When Should I Replace My Bike Helmet?

 

1.       If there is visible damage   If you can see cracks or dents in the outer shell or inner foam structure of your helmet, then its ability to protect your head is definitely compromised. Do not use it and replace it immediately.

2.     If it received an impact due to a crash or severe accidental drop Similar to the air bags in your car, bicycle helmets are designed to be "one and done" when it comes to protecting you in the event of a crash. Once it has done its job to absorb the force of one impact, it should be replaced. Even if you can't see any damage to it, there may be cracks in the internal structure.

 

3.     If it's a few years old   Even if it has not had an impact, your helmet's protective ability diminishes over time due to sweat, heat, and ultraviolet light. Opinions vary on the length of time. Consumer Reports recommends every five years; the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends every 5 to 10 years. Most helmet manufacturers recommend every 3 years.

 

4.  If you can't even remember how old it is   If looking at your helmet puts in mind of one of those cycling movies from the 80's (like American Flyers), then it's definitely beyond its life span, no matter whose replacement time frame recommendation you believe!

 

5.  To upgrade to the latest technology   Most modern helmets incorporate a new feature called MIPS, which stands for Multidirectional Impact Protection System. It helps to absorb rotational forces on impact, and studies have shown that it can reduce the likelihood of concussions.

 

 

Browse All Helmets     Browse Women's Helmets

 

Browse Kid's Helmets   Browse Clearance Helmets

 

More Bike Helmet FAQ   Q. How can I extend the life of my bike helmet? A. Clean off any dust or mud with a damp cloth. Do not use any cleaners or solvents, as these may degrade the outer shell or inner foam layer. Store your helmet indoors away from extreme heat or cold.   Q. How do I select the correct size of helmet? A. Some helmets are "one size fits most" while others come in Small, Medium, Large, etc. The sizes have a recommended range based on the circumference of your head, as measured just above your ears and eyebrows, but these ranges vary from one brand to another. The best way to find the correct fit is to try them on in person in our stores and see what feels best for you!   Q. Do more expensive helmets provide better protection? A. In general, no. Bike helmets sold in the United States must all meet the same standard of protection as tested by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. What you get when you pay more is lighter weight, better ventilation, better fit, more features, and better style (and of course, style is all a matter of preference).   Q. What's the difference between a road bike helmet and a mountain bike helmet? A. Most road bike helmets do not have the sun visor, as it tends to block your view somewhat when riding in the more aggressive position of a road bike. Helmets with a sun visor provide some shade when riding in the more upright position of a mountain bike or hybrid bike. Mountain bike specific helmets extend lower on the back of your head, to provide more protection for this area, as it tends to be impacted more in mountain biking crashes. For extreme mountain biking, you can get helmets with full face protection. Generally, though, road and mountain biking helmet styles are a matter of tradition, and you can wear whatever helmet you want for either type of riding. Any protection is better than none!

 

Road Cycling Helmet   Mountain Biking Helmet   Full Face Mountain Biking Helmet

 

Get Peace of Mind When You Purchase an E-bike from a Bike Shop

 

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are a great way to commute, explore your city or countryside, and get exercise without the strain of traditional bicycles. However, if you're thinking of buying one, you may be wondering where to buy it from. While you can find e-bikes online or at big-box stores, there are many reasons why you should consider buying your e-bike from a local bike shop. Here are the top 10 reasons why.

1.      Personalized Service

When you buy an e-bike from Century Cycles, you get personalized service from knowledgeable staff who can answer all your questions and help you choose the right bike for your needs. They can also offer expert advice on maintenance and repairs.

2.      Test Rides

Century Cycles allows customers to test ride e-bikes before buying them, so you can get a feel for the bike and make sure it's the right fit for you. This is something that online retailers and big-box stores can't offer.

3.      Professional Assembly

E-bikes can be complex machines, and assembling them correctly is crucial for your safety and the bike's performance. When you buy from Century Cycles, we will professionally assemble your e-bike and make sure it's adjusted to your specific needs.

4.      Warranty Support

If something goes wrong with your e-bike, you want to be sure that you can get it fixed quickly and easily. The e-bikes that Century Cycles offers all have a lifetime frame warranty, a two-year warranty on e-bike electronics including the battery and motor, and a one-year warranty on all other parts.  All bikes sold by Century Cycles are fully serviceable and we can always get replacement parts for the brands that we sell.

5.      Local Support

When you buy from a local bike shop, you're supporting a local business and the community. We will be invested in ensuring you have a great experience and will be there to support your cycling needs for many years after your purchase.

6.      Upgrade Options

Sometimes our customers want to upgrade or swap out one or more parts on the bike they are purchasing.  We also offer a range of accessories such as lights, racks, fenders, and panniers. We have access to thousands of parts and accessories through our suppliers and can generally meet a customer’s desire to customize a bike or e-bike to tailor it to your specific needs and make it more enjoyable to ride.

7.      Service and Maintenance

E-bikes require regular maintenance and servicing to ensure they are running safely and smoothly. We have a team of skilled, certified mechanics who can offer expert servicing and repairs to keep your e-bike in top condition

8.      Financing Options

Buying an e-bike can be a significant investment, and we offer financing through Affirm to make your e-bike purchase more affordable. This can help you spread the cost over time and make it easier to buy the bike you want.  Click here for more information about our Affirm financing.

9.      Insurance Options

You have spent a lot of money, maybe you are nervous about your bike getting damaged or stolen. Century Cycles has teamed up with BikeInsure which has insurance plans to cover new or used bicycles and E-bikes.  It provides reimbursement for repairs to your bike and certain accessories due to riding accidents.  And during transit.  The BikeInsure plan extends to a stolen bike or E-bike when optional theft protection is selected.  Click here for more information about BikeInsure.

10.      Sustainability and Transportation Savings

Finally, buying an e-bike from a local bike shop is a sustainable option. It's a way to reduce your carbon footprint and support a business that's committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Additionally, an e-bike provides an opportunity to hang up the car keys and save money at the pump with less gas consumption, and save on long term auto maintenance if you can start running errands and commute to work on your e-bike

 

In conclusion, there are many compelling reasons why you should consider buying an e-bike from a local bike shop rather than online or from a big-box store. From personalized service and test rides to professional assembly and warranty support, local bike shops offer many advantages that can help you get the most out of your e-bike experience.

Tech Talk: Road Bikes vs. Gravel Bikes - What's the difference?

 

Gravel bikes are all the rage lately, but what’s the difference between a gravel bike and a traditional road bicycle? Find out in this Tech Talk article on our website!

Tech Talk: Road Bikes vs. Gravel Bikes - What's the difference?

Giant Recon TL100/TL200 Tail Lights work GREAT with the Giant & Liv Path MIPS Helmets!

 

Attach a tail light to your helmet easily and securely to your bicycle helmet, using the Giant Recon TL 100 or Recon TL200 lights, an optional mounting bracket, and compatible helmets, such as the Giant Path MIPS and Liv Path MIPS!

We had a GREAT time talking to our east-side friends and customers at the Best of the East Party last week, and we're also a finalist for Cleveland Magazine's Best of the West! Join us for that party on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at Crocker Park in Westlake! Get advance tickets at:

Best of the West 2022

Join our Bike Travel Weekend Trip!

 

We are one month away from Bike Travel Weekend! Join Century Cycles on June 4, 2022 for our Bike Camp-Out Ride! If this would be your first time at bicycle touring, apply for our Bike Travel Weekend Scholarship! Find details and register at:

centurycycles.com/for/BikeTravelWeekend

We are proud to be a sponsor of Elevation 2022!

Century Cycles is proud to be a sponsor of the 2022 Elevation event in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park! This fun and popular event features food, drink, hikes, live music, s'mores, and MORE!

• When: Friday, June 24, 2022, 6:30 - 11:00pm
• Where: Ledges Shelter, 701 Truxell Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264

The event is a fundraiser for the park, organized by the Conservancy for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Details and tickets can be found here:

https://www.conservancyforcvnp.org/donate/fundraising-events/elevation/

Happy National Bike Month! The Medina Bike To School Challenge starts tomorrow!

 

Today (Sunday, May 1, 2022) marks the start of National Bike Month, and the Medina Bike To School Challenge starts tomorrow! Check out the flyer above for the schedule of events at the NINE school that are participating.

Good luck to all of the students, and THANK YOU to all of the hard-working school staff and our sponsors!

New RideSpot Feature: Connect your Strava account

 

Tomorrow (Saturday, May 1, 2022) is National Bike Month!

The RideSpot App from PeopleforBikes.org lets you join National Bike Month Challenges and other events to earn patches, stickers, and other FREE prizes. Now it's even easier to track your rides and earn points towards your challenges.

For users of the popular Strava ride tracking app, you can connect your Strava and RideSpot accounts so that your rides tracked on Strava are automatically uploaded to your RideSpot account! Learn more here:

RideSpot and Strava Integration FAQ

Eat Wings, Raise Funds for MS at Buffalo Wild Wings

Eat at Buffalo Wild Wings in Cleveland Heights, Massillon, Medina, or Strongsville from 4-9pm on May 18, June 16, and July 20 (2022), show the ticket above or the flyer below, and BWW will donate 15% of your total bill (excluding tax, gratuity, alcohol, and promotional discounts) to Team Left Hand/Century Cycles in support our fundraising efforts for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society!