I wanted to help spread the word about two upcoming events in our area:  Joy Ride and the 2011  kick-off stop of the 2011 edition of  the Tour de Fat. Both events are being held in our neighboring city of Durham, NC.

The Joy Ride is a celebration of New Belgium Brewing Co’s 20th anniversary. New Belgium, for those uninitiated, is a bike-centered company and makers of fine adult beverages. The  Saturday June 4th event starts with a toast at Tyler’s in Durham @ 3pm. Then a ride leaving @ 3;30pm to Full Steam Brewery with a second toast @4pm and finally back to the tobacco district for more liquid refreshments. Costumes are encouraged and appreciated.

The first stop of the 2011 Tour de Fat sponsored by New Belgium gets underway at 10am Saturday June 25th @ Diamond View Park (in American Tobacco Park). Here a couple of links : http://www.newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat.aspx  and  http://www.facebook.com/TourDeFat . Be sure to get there early for registration. This ballyhoo of good times will be benefitting North Carolina Active Transportation Alliance. Music and theatrics to follow the ride.

Hope to see you there!

Steve

We’re already a week into the month but it’s never too late to celebrate bikes. May is “National Bike Month” and here’s a rundown of what’s happening in the shop and around town:

Come by the shop for Bike to Work Week(s!), May 1-20 To celebrate come by Cycle 9 for:

• 15% Off Commuter Accessories
• 20% Off Tune-Ups
• FREE Bicycle Inspections (We’ll check out your bike and recommend any necessary service)

Carrboro Bike Breakfast, Tues May 17, 7am – 10am Completely FREE and open to the public (IN THE PARKING LOT ACROSS FROM ARMADILLO GRILL IN CARRBORO)

• Bike Check-Ups and Maintenance
• Food!: Biscuits from Neal’s Deli, Coffee from Open Eye
• Raffle for Prizes and other fun Giveaways

Chapel Hill-Carrboro Bicycle Parade, Fri May 20 @ 5:30pm

• Meet at Wallace Plaza (on top of the Rosemary St. Parking Deck) for an 8-mile “Bike Parade” loop thru Chapel Hill and Carrboro with food and live music at the end.                                                             –Riders of all ages and abilities welcome–

Bike & Bus Workshop, Sat May 14 9am – Noon (Details can be found HERE)

BikeAbility Adapted Event, Sat May 21 10am – 2pm

• Safety Clinic and Adaptive Bike Demo for children and adults with special needs. Must register in advance. See Chapel Hill Parks and Rec for details and registration.

It’s that time again -  the annual Spring Bike Swap presented by Cycle 9 – Sunday April 10 9am-3pm, or so.  As always, space is free for vendors and the public.  Shops are welcome to bring their wares.  Back Alley Bikes, Reidsville Bikeshop, and ReCyclery NC are on the list.  There is plenty of free parking and space to set up tables, tents, blankets, rocking chairs, etc.  The Looking Glass Cafe’ adjacent to us, has plenty of great food and beverages for purchase.  It’s a great time to sell (or get rid of) that stuff gathering dust in the parts box.  The previous Spring Swap’s have seen upwards of 200 people in attendance.  So, it’s kind of a big deal.  Come join and geek out with us on bike parts galore!

Contact Steve at 919-636-5909 or steve@cycle9.com

Ortileb and Tubus  - Incredible Touring Gear now available

After some heated debate (not really, but it sounds good) we are now an Ortileb and Tubus dealer. Our touring business took off last summer so we added some selection to the touring bikes we carry. We in turn added some expedition worthy front and rear racks. Now, we have some of the best racks, bags and panniers on hand. If you haven’t heard of Ortlieb, or Tubus for that matter, do a little searching  about touring. Their name and reputation is top notch.

What do that mean to you? Well, we are the only bike shop in the area, possibly this part of the state that stocks true touring equipment. We have the knowledge to assist you in your important gear decisions. Plus, we like talking about it. Good luck finding that anywhere else.

Feel free to call, email or come by with any questions about touring (or whatever else is on your mind).

My name is Steve and I am your local bike shop.

Head to Head!

A little friendly competition – the electric Madsen with 150 lbs of cargo versus the lightweight road bike. Short video today for your enjoyment…

I’m sure there are many road warriors out there who will appreciate that the electric bike is not ALWAYS faster. (However, I’d love to see them tote the 3 children and still be that fast – different strokes for different folks).

-Elise

Go By Bike is a daily video series that talks about how to be green by riding more and using your car less, including electric bikes, electric kits, cargo bikes, bike safety, and getting motivated to bike

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Bike not comfortable? Here’s one big reason.

Most bikes that are sold these days come with saddles that are really not all that comfortable. They might be fine for casual riding, but for riding regularly, a comfortable saddle can make a huge difference!

I recently ditched my so-so saddle for a new one that looks very promising. But besides just the saddle itself, getting it adjusted correctly is KEY for a good fit! A poorly adjusted saddle can lead to neck and back, terribly sore butts and less riding.

In this video, I show how to adjust your saddle yourself and talk about what to look for. I also show my new Selle Royal saddle which comes with an actual comfort guarantee (don’t like it in 120 days? bring it back!)

Ride on!

-Elise

Go By Bike is a daily video series that talks about how to be green by riding more and using your car less, including electric bikes, electric kits, cargo bikes, bike safety, and getting motivated to bike

Get notified! Sign UP using the box to the right to be notified of new video topics and other great happenings at Cycle 9

If you like this video, please  digg it, stumble upon it, tweet about it or post it to delicious or facebook using one of the links below

What can you gain by living without your car?

Sure, you can live without a car, but did you know you can also live WELL and easily without a car? Check out this great new resource I found for just how to do this (And save thousands of $$ a year in the meantime…)

What do you think? Comment below and start a conversation!

-Elise

Go By Bike is a daily video series that talks about how to be green by riding more and using your car less, including electric bikes, electric kits, cargo bikes, bike safety, and getting motivated to bike

If you like this video, please  digg it, stumble upon it, tweet about it or post it to delicious or facebook using one of the links below

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What’s in a Name?

We name people and pets because it bestows them individuality. What about in-animate objects like bikes? Taking a cue from one of the blogs I like, lets go ride a bike , I contemplated this issue recently…

Have you ever named a bike? Do you have name suggestions for the Madsen? Give them to me below!

-Elise

Go By Bike is a daily video series that talks about how to be green by riding more and using your car less, including electric bikes, electric kits, cargo bikes, bike safety, and getting motivated to bike

If you like this video, please  digg it, stumble upon it, tweet about it or post it to delicious or facebook using one of the links below

Click to Sign UP for our list to be notified of new video topics and other great happenings at Cycle 9

At Cycle 9, we love Surly’s no-nonsense approach to bicycles.  These bikes are not flashy or trendy, but are elegant and refined in their functionality.  Made from CroMoly steel, Surlys are built to last and ride beautifully.

Take the Surly Cross Check, for example.

Surly Cross Check

The versatile Cross Check handles all terrains with ease.  It’s a great commuter bike, offering a fabulously comfortable ride.  After work, go ahead and hit the trails.  You’ll love how this bike handles off-road as well.  Reviewers rave about this bike and for a good reason.  Come on in to see what all the buzz is about!

Another favorite at Cycle 9 is the Big Dummy.  Don’t let the name fool you, this bike isn’t a clunker.  It’s made for hauling a lot of stuff and it does its job gracefully.  Compatible with Xtracycle accessories, the Big Dummy can carry a week’s worth of groceries, an 8 ft ladder, passengers, or almost anything else you can think of – all while riding smoothly.  The options are endless and car-less, which makes this Big Dummy anything but dumb.

Surly Big Dummy

Ok – I quit this gig.  I’m packing up my crap and heading out West.  Peace out amigos!  While you’re watching the evening news, I’ll be riding into the sunset on Surly’s touring bike, the Long Haul Trucker.  Because the Trucker’s frame geometry is designed to carry a lot of stuff, I can make it out to there with everything I need.  The ultra durable components make me confident that my bike won’t let me down on the way.  Once I’ve reached my destination, I’ll still have a great bike to get around town.  Yup, the Long Haul Trucker is my long haul ride.  It can be yours too.  Stop by Cycle 9 to see why it’s one of our best sellers.

Surly Long Haul Trucker

Sometimes it’s little things that make the difference between a good and a great bike

In today’s episode of Go By Bike, I talk about 3 relatively little things that I love about my commuter bike. Having a practical, sturdy and stylish bike is important, but with a few added touches, I find the experience to be considerably better.

What are your favorite things about your commuter bike?

-Elise

Go By Bike is a daily video series that talks about how to be green by riding more and using your car less, including electric bikes, electric kits, cargo bikes, bike safety, and getting motivated to bike

If you like this video, please  digg it, stumble upon it, tweet about it or post it to delicious or facebook using one of the links below