Friday, June 29, 2018

Event Photos: Pajama Party Night Ride on the Towpath Trail - June 23, 2018

Thank you to everyone who came to our annual Pajama Party Night Ride on the Towpath Trail on Saturday, June 23, 2018! After being rained out two weeks earlier, we were able to ride without rain coming from above, but the water and mud still came from below on the trail!

Thank you to Bike Cleveland for joining us to raise funds and awareness for the cycling advocacy work they do in the Greater Cleveland area.

Thanks to Cathy from the Century Cycles store in Medina for the photos, and to her and Ed (from Peninsula) for helping out with the snacks at the ride turn-around!



















Thursday, June 28, 2018

Voting ends July 1 for Cleveland Magazine's Best of Cleveland 2018!

Voting ends on July 1, 2018 for the annual Cleveland Magazine Best of Cleveland awards! Don't miss your chance to vote for your favorite Cleveland-area businesses and personalities, including your favorite bicycle shop! Go to clevelandmagazine.com/bestof to vote!

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

IN STOCK: Two helmets top-rated by Bike Magazine

Bike Magazine recently reviewed mountain bike helmets, and posted their top picks for helmets under $100. We've got two of their top-rated models in stock!

The Bell 4Forty helmet ($75, or $95 for the Bell 4Forty MIPS), is built to withstand the rigors of a trail-riding life, with generous ventilation, the comfort of Float Fit and built-in Sweat Guide, extended rear coverage, and a full hard shell and adjustable visor. Boasting the comfort, protection, and broadly capable features of helmets costing twice as much, the 4Forty is a bantamweight, all-conditions, all-kinds-of-trail champion packing heavyweight value.

The Giant Roost helmet ($75) is created for the off-road enthusiast seeking performance features but with budget in mind. It's got trail-specific design with extended rear coverage, Airflow ventilation system with deep internal airflow channels for cooling. The Cinch Pro fit system offers optimal coverage by cradling the occipital bone for full protection, support, and comfort. A removable, moto-style extended protection side-snap visor and an integrated magnetic mount for the Numen+ Link taillight and GoPro compatible mounting surface round out the features!

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Team Left Hand/Century Cycles Fundraiser Party at Johnny Malloy's in Medina - June 30!



EVERYONE is invited to join Century Cycles and Left Hand Brewing Company for our annual Bike MS Fundraiser Party!

WHEN: Saturday, June 30, 2018, 7:00-10:00pm

WHERE: Johnny Malloy's Irish Sports Pub, 1038 North Court Street, Medina, Ohio 44256

COST: $20 ($10 of which goes towards the Team Left Hand/Century Cycles Bike MS fundraising efforts!)

You'll get all-you can eat wings and appetizers! Many Left Hand Brewing Company beers on tap! Music by Orchard Groove at 8:30pm!

A fundraising auction will be held for many fine items donated by our team members and sponsors! Come and have a great time and help us do #WhatEverItTakes to #CrushMS!

Follow the event on Facebook.

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

NEW! Lifestyle cycling clothing from Shimano - NOW IN STOCK!

The new Lifestyle collection from Shimano brings hi-tech performance features to clothing that looks great on the bike, in the office, or around town. Now in stock in our Medina and Rocky River stores! Stop in and check them out! Give us a call if you'd like to try on any of these items in the Century Cycles store in Peninsula.

The Shimano Transit Button-Up ($74.99) jersey features stretchable shoulder structure for added flexibility while in the riding position, odor reduction with moisture-wicking and quick-dry fabric, one zippered pocket on lower right back, secure zippered chest pocket that fits the majority of large-screen phones, UPF 50+ sun protection, and discrete reflectivity elements for low-light visibility.

The Shimano Transit Polo ($59.99) jersey features Discrete Reflectivity technology for low-light visibility, odor reduction with moisture-wicking and quick-dry fabric, one zippered pocket on the right lower back, secure zippered chest pocket that fits the majority of large-screen phones, and UV protection.

The Shimano Transit T-Shirt ($39.99) features Discreet Reflectivity technology for low-light visibility, quick-dry fabric, and UV protection.

The Shimano Transit Path Shorts ($69.99) feature Discrete reflectivity on back pockets, cycling-designed cut, stretch fabrics for ease of pedaling, deep front pocket help to keep objects in place, and a water-repellent treatment applied to the fabric that repels spray and light rain.

The Shimano Transit Windbreaker ($89.99) features roll-up sleeves to help regulate moisture and temperature, lightweight windproof fabrics with water-repellent coating to keep you dry in light rain, discrete reflectivity, adjustable waist, and zippered pockets on chest and lower back.

The Shimano Explorer Rain Jacket ($99.99) features seam-sealed Dryshield® waterproof fabric with waterproof zipper, adjustable cuffs, Napoleon chest pocket, back ventilation, carrying pouch, and reflective elements for low-light visibility.

The Shimano Transit Hardshell Jacket ($159.99) features Dryshield® waterproof fabric with seam-sealed construction and waterproof zipper, underarm zipper vents for temperature regulation, detachable hood with garage and snap lock collar, low-profile, elastic arm cuff structure, two zippered side pockets, discrete reflective elements for low-light visibility, and adjustable drawcord waist.

The Shimano Transit Path Pants ($79.99) feature discrete reflectivity on back pockets, roll-up cuff reveals extra reflectivity, cycling-designed cut and stretch fabric for ease of pedaling, deep front pocket helps to keep objects in place, water-repellent treatment repels spray and light rain.

The Shimano Explorer Rain Pants ($89.99) feature seam-sealed Dryshield® waterproof fabric, durable reinforcement in crotch area, Velcro tabs prevent pants from getting caught in chain, carrying pouch, and reflective elements for low-light visibility.

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Carry your bicycles and gear safely with Thule car racks and cargo boxes

The summer vacation season is upon us! Whether you're just heading to your local park, or a day-long drive to your getaway destination, you want to arrive safely with your bicycles intact. For families, space inside the vehicle can be precious, so you might want to look for ways to carry more gear.

Century Cycles carries a full line of Thule bicycle racks for cars, SUVs, and trucks in all three of our stores (Medina, Peninsula, and Rocky River). Thule (pronounce it "TOO-lee") is a company based in Sweden, but all of their bike racks sold in the USA are also made right here in the USA, in one of their factories located in Connecticut or Colorado.

You can purchase your bicycle rack worry-free from Century Cycles, because we'll do the research to make sure we pick the right rack that fits your vehicle, we'll assemble it free of charge, and also install it free of charge--all while showing you how to properly install and use it so you can be sure it's safe every time.

Trunk Racks

A "trunk rack" is a bicycle carrier that straps to the rear of your vehicle. Most models will work with most cars, SUVs, vans, and some pickup trucks. The entry-level Thule Passage 910XT holds one or two bicycles for only $149.99. A three-bike version (Thule Passage 911XT) is available for $169.99.
Thule Passage 910XT 2-bike trunk rack
The Thule Raceway Pro trunk racks (available in 2-bike 9001PRO $349.99 or 3-bike 9002PRO $379.99 versions) give you better ease of use and security, with a built-in cable lock and locking steel attachment straps.
Thule Raceway Pro 2-bike trunk rack
Got a spare tire on the back of your vehicle? Thule has an answer for that, too! The Thule Spare Me Pro 963PRO ($249.99) holds one or two bikes, and locks securely to your spare tire (if there's a cover over your spare tire, you'll have to remove it).
Thule Spare Me Pro spare tire bike 2-bike rack
Hitch Racks

A hitch-mounted bicycle rack attaches to a towing receiver hitch on the rear of your vehicle. If you don't have a receiver hitch, check at your local camper center or towing supply shop (see our Local Resources web page for our suggestions), and they can usually install them on most vehicles for a reasonable price. Hitch receivers come in a width of either 1.25 inches or 2 inches. Some hitch racks work with both sizes, but some are made for a specific size hitch. Most hitch racks have a feature that allows the rack to tilt down so you can access your trunk.

The Thule Vertex is an economical hitch rack available in three versions; all include a built-in hide-away cable lock:

All of these racks use a threaded hitch pin, so that the rack is held solidly in your vehicle's hitch, without any unwanted wobbling! For added security, you can separately purchase the Thule Snug-Tite Receiver Lock STL2 $59.99 to lock the bike rack to your vehicle's hitch.
Thule Vertex 2-bike hitch rack
Step up to the Thule Helium Aero series, and you get a rack with aluminum construction that's nearly half the weight of comparable racks. You also get the Auto-Attach hitch that slides into your 1.25" or 2" receiver and locks in place without any tools.

Thule Heluim Aero 3-bike hitch rack
The Thule Doubletrack Pro Hitch Rack 9054 ($349.99) holds two bikes, and features a lower-to-the-ground design that's much easier to load, and works much better with cruiser bikes, ladie's bikes, and other bicycles with non-standard frames. It includes all of the locks and keys needed to secure the rack to your vehicle and the bikes to the rack. Works with both 1.25" and 2" hitches.
Thule Doubletrack Pro 2-bike hitch rack
The Thule T2 Pro XT is a top-of-the-line hitch rack for cyclists who want the ultimate in security and ease of use. Out of the box, it holds any bike, with wheels sizes from 20 inches up 29 inches in diameter, including fat bikes with tires up to 5 inches wide! Also features the Auto-Attach system for quick tool-free installation and removal.
All of the Thule T2 Pro XT models listed above are Black. They can be special-ordered in Silver (9035XTS/9034XTS/9036XTS).

The Thule EasyFold Hitch Rack 9032 ($699.99) delivers solid bike transportation in a convenient, foldable package. The high load capacity (132 pounds) gives the EasyFold plenty of muscle to handle the weight of nearly any bike, including electric bikes. And, there's a removable ramp that makes it easy to load your bikes into position.
Thule EasyFold 2-bike hitch rack
Cargo Boxes

Cargo boxes provide extra storage space on top of your vehicle to carry luggage, skis, or snowboards. They come in a variety of sizes to fit your needs! Most are in stock in our Medina store, some in Rocky River. Call us for pickup in Peninsula!

The Thule Force offers value and space with key conveniences, including tool-free Quick-Grip mounting system that works on Thule roof rack systems with square or aerodynamic load bars, round load bars, and most factory load bars. They can be opened and loaded from both the left or right sides. Currently in stock (call us to verify availability):
  • Thule Force M 624 $519.99 - 13 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
  • Thule Force XL 625 $589.99 - 17 cubic feet of cargo capacity, 6 to 8 pair of skis or 4 to 6 snowboards (max 198cm in length)
  • Thule Force XXL 626 $629.99 - 21 cubic feet of cargo capacity, 5 to 7 pair of skis or 3 to 5 snowboards (max 22cm in length)
The Thule Sonic features tool-free AcuTight mounting that works on Thule roof rack systems with square or aerodynamic load bars, round load bars, and most factory load bars. They can be opened and loaded from both the left or right sides. Currently in stock (call us to verify availability):
The Thule Motion XT provides stylish and spacious roof-mounted cargo storage, optimized for ease of use. It's easy to open and close in all conditions due to grip-friendly outer handles and supporting lid lifters. Full trunk access with minimal risk of contact with the cargo box, thanks to its forward position on the vehicle roof. The SlideLock system with separate locking and opening functions automatically locks the lid in place and indicates when the box is closed securely. Easy to mount thanks to the extra-wide PowerClick quick-mount system. The integrated torque indicator "clicks" when it’s properly mounted, ensuring fast and secure fitting. Currently in stock (call us to verify availability):

Roof Racks

All of Thule's cargo boxes and many of their roof-mounted bicycle carriers can attach directly to a vehicle's factory load bars. If your vehicle does not have factory load bars on the roof, we can outfit you with a Thule roof rack system. In most cases, parts for a roof rack system are special-order, so plan ahead. An installation charge of $60 per hour will apply; most installations take 1 to 2 hours.

Some roof-mounted bike carriers require removal of your front wheel, some do not. Some work better with road bikes; others are recommended for mountain bikes. Stop in and talk to us about the various options!

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Bicycle tourist from New Zealand visits Peninsula

Soren Beech (pictured above) hails from New Zealand. He started his bicycle tour in New York, then made his way down to Washington, DC. He rode the C&O Canal Towpath Trail and Great Allegheny Passage to Pittsburgh, PA. He continued pedaling on into Ohio, where he stopped for a visit (and to get a broken spoke fixed) at the Century Cycles store in Peninsula. He plans to continue west on the Adventure Cycling Association's Northern Tier bicycle route to Astoria, Oregon.

We get many long-distance bike travelers in all three of our stores! You can see photos of many of them in our Bicycle Touring Photo Gallery.

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

RE-SCHEDULED: Pajama Party Night Ride on the Towpath Trail - Sat. June 23 2018

Presented by Bike Cleveland!

When: Saturday, June 23, 2018, 7:00pm

Where: Century Cycles, 1621 Main Street, Peninsula, OH 44264

Join Century Cycles and Bike Cleveland for our biggest and most popular ride of the season! Our regularly-scheduled Night Ride on the Towpath Trail is transformed into a rolling pajama party! The ride is FREE and no pre-registration is required!

The fun starts at 7:00pm in the parking lot of our Peninsula store, where you'll sign in, enjoy make-your-own smoothies on our bike blender, and admire your fellow riders' choice of sleepwear!

Our friends from Bike Cleveland will be there to talk about all of the great work they do to make bicycling more fun and more safe for everyone in Northeast Ohio.

If you make a donation to Bike Cleveland, or join or renew your membership at the event, you'll be entered into our prize raffle! The raffle drawings will take place beginning at 7:45pm.

At 8:00pm sharp, we'll begin our bike ride on the car-free Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. We'll ride NORTH about 7 miles to the Brecksville Station Road Bridge, take a break for FREE pajama party-themed snacks, then turn around and ride back to Peninsula. Many people enjoy post-ride food and beverages at The Winking Lizard Tavern next door.

You can ride at your own pace, and all ages and skill levels are welcome! Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Never been on one of our Night Rides before? Check out the full details, preparation tips, and safety tips. The short version:

You must have your own bicycle, helmet, and headlight. Check your bike over ahead of time to make sure it's ready to ride. Make sure your pajamas do not interfere with your pedals, chain, or wheels. Arrive early to have plenty of time to find parking (use the Lock 29 Trailhead or overflow lot on Mill Street), get yourself and your bike ready, and sign in.

Hard rain and/or thunderstorms will cancel the ride. Call the store at 330-657-2209 or join the event on Facebook for any last-minute updates.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Pajama Party Night Ride on the Towpath Trail - Sat. June 9, 2018

Presented by Bike Cleveland!

When: Saturday, June 9, 2018, 7:00pm

Where: Century Cycles, 1621 Main Street, Peninsula, OH 44264

Join Century Cycles and Bike Cleveland for our biggest and most popular ride of the season! Our regularly-scheduled Night Ride on the Towpath Trail is transformed into a rolling pajama party! The ride is FREE and no pre-registration is required!

The fun starts at 7:00pm in the parking lot of our Peninsula store, where you'll sign in, enjoy make-your-own smoothies on our bike blender, and admire your fellow riders' choice of sleepwear!

Our friends from Bike Cleveland will be there to talk about all of the great work they do to make bicycling more fun and more safe for everyone in Northeast Ohio.


If you make a donation to Bike Cleveland, or join or renew your membership at the event, you'll be entered into our prize raffle! The raffle drawings will take place beginning at 7:45pm.

At 8:00pm sharp, we'll begin our bike ride on the car-free Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. We'll ride NORTH about 7 miles to the Brecksville Station Road Bridge, take a break for FREE pajama party-themed snacks, then turn around and ride back to Peninsula. Many people enjoy post-ride food and beverages at The Winking Lizard Tavern next door.

You can ride at your own pace, and all ages and skill levels are welcome! Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Never been on one of our Night Rides before? Check out the full details, preparation tips, and safety tips. The short version:

You must have your own bicycle, helmet, and headlight. Check your bike over ahead of time to make sure it's ready to ride. Make sure your pajamas do not interfere with your pedals, chain, or wheels. Arrive early to have plenty of time to find parking (use the Lock 29 Trailhead or overflow lot on Mill Street), get yourself and your bike ready, and sign in.

Hard rain and/or thunderstorms will cancel the ride. Call the store at 330-657-2209 or join the event on Facebook for any last-minute updates.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Monday, June 4, 2018

Event Photos: Bike Travel Weekend Camp-Out Ride - June 2-3, 2018

We had 16 people attending the third annual Bike Travel Weekend Camp-Out Ride, a tradition started by the Adventure Cycling Association to promote bicycle travel to more and more people! We departed from the Century Cycles store in Peninsula about 3:30pm on Saturday, and rode 26 miles to West Branch State Park outside Ravenna, Ohio.

Thanks to Doug who drove the CC van to meet us with food and beverages, including burgers, brats, corn-on-the-cob, and even bicycle pasta salad (brought by one of our campers)!

The weather was perfect for sleeping outside, followed by the return ride home Sunday morning.

Look for details of the 2019 Bike Travel Weekend early next year -- the event is always the first weekend of June!