Wednesday, December 31, 2014

New Year's Holiday Hours

PLEASE NOTE: We are OPEN today, December 31, 2014 from 10:00am until 3:00pm. We are CLOSED on January 1, 2015.

Happy New Year!

Looking for a group ride to ring in the new cycling year? Join the annual tradition of the ABCDEFGHIJ! Ride, starting at 12:00 noon at the Public Square in downtown Medina. Click here for more details.


Monday, December 29, 2014

Raleigh Bikes Go Electric!

Raleigh Tekoa-iE electric mountain bike
Are you looking to try cycling as a way to get in better shape, but need a little help going the distance? Want to start riding to work, but don't want to work up too much of a sweat?

An electric bicycle may be the answer to these and other problems!

Raleigh Bicycles has you covered with the Tekoa-iE. The 350-watt center-mount motor provides pedal assistance to drive you at speeds up to 28 miles per hour! The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes help you keep that speed under control. The 48-volt lithium-ion battery provides a range of up to 35 miles (your range may vary depending on conditions). The 29-inch wheels and RockShox suspension fork smooth out the road or trail.

Now in stock at Century Cycles! Stop in for a no-cost no-obligation test ride! As of this writing, we have a Medium size in stock in our Medina store, and a Large in Rocky River.

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Poll: What's your bicycling resolution for 2015?

Do you make New Year's resolutions, and if so, are they related to bicycling?

What is your bicycling resolution for 2015? Let us know by taking our latest online poll! Click here to take the poll.


Our last poll was our annual favorite, which asked, "What do you hope Santa leaves under your tree?" For the first time, "A new bicycle" was the winner with 44% of the vote. Our winner from previous years, "A Century Cycles Gift Card," got 23%. You can see the full results of the last poll here.

Friday, December 26, 2014

Salsa Bucksaw full-suspension fat bike wins multiple awards


The Salsa Bucksaw is the first production full-suspension snow bike. In addition to being highly anticipated by avid fat bike riders, it's been well-received by the cycling press as well. It's the next step in the evolution of snow bikes, and if you believe some people, the next step in the evolution of mountain bikes overall.

National Geographic magazine included the Salsa Bucksaw 1 in its list of Gear of the Year 2014. They said:
"Salsa designed the Bucksaw’s suspension from a blank slate, rather than adapting an existing skinny design, and they nailed it."
and:
"... the Bucksaw positively rails singletrack, skips over rugged sections, and floats atop chatter bumps like a hovercraft, or, perhaps, a town car."
You can read their full review here.

Mountain biking stalwarts Dirt Rag magazine named the Bucksaw in their 2014 Editor's Choice - Bikes list:
"Fat bikes aren’t just for snow anymore; the big tires are big fun all year round and the Bucksaw is breaking trail in a whole new market."
" Is it faster? Maybe? Is it better? That’s a loaded question. Is it fun? Oh hell yeah."
You can read their full review here.

We have a Salsa Bucksaw 2 in stock in Medium size in our Winter Cycling Wonderland at the Century Cycles store in Peninsula. A Large is on the way; when these two are gone; that is all for this season!

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Holiday Hours 2014

Here are our hours for all three Century Cycles stores for the 2014 holiday season:

  • Wednesday, December 24: OPEN 10:00am - 3:00pm
  • Thursday, December 25: CLOSED
  • Wednesday, December 31: OPEN 10:00am - 3:00pm
  • Thursday, January 1, 2015: CLOSED
We will be open for our regular hours on all other days.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Monday, December 22, 2014

Fattyshack! Ride your snow bike at Brandywine Country Club - Jan. 17, 2015


"Some people just don't belong."

Century Cycles partners with Brandywine Country Club to bring you this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Brandywine is opening up their terrain for snow bike / fat bike riders. Demo a snow bike from Century Cycles, or if you've already got a snow bike of your own, bring it to ride the course!

We'll have two courses marked, a flat "Beginner" course (the front nine) and a hilly "Expert" course (the back nine).

  • When: Saturday, January 17, 2015 12:00noon - 4:00pm
  • Where: Brandywine Country Club, 5555 Akron-Peninsula Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
  • Cost: FREE!

Parking will be available on the east side of Akron-Peninsula Road, by the main clubhouse. The Fattyshack headquarters will be located at the Brandywine Wine Bar located on the west side of Akron-Peninsula Road (take the tunnel walkway from the parking lot), also known as the Par 3 Course clubhouse.

In-between fat bike rides, you can join us as we huddle for warmth around the fire pit. You can purchase beverages and snacks at the Wine Bar.

Rain or a lack of snow will cancel the event. Check our Facebook page for the latest updates.

The Fine Print:

  • Participants will be required to sign a Waiver & Release Form.
  • All riders must wear a CPSC-approved helmet. Helmets will be provided with Century Cycles demo bikes; riders with their own snow bikes must have their own helmets.
  • All bicycles must have tires of 3 inches wide or wider.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Beware of the big-box store bicycles

We've talked about the dangers of the unsafe assembly of bicycles from the big-box stores before (see "Big-Box store bicycle Hall of Shame" from last year). Check out this recent report from a tv station in central Florida for further confirmation:


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

If you're still shopping for that perfect two-wheeled gift to put under the tree, Century Cycles has a wide selection of kid's bikes for boys and girls of all ages in stock!

Of course, we'd like you to buy a bike from us or any quality independent bike shop, but if you MUST buy a bike from the big-box stores, PLEASE have it checked out by a professional bike mechanic!


Friday, December 19, 2014

Video: Why CycleOps?

It's indoor trainer season, and nobody beats the quality and service of CycleOps. This video shows you a bit about the company's history, and the philosophy and care that go into every one of their made-in-the-USA products.

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

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Hot Deals for Cold Days #3 - Holiday Gift Extravaganza! Jerseys, Gloves, Lights, and Computers!


This week's Hot Deals for Cold Days feature hot gift items for every cyclist on your giving list (including yourself)!
We start off with the Pearl Izumi Quest Long-Sleeve Jersey, a comfortable jersey that looks great on every ride, with its airy semi-form fit and warm Ultrasensor fabric that wicks moisture superbly and helps you slice through the wind with ease. This fine piece also boasts a 3/4 zipper, 3 rear pockets, and reflective accents, too. Available in unisex sizes Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, and XX-Large in the Screaming Yellow color only for just $39.00 (regularly $65.00).

Lightweight and windproof, the Pearl Izumi Cyclone Gel Gloves are perfect for those chilly rides. They offer a sweet combo of gel padding on the synthetic-leather palms and Elite Softshell fabric on the back to keep the wind and water at bay. Available in unisex sizes Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large for only $24.00 (regularly $40.00).

The Blackburn Mars 3.0 Taillight has 5 super-bright red and 2 amber LEDs along with flashing, chase, and steady modes to keep you super-visible. Plus, Blackburn's high-tech lens and the side LEDs ensure 180 degrees of safety-boosting visibility. This great taillight also easily attaches to your bike or pack with the included mounts, and runs on 2 AAA batteries, also included, for just $11.99 (regularly $19.99).

In addition to the standard cycling computer functions (speed, distance, odometer, trip time, clock, average speed, maximum speed), the Cat Eye Adventure has a built-in altimeter to show altitude gain and the percent grade you are climbing. It's wireless for a clean look and easy installation, too, and is rugged enough for mountain biking. This sweet computer features a large screen and digits for easy reading for only $59.99 (regularly $99.99)!

Find this information on our web site at: www.centurycycles.com/get/HotDeals



The Fine Print
These Hot Deals for Cold Days are good December 18 - 31, 2014 only, while supplies last on in-stock merchandise only. Cannot be combined with other discounts. In-store purchase only; no online or phone orders accepted. No coupon necessary.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

45Nrth Sturmfist 4-Finger Gloves: for the serious winter rider

For extreme winter conditions, the 45North Sturmfist 4-Finger Gloves are constructed with Polartec Neoshell, a wind- and water-resistant outer with 300g Polartec Alpha insulation on the backs.

There's Aerogel in the palms and fingertips to block heat loss from freezing-cold handlebars. (The same space-age technology found in the soles of the 45North Wolvhammer Cycling Boots.) The palms also feature Pittards goat leather for durability, comfort and a great grip.

And, you'll love the 100% Merino wool lining that keeps you warm and comfortable, combined with the removable Merino wool liner gloves. The gusseted elastic wrist gauntlets fit under or over (your preference) your jacket sleeves to keep the wind and cold out.
All of these great features combine to keep your fingers comfortable in temperatures ranging from 0 degrees to 15 degrees Fahrenheit!

Available in unisex sizes Small, Medium, Large, and Extra-Large. In stock now at Century Cycles' Winter Cycling Wonderland in Peninsula. Give us a call if you'd like to check them out in Medina or Rocky River.

Sunday, December 14, 2014

A Bike MS Gift for You

'Twas the night before the weekend at Ohio Buckeye

Not a creature was stirring, not even a fly

The bikes were all tucked away with care

In hopes that Bike MS soon would be here

The riders were nestled all snug in their beds

While visions of a Team Village cranked in their heads

They hung up their jerseys, they put away their cleats

Had just settled their brains for a long winter's sleep

When out on the Web there arose such chatter

They sprang from their beds to see what was the matter

To their computers they went in the blink of an eye

When they opened their emails to a big surprise

On December 15th Bike MS registration will begin

With a $15 price sure to make you spin

Mark your calendars now, hurry, don't delay

This deal will only last for one day

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Bikes, Bands, & Brews: Buzzbin knows winter fun

Mike Nasvadi is the editor-in-chief of Buzzbin Magazine, a sometimes-monthly arts/music/entertainment newspaper serving Northeast Ohio, with a focus on their home in downtown Canton. He's also the proprietor of Buzzbin Art & Music Shop, the companion shop/bar/venue.

Mike is also a huge fan of fat bikes and snow biking. Recently he mentioned on the Fat Bikes group on Facebook that he was working on an article on fat bikes for his magazine, and asked other users to submit photos of their fat bikes. Mike was inundated with an avalanche of fat bike pictures that continues to this day!

I dropped Mike a note with a couple of my favorite fat bike photos, and he got back to me to ask if I'd answer a few questions to help out with his article. I was happy to oblige.

Yesterday, I drove a few counties south to visit some family, and on the way home last night as I passed through Canton, it occurred to me that I should stop in and check out the Buzzbin shop, and maybe even grab the latest issue of the magazine to check out the fat bike article.

The Buzzbin shop has a wide selection of beers in both bottles/cans, and on 11 taps (including 3 nitro taps), with an ever-changing selection of craft micro-brews, plus your old favorite macro-brews like PBR and the like. I asked for a list of the drafts, and the friendly bartender Christina told me that they don't have one, but that's okay; she was able to rattle off the list from memory. That's a good sign at a draft bar; that shows they know their stuff and aren't just slinging tap handles. I settled on the Breckenridge Brewery Vanilla Porter Nitro, and I wasn't disappointed.

I looked down to the end of the bar, and there was Mike himself, chatting with his fellow fat-biking buddies Nate and Danny. I introduced myself to Mike and he introduced me to his friends as the "local celebrity from the magazine."

I opened up the magazine, and lo and behold, there I was, with my answers to Mike's questions printed verbatim, and myself billed as the local "fat bike expert," right alongside world-renowned fat biking expert Greg Smith of fat-bike.com. Well, shucks! I had a swell time chatting with Mike, Nate, and Danny about our fat bikes, our favorite places to ride, other cycling adventures, how to expand the growing fat biking and downtown Canton cycling scene, and going over the Slavic origins of our last names with Christina.

Thanks to Mike and Buzzbin Magazine for a cool article. You can read my contribution to the article here. Check out the Buzzbin Magazine at www.buzzbinmagazine.com, the shop at www.buzzbinshop.com, and you can find their current beer menu here. It's worth a trip to downtown Canton to check out the shop, even if you're not in the area for another reason like I was! In addition to their awesome beer selection, they've got live music events, new beer and brewery launch celebrations, games, and more! The Downtown Canton Bike Club meets there every Sunday, with casual beginner-friendly rides (in-season).

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

The ultimate liner glove - Giro Knit Merino Wool Gloves

The past few years, I've been on a quest to find the ultimate lightweight liner gloves. They had to be wool, of course--I've been a wool convert for a long time now. Nothing beat's wool's ability to keep you warm OR cool all times of the year.

Liner gloves are nice when worn alone on short errand rides during the cooler Spring and Autumn times. For longer rides, they work well underneath your short-finger padded cycling gloves. For winter riding, I wear them as a base layer under my heavyweight insulated winter gloves.

First, many years ago, I got the DeFeet Wool DuraGloves:
They worked well, and continue to do so. The extra-length cuffs give you good coverage from drafts up your wrists, and the rubber grippy dots on the palms and finger help you hold onto stuff.

I wanted something that was touch-screen-compatible, so I wouldn't have to suffer cold fingers every time I stopped for the ever-popular smartphone bike selfie. So, I switched to the SmartWool Liner Glove:
They've got touch-screen-compatible patches on the tips of the thumbs and index fingers. But, they neglected to include the grippy dots. So, it's easy to use your phone until it slips out of your hand.

To what did my wondering eyes appear in the store recently, but a new item that combines the best of both worlds. The Giro Knit Merino Wool Gloves give you touch-screen-compatibility, grippy dots on the palms and fingers, with a choice of two hot color schemes:
Giro Merino Wool Gloves in Gray/Black with Wild Lime grippers
Giro Merino Wool Gloves in Gray/Wild Lime with Black grippers
The Giro Knit Merino Wool Gloves come in two sizes, SM/MD and LG/XL. Perfect for every cyclist on your gift list (hint, hint) at $24.99 per pair. Stop in to any of our three Century Cycles stores by Dec. 31, 2014, and you can take 15% OFF with our Holiday Sale!

Monday, December 8, 2014

Cleveland Bike Share Hibernating for the season

It's been a great inaugural season for the Cleveland Bike Share, but now that it's getting colder, system operator Zagster wants to let you know that your bike share is temporarily hibernating for the winter months, beginning Monday, December 8. The bikes will return in the early spring, dependent on the weather.

In the meantime, they'd like to collect your feedback on the bike share - please complete their short survey.

Zagster bike sharing has been a huge success, with over 25,000 rides across the country this year, and are looking forward to another season of providing you the most fun, fast, and convenient way to get around Cleveland!

Friday, December 5, 2014

The Dirty Dozen

Pedaling up the 37% grade of Canton Avenue in Pittsburgh
Looking for a way to REALLY burn off your Thanksgiving turkey dinner? Next year, pencil the Dirty Dozen on your calendar.

The city of Pittsburgh ranks right up there with San Francisco, maybe even more so, for the number of hills in and around the city, including the steepest official street in the United States.

The Dirty Dozen race began over 30 years ago when two-time Race Across America (RAAM) champion Danny Chew, his brother Tom, and a couple friends wondered what it would be like to ride a bicycle route that encompassed the 13 steepest hills within a 10-kilometer radius of the city. They did some research, came up with a ride of about 50 miles, and the Dirty Dozen was born.

The race is held every year on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. Participation has increased every year, with the most people joining on years when the weather is better.

I did my first Dirty Dozen in 2005, and went back in 2007. Among the other statistics that Danny keeps on his web site is a list of those who have participated in three or more Dirty Dozens. After a hiatus of seven years, I was happy to finally be able to make it this year and add my name to the exclusive list.

The race begins at the Bud Harris Cycling Track, located on the city's east side near the zoo. The stretches of road between the hills are neutral. As the group approaches the base of one of the "official" hills, Danny sounds his whistle, and the race is on. The first riders to reach the top of the hill are awarded points based on the order. Whoever has the most points at the end wins. You have to successfully finish every hill to be eligible as a winner or finisher. If you stop, fall, or put a foot down on any part of the hill, you must go back to the bottom and start over.

Only a dozen or two racers are actually strong enough to contend for points on the hills; the majority of the rest are just along for the ride and bragging rights. With temperatures in the upper 40s and even reaching to 50 this year, it was a record turnout, with over 320 riders, including a record number of women, 25.

For the past ten years, the race was won by local racing legend and former bike messenger Steve Cummings, a.k.a. Steevo. This year, his rein was finally toppled by young 17-year-old upstart Ian Baun. In 2nd place was another local legend, Gunnar Shogren, who held the title of National Mountain Bike Champion back in the '80s. Gunnar, at 52 years old, is still an animal, and proved it by finishing the race on a singlespeed bike! Steevo ended up in 4th place.

For the women, this year's champion was Betsy Shogren (yes, that's Mrs. Gunnar Shogren), who notched her 3rd win at the DD, this time also on a singlespeed.

Back in '05, I rode my Bianchi Volpe cyclocross bike, which was equipped with a 26-36-48 triple-chainring setup. In '07, I rode the same bike, but that time it had a compact double 34-50 crankset. That bike has since been replaced in my fleet with a Surly Cross-Check with the same drive train, but instead I opted to ride my Salsa Fargo. I recently upgraded it with a mountain double 26-39 crankset, and a 12-36 cassette, and I'm glad I did, as I think my aging legs would not have made it any other way.

50 miles doesn't sound like a long ride, but it will be the longest 50 miles you've ever done. Not only do the hills themselves make it a long day (all at least a 20% grade or more), but some of the neutral hills in-between are killers. Plus, you'll wait for the crowd to catch up at the top of each hill before moving on. The ride starts at 10:00am, and you'll be rolling back to your car at the start as it gets dark after 5:00pm, so bring your headlight and blinky taillight.

Check out this video to see what it's all about. This is this year at Canton Avenue, that infamous 37% hill, and #9 on the list:

Click here if the video above is not appearing for you. Search YouTube for "Dirty Dozen Pittsburgh" for many more videos from over the years.

Want to do a local ride that will help prepare you for the Dirty Dozen? We've got our own baker's dozen of hills here in the Cuyahoga Valley, and you can check out the best and worst of them on our 82-mile Death Ride.

For more details about the history of the Dirty Dozen race, the hills and the route, and stats from past winners and finishers, go to www.dannychew.com and click on "Dirty Dozen" in the menu on the left.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Hot Deal #2: 40% OFF Select Nutcase Helmets, Giro Wool Socks, CatEye Lights

Hot Deals for Cold Days #2 brings you 40% OFF fun helmets for the whole family, and stocking stuffers for every bicyclist on your holiday shopping list!

Nutcase Helmets offer cutting-edge comfort, style, and protection with their injection-molded ABS-plastic outer shell, expanded-polystyrene inner, and multitude of vents that ensure ample airflow. You'll also love the adjustable dial fitting system, soft straps, and magnetic buckle, giving you a snug, comfortable fit and letting you close the buckle with one hand. There are reflective logos for enhanced visibility and a detachable visor, too. Available in Got Luck?, Mellow Swirl, Turtle, and Urban Caution (all styles in Small, Medium, and Large, except Turtle available in Small and Medium only) for $41.99 (regularly $69.99).
Giro Wool Socks are made from comfy and breathable Merino wool, which provides natural moisture and odor management, with 6-inch tall cuffs to ensure there's no gap at the bottom of your tights. The Black, Charcoal, and Heather Gray versions ($11.99, regularly $19.99) are a warm, heavyweight weave to keep you riding all winter long. The Camo version ($9.60, regularly $16.00) is a lighter-weight wool for all-season comfort! Size and color selection may vary by store.
The versatile elastic mounts on the Cat Eye Loop Light Kit let you add visibility just about anywhere, such as your handlebar, frame, seat post, backpack, or jacket, whether you're riding, hiking, or jogging. The included CR2032 batteries provide 30 to 50 hours of run time in constant or flashing modes. Use the white light for the front and red for the rear; both are included in the kit for only $11.99 (regularly $19.99)!
The Fine Print:
This Hot Deal is good only December 4 - 17, 2014, while supplies last. In-store purchase only; no online or phone orders accepted. No coupon necessary.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Towpath Trail named "Best Bike Trail" in Ohio Magazine


The Ohio & Erie Canalway is proud to announce that the readers of Ohio Magazine have chosen the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail as the "Best Bike Trail" in Ohio! Look for the official announcement in the January 2015 issue of the magazine.

From Zoar to Cleveland - through Tuscarawas County, the Stark County Park District, Summit Metro Parks, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and on into Cleveland Metroparks - you'll find 49 Trailheads that offer access to bike adventures along the Towpath. Or, as we like to think of it - 85+ miles of flat-out joy on two wheels!

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

American Heritage Girls Troop OH1206

A group from the American Heritage Girls Troop OH1206 visited the Century Cycles store in Rocky River on November 20, 2014. Josh from the store gave them some lessons on basic bicycling skills.
American Heritage Girls is a religion-centered girls scouting organization that was started in Cincinnati in 1995 by a group of parent volunteers who wanted a scout-type program that reflected Christian values for their daughters.
If you'd like to arrange a bicycling presentation for your scouting group, please contact our scout coordinators in each of our three stores:

Monday, December 1, 2014

Global Fat Bike Day Ride - Sat. Dec. 6 in Peninsula

December 6, 2014 is the THIRD annual "Global Fat Bike Day." All fans and owners of snow bikes/fat bikes around the world are encouraged to plan rides, get together and admire each other's bikes, take pictures, and share the joy of snow biking!

We'll start our ride from the parking lot of Century Cycles in Peninsula at 8:00am, and hit the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Coffee and donuts provided in the store afterwards!

If you don't have a fat bike, bring your regular mountain or 'cross bike, and we can compare how each one handles!

Check out the video from our 2013 Global Fat Bike Day Ride:

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