Friday, November 28, 2014

One Women's Open-Ended Adventure Ride on a Raleigh


Have you ever dreamed of breaking out of your daily routine? What about buying a one-way ticket to Europe with only a backpack and bike by your side? That’s what Beth Puliti did. The former nine-to-fiver turned freelance writer set off this summer to explore Eastern Europe all from the saddle of her Raleigh Sojourn bike.

And while most of us can’t drop our lives for an open-ended adventure, we sure can try. Whether you’re planning a two week escape or a weekend getaway, you’ll want to hear what Beth has to say about planning and executing the perfect bike adventure.

Click here to read more...

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Black Friday Sale - Fri. Nov. 28 thru Mon. Dec. 1, 2014

BLACK FRIDAY SALE

15% OFF ALL BICYCLES *
20% OFF ALL ACCESSORIES

Our BEST prices of the season!

Friday, Nov. 28 through
Monday, Dec. 1, 2014 ONLY.

* Snow bikes are excluded.

Giant Stance 27.5 mountain bike makes Forbes' Holiday Gift Guide

Forbes Magazine published their "Holiday Gift Guide for the Cyclist on Your List" on Monday, and included is the Giant Stance 27.5 1 full-suspension mountain bike.
"This brand new model for 2015 was just released, and delivers everything an off-road rider could want for a very reasonable $1,875 price tag: Rock Shox dual suspension with 4.7 inches of frame travel, 120mm travel front shock with lock out, a light but strong ALUXX aluminum frame, 10-speed rear cassette (20 speed total) with mix of Shimano XT and Deore components plus Shimano hydraulic disc brakes."
Upgrade to the $2,650 Giant Stance 27.5 0 and you get Fox suspension and a Shimano XT/SLX drive train, or if your budget is a little more limited, go with the $1,450 Giant Stance 27.5 2 with RockShox suspension and Shimano Alivio 27-speed drive train.

All three are in stock in Century Cycles stores!

Also on the list is the Thule Pack 'n Pedal Tour Rack, It's a great way to add cargo-hauling capacity to a full-suspension mountain bike or any bike that does not have the eyelets and fittings for a traditional cargo rack. You can put a rack-top bag on it, or add the optional side frames and it's compatible with panniers, for a load capacity of up to 55 pounds! Both are in stock!

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

GOBA 2015 Route Announced

The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure has announced their route for the 2015 tour, which will take place on June 20-27, 2015 in the northwestern corner of the state.

The ride begins in Van Wert, then goes to Bluffton, Defiance, Bowling Green, Ottawa, and back to Van Wert.

The theme of this year's event is "GOBA U. - Cycology Major" with visits and overnight stops at several local colleges and universities. In addition to floor camping and tent camping, dormitory lodging will be available!

Here's GOBA Director Bill Gordon telling you about the new route and the other amenities available for the 2015 tour:

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

Monday, November 24, 2014

School Of Bike - Schedule of Winter 2014-2015 Classes

We roll tonight ... to the bicycle bite ... and for those about to bike ... we salute you!

All classes are FREE! Refreshments will be served.

Please RSVP to the store where you will be attending:

Medina 330-722-7119
Peninsula 330-657-2209
Rocky River 440-356-5705

All classes are taught by experienced, patient Century Cycles tutors. You do not need to bring your bike.

All students receive a 15% discount off regularly-priced parts, clothing and accessories good at the time of the class. Cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts.

Schedule of Classes

This schedule is for our 2014-2015 class season.

Flat Tire Repair
Learn once and for all how to change a flat tire. A hands-on, rockin’ experience! Bring your front wheel.
All three stores
Thursday December 18th 6:30pm
Saturday January 3rd 1:30pm
Saturday January 24th 1:30pm
Saturday February 14th 1:30pm

Basic Bike Maintenance
How to set up your bike and ensure that it is a lean, mean, shredding machine.
All three stores
Saturday December 13th 1:30pm
Saturday January 10th 1:30pm
Thursday February 26th 6:30 pm

Ladies Basic Bike Maintenance
Clean that gnarly chain and do adjustments without the help of roadies. Ladies only!
All three stores
Saturday December 6th 1:30pm
Saturday February 21st 1:30 pm

Indoor Cycling
All about trainers, indoor cycling, and how to stay stoked riding your bike during the off-season.
All three stores
Thursday December 4th 6:30pm

Shifting Adjustment
How to dial in your bike’s shifting to a sweet harmony.
All three stores
Thursday January 8th 6:30pm
Thursday February 5th 6:30pm

Commuting and Cold Weather Cycling
How to ride to your gig comfortably and enjoy it despite the weather.
Peninsula and Rocky River only
Thursday December 11th 6:30pm
Thursday February 12th 6:30pm

Bike Touring
We’ll show you how to escape your humdrum daily world with a bicycle tour.
Peninsula and Rocky River only
Thursday January 15th 6:30pm
Saturday February 7th 1:30pm

Bicycle Fitting
Is having a bicycle fitting session right for you? What is it? Find out without spending a dime!
All three stores
Saturday January 17th 1:30pm

Choosing & Using Clipless Pedals
The benefits of being “clipped in” to your pedals. You can do it!
All three stores
Thursday January 22nd 6:30pm

Riding in Traffic
Stay upbeat, upright, and in the groove among the gas-guzzlers.
All three stores
Thursday January 29th 6:30pm

Snow Biking
Screw the weather, it’s full speed ahead on these fat-tire bikes! Ride one yourself.
Sunday January 11th 1:30pm Medina
Saturday January 31st 1:30pm Peninsula

This information is also available on our web site at:

Go to our Calendar of Events to see a listing of classes and other events in chronological order.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Visit our Winter Cycling Wonderland in Peninsula!

We have transformed the Century Cycles store in Peninsula into a Winter Cycling Wonderland! Here you'll find our widest selection of snow bikes from Salsa Cycles, plus an array of special-purpose cold-weather cycling gear to keep you riding year-round!

Cold hands and feet are the most common complaints for winter cyclists. We've got both covered, with innovative products from cold-weather cycling gurus 45North.

The Wolvhammer Winter Cycling Boots are the warmest bike-specific shoes on the planet. A waterproof-breathable outer shell, Primaloft Eco Gold 200-gram insulation, NASA-approved aerogel insole, and SPD-compatible Vibram sole all combine to keep the elements out and your warm toes in!

Handlebar mittens, or "pogies" as they are called, wrap around your hand grips and allow you to wear thin gloves on your hands to keep your dexterity for braking and shifting. The 45North Cobrafist Pogies feature Primaloft Eco Gold 400-gram insulation, and bar-end plugs to keep them at the correct angle and hold them in place securely.

Also available from 45North are a range of studded winter tires, and winter headwear, such as the Lung Cookie wool balaclava and Greazy wool cycling cap.

Of course, if you'd like to check any of these products out in our other two stores (Medina or Rocky River), just give us a call, and we'll be happy to send them to the store most convenient for you at no extra cost or obligation on your part!

New to winter biking? We have snow bikes for rent in Peninsula also! Go to www.centurycycles.com/for/SnowBikeRental for details!

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Oh What Fun It Is To Ride! Holiday Sale 2014!

Season's Greetings! It's time for Century Cycles' annual "Oh What Fun It Is To Ride" Holiday Sale!

Now through December 31, 2014, use these coupons to find the best cycling deals around on bicycles, clothing, accessories, and service!

  • 15% Off All Accessories (includes clothing and parts)
  • 10% Off All Bicycles *
  • Get a FREE Christmas ornament with any purchase of $25 or more!
* Excludes snow bikes
  • Take $10 Off Tune-Up Service Package #1 (regularly $64.99)
  • Take $20 Off Tune-Uup Service Package #2 (regularly $99.99)
  • Take $30 Off Tune-Up Service Package #3 (regularly $134.99)
  • Take $40 Off Tune-Up Service Package #4 (regularly $219.99)
  • See centurycycles.com/get/service for descriptions of our Tune-Up Service Packages
  • Tune-Up coupons expire February 28, 2015

And remember, in addition to the offers listed above, we also have these options to make your holiday shopping easier:
  • Gift Cards (buy them in our stores or online)
  • Lay-away
  • Free Gift Bicycle Storage 'Til Dec. 24
  • Free Bicycle Delivery **
** Within our service area. Other restrictions may apply; see stores for details.

This information is on our web site at: www.centurycycles.com/for/HolidaySale

Monday, November 17, 2014

Cargo cages expand your on-bike storage options

Photo from backpackinglight.com
If you're an owner of a Surly or Salsa snow bike or off-road touring bike, have you ever wondered what the set of three bolts on the edge of your fork are for? You can use them for mounting extra water bottle cages, but the 3-bolt pattern is also designed to accommodate the Salsa Anything Cage.

The Anything Cage is like an oversized water bottle cage. It lets you carry, well, just about anything, as the name implies. Most commonly, for bike-packing, it's the perfect size to hold your sleeping bag or sleeping pad. It comes with a pair of straps to hold whatever you're carrying in place.

Use a waterproof stuff sack (not included) to keep you stuff safe from the elements. A 5-liter sack is about the right size.
Coincidentally, the Anything Cage is also about the right size to hold a growler of beer, or any large jug of your favorite hot or cold beverage.

Blackburn Design is also getting into the alternative gear-carrying game with their Outpost Cargo Cage. Like the Salsa Anything Cage, it comes with a pair of straps to hold your stuff in place; the straps have a silicone backing for good grippy-ness. The Outpost Cage fits on any standard 2-bolt bottle cage mount. There are three sets of mounting holes on the cage so you can fine-tune the position of the cage to match your frame or cargo size. Use it to carry your camping gear, or your coffee thermos or oversize water bottle!

Both the Salsa Anything Cage and the Blackburn Outpost Cargo Cage have a capacity of about 9 pounds each. Both are in stock now at all three Century Cycles stores!

Saturday, November 15, 2014

New Electra Loft 7D bicycle - endorsed by Oprah!


The newest line of fashion cruisers from Electra Bicycles is called the Loft series. They feature the same flat-foot technology, upright riding position, and lightweight aluminum frames like their popular Townie series, but with quicker-rolling 700C tires.

The Electra Loft 7D has been featured in the list of "Oprah's Favorite Things 2014." Oprah Winfrey says, "...this comfy, easy-to-handle, seven-speed bike, available in two stylish colors, is a great way to stay in shape while keeping your carbon footprint under control."

Just $549.99 each, and now in stock in all three Century Cycles stores! Available in Teal (shown above) and Citrine Yellow (below).


Friday, November 14, 2014

Now in stock: Salsa Blackborow Expedition fat bike

Salsa Cycles takes snow biking to the next level once again with the Blackborow. This expedition fat bike has an aluminum frame and fork designed to handle its 5-inch wide tires with 100mm wide rims, which take you over not only snow, but sand, mud, bogs, and any other terrain your adventures take you.

Let Salsa engineer Pete Koski tell you (and show you) about the unique design features of the Blackborow:

Salsa Cycles Understanding Blackborow from Salsa Cycles on Vimeo.
In Understanding Blackborow, Salsa product engineer Pete Koski takes a look at the details of the Blackborow fatbike design.

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

The Salsa Blackborow is now in stock (size Large) at Century Cycles!

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Hot Deals for Cold Days #1 - 30% Off Blackburn Indoor Trainer

Our Hot Deals for Cold Days are BACK by popular demand!

Every winter, Patti The Buyer at Century Cycles negotiates special purchases from our manufacturers for the most popular bicycling accessories, then we pass the savings (30%-50% off) to YOU! A new "Hot Deals for Cold Days" offer comes out every two weeks, now through February. Stock up on essentials, shop for the holidays, and save on your cycling favorites!

You can be the first to know about the latest Hot Deal by signing up to receive Hot Deals for Cold Days in your Inbox (as well as our monthly eNewsletter) by going to:


Our first Hot Deal for Cold Days this season is an awesome deal on indoor training -- 30% off the Blackburn Tech Mag 6 Trainer! - ideal for use with your bicycle in your own home, for indoor cycling classes where you bring your own bike and trainer, or for taking to a race or event to warm up.

The Blackburn Tech Mag 6 (regularly $239.99) features a sturdy steel frame and a silky-smooth magnetic resistance unit with 6 settings that are selectable with a handlebar-mounted remote. All for just $167.99!

Never used an indoor trainer? Learn more by reviewing our 5 Tips for Indoor Training.

EXTRA SAVINGS!

In addition to this special buy, save 15% off all our other in-stock trainers and trainer accessories by Blackburn, Cycleops, and Giant! We suggest the CycleOps Climbing Block and Trainer Mat to help stabilize and quiet your trainer.

Now through November 26, 2014!

The Fine Print
This Hot Deal is good only November 13 - 26, 2014 while supplies last on in-stock merchandise only. In-store purchase only; no online or phone orders accepted. No coupon necessary.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

New off-white Century Cycles coffee mugs!

Our popular "Define your life. Ride a bike.(tm)" coffee mug is now available in this off-white version, with classic straight-wall styling! We also have the original black coffee mugs available, while supplies last. Only $9.99, or FREE with the purchase of any new bicycle!

Monday, November 10, 2014

Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Closure for Canal Dredging

Cuyahoga Valley National Park News Release

For Immediate Release – Friday, November 7, 2014
Mary Pat Doorley, CVNP, 440-546-5995, 440-343-7355 (cell), or mary_pat_doorley@nps.gov

Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail Closure for Canal Dredging
Towpath will be closed from Frazee House to Station Road Trailhead during weekdays

Brecksville, Ohio – The National Park Service (NPS) will temporarily close the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP), from Frazee House to Station Road Trailhead, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12 through Friday, December 5, 2014. The trail will be open evenings and weekends. No detour is provided. NPS maintenance staff will be dredging and working on the Ohio & Erie Canal. The maintenance dredging is needed to remove accumulated debris from the canal to allow a free flow of water in the canal and to mow the canal banks.

The closure is needed for visitor safety. Please respect the closure and plan your visit to the park safely by using different sections of the Towpath Trail during the construction times.

CVNP encompasses 33,000 acres along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Managed by the National Park Service, CVNP combines cultural, historical, recreational, and natural activities in one setting. For more information visit www.nps.gov/cuva
or call 330-657-2752.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Ride your bike and support hungry families with Cranksgiving!

Join in on the season of giving by joining Cranksgiving, a nation-wide cycling movement with two options here in Northeast Ohio, one ride in Cleveland and one in Akron. Both rides take place on Saturday, November 22, 2014.

The idea behind both rides is that participants are given a list of local stores and items to buy for needy local families. Riders choose their own route to each destination in an alley-cat style fun race. You'll use your own money to buy the items, about $20 in total.

Cranksgiving Cleveland

Hosted by Bike Cleveland and Pedal for Prizes. Benefits the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland

Start time: 10:30am
Start location: The Beachland Ballroom and Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, OH  44110
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/349837295193002/


Cranksgiving Akron

Hosted by Summit Cycling Center. Benefits the St. Bernard's Food Pantry.

Start time:
8:00am - Registration and continental breakfast
9:00am - Ride begins
Start location: The Bike Kitchen at Lock 3, 200 South Main Street, Akron, OH
More info: http://summitcycling.org/cranksgiving-akron/
Download a printable flyer here.

Friday, November 7, 2014

The Medina store Doing The Most Good at Castle Noel

L-R: Lynne, Ed, Petch, Bob, and Cathy from
the Century Cycles store in Medina
Some of the crew from the Century Cycles store in Medina got into the holiday spirit early yesterday at the Salvation Army's Annual Kettle Kick-Off Breakfast! The fund-raising event was held at Castle Noel.

Castle Noel is located in the historic Medina Square, and houses an amazing collection of Christmas-related things to see and do, including Hollywood props and costumes; millions of dollars in New York City Christmas Windows, a Blizzard Vortex, a Santa Chimney Squeeze, and Santa Klaus Mountain where you can ride the slide just like Ralphie in "A Christmas Story!"
Petch taking the triple-dog-dare!

Thursday, November 6, 2014

A "real" road bike for young riders

Giant TCR Espoir 24 bicycle
There's nothing like enjoying a bike ride with the whole family. A casual spin on the local bike path, or cruise through the neighborhood down to the ice cream shop makes lifetime memories.

But for you "serious" riders, you find yourself having to choose. Go out on my own for a fast "real" ride, or bring the kids along and resign yourself to enjoying the scenery without breaking a sweat.

Now, you don't have to choose. If your young Johnny or Janie Cyclist is ready to take the step up to the next level of riding, but isn't quite ready for a full-size adult bike, check out this new option from Giant Bicycles.

The Giant TCR Espoir 24 is a kid-sized bike built like a "real" road bike. It features the same Giant ALUXX aluminum frame as mom and dad's bikes, with Giant's OverDrive tapered fork for responsiveness and control.

Add in a Shimano 2x8 drive train, with 48/34 chainrings on the compact crankset, Shimano Claris integrated brake/shift levers, Shimano Claris derailers, and a Shimano 11-30 cassette for plenty of gear range to crank up any hills. The brake levers have adjustable reach to accommodate smaller hands. The 24-inch diameter wheels roll on 1-inch wide Kenda Koncept tires with a smooth road tread.

The whole thing weighs in at just 20 pounds 3 ounces, which includes the pedals with toe clips and straps.

At $699.99, the Giant TCR Espoir 24 lets your young cyclist go just as fast as you, or dare we say faster?

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Online Poll: Winter Cycling


Even with all of our talk about snow bikes and winter cycling, there is a wide range of feeling about riding in cold weather. Many look forward to it, while many say "no way."

What would make you consider doing more outdoor bicycling in the winter time? Let us know -- Click here to take our latest online poll!

Our last poll asked, "How has your mountain biking changed with the new trails available in the Cleveland Metroparks?" A majority of responses (58%) said they are mountain biking more, and encouragingly, 12% said they tried mountain biking for the first time. However, 21% have still never tried mountain biking. You can see the full results of the last poll here.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Design the next Nutcase Helmet

The Nutcase Unframed international call for art entries is on! Break out your paints and pens and come up with a design to appear on a Nutcase helmet.

If your design is selected as a winner, you could win $1000, have your helmet produced and sold around the world, and travel to Germany and Las Vegas for two of the world's biggest bicycle trade shows!

The previous Nutcase Unframed winners were Todd Standish, Sandra Ramirez, and Ray Moore; here are their final designs, which will be available in stores in the Spring of 2015:
Watch the documentary video about their work here:

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

The contest entry deadline is November 30, 2014. For more details, including the contest entry forms, go to:


Sunday, November 2, 2014

Winter hours begin this week


Beginning on Friday, November 7, we will start our Winter Hours at all three Century Cycles stores, which are:

  • Monday through Thursday: 10:00am - 8:00pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Sunday: 12:00 - 5:00pm

As always, our current Hours of Operation can be found at: www.centurycycles.com/for/hours

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Driver and Cyclist Advisory: Riverview Road Closure in Peninsula

Alan Brubaker, P.E., P.S., Summit County Engineer, would like to alert residents and travelers of a five-day closure of Riverview Road, between State Route 303 and Stine Road, located in the Village of Peninsula. The road will be closed starting Monday, November 3, 2014. Travelers should anticipate using detour routes. The closure is necessary to repair a washout and replace guardrail on the bridge.

The official detour will go west on State Route 303, to north on Black Road, east on Boston Mills Road back to Riverview Road. Detour routes will be posted. All work is subject to inclement weather.

For updates on this project and others throughout Summit County, please see the County Engineer's web site at: http://summitengineer.net