When do you put on sales?

We have been asked a lot lately when our bikes go on sale - the answer is nearly all the time. Because we are a small shop with very close dealer agreements, we often offer in store specials. We don't do a lot of advertising in print media either, so the best way to know is to stop by.

One of the other questions we have been getting a great deal on the phone is a "price quote" - it is our shop policy to quote the MSRP or available price for current model years. Of course if you provide a region specific print ad with a date and clear offer, we will match it!

Remember it is a great time to cycle!

What is new for the holidays?

This year is all about accessories and making your bike fully functional. As we stay focused on here at Main Street Cyclery, "the best bike is the one you will ride!" Look for stylish bells, basket bags, liners and cool drink holders. Check out some of our key vendors:

• http://dvnproducts.com/ The basket buddy bags, bling bells and cool drink holders
• http://www.couturecruiser.com/ An upscale look for a tote bag and basket liner
• http://www.topeak.com/products/ Cool accessories, racks, lights and pumps
• http://planetbike.com/page/ Check out these lights and computers

We want to move you to the best possible bike and accessory pairings so that you can achieve maximum use out of your bike!

From Allan!

Seth,

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and Dave and Julio. You run a great bicycle shop and your customer service goes above and beyond what customers have come to expect.In this economy more than ever businesses need to realize just how important their relationship with the community should be.

With my family this started back in June when my son Jake and his friends rode to Seal Beach. This being his first ride without either of his parents along it was with some hesitation. I had asked him to make sure and call when he arrived,well he called me at work to inform me that he had a flat tire on my bike and was leaving it at a friends house

and taking the bus home. I suggested that he walk the bike over to your shop and ask if the tube could be replaced while he waited.You went out of your way to change the tube for him and trusted him enough to call me at work for a credit card number.

The next time my sons and I were in Seal Beach we came by your store to thank you personally. At the time you suggested that I put my business card in the bowl for the Labor Day drawing of a new beach cruiser. I reluctantly did so explaing that after many years of doing so and never won anything even a "free lunch". Well what do you know?

On Labor Day I ran into your top technician, Julio just down the street he was as excited for me as I was. He informed me that I had won the bike and could stop by and pick it up anytime. My sons and I have been into your shop several times since and are always treated with respect and consideration by all of you. I am now in the market for another beach cruiser for my younger son and would only consider purchasing it from Main Street Cyclery. You and your fine staff run your business as it should be.We will continue to recommend your shop to all of our friends,neighbors and coworkers. Continued success.

Best Regards,

Allan Frank

Update on winners

So Allan and his two boys came by to pick up their winning bike this past weekend! Here is an updated photo!

Triathlon

So today the MSC team is doing a sprint triathlon! It is in Long Beach and is an 11 mile bike ride, a 5 km run and a half a mile swim. Should be pretty amazing. Big applause for Dave D., Julio C. and Scott G. for doing it. Go TEAM!

Well, we accomplished the total tri in just under an hour and a half! That was super good! We also met Chris McCormick - the current World Champion Triathlete. Very cool. Big thanks to Kimmy, Aubrey, Devon and Veronica for the additional moral supp0rt and photo documentation. We will try to have something posted soon!

Bike issues 102

So what else do I need to know about a bike? One of the biggest is the actual use of the bike. How are you planning on utilizing your bike? For us in the shop, cycling is more than a sport or a recreation, it is a way of life. Everyone in the shop owns at least one bike and we are each most comfortable in our own styles of bikes. Take our "friend of the shop" Scott G. He is an avid outdoor rider who enjoys hard mountain biking and fixed gear. Kyle is a BMX rider who rides fixed gear for distance. Julio is a classic road bike enthusiast and so rides an amazing LeMond with a Brooks saddle. Dave rides whatever, but has a passion for triathlon bikes (since he owns the shop!) Seth likes a hybrid for with a basket for living car free and Cameron rotates through classic Schwinns and more unusual cruisers.

The nice thing about our shop is we have a specialist for any type of bike. So be sure to stop by and if you can check out our coupon at Seal Beach Daily! www.sealbeachdaily.com

Cycling Facts 101

There are some great and simple facts about bicycles that you should know:

What do I pay for?

1. Material of construction - is it steel, cromoly, aluminum, carbon fiber or something more exotic? Generally this sets the basic price point in a given category of bikes (cruiser, road, mountain, BMX, etc. . .)
2. Components - are there gears, hand brakes, special handlebars or other feature on the bike? If so, the more high end these are, you will pay for that. Generally internal hub technology (where there is not movement of the chain to change gears) is more expensive than an external deraileaur. This is not true with road bikes which may have very high end components (Shimano Dura Ace)
3. Bling, styling & fashion - do the rims of the bike match? Are there custom styled fenders or chain rings? Do you feel cool on the bike? If so, this bike probably costs more.

So take a moment and think about your bike! After all, the best bike is the one you will ride!