Saturday, January 31, 2015

A return to Ray's Indoor Mountain Bike Park

If you don't have a snow bike (and if not, for gosh sakes WHY NOT?), the winter time for cyclists usually means spin classes, riding on an indoor trainer or rollers, or non-cycling outdoor activities like hiking or cross-country skiing.

Many local mountain bikers have enjoyed Ray's MTB Indoor Mountain Bike Park since it opened as the first of its kind in the world over 10 years ago. It's a favorite of many of the Century Cycles staff. You can see some of our staff's inside tips the Where We Ride section of our web site.

The last time I (Kevin) rode at Ray's was in January of 2008, exactly 7 years ago. And this happened:
So after enjoying all of the above-mentioned activities over the years, I decided to give Ray's another try this past Friday evening.

A lot has changed at Ray's the last few years, including a change of ownership, but most of all, the riding options have expanded and improved. There's always been something for everyone of every riding ability, but now even more so. The Novice Loop is a flat course with a couple of ground-level wooden bridges to help you practice riding over rough stuff. The Beginner Room has several short courses that stay close to the ground, so there's a small penalty for failure. The Cross-Country (XC) Loop is smooth with some challenging ups and downs to help you stay in shape for hilly off-road trails.

So I rode all of the above, and nothing more, and survived. Here's video proof:

Click here if the video above is not appearing for you. Please keep your comments above my lame riding skills to a minimum.

If you haven't been to Ray's MTB ever, or haven't been in a while, check it out; it's fun!

Helmets are required. Helmets, elbow pads, and shin guards may be borrowed for FREE with your admission. Go to www.raysmtb.com for more info and directions.

Friday, January 30, 2015

Please support access for Bicycle Route 66

The Adventure Cycling Association has focused its most recent efforts on creating bicycle travel routes that highlight areas of historical and cultural significance. Past results include the Lewis & Clark Trail and the hugely popular Underground Railroad Bicycle Route (which passes by the Century Cycles stores in both Medina and Peninsula).

Their latest project is Bicycle Route 66, which follows the original route of the historic "Mother Road" from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. However, the completion of this route in time for publication this spring is in jeopardy.

ACT NOW - BY FEB. 1!
Please ask the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to allow bicycle access on I-40 between Needles and Barstow, California. Bicycle travelers currently do not have legal access to bicycle this 144-mile section of Adventure Cycling’s Bicycle Route 66. Without I-40 access, cyclists will have to end their trip early (at the California border) or risk being ticketed by illegally riding the interstate. The Bicycle Route 66 maps are going to print in early February, and your voice will help put pressure on Caltrans to resolve this urgent issue now.

(Note: Unlike here in Ohio, bicycling on Interstate highways in legal, common, and quite safe in many parts of the western United States. State departments of transportation have the discretion to allow or disallow bicycle access on Interstate highways based on local conditions and needs.)

For more information on the issue:
  • Read the ACA's blog post highlighting issues along Bicycle Route 66 in California
  • See first-hand the road conditions on the National Trails Highway -- the only other route option which is currently closed and sections are unsuitable for bicycling.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Please email the following Caltrans decision-makers by February 1st.

You can use and/or personalize the sample email below. Copy and paste the email addresses of the pertinent officials from here:

[SUBJECT LINE] Allow Bicycle Access on I-40

Dear Directors Dougherty and Muallem and Deputy District Director Pining III, 

Director Dougherty, you are on the record stating that, “We [Caltrans] should be striving for an interconnected, multi-modal transportation system that is consistent with our newly adopted mission statement: Caltrans provides a safe, sustainable, integrated and efficient transportation system to enhance California’s economy and livability.  This transportation system must accommodate all modes of travel: highway users, transit users, pedestrians, and cyclists.” 

With this statement in mind, we strongly recommend that Caltrans take the appropriate steps to ensure cyclists have a safe and legal route for Bicycle Route 66. 

Since the National Trails Highway is currently closed and sections are in extremely poor condition, I-40 provides the best and only continuous route for Bicycle Route 66 between Needles and Barstow, CA.   

Cyclists will come from across the world to ride Bicycle Route 66, bringing their appetites and pocketbooks with them. Studies indicate that bicycle travelers spend between $76 and $114 per day and stay in a region longer than motorized tourists. This can have a significant impact on the rural communities of San Bernardino County over time. 

As a supporter/member of Adventure Cycling, I urge Caltrans take the steps necessary to make bicycle access legal on I-40 between Needles and Barstow, CA so I and others like me can travel by bicycle through California.    

Sincerely, 

YOUR NAME

- - -

P.S. Thank you for your kind attention to this email Malcolm Dougherty, Basem Muallem and Catalino Pining III. We are hopeful that with your support, we can make Bicycle Route 66 a better route now and in the future.


Thursday, January 29, 2015

40% OFF Helmets for the Whole Family! Hot Deals for Cold Days #6

Hot Deals for Cold Days #6 brings you 40% OFF selected helmets for the whole family to keep you safe on the road or trail! All are only $23.99 each (regularly $39.99). Plus, take 10% OFF any other in-stock helmets!

The Bell Piston Helmet is comfortable, fully-featured, and stylish, with the ErgoDial fit system and cam-lock straps for an easy-to-adjust custom fit. A removable shields your face, and 15 extra-large vents keep the air flowing. Unisex one-size-fits-most sizing works well for heads 54 to 61 centimeters in diameter. Available in the Matte Black/Titanium Rally color shown here.

The Bell Strut Women's Helmet has the same great features as the Piston, but in a women's-specific one-size-fits-most size that works well for heads 50 to 57 centimeters in diameter. Plus, you get a ponytail port in the back! Available in the Raspberry Dream or White/Silver Cali colors shown here.

The Giro Tempest Youth Helmet is the perfect choice to keep your little rider looking and feeling cool, with large air vents and Acu-Dial retention system. Available in the Matte Green Camo color shown here.

The Bell Octane Youth Helmet also features big air vents, the ErgoDial fit system and cam-lock straps, Bell's PinchGuard buckle, and a removable visor. Available in the Purple/Teal/Black Swan color shown here.

BONUS HOT DEAL: Take 10% OFF any other in-stock helmets!

The Fine Print:
This Hot Deal is good only January 29 - February 11, 2015, while supplies last on in-stock merchandise only. In-store purchase only; no online or phone orders accepted. No coupon necessary.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Adventure Cycling 2nd Annual Young Adult Scholarship Program

Do you know a young person that wants to get into bicycle touring, but needs some financial help?

The Adventure Cycling Young Adult Bike Travel Scholarship program was developed in 2014 at the request of Adventure Cycling Association members as a way to sponsor young people on tour and share the experience of bike travel.

The goal of the scholarship is to provide young adults, ages 18-25, with access to bicycle travel through participation in one of the ACA's Educational Courses. Upon completion of the course, scholarship recipients will perform outreach activities for their communities and peers to promote the activity of bicycle touring.

For the 2015 program, Adventure Cycling Association is seeking candidates who will choose to participate in either the Leadership Training Course (LTR) or Introduction to Road Touring (IRT). Each scholarship covers transportation to attend one of the courses, the cost of the course (which includes meals and accommodations), as well as a new touring bicycle equipped with bike travel gear, such as panniers. Eligible candidates will be ages 18-25 and have an interest in bicycle travel and touring.

Learn more about the 2015 Educational Course options.

Read about last year's winners, Alice Viana and John Nguyen.

Apply Now
The application period closes February 1, 2015. Download Application

The Adventure Cycling Association's mission is to inspire and empower people to travel by bicycle. Established in 1973 as Bikecentennial, they are the premier bicycle-travel organization in North America with more than 35 years of experience and 47,000 members.

Included in the 42,180-mile Adventure Cycling Route Network is the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route, which passes by the Century Cycles stores in Medina and Peninsula, and the Northern Tier Route, which passes by the Century Cycles store in Rocky River. Century Cycles is a Member Bicycle Shop of the Adventure Cycling Association.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Attend a public meeting to support Cleveland's East Side Greenway plan

The goal of the planned East Side Greenway is to redesign existing roads or to create new overland pathways in 18 eastern Cuyahoga County communities to better connect them to one another, to the city of Cleveland, to the Metroparks, and to Lake Erie.

Read more details about the plan in this recent article on cleveland.com.

You can attend any of four upcoming public meetings to review the plans and provide your feedback:

  • Wednesday, January 28, 2015, 7:00-9:00pm
    Happy Dog at Euclid Tavern
    11625 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland
  • Thursday, January 29, 2015, 7:00-9:00pm
    Beachwood Branch Library
    25501 Shaker Boulevard, Beachwood


  • Monday, February 2, 2015, 7:00-9:00pm
    Waterloo Brew
    15335 Waterloo Road, Cleveland


  • Tuesday, February 3, 2015, 6:30-8:30pm
    University Heights Public Library
    13866 Cedar Road, University Heights

Monday, January 26, 2015

North American Handmade Bicycle Show - Mar. 6-8 in Louisville, KY


The annual North American Handmade Bicycle Show comes to Lousville, Kentucky on March 6 through 8, 2015. The last time the NAHBS came close to NE Ohio was back in 2009 in Indianapolis.

If you enjoy getting an up-close and personal look at beautiful hand-made bicycles (like the one from Groovy CycleWorks of Wooster, Ohio pictured above), then get yourself down to Kentucky in March!

Links:

NABHS Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/nahbs

NAHBS Twitter:
@NAHBSTweets
#NAHBS2015

NAHBS Instagram
http://instagram.com/nahbs2015/

The show is open to the public, and anyone wanting to attend can register on-site at the Kentucky International Convention Center or online at the following link:
http://nahbs.mycustomevent.com/ShoppingCart.aspx?com=productlist&cid=260&srch=t

The NAHBS is also looking for volunteers to help with the show, and anyone wanting to help out and snag a FREE PASS can register here:
http://nahbs.mycustomevent.com/ShoppingCart.aspx?com=productlist&cid=298&srch=t

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Fat Bikes: The Winter Sport of the Future? (From NPR)


Jon Kalish of National Public Radio visited a Nordic ski resort in Vermont for this report on the history and recent boom of the snow bike:
Click here to read read the article on NPR's web site.

Friday, January 23, 2015

My Big Fat Bike Adventure

A few of us in the Peninsula store like to take short one-night bike tours, or Sub 24-Hour Overnights, throughout the year. With snow bike season in full swing, we figured why not take a snow bike tour?

Chris got the bright idea to drive out to Oil Creek State Park, near Oil City, Pennsylvania. The park has a bike path that runs along the creek, which we could ride on fat bikes until we got to a hiking trail that leads to the top of the ridge overlooking the creek. Up the ridge is a set of lean-to shelters for overnight camping. Then, we'd ride back to the car the next morning.

So what does one pack for a bike-camping trip in the winter time? It's pretty much the same as bike-camping any other time, except you take some warmer clothes. We could save a little packing space by not taking tents, since we'd be sleeping in a shelter.

As usual, to get ready, I laid out all of the gear I planned to take a couple of days before, along with my bike ('14 Salsa Mukluk 2) and bags in my basement:
My usual spring/summer/fall sleeping bag is very lightweight and small, and can fit in a small stuff sack on one of the Salsa Anything Cages. My main concern this time around was finding a place to carry my larger winter sleeping bag (seen in the large blue stuff sack on the right). My stroke of genius came when I realized I could take the sleeping bag out of the stuff sack, and just stuff it into the main storage compartment of my hydration backpack. Here's everything packed and ready to go:
The stuff in the pile on the left didn't need to be packed, since it's what I would be wearing while on the bike:

The other items I was able to fit in the hydration pack were a first aid kit and my headlamp (plus the 100-ounce water bladder filled). On the bike:
  • Revelate Designs Viscacha Seat Bag
    • Camp stove
    • Fuel can for camp stove
    • Camp cooking pot with lid
    • Camp plate
    • Down jacket in 2-liter stuff sack
  • Revelate Designs Jerry Can top-tube bag (near seat post)
    • Spare fat bike inner tube
  • Revelate Designs Fuel Tank top-tube bag
    • Smartphone in BiKASE waterproof holder
    • Clif bar
    • Gel snack packet
    • Wallet
  • Revelate Designs Mountain Feed Bag
  • Revelate Designs/Salsa Cycles frame bag
  • Salsa Anything Cage with 5-liter stuff sack (left):
    • Sleeping pad
    • Camp pillow
    • Waterproof matches and fire-starter sticks
  • Salsa Anything Cage with 5-liter stuff sack (right):
    • Down booties
    • Spare wool socks (SmartWool ski socks)
    • Eyeglasses case
So, armed with two days off, I (Kevin) met Chris and our friend Brent in Peninsula on Wednesday morning. We packed up Chris's mom's family comfort cruiser van and headed out a little after 10:00am.

The weather proved appropriate for our winter bike-camping endeavor, and the Ohio turnpike traffic was treacherous.
We made a lunch pit stop at a Promised Land outside Youngstown.
We continued across state lines, and arrived at Oil Creek State park without incident.
We stopped in the park office to make sure our shelter reservation was in order, let them know we'd be leaving the van at the office overnight, and say Hi to the local rangers. They said, "So you're going to hike to the Wolfkiel shelters?" We said, "No, we're going to bike." "You're going to WHAT?" Once we explained the fat bike concept to them, they told us that last weekend, there was a big fat bike race in the area, which drew a lot of attention from around the state.

We made our final gear preparations and got ready to hit the trail.
Kevin's Salsa Mukluk ready to ride
Chris's Salsa Mukluk (borrowed from the Peninsula rental fleet) ready to ride
Brent rode his brand new Surly Ice Cream Truck.

Before we set out, a couple of the park rangers came out to check out our gear, and asked if they could take our picture and post it on their Facebook page:
We finally headed out around 1:30pm. There was a short stretch (about 1/2 mile) of road before the bike trail began. The road had a layer of fresh slushy snow on it--short order for our fat bike tires to handle.

Once we got to the bike trail, we found it to be covered in at least six inches of fresh snow. There were some recent hiking tracks, but it looked like they had been covered over by a day or two's worth of new snow, so we were pretty much breaking fresh trail with our bikes. Even with the fat snow bike tires, this proved rather difficult, and it was slow going.
The scenery around the state park along the Oil Creek provided a welcome distraction, though. The Oil City area is the site of the first discovery of oil in the US, and much of the historical exhibits focus on the old original oil derricks and related items.
We continued to trudge along through the wet, sticky snow. Brent and I took turns every quarter-mile or so, with one of us leading the way, while the other followed along in the tire track. Chris lagged a bit behind.
At not quite 2 miles along, we crossed a bridge over Oil Creek, with its surface almost completely frozen over.
A bit further out, we came to the first of two warming huts along the trail.
At the 3-mile mark, we came to the second warming hut. The temperatures were in about the mid-20's range, perfect snow-biking conditions, and as we pedaled along, we actually got pretty warm. I took off my outer ski gloves and opened up my jacket to ventilate as we waited a while for Chris to catch up again.
Between the 3rd and 4th miles, there were some hiker tracks that were a little fresher, still covered with snow, but they made the trail a little more packed down and easier to navigate. Brent and I still took our turns. The 5th mile was the worst of all, with the deepest un-tracked snow we came across all day. A consistent problem was the snow packing up on our pedals, making it hard for our boots to grip to control the bikes.

Finally, just before dark, we arrived at the trailhead leading up to the shelters.
For the first part of this trail, the snow wasn't too deep, was somewhat packed, and very bike-able. It wasn't long, however, before it turned steeply uphill. It would have been quite a challenge just walking up this trail in the snow, even not considering pushing 60 pounds of bike and gear.
When we finally made it to the shelter, before we let ourselves get too comfortable, Brent got busy starting the fire, while I robbed all of the neighboring shelters of their stock of firewood. About 15 minutes later, Chris arrived, and we unpacked our gear and got busy making our dinners.
The shelter gave of plenty of room to sleep three-across with plenty of elbow room; it could sleep 4 or 5 who are willing to get cozy pretty easily, and at 15 bucks a night, it's a bargain accommodation.
We enjoyed our dinners, then sat and did the usual campfire shooting-the-breeze before we settled into our sleeping bags. The temperatures stayed about the same, and it wasn't too windy, so despite the open side of the shelter, the fire kept us pretty comfortable.

I didn't sleep so well most of the night, though, possibly from all the caffeine I drank at lunch, or maybe due to dehydration, or maybe a little of both. I took more than my fair share of turns adding wood to keep the campfire going. At one point, I think I spent about an hour just sitting up and staring at the fire, one of the simple pleasures of camping. Not long before sunrise, I think I got about an hour of good sleep, then around 8:00am, all three of us woke up, with the fire nearly out, and all three of us freezing. Chris made short work of getting the fire going again, so we were comfortable preparing our breakfasts and coffee and re-packing our gear. I ate my Dark Chocolate Cheesecake dessert for breakfast, and decided to save my Egg-n-Baco Omelette for a future trip.

The morning light provided a better view of the outside of the shelter:
We headed out around 9:40am. The downhill trail off the ridge made it a much easier trip compared to the uphill slog the night before. My mountain biking skills came in handy, although I did have to dab a foot here and there, and walk over a small rocky stream crossing. Back on the flat section, there's a bridge that would only be ride-able for the most expert snow biker.
Still, what was a 30-minute hike uphill the previous night was a 10-minute downhill ride. Brent and I waited at the bike path for another 10 minutes until Chris caught up. We made sure we had his car keys before heading back for the 5-mile ride on the bike path back to the park office.

Despite more fresh snow overnight, out tire tracks from the day before were still visible and packed, so that made the trip back a little easier. Still, steering along an existing tire track is much harder than it sounds, and takes all of your concentration, making it tough to enjoy the scenery around us. Occasionally, we'd still lose control and have to stop, dismount, knock the snow off our pedals, and get going again every quarter-mile or half-mile.

Partway back, we passed a group of three hunters (and their two dogs). We were minor celebrities already, because they said they had seen our picture on the park's Facebook page the day before!


Brent and I made it back to the van about 90 minutes after we left the shelter. We changed into dry clothes, and waited in the warm running van for Chris to arrive a while later.
Another bike-camping overnight trip in the books, our first on snow bikes, with tales of adventure to tell!

If you're thinking about a bike touring overnight trip, whether it's a one-night S24O or a months-long cross-country trek, come to Century Cycles for your gear and expert advice! And, come to our FREE Bike Touring Class on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 1:30pm in our Peninsula and Rocky River stores, part of our School Of Bike series!

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Peninsula staff shows up on Google Street View

Last summer, in the middle of a beautiful blue-sky day, Doug at the Century Cycles store in Peninsula happened to notice the Google Street View car heading through on State Route 303. He and Ingrid gave a friendly wave as it passed by the store.

Lo and behold, they recently turned up on the Google site! The captured image is above; you can check out the online version of Google Maps here.

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Giant Bicycles - "My Ride Life" - How Cycling Saved Me

Here at Century Cycles, we've lived our motto of "Define your life. Ride a bike." and know the power of bicycles to change lives.

Giant Bicycles, with their "My Ride Life" initiative, is collecting stories from riders like you of how cycling has saved and transformed their lives. Their latest video story (above) tells about how James Mitchell of Decatur, Illinois lost over 100 pounds in less than a year after purchasing his first Giant bicycle.

You can submit your own cycling story by going to the Giant Bicycles USA Facebook page and click on the My Ride Life tab.

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

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Dialing in the tire pressure on your fat bike

Meiser 30psi Presta-Valve Dial Gauge with Pressure Relief
So, you've taken the leap and purchased your first snow bike. Maintaining the correct air pressure is critical to maximizing performance and pleasure on any bike ride. With the low pressures of fat bike tires, even a half-pound can make all the difference. But look at the built-in gauge on your floor pump--it barely registers anything less than 20psi!

The solution is this handy Meiser 30psi Presta-Valve Dial Gauge with Pressure Relief. Low range for dialing in fat bike pressures on varied terrain. Helps to fine tune tire pressure for the ultimate in performance. Compact design fits easily into handlebar or seat packs. In stock now at Century Cycles!

What pressure should you have in your snow bike tires? If you're riding on pavement, pump them up near the max around 15-18psi. For mountain biking on dirt, about 8psi is a common sweet spot. For packed snow, go with 7psi. For fresh deep snow, you can go as low as 5-6psi for the best floatation and traction.

Rider weight and varying snow or dirt conditions will require some adjustments to the above pressures. If you're less than 140 pounds, you can drop a pound or so in your tire pressure. If you're over 200 pounds, add a pound or so to your tire pressures. In the end, your experimentation and experience in different conditions will be best in finding what works best for you.

Thursday, January 15, 2015

40% OFF Gloves and Arm Warmers from Giant and Liv - Hot Deals for Cold Days #5

Hot Deals for Cold Days #5 brings you 40% OFF essential cycling accessories for both men and women! Brought to you by Giant Bicycles and Liv Cycling, the women's-specific division of Giant! 
  
Full-finger cycling gloves are traditionally used by mountain bikers for protection from weeds, thorns, and the inevitable spills in the dirt. Whether you're in the woods, or on the road or bike path, they're also great to keep chilly fingers at bay during spring and fall rides. 

The Giant Trail Full-Finger Gloves have a double-layer of vented Clarino leather in high-wear areas and light padding, airy 4-way stretch mesh construction, gusseted fingers, and Flex panels to make them breathable, light and completely non-restrictive. Silicone details on the palms help you keep your grip. $20.99 (regularly $34.99) in Blue as shown with Men's/Unisex sizes MD, LG, XL, and XXL.

The Liv Velocity Full-Finger Gloves are made of a 4-way-stretch fabric for a great fit, boast soft Clarino palms for protection and comfort, and feature breathable mesh backs. The fingers are contoured for a non-restrictive flex. You'll love the Velcro closures, microfiber face-wipers, and silicone appliqués for all-weather grip. $14.99 (regularly $24.99) in Black as shown with Women's sizes SM, MD, and LG.

Arm warmers provide shoulder-season versatility. Put on a short-sleeve jersey with arms warmers for long-sleeve warmth. When the day (or your riding effort) heats up, peel off the arm warmers, roll them up, and they stow easily in your jersey pocket.

Giant 3D Arm Warmers are made from light spandex fleece for superb warmth and comfort. The elastic grippers keep them in place and reflective accents add to your visibility in low light. $17.99 (regularly $29.99) in Men's/Unisex sizes MD, LG, XL, and XXL.


Liv Arm Warmers have warm and soft brushed fabric that transfers moisture, breathes easily, and dries quickly. And, they have reflective details at the wrist for visibility. $17.99 (regularly $29.99) in Women's sizes SM, MD, and LG.

The Fine Print:
This Hot Deal is good only January 15 - 28, 2015 while supplies last on in-stock merchandise only. In-store purchase only; no online or phone orders accepted. No coupon necessary.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Surly Bikes Superfan $150 Discount!



Hey Surly Bikes fans! If you're looking to jump on the Surly bandwagon with a new bike (or looking to expand your growing Surly collection), there's no better time like today!

Starting Wednesday, January 14, 2015, Surly Bikes is offering a $150 instant discount on the purchase of any complete Surly bike. This offer is good at your favorite participating Surly Bikes dealer (including Century Cycles) on any in-stock Surly bike.

You can also claim the discount on any special-order Surly bike, as long as it's available for ordering at the time you purchase it. Special-order bikes must be paid in full at the time of purchase.

Go to the Surly Bikes Blog at http://surlybikes.com/blog/post/surly_superfan_coupon for all the details and to get the printable discount coupon thingy. Offer expires April 1, 2015 (no foolin').

So whether you've been thinking about a Surly Cross-Check for cyclocross racing or a do-it-all road/commuter rig, a Long Haul Trucker for your sell-all-your-stuff and head out on your trip of a lifetime, a Big Dummy for haulin' your groceries and all the kids to soccer camp, or Pugsley, Moonlander, or Ice Cream Truck snow bike (perfect for this week's conditions), or heck any of their awesome bikes, DROP EVERYTHING and high-tail it over to your nearest Century Cycles store and give us your money.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Take the bicyclist behavior survey!

A group of researchers from the University of Colorado - Denver is conducting a survey to study the behavior of all road users: bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians alike. The survey takes about 10-15 minutes of your time; help them out by participating here: http://scofflawbiking.org

Monday, January 12, 2015

Winter Hours Begin in Peninsula


Starting TODAY (Monday Jan. 12, 2015), we will begin our WINTER HOURS at the Century Cycles store in Peninsula:
  • Monday through Thursday: 10:00am - 6:00pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Sunday: 12:00 - 5:00pm
We will remain OPEN until 8:00pm on Thursday evenings when we have a School Of Bike class scheduled (Jan. 15, Jan. 22, Jan. 29, Feb. 5, Feb. 12, and Feb. 26).

Our hours in Medina and Rocky River are unchanged:
  • Monday through Thursday: 10:00am - 8:00pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Sunday: 12:00 - 5:00pm
As a always, our current Hours of Operation can be found at: www.centurycycles.com/for/hours

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Join Our Team!

Attention cycling enthusiasts! Want to live your passion and work with our fun crew?

We have an immediate opening at the Century Cycles store in Medina for a Sales Associate. We offer competitive wages and benefits for our industry. Prior bike shop and retail experience is preferred. You must be friendly, outgoing, and a quick learner. Computer skills are also a plus!

Stop into the store to apply, or fill out our online job application at: www.centurycycles.com/to/apply

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Video: CycleOps Trainer Accessories

In the past couple of weeks, we've brought you videos highlighting the history and the science of CycleOps indoor bicycle trainers. Their latest video show you the accessories available to complement and enhance your indoor cycling experience.

Century Cycles has most of these accessories in stock in our stores, including the trainer mat, leveling block, sweat guard, climbing riser block, and trainer bag. Ask us about special-ordering any of the others!

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

Monday, January 5, 2015

Bike Cleveland Annual Meeting - Jan. 24, 2015

The board and staff of Bike Cleveland invite you to spend the evening with Bike Cleveland at Sachsenheim Hall (7001 Denison Ave.) for our annual members meeting and social. Come learn first-hand what Bike Cleveland has accomplished in 2014 and what we have planned for 2015. After a brief meeting about the direction of the organization stay to socialize, hear some live music from The Sibs and The Exploding Lies, and mingle with Bike Cleveland leaders. Light appetizers will be provided.

When: Saturday, January 24, 2015; doors open at 6:30pm

Where: Sachsenheim Hall (7001 Denison Ave., Cleveland, OH)

Who should come: Anyone involved or interested in getting involved with Bike Cleveland’s powerful movement, including Bike Cleveland Members (attend for free) and Bike Cleveland supporters (attend for $20, or become a member online; if you join at the event the cost of registration will be removed from your membership dues).

Click here for more details...

Friday, January 2, 2015

The Science of CycleOps Trainers

Happy New Year! Many of you may be heading to the gym to get a good start on your New Year's fitness resolutions. If you'd like to be able to ride your own bike, but aren't the type to head outside during cold weather, then an indoor bike trainer is for you! This device converts your own bicycle into a stationary bike.

CycleOps is the leader is indoor trainer technology. Our last video from CycleOps told you about the history of the company and their made-in-the-USA quality.

Their latest video is "The Science of CycleOps Trainers," and explains the scientific principles that go into indoor trainer design:

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

Century Cycles carries the CycleOps Magneto and CycleOps Fluid2 trainers. Stop in for a demonstration! Don't worry if you've never used an indoor trainer before; we'll explain all the ins and outs and show you how to set your bike up on one!

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Hot Deals for Cold Days #4: 40% Off Select Giro Cycling Shoes, Giant Jacket and Jersey

Happy New Year!

Our latest Hot Deals for Cold Days brings you 40% OFF cycling & spinning shoes for women, and a jacket and jersey to keep you comfortable riding through the cold-weather season!
Giro Whynd Women's Cycling & Spinning Shoes
The Giro Whynd Women's Cycling & Spinning Shoes help you wind up your performance, whether your pedaling indoors or out. At just $59.99 (regularly $99.99), the nylon and EVA sole and synthetic upper provide support and breathability for good pedal power with great comfort. A velcro strap lets you fine-tune the fit plus keeps the laces from coming un-done. Black/White/Milky Blue color as show above only; sizes 38-42.
Giro Petra Women's Cycling Shoes
With an inconspicuous sneaker-like look, the Giro Petra Women's Cycling & Spinning Shoes seamlessly transition from the bike, to the gym, to the café, and to the grocery store. An elastic retainer strap keeps the laces in place. Only $47.99 (regularly $79.99), available in the Charcoal/Soda color shown above in sizes 38-42.

Both the Whynd and Petra cycling shoes are ideal for indoor spinning classes! They work with Shimano SPD pedals (or any pedals that use a 2-bolt compatible cleat, sold separately), regular platform pedals, or toe straps. The recessed cleat area won't mark up floors, and the tacky soles provide a non-slip grip.
Giant Pro Thermo Cycling Jacket
The Giant Pro Thermo Cycling Jacket has a race fit, and sports a windproof front panel that shrugs off headwinds like a boss. An air channel back panel gives you better temperature regulation so you don't overheat. It also has three rear pockets and reflective accents for low-light visibility. Unisex sizes Medium through XX-Large for just $95.99 (regularly $159.99).
Giant Streak Long-Sleeve Cycling Jersey
Make every ride a winner in the Giant Streak Long-Sleeve Cycling Jersey. Made from lightweight TransTextura fabric, this club-cut jersey breathes well and dries quickly. The Streak features a full-length zipper, three spacious rear pockets, and a sweat-proof phone pocket. Available in Black/Blue color in unisex sizes Medium through XX-large for only $52.19 (regularly $86.99).

The Fine Print
These Hot Deals are good only January 2 - 14, 2014 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.