" Hot Deal, so we're offering you a second chance on this item to attach to the visor of your Bell Muni or Arella Helmet! It makes a great backup to your handlebar headlight, allowing you to read a map or your cycling computer during night-time rides. The lithium-ion battery charges from the USB port of your computer, and the 4 LED bulbs run in high, low, or flashing modes to get the attention of oncoming traffic. Available in Blue or Pink.

We haven't forgotten about how you're going to carry your stuff around on your bike commutes! These stylish accessories from Koki give you on-the-bike functionality with urban flair. Starting with the front of the bike, the Koki Dilly Handlebar Bag in Bean Green has a zippered main compartment and a zippered flap pocket to keep all of your personal items close at hand. You can easily take it with you off the bike using the included removable shoulder strap. The bag clips easily on and off the included handlebar adapter clamp. It comes with a rain cover, so your phone and other gear are safe, even in Cleveland's fickle weather!

Koki's functional bike totes attach to your bike's rear cargo rack just like a traditional pannier using their hidden rack clips. They feature a two-position adjustable shoulder strap, and a waterproof rubber bottom, so you can set the bags down for loading or unloading without worry about the puddles soaking through. Use them for hands-free shopping, around-town-bebopping, a gym bag, or a swim bag! The Koki Bagaboo Pannier is available in Black/Gray as shown, and is big enough to haul your groceries home, or your laptop and lunch to work.

The Koki Bagatelle Pannier has a smaller profile that works great on folding bikes or other bikes with small frames or wheels. About one-third less capacity than the Bagaboo, it's still tall enough to hold stuffed giraffes or pink flamingos, and has the same great features--adjustable shoulder strap, rubber bottom, and included rain cover. Whether you prefer the Lavender/Birds design (left) or basic Black/Gray (right), Koki's panniers put the FUN in functional!

Koki brings the same attention to detail from their handlebar and rack bags to an under-seat bag. The Koki Tuktuk Seat Bag is available in Black in Medium or Large sizes, for those who like to carry just the basics, or those who like to be prepared for almost any roadside emergency. Whether you're commuting, casual cruising, long-distance touring, or racing, you'll appreciate the tough thermoformed shell, reflective safety accents, rear blinky loop, easy on-off velcro straps for your seat rail, and rubberized seat post strap that won't chafe against your bike shorts. There's also an internal fob to keep your keys handy.

The Fine Print:
This Hot Deal is good only January 26 - February 8, 2012, while supplies last. In-store purchase only; no online or phone orders accepted. No coupon necessary.

This information is available on our web site at: www.centurycycles.com/get/HotDeals

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Tech Talk: Give Me a Brake

Customers often come in to our stores to buy replacement brake pads for their bikes. The best course of action in this case is to have your bike with you so that we can identify with 100% certainty that we're giving you the correct parts, but it does help to be familiar with what kind of brakes you have, so that in a pinch, you have an idea of how your brakes work and what kind of pads and other parts to look for. The following is an overview of the different styles of brakes found on most modern bicycles.

Linear-pull brake
LINEAR PULL BRAKES
The most common type of brake found on most modern hybrid and mountain bikes is the linear-pull brake. These are sometimes called "V-brakes," although that name is actually trademarked by Shimano for their version of linear-pull brakes.

These brakes have excellent stopping power, are easy to adjust, and have a quick-disconnect feature that makes it easy to clear the brake pads out of the way when installing or removing your wheel.

Linear-pull brakes are mounted using a set of posts that are built into the frame of the bicycle, one pair on the front fork, and the other pair on the rear seat stays.

Cantilever brake
CANTILEVER BRAKES
Cantilever brakes were common on older mountain bikes and hybrids, but are still commonly found on modern touring and cyclocross bikes. These brakes are distinguished by two roughly L-shaped calipers on either side of the rim, connected by the brake cable, which is pulled vertically away from the wheel. The A-shaped section of cable that connects the two brake arms is called the "link wire" or "straddle cable."

Cantilever brakes provide better fender and mud clearance compared to linear-pull brakes. They are also easy to disconnect for wheel removal. The only downside to cantilever brakes is that they require an additional "cable stop" or "cable hanger" for the brake housing to pull against. This cable stop is sometimes provided as an integrated part of the bike's frame, but can also be an add-on bracket type of device.

The mounting posts on the bike frame for cantilever brakes are the same as those used for linear-pull brakes. Thus, a bike with linear-pull brakes can be retrofitted to use cantilever brakes, and vice-versa, as long as you have compatible brake levers (see below), and you have cable stops available on the frame for cantilever brakes.

Linear-pull/cantilever brake pads
with smooth mounting posts
LINEAR-PULL AND CANTILEVER BRAKE PADS
Linear-pull and cantilever brakes use the same style of brake pads. Sometimes, the brake pads have a smooth post that is held is place by a bolt that is part of the brake caliper; other times, the pad itself has a threaded post with a bolt on the end. The threaded style may have a simple single bolt and washer, or on better models, there is a set of curved washers that provide a finer adjustment of the pad position.

"Good" linear-pull/cantilever
brake pads with threaded
mounting posts
"Better" linear-pull/cantilever
brake pads with threaded
mounting posts
So, whether you have linear-pull or cantilever brakes, you need to be careful to buy the brake pads that have the correct type of attachment post for your brakes.

Dual-pivot road brake caliper
ROAD BRAKES
Most modern racing-style road bikes use brakes referred to as dual-pivot caliper brakes. These brakes have a compact "C" shape, with a brake cable that extends vertically from one side of the caliper. They usually have a small, rotating release lever that allows you to temporarily open the caliper for wheel installation and removal.

The road brake caliper mounts to the frame using a single bolt, either through the fork crown on the front, or through the seat stay bridge on the rear.

Dual-pivot calipers are lightweight and very easy to adjust and service. Their only downside is that they are only appropriate for very skinny-tired road bikes; they usually do not have enough clearance to accomodate wider touring, hybrid, or off-road tires. Fender installation with road caliper brakes can be a challenge as well, although some road-specific fenders are available that can work in some cases.

Mechanical disc brake
caliper and rotor
DISC BRAKES
Disc brakes have become a popular option on mountain bikes for many years, and recently are starting to become more common on hybrids, some road touring bikes, and most recently, some cyclocross bikes.

Disc brakes typically provide the best stopping power in all conditions, even in the rain or mud, since the moisture, mud, and other debris has less of a tendency to collect on the braking surface compared to rim brakes.

A bike's frame and fork must have disc brake mounting tabs, so it's difficult (usually impossible) to retrofit and older bike with disc brakes. The hubs on the wheels must be disc-specific as well, to provide the mounting surface for the disc rotor.

Hydraulic disc brake lever,
caliper, and rotor
In addition to increased stopping power, disc brakes provide the advantage of longer wheel life, because you don't have the brake pads rubbing on the rims. Also, if you should happen to hit a large pothole or other obstacle and severely bend your wheel, there's a better chance that you'll still be able to finish the ride and get home, since there's less of a chance the wobbly wheel will be cause the brake to rub. The only disadvantage of disc brakes is slighty increased weight compared to most rim brake calipers.

Disc brake pads
Disc brakes are available in "mechanical" or "hydraulic" versions. Mechanical disc brakes use the same housing and metal cable as standard rims brakes. Hydraulic brakes are a sealed fluid system; basically a miniature version of the same type of hydraulic brakes found on cars and motorcycles.

Disc brake pads are specific to the manufacturer and model of brake; there is no universal standard for disc brake pads.

BMX U-brake caliper
BMX U-BRAKES
U-brakes are common on BMX bikes. The attachment posts on the bike frame are similar to the posts used for cantilever and linear-pull brakes, except that they are positioned above the rim, rather than below. They use the same style of brake pads as cantilever and linear-pull brakes.

Side-pull brake caliper
SIDE-PULL BRAKES
Side-pull brakes are sometimes found on low-end department store-level bikes and cheaper BMX bikes. They have a very simple single-pivot mechanism, and also can usually use the same type of brake pads as linear-pull or cantilever brakes.

Road brake lever
BRAKE LEVERS
Brake levers are designed to clamp onto either drop-style road bike handlebars, or onto upright mountain/hybrid handlebars. Additionally, brake levers are classified according to the amount of brake cable that moves when you squeeze the brake lever. Road calipers, cantilever, and BMX brakes all require "short-pull" brake levers. Linear-pull brakes require "long-pull" brake levers.

Flat-bar brake levers
Most mechanical disc brakes use long-pull brake levers, but there are some versions that use short-pull brake levers, in order to be compatible with existing road brake levers. Hydraulic disc brakes, of course, are neither short-pull nor long-pull; the calipers and levers are sold as an integrated set.

Rear wheel with coaster brake
COASTER BRAKE
Of course, the old-fashioned "pedal-backwards" brake can still be found on one-speed cruiser-style bikes, and some multi-speed bikes that use an internally-geared hub. This brake is referred to as a coaster brake. A coaster brake-equipped bike can be identified by an L-shaped steel bracket that is bolted to the bike's frame and the left side of the rear hub.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

What We Ride: Sharon's Raleigh Route 66

Sharon Constantino has served as the Office Manager for Century Cycles since 2004, working out of the Peninsula store. She purchased her '06 Raleigh Route 66 in the spring of 2006.

She praises the flat-bar road bike mainly for its versatility. It takes her quickly and comfortably on all the types of riding she like to do, from casual spins with friends and family on the Towpath Trail, to long rides on the road.

"I've done the Bike MS Pedal to the Point five times, but that was before I got this bike," she reports. "However, I did do the Rainbow Hospital Emerald Necklace tour on my Raleigh."

Sharon equipped the bike with most of the usual accessories--water bottle cages, CatEye cyclocomputer, and bar-ends. Plus, she upgraded the stock tires to something a little wider, to provide better grip on the Towpath, but still roll well on pavement.

Sharon uses the Shimano PD-M324 clipless pedals, which make the bike even more versatile. The clip-in side works with cycling shoes for long rides, while the platform side works with casual shoes, which is great for short jaunts, such as down to the community swimming pool with her school-age sons.

"In fact, my family and I rode our bikes, rather than drive, every time we went to the pool last summer!" Sharon said.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Make the Most of Winter Sale


Old Man Winter got you down? Staying in shape through the cold-weather months and preparing for spring just got a little easier on you (and your wallet) with Century Cycles' Make The Most of Winter Sale:
  • Save up to $100 on all bicycles, including previous-year models already marked down!
  • Take 20% off the regular price of any indoor trainer!
  • Beat the spring crowds and save up to $50 on our most popular bicycle tune-up packages!
  • And these are the last few days to take advantage of Hot Deal #6 and get 50% off cold-weather riding gear from Giro and Hincapie! A new Hot Deal -- our last one this season -- will debut on Thursday.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Get your Road ID at Century Cycles

What is Road ID?

Road ID was created on the concept that cyclists and other active people should wear ID as part of their gear when participating in outdoor activities. Road ID is a durable, rugged, athletic, fashionable line of identification gear. ID should be as common and important as putting on a seat belt when getting into a car, or strapping on a bike helmet to go for a ride.

Identification is important for people of all ages. If you are a runner, cyclist, jogger, walker, hiker, climber, skater, skier, boarder, or someone who doesn't spend all of their time on the couch, then we encourage you to wear ID. Kids need ID, too, as they rarely have ID when they go out for a bike ride or walk to school.

Road ID is available in several different styles, most in several colors (see below).

Century Cycles is now an authorized Road ID dealer.

What are the benefits of buying Road ID from Century Cycles?
  1. In all three of our stores (in Medina, Peninsula, and Rocky River), look for the Road ID display, where you can touch, feel, and try on samples of the different styles of Road ID. That way, you can be sure before you order that you're getting the one that works best for you.
  2. Take a Road ID pamphlet from our store, which has a coupon good for free FREE SHIPPING when you order your Road ID. Orders are shipped within a few days from Road ID's headquarters in Kentucky, USA.
What are the different styles of Road ID?

The WristID Sport - available in three sizes and six colors


The WristID Elite - rubberized adjustable band with watch-style closure, available in eight colors


The WristID slim - silicone band, available in three sizes and seven colors
The ShoeID - one size, available in three colors
The Shoe PouchID - one size, available in four colors
The AnkleID - one size, available in four colors
The FixxID - one size, stainless steel, customizable laser-engraved image
The ScoutID - one size, available in four colors, add onto any pet collar up to 1-inch wide

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Lakewood and CVNP now even more bike-friendly

Northeast Ohio has had a wealth of good-bicycling-news in the past two days! Today, the Lakewood Patch reported that Lakewood City Council has approved a comprehensive bike master plan that would make the city one of the most bike-friendly communities in the state. Way to go, Lakewood! This is wonderful news for all of us -- people who live in Lakewood, people who ride through Lakewood, and people who want to show their communities IT CAN BE DONE.

Yesterday, the Hudson Hub Times reported that the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is getting $3.2 million in federal funds for five railroad projects -- including $1.4 million to construct a bridge across the Cuyahoga River linking Rockside Station with the Lock 39 trailhead and $137,000 to rebuild the baggage car serving the Bike Aboard! program. (On a personal note for our Peninsula store staff -- many of whom are fond of breathing -- we're also grateful that they got almost a million bucks to put green technology in their locomotive to reduce exhaust emissions by 90 percent.)

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Bicycle escorts needed for the Cleveland Marathon

The Rite-Aid Cleveland Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, May 20, 2012. For the 2011 edition of the marathon, a group of wheelchair athletes was instrumental in successfully persuading the event organizers to bring back the wheelchair/handcycle division of the race. You can read about their campaign in this article from the Beacon-Journal of Akron.

The wheelchair/handcycle division returns for 2012, and registration is already filled to capacity.

Volunteer cyclists are needed act as safety escorts for the wheelchair/handcycle racers. Cyclists will be paired with racers based on ability; finish times for the 26.2-mile race can be as quick as around 75 minutes, up to a few hours.

To volunteer, please send an e-mail message to John Squires (jpsquires@att.net).

If you'd like to compete as a runner in the marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K, or Kids' Run, registration is now open at: www.clevelandmarathon.com

Also, the first annual Canton Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, June 17, and volunteers are needed for that event as well. Details can be found at www.cantonmarathon.com; email John Squires (jpsquires@att.net) to volunteer as a wheelchair/handcycle safety escort; use the "Volunteers" link on the web site to volunteer for other event activities.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Shaker Heights puts a lid on it

Kudos to the residents of Shaker Heights! They wear their bike helmets more than any other Northeast Ohio city, according to a Community Survey conducted by The Plain Dealer:
"Bicyclists with big brains who want to keep them intact, also known as those who wear helmets, are most prevalent in Shaker Heights (79%), Orange (71%), Cleveland Heights (70%) and University Heights (70%).

"Numbskulls without helmets are more likely to be seen riding their bikes in Willowick (9%), Lorain (10%), Brook Park (14%) and Parma (16%). They might be hard-headed, but when skull meets curb, no one's head is hard enough."
Amen.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Giant Defy 1 "Sets New Benchmarks"


The crew at Cycling Plus magazine recently put the 2012 Giant Defy 1 through some very rigorous testing in its February 2012 edition. What did they find? “…the all-new 2012 frameset sets new benchmarks for alloy responsiveness and ride quality”.

ON THE RIDE:
“The relatively short stem, tapered fork/head-tube and big down-tube mean you can really brace your shoulders against a gear without feeling like you’re going to tear the front end off. Cornering accuracy is similarly precise, with a playful and responsive steering feel in tight turning situations that still stays the right side of stable at higher speeds”.

ON THE SPEC:
“The component spec is excellent considering the quality of chassis that you’re getting for the money…the Giant branded rolling stock (wheelset) perform fine…Giant’s PR3 tyres are proving a useful addition to its growing own brand collection too.”

BUYING ADVICE:
“Having seen the entire test team fall in love with Giant’s Defy 1, we can’t think of anyone who it won’t suit. It’s light, responsive under power, but forgiving over the long haul, well equipped and really well balanced in positional and handling terms. The result is a bike that springs forwards with real purpose when you need it to, but glides along happily when riding is more about clearing your head than maxing your heart rate.”

The component spec on the Giant Defy 1 is anchored by Shimano 105 shifters and derailers, and a Shimano compact double crankset with 50/34-tooth chainrings, which we (and an increasing number of our customers) find is ideal for giving you the light weight and reliability of a double crankset, with the low hill-climbing gears that you used to only find on a triple crankset.

We've got the 2012 Giant Defy 1 ($1,369.99) in stock in sizes Small, Medium, and Medium-Large throughout all three Century Cycles stores.



In a follow-up to our Jan. 4 post about another Giant bike, in which the Giant Anthem X 29er received the Readers' Choice Award from the web site Twenty Nine Inches, a new review in Dirt Rag Magazine called the Giant Anthem X 29er 2 "a race-capable trail bike that's fun to ride." "There was little in the way of roots or rocks that would slow down this bike."

Friday, January 13, 2012

Stay warm on your bike and save big - Hot Deal #6

Giro Proof Winter Gloves (Unisex)
$29.99 (reg. $59.99)

Hincapie Sorrento Men's Wool Jersey
$59.99 (reg. $119.99)

Hincapie Fiesole Women's Wool Jersey
$59.99 (reg. $119.99)


Hincapie Alpe Men's Bib Tights
$89.99 (reg. $179.99)

Hincapie Arenberg Women's Bib Tights
$69.99 (reg. $139.99)

Half-off prices valid Jan. 12 - 25, 2012.


The mild temperatures and lack of snow so far this winter have resulted in lots of folks out riding in January - and lots of other folks thinking about giving winter riding a try!

Century Cycles is going to lend Mother Nature a hand in encouraging your winter cycling by slashing the prices on three key pieces of winter apparel for this Hot Deal!

Giro's Proof Gloves (in black, unisex sizing XS-XXL) protect your hands from cold weather with a waterproof, breathable outer shell lined with Thinsulate XT-S and a removable moisture-wicking inner liner that can be worn on its own when the temperatures are mild. Elastic at the wrists, long cuffs and a zip cord at the gauntlets seal out Old Man Winter!

The Hincapie Alpe Bib Tights for men (in black, sizes M-XXL) are designed for severe conditions to repel wind and water, with a windproof outer layer and a fleece-lined inner layer that provide excellent warmth and wicking. You'll love the comfort of a full bib, which features Hincapie's Power Chamois, locking front fly zipper, and reflective treatments for high visibility.

The Hincapie Arenberg Bib Tights for women (in black, sizes S-XL) feature plush, elastic SuperRoubaix fleece with a Lycra/nylon outer layer for protection from the winter elements. The bib straps are curved to fit a woman's shape, and the seat has Hincapie's Women's Power Chamois. The best part about these bib tights is the unique buckle strap in the back, which makes winter layering easier, plus allows you to use the restroom without having to remove your upper layers.

The Hincapie Fiesole women's wool jersey and the Hincapie Sorrento men's wool jersey make for a cozy base layer, a great summer riding jersey, or a sporty fashion choice when paired with your favorite jeans. We love wool jerseys for year-round riding because they keep you warm in winter and cool in summer, with 100% itch-free, antimicrobial merino wool that resists odor yet maintains warmth when wet.

The Fine Print:
This Hot Deal is good only January 12 - 25, 2012, while supplies last. In-store purchase only; no online or phone orders accepted. No coupon necessary.

Our latest Hot Deals for Cold Days can also be found on our web site at:
www.centurycycles.com/get/HotDeals

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Winteriffic fun on Sunday; mountain bike fun this summer


Who needed snow? The first annual Winteriffic at the Chalet Reservation Area in the Cleveland Metroparks last Sunday was devoid of the white stuff but still a huge success -- well-attended, lots of fun, and, well, just winteriffic! Check out the slideshow below of photos taken by Century Cycles' own Mike Petcher, who captured the many elements of the event, from snow bikes to sled dogs.

Speaking of snow bikes, we brought two Surly Pugsleys for folks to demo and we were thrilled that they were rolling all afternoon. In fact, 38 people demo'd the bike and got to experience its fat tire glory. We also want to congratulate Cookie Schue -- she won our Century Cycles gift card giveaway! -- and to thank the Cleveland Metroparks for putting on such a great event.

We also want to thank the Metroparks for the awesome news that mountain biking is finally coming to the Cleveland Metroparks this summer! They plan to open an 8-mile mountain bike trail loop in the Royalview area of the Mill Stream Run Reservation. Cross your fingers that this is the first of more mountain bike trails to come (and it goes without saying to use your good bicycling etiquette to help insure it). More details are sure to come, but in the meantime, they warn folks NOT to mountain bike there until it's summer, when the trail (prepped with assistance from CAMBA) will be ready to ride.

Slide show:


Click here if the slide show above is not appearing for you.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Special guest instructor for winter dressing clinic

Century Cycles in Medina is thrilled to welcome Chip Ellison (left), a cycling apparel expert from Pearl Izumi and longtime CC friend, as a special guest instructor for the Dressing for Winter Cycling clinic tomorrow, Thursday January 12, at 6:30 p.m. (CC staffers and year-round bicyclists Josh Ronschke and Aaron Maughan will teach it in Rocky River and Doug Charnock will teach it in Peninsula.)

At this FREE clinic, attendees will learn essential tips and products for not getting too cold (or too warm) while riding during the winter. They will also receive a 15% discount on all clothing (cold-weather and otherwise), parts and accessories. Light refreshments will be served. The clinic will last about an hour.

And here's a top-secret heads-up: We also have it on good authority that a new Hot Deal will start tomorrow that will offer 50% off three essential winter cycling clothing items -- nicely timed to coincide with (a) this clinic and (b) this mild winter that has brought out more January cyclists than we've ever seen before.

Unable to attend tomorrow's clinic? Click here to hear Chip Ellison interviewed about dressing for winter riding in the December episode of Radio Century Cycles!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

New in 2012: GOBA route, Pedal to the Point dates

Event organizers are switching things up in 2012. For the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) on June 16-23, that means an entirely new route, with stops in Chillicothe, Ashville, Washington Court House and Wilmington:


How much work goes into preparing to host over 3,000 bicyclists? Well, apparently six-months'-worth -- the city of Chillicothe is meeting next week to start their preparations.

You should pull a Chillicothe and also start preparing. First step? Click here to register online -- you'll save some money if you do so by April 30. Second step? Read our article, 5 Tips: Preparing For and Riding a Multi-Day Bicycle Tour. Third step: Recruit some friends, preferably the "glass half full" sort. Fourth step: Ride, baby, ride.

Now get out your calendars and read this before booking your summer vacation. Usually held the second weekend in August, the 2012 Bike MS Pedal to the Point will be held the FIRST week of that month - on August 4-5. The popular event ride will also have a new start/finish location at Brunswick High School and an awesome national sponsor in Raleigh Bicycles. Click here to register for either 30, 75, 100 or 150 mile routes -- do so by January 31 and pay just $20! (Dawdle and you'll pay $45-80, depending on the extent of your procrastination.)

There is also a new route for Pelotonia this year, which will avoid some of the hills of southern Ohio and instead head north to Kenyon College for the three-day cycling event, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

Century Cycles is proud to be the source for all your event ride needs -- in our stores as you prepare (from our experienced staff ready to advise you, to our excellent inventory of bicycles and accessories) and on the road at GOBA and Pedal to the Point. Let us know your plans and how we can help!

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Weekend Roundup: News and Events

 This is a great weekend to spend with Century Cycles. Today, come to a FREE Basic Bike Maintenance Clinic at all three stores at 1:30pm. Learn how to fix a flat tire, do a pre-ride safety check, and what to take with you on every ride -- plus attendees get 15% off all clothing, parts and accessories after the clinic, and be sure to check out the current Hot Deal. (And perhaps bring a donation to the Ronald McDonald House with you!)

Tomorrow, come be Winterrific with us -- enjoy all the fun winter activities the Cleveland Metroparks have to offer, plus we'll be doing a (snow-free) snow bike demo!

Now on to the news you may have missed if you don't follow us on Twitter or Facebook....

Utah woman commutes year-round on her Electra Townie. (Utah Daily Herald)

Bicycle Dreams is coming to Cleveland on January 26, to benefit Bike Cleveland and the Cleveland Heights Bike Coalition. (Facebook)

Hudson approved a Safe Routes to School plan. (Hudson Hub Times)

And we've got just the prescription for you....


Friday, January 6, 2012

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns April 13-14, 2012

Century Cycles is proud to be the exclusive local bicycle store sponsor of the Banff Mountain Film Festival Word Tour in Cleveland for 2012! The tour brings the world's top films in mountain culture, environment, and adrenaline sports to Northeast Ohio for the 15th time!

Location: Playhouse Square's Ohio Theatre, 1511 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115

When: (different films each evening)

Friday, April 13, 2012 - Opening Night Reception at 6:00pm, featuring appetizers, coffee, and a selection of desserts. Films begin at 7:30pm and end around 10:30pm with an intermission. Tickets: $27

Saturday, April 14, 2012 - Reception at 7:00pm, featuring coffee and desserts. Films begin at 8:00pm and end around 11:00pm with an intermission. Tickets: $22.

Advance tickets can be purchased at any of the three Century Cycles stores in Medina, Peninsula, or Rocky River. A $1 per ticket processing fee will be charged for ticket purchases made with credit cards. Ticket prices will increase $5 each on Friday, April 5, 2012.

The reception on both evenings will feature exhibits by Century Cycles and other organizations of interest to outdoor enthusiasts, plus sign-ups for door prizes!

On The Edge Films, Inc. brings the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour to Cleveland.

The films to be shown in Cleveland are yet to be announced. You can check out the  Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour trailer here:


(Click here if the video above is not appearing for you.)