Electric Bicycles

Introducing the Trailz By Currie Tech

The Trailz is the perfect bike for many uses from recreation to transportation. Its powerful Currie Electro-Drive® system has 450 watts of power that provides plenty of torque to level hills and is powered by your choice of either a sealed lead acid battery pack (Trailz) or an upgraded lithium battery pack (Trailz Li), that can easily be removed for charging or swapping. It can travel up to 15-22 miles with normal pedaling or about 10-15 miles with no pedaling at all at speeds of 15+ mph. You can easily double that range by adding an optional second battery pack.  Come in and test ride one today!

Bike Knowledge #1

Bike Knowledge will be a recurring post that shares some of our bike knowledge to the general public. A majority of the posts will attempt to stay away from anything too technical, rather mainly focusing on what bike owners everywhere should know.

Bike Knowledge #1: A bicycle wheel consists of the rim, a tube, and tire. The amount of air in the tube is what determines your tire pressure and is rated in pounds per square inch (PSI). Keeping both tires pumped up to the recommended pressure is key to good bike performance. Proper pressure will maximize speed, efficiency, and create less wear on the tire. Low inflation can also result in flats caused by the tube being pinched in between the tire and rim.

Every tire will have a recommended inflation pressure that is printed on the side of the tire. Most tires have a range, such as 40-65 PSI. Running a tire at the lower end of recommended pressure will result in a softer ride, whereas running the pressure at the higher end will result in a more harsh, but faster ride. Keeping it in between the recommended pressure is usually a good compromise for most riders. TIRES SHOULD BE INFLATED ONCE EVERY WEEK TO ENSURE PROPER INFLATION. Below is a list of general pressure ratings for various bikes.

Cruiser Bicycles: 30-40 PSI
Hybrid Bicycles: 40-65/85 PSI
Road Bicycles: 80-120 PSI

Thanks for reading and check back for Bike Knowledge #2 which will feature information about when and what a bike tune-up should entail.

2012 Beach Babe Classic

The team hard at work at this years beach babe classic!

Warmer weather tips

As the temperature rises we get more enthusiastic about riding longer distances. A few things to keep in mind as you head out to enjoy the Spring/Summer cycling: Water- It is imperative that you carry or have access to at least one liter/quart of water for every 10 miles you will be riding. It is also very important to ensure you hydrate BEFORE you need replenishment. In other words-start drinking in the first 15 minutes of the ride and keep it coming. You can always stop and relieve water but it's almost impossible to catch up if you become dehydrated on a ride. improper hydration can cause dizziness and cause you to "bonk" as we used to call it in the triathlon circles. If it gets really bad they have to put an IV in to rehydrate serious cases so drink often and early. Sunblock- Even if your helmet (you are wearing a helmet. right?) has a visor you get reflected sun from the road and surroundings so be sure to put on sun protection before you hit the road. I'm not sure how much SPF is needed but high numbers (greater than 30) are better. Don't forget the back of your neck as well. Long sleeves are a good option as you can always take a layer off and tie it around you. Better safe than fried. Skin Cancer is no fun! Telephone- Today's mobile phones are sturdy enough to survive in your pocket and if you get stuck and can't call someone - you will feel stupid. Don't take a chance. Take your phone but don't spend the ride trying to talk to everyone. It's more dangerous than driving while talking on the phone- and it's probably illegal. You have to be able to hear the traffic and/or other cyclists to be safe so keep the phone where you can get to it, after you stop. Finally- carry a road kit: most bike shops and help you assemble a kit of tools and a spare tube so you can fix a flat rather than walk to a shop or have someone come and get you in a car. A small bag under your saddle can usually hold all you need i.e. a spare tube, tire levers. inflation device (CO2 works great) an axle wrench if you don't have quick-release hubs. Even if you don't know how to use these items, most cyclists will stop and assist if they see your predicament. I broke the rules during IRONMAN and gave away one of my spare tubes to a woman in need. She beat me by 20 minutes but did offer to pay for the tube when we got back to the mainland. The point is a lot of cyclists will stop supply the know-how to get you back on the road if needed. When in doubt. stop by your local bike shop and pay them for a lesson in fixing a flat. It's empowering! Enjoy the Summer!

To Avoid Serious Injuries Part 1

It is important to completely understand the operation of your bicycle's brake system.  Improper use of your bicycle brake system may result in a lose of control or an accident, which could lead to severe injury.  Because each bicycle may handle differently, be sure to learn the proper braking technique (including bicycle control characteristics) and operation of your bicycle.  This can be done by consulting your professional bicycle dealer and the bicycle owner's manual, and by practicing your riding and braking technique.

Bicycle Maintenance Schedule

EVERY RIDE:

• Check pressure in tires.  Use tire gauge when available
• Check tires for tread cuts
• Grab brake levers with force, note any differences between rides
• Bounce bike, listening for rattles and odd noises, such as loose headset
• Spin pedals backwards, note any squeaky or dry chain
• Clean/wash if very gritty and dirty

EVERY 100 MILES (160 KILOMETERS):

• Check chain Stretch.
• Inspect cables for cuts
• Clean chain if necessary or dirty
• Inspect brake pads for wear
• Check hand pump for ability to create pressure
• Check for bearing play in wheel hubs

EVERY 500 MILES (800 KILOMETERS):

• Grab cranks and pull side-to-side checking for play
• Lubricate pivot points
• Lubricate brake and shifter cables
• Check crank bolts
• Full suspension bikes, check swing arm pivot bolts
• Inspect frame for cracks or other anomalies

EVERY 1000 MILES (1600 KILOMETERS):

• Inspect rims for wear if using rim calipers
• If ridden in muddy and hard conditions, overhaul bearings
• Inspect shoe cleats and replace as needed
• Remove seat post and clean.  Re-grease as appropriate

EVERY 3000 MILES (4800 KILOMETERS):

• Grease bearings if non-cartridge
• Remove tires and inspect rim strip
• Install new cables and housing, especially shifting systems
• Replace cartridge bearings if worn or play is present

Summer is Here!

Summer is definitely here in Seal Beach. Here are a few things that we are doing at the bike shop:

1. Sponsoring the mechanical / service tent for the July 24th "Beach Babe Bicycling Classic" at Eisenhower Park. For more information, go to www.noblepursuitinc.com

2. Be sure to go to the Lions Club Fish Fry July 16th & 17th at Eisenhower Park. Our shop donated several prizes to their hourly drawing so go win some some bike accessories, enjoy the music and support the Lions.

3. Our summer interns, Tony and JD from Los Alamitos High School are doing well under the guidance of our lead mechanic, Julio. Stop in and say hi to them!

4. We are welcoming a new member of our team, Aaron, who has a passion not only for bikes, but also photography. Check out his photos at www.flickr.com/photos/aaronmichael

5. The Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce has started the Summer Concert series. Every Wednesday night from 6 - 8 pm. Stop in or see more information at www.sealbeachchamber.org

We do run some specials, so check them out on Yelp and Google Places.

Have fun this Summer and ride more!