Friday, October 30, 2015

Bicycling Magazine highlights stylish step-through city bikes


Bicycling Magazine recently published an online article, "These 7 Stylish Step-Through Bikes Make City Riding So Much Fun." Two of the seven featured bicycles are in stock at Century Cycles!

The Liv/giant Suede 2 "with 8 speeds and geometry that allows a rider to sit on the leather saddle while her feet are resting on the ground, the Suede is great for jetting to work or just cruising around town. Extras like a chain guard to protect your pants make the bike a convenient commuting option."



Bicycling Deputy Editor Emily Furia says the Electra Loft 7D was the only reason she was able to keep riding until nearly the end of her pregnancy. “It’s easy to get on and off, and has a great geometry for sightseeing,” she says. “But you still get 7 speeds, so you’re not restricted to flat bike paths (I did the 10-mile Fall Classic on it, which had one decent hill). Plus, the yellow color is so cheery—it’s definitely a bike that makes friends.”

Click here to read the full article.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Which "classic" Century Cycles t-shirt is your favorite?


For years before our popular "Define your life. Ride a bike. (tm)" t-shirts were around, we had many other popular (and sometimes controversial) t-shirt designs.

We took a trip down memory lane and picked out a few of OUR favorite old t-shirt designs. We'll be bringing one back in an updated version. Help us decide which one to bring back! Go to:


to cast your vote!

And remember, our latest t-shirts are still FREE with every new bike purchase!

Towpath Trail Past & Present T-Shirt
Biking is the Drug. We're the Dealer. T-Shirt
Vintage Head Badge T-Shirt
World Tour "black concert t-shirt" T-Shirt (front)
World Tour "black concert t-shirt" T-Shirt
"Define your life. Ride a bike. (tm)" Tie-Dye T-Shirt

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Norm Wengerd of Gentle Brook completes Beyond The Divide Tour

Last month, we wrote on this blog about Norm Wengerd. He's the CEO of Gentle Brook, a non-profit based in Hartville, Ohio that provides services for the developmentally disabled. In late August, he began a trip on the Adventure Cycling Association's Great Divide Mountain Bike Route to raise funds and awareness for his organization.

The mostly off-road route begins in Banff, Alberta and traverses over 2,800 miles through the Rocky Mountains through British Columbia, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico to end at the US-Mexico border.

Norm rode his Salsa Cycles El Mariachi Ti 29er mountain bike. In preparation for the trip, we helped him get the bike optimally set up with our Bicycle Fitting Service, as well as outfitted him with new tires and spare parts to take along on the trail.

Norm finished his ride on October 9, 2015. Please join us in congratulating him! You can read his weekly reports from the trip using the following links to the Gentle Brook blog:

Monday, October 26, 2015

Summit Metro Parks Summer Biking Spree - Raleigh bike winners!

Congratulations to Bob & Yvonne Lee! They are the winners of the drawing we held in the Century Cycles store in Peninsula among the many entries received in the Summit Metro Parks Summer Biking Spree! The bicycle is a Circa hybrid bike, provided by Raleigh Bicycles, perfect for their continued explorations on our local trails!

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Check out Ray's Indoor Bike Park!

Click on https://youtu.be/1XFCLiRImj0 to watch the video
A few of the CC staff went to check out Ray's Indoor Bike Park in Cleveland on Friday evening. As always, the staff  at Ray's was busy over the summer season adding and enhancing the features throughout the park, so there's something new for everyone.

We got some video of Rich and myself (Kevin) checking out the beginner room. The park has options for riders of all abilities, from beginner to expert, so give it a try! And, you can even ride as slow as we did, and you won't get laughed at:

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Pearl Izumi's BioViz technology reinvents the art and science of being seen

Click here: https://youtu.be/ymN_tbSwdOY to watch the video
Pearl Izumi pioneered visibility for bicyclists over 20 years ago with their "Screaming Yellow" jacket that continues to be popular to this day.

New for their Fall 2015 collection (now in stock in our stores), the BioViz technology uses human biology to reinvent the art and science of being seen.


Thursday, October 22, 2015

Thanks to everyone for a great season of Sunday Service Group Road Bike Rides!

In Medina this past weekend, we had seven riders for our final Sunday Service Group Road Bike Ride of the 2015 season, including store staff members Cathy, Ed, and Don. It was a chilly 37 degrees at the 8:00am ride start, but everyone was bundled up to enjoy it!

Thanks to everyone who came to our Sunday rides at all three Century Cycles stores! Look for our schedule of 2016 rides at www.centurycycles.com/for/SundayService in the near future!

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Now in stock: Wolvhammer and Japanther boots and other winter cycling products from 45NRTH

We've got a number of NEW products in stock in all three Century Cycles stores from winter bicycling specialists 45NRTH.
45NRTH Japanther cold weather cycling shoes
The 45NRTH Japanther is the "cool-weather" cycling shoe, great for cyclocross racing, cold weather mountain biking, fair weather commuting, and a shoe for the more hearty winter commuter. Featuring waffled foam and reflective aluminum insole to trap heat, with sculpted wool felt for arch support; real rubber sole with anti-slip micro-glass filament lugs. Compatible with Shimano SPD and other 2-bolt cleats.
45NRTH Wölvhammer winter bicycling boots
The 45NRTH Wolvhammer is the serious cold weather boot that's also compatible with SPD and other 2-bolt cleats. Note that it's completely re-designed from last year's version. Improvements over last year's are the elimination of the separate internal liner with its own laces, removal of the outer zipper, and removal of the D-ring on the strap that was hard to get the strap in and out of. It's the go-to cycling shoe for fat bikers and snow bikers, winter racers, and serious year-round commuters. Unique featuresare the NASA-designed aerogel insole to block the cold from being transmitted from the cleat to your feet, and the Vibram rubber sole (just like on your best hiking boots).
45NRTH Cobrafist Pogies handlebar mittens

The 45NRTH Cobrafist is a technically advanced handlebar mitten, or "pogie." Constructed with a durable and wind resistant 600d poly outer shell, Primaloft gold eco 400-gram insulation, and zippered vents, Cobrafist puts unrivaled comfort and control into your hands. A technical handlebar attachment system includes a foam donut that seals the handlebar and cable closure, while also keeping each pogie in an upright position. Water-resistant zipper vents on top and bottom provide temperature regulation when it gets too warm, and an inner pocket makes stowing extra food and gear simple and accessible.

Also in stock are the 45NRTH Dozer and 45NRTH Greazy cycling caps. Both made of merino wool for warmth even when wet, odor control, and natural moisture management. And when things get REALLY cold, put on the 45NRTH Lung Cookie Balaclava for full-face merino wool coverage!
45NRTH Lung Cookie balaclava
45NRTH Dozer Merino Wool cycling cap
45NRTH Greazy Merino Wool cycling cap

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

The Switchback Kids visit CVNP and the Towpath Trail during year-long National Parks tour

Cole & Elizabeth, aka the "Switchback Kids," are a 26-year-old couple from St. Louis, Missouri. They decided to take a year off their jobs (he, a health care IT consultant, she, a 6th-grade teacher) to travel the United States to visit EVERY national park!

They spent 4 days in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, including camping out in some of the very frigid weather we had over the weekend! On the last day (and the 59th day of their trip), they saved "the most iconic Cuyahoga-y activity" for last -- biking the Towpath Trail! We were happy to help with our Towpath Trail rental bikes at the Century Cycles store in Peninsula.

Thanks to Cole & Elizabeth for visiting us! You can read more about their trip in this article on cleveland.com, and on their web site at: www.switchbackkids.com

Sunday, October 11, 2015

National Bike Challenge Concludes - Rust Cup Stays in Cleveland!

The National Bike Challenge, organized by People for Bikes, concluded on September 30. Congratulations to all Cleveland-area cyclists! We did it -- we beat Pittsburgh! Thanks for riding and logging all of your miles to keep the Rust Cup in Cleveland for the second year in a row!

In the team competition, Century Cycles came in 4th place among all Cleveland-area teams:
Congratulations to ALL teams for the effort!

In the workplace competition, Century Cycles came in 4th place as well among all Cleveland-area workplaces:
Thanks to all of our staff and team members for riding and participating!

We could not have done it without the efforts of two individuals in particular. Krista McNamee, from the Century Cycles store in Rocky River, rode an astonishing 5,671 miles during the 5-month challenge period, placing her as the #4 rider overall in the Cleveland area, the TOP female rider, and the ONLY female rider in the Top 10! Great job, Krista!

Also, team member and former Century Cycles staff member Neil Adams came in #7 overall in the Cleveland area with 5,151 miles ridden during the Challenge! Woo-hoo, Neil!

By the way, Krista and Neil do a lot of their riding together with a few other friends. They have ridden all over Northeast Ohio, including the popular Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Loop, many of the Pedaling to Lunch routes, and many more routes of their own creation. So if you're looking for advice on where to ride your bike, talk to Krista or Neil!

Saturday, October 10, 2015

More bike repair stations available throughout Northeast Ohio

Earlier this year, we reported on the new FixIt bike repair stations installed by the Summit Metro Parks, and helped out with coverage by 19 Action News. The Cleveland Metroparks also have a FixIt station at the Bedford Reservation and are expanding to other locations, as well, including most recently the North Chagrin and Rocky River Reservations.

One of our staff came across this new one at the Summit Metro Parks Munroe Falls Park, near the intersection of the Bike & Hike Trail and State Route 91:
There's also a new one in downtown Akron, on the Towpath Trail near the entrance to the Richard Howe House.

Dero, the manufacturer of the most popular version of the public bike FixIt stations, has created a map on their web site showing all of their known locations. It does not appear to include all of the Summit Metro Parks locations, but it does show one at our new neighbors in Rocky River, Whole Foods Market:

If the map embedded above is not appearing for you, go to:
to view it on Dero's web site.

Friday, October 9, 2015

Our NEW Re-Usable Grocery Bags debut at the On the Edge Film Festival!

NEW! Run your errands in style, and help keep more plastic bags out of the environment with our "Define your life. Ride a bike. (tm)" Re-Usable Grocery Bags!

Emblazoned with our popular slogan and logo, they're available in three colors as shown (green, blue, and black).

We'll debut these TONIGHT (Oct. 9) and tomorrow night (Oct. 10) at the On the Edge Film Festival! Come visit our sponsor table and pick up a bag for $2 each!

Also, anyone arriving at the film festival using a "green" method of transportation (walk, bike, public transportation, or car-pooling) receives a $5 CC Bucks coupon, good toward merchandise at any of our three Century Cycles stores! Plus, register to win other prizes, including a free bicycle tune-up!

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Take the Bike Lakewood Survey

Bike Lakewood is a chapter of Bike Cleveland, and they want to gather your thoughts on Bike Lakewood and biking in Lakewood, Ohio. Their goal is to make Lakewood a place where all people can safely and comfortably ride a bike to a park, library, store, restaurant, or anywhere else. This is their yearly survey that they use to inform their advocacy and planning. Thank you for your help!

To begin the survey, click here.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

ALERT: Towpath Trail Closure for the Towpath Marathon

PLEASE NOTE: The Cuyahoga Valley National Park will be closing the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail within the CVNP this weekend for the Towpath Marathon.

The closure affects the section of the Towpath Trail between Frazee House and the Botzum Trailhead. Parking lots and trailheads within the affected area will also be closed (including the Lock 29 Trailhead in Peninsula).

The trail will be closed beginning at dusk on Saturday, October 10, 2015, and will re-open at 2:00pm on Sunday, October 11, 2015.

Please note that this will affect our Towpath Trail Bicycle Rental in the Peninsula store on Sunday, October 11. We will resume renting bikes for the Towpath at 2:00pm or whenever the trail re-opens. Bikes must be returned before the 5:00pm store closing time, and we will not let any bikes leave after 3:30pm.

For more information about the Towpath Trail closure, please contact the Park Dispatch at 1-800-433-1986 extension 0.

Monday, October 5, 2015

Kevin from the Peninsula store stops in during final day of Ohio to Erie Trail bike tour

Last week, I (Kevin) took off for a bicycle tour on the Ohio to Erie Trail, the 350-mile route from Cincinnati to Cleveland. After five days (including one rainy day), lots of headwinds, and two flat tires, I am proud to finally be an official member of the Century Cycles Bicycle Touring Photo Gallery, since I stopped to say Hi to my co-workers in the Peninsula store on Friday.

Look for a full report of my trip here soon!

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Three riders for Sunday Service in Peninsula

Thanks to the three people who came for our Sunday Service Group Road Bike Ride in Peninsula this morning! It was just a little chilly, but a pleasant morning for a ride around the Cuyahoga Valley.

We've got two more Sunday Service rides left this season, October 11 in Rocky River and October 18 in Medina. Both start at 8:00am. Hope to see you there!