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!

The problem with bike lanes

We often worry about cycling lanes. Check this video out about NYC bike lanes! http://youtu.be/bzE-IMaegzQ

Honoring our Service Men & Women

We should all take a moment to be thankful for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. With our dependence on foreign oil, we should make a concerted effort to consume less gas.

Cycling is a great way to exercise, save fuel and live well. For too long, we have been deluded by the slick advertising slogans of large car manufacturers and Madison Ave. to think that part of the American dream is to own a car. We think you actually can live quite well without owning a car. Try driving one less day a week, cutting down on shopping out of town or just limiting the amount you drive by planning trips.

Use Google mapping to find your route cycling to a given destination. You will find that it is both easier and more time efficient to get on your bike and just go! Happy Memorial Day and thanks again to our men & women in the armed forces.

Riding tip for Holiday Weekends

In talking with our senior mechanic, Julio, he suggests that during this Memorial Day weekend you make sure to "take your time" while riding. All too often, we rush to try to get to where we are going on a ride.

By taking your time, you not only enjoy the ride more fully by looking at the scenery and environment, you are quite a bit more aware of hazards or obstacles. This is is of particular importance in a group. Place children between adults, so they are shielded and "in the pocket" of the group of riders.

Also, consider the riding level of those in your group. You may have some strong riders and others not so. By taking your time, you help the group feel that they are able to perform to a similar level. No one gets left behind! Remember, there are more riders on the road, so take it nice and easy!

Summer Special for Repair

Well, hopefully you have managed not to have too many flats in your cycling career. We know how frustrating it can be on a ride to get a flat tire. We want to thank you for your business and if you are willing to shop local, we will change your flat for only $5. Our normal price is $11. So, from now through the Memorial Day weekend, just mention this blog post and get a flat for only $5!

Happy May!

Yesterday was the 24th Annual Seal Beach Classic Car Show. Truly a great event! It was good for our shop and many merchants as well. Always good to see more people in the Main Street area. Hopefully you will be able to stop by before Cinco de Mayo. For the next few days, we will be running some super value packed specials on bike racks for autos. Stop in and get a bike rack with a bike purchase for 50% off. Just mention this blog post or print it out for savings!

Easter Spring Super Saver discount

So if you read this blog and see this post - mention our Easter Spring Super Saver Discount and take and instant $100 off any bike over $300. It is that simple! Also, have us throw in a basket or a lock at no additional charge. This offer is only good over Easter weekend 2011 and you have to mention this blog post and show it to us via phone or print out! Oh, yeah and you have to know I was the announcer for the Seal Beach Run 5K/10K on April 2nd (see, I really was!) That way we know you actually read this post!

Stop motion mountain biking

Sometimes you can capture multiple images of the same event. You can see the great jump and ride experience of one of our friends of the shop, Scott.

Catching Air

One of our customers, Scotty, is a powerful mountain biker. He got some serious air and wanted to share it. Special thanks to Aaron Perez for taking the photo and sharing it. You can find more photos of Scott and Aaron's work at: www.flickr.com/photos/aaronmichael

Keep flying high Scott!

If you need help with a mountain bike, be sure to check us out. We don't stock a lot on the floor, but we can get you great deals on Fuji and Redline!

High end bikes

Occasionally, we come across a SICK bike - or help create one. This beautiful, tricked out 2009 Fuji Aloha 1.0 is Scotty's - a friend of the shop. Aren't the wheels ridiculous? As Julio and I agree, it looks like a spaceship!

There is always a way to get high end bikes from our shop. Just because you don't see the top of the line on our walls, it is only because we choose not to simply have inventory "hanging out" in the shop. Go ahead and ask us, we can likely get it for you!

Repair, Refurbish, Resell

2011 marks the return of "previously owned" bikes to our sales floor. Today's economy makes affordable, high quality bicycles a necessity rather than an option. Heeding the demand of our customers'; we will resume selling bikes on consignment. Many customers want a higher-end road bike without forking over thousands of dollars for a brand name, new component group or one that a ‘famous racer’ rode.

We will feature top-notch bikes selected by our technical staff, for their superior condition and "bang for the buck", featuring front-line, barely- used bikes that (e.g.) sold for more than $5000 new, that you can now acquire for less than $800!
Our previously-owned bikes come with a one-year warranty (parts and labor) as we will have thoroughly inspected, cleaned and adjusted the bike as part of the intake process when we bring the cycle into our shop. Most of these bikes will be from past customers, so we know the original manufacturer's track record and also ensure we can get parts for whatever may need attention in the future.

The most important aspect of a buying a bike like this is you get the support of Main Street Cyclery as long as you own the bike. Many of our customers have tried to get by with a “big-box” (Target or Wal-mart) bike only to have to bring it to us to try and get it running. Others have tried to save money purchasing online and end up in our Service center-paying us all the money they thought they would save; just to get the bike working correctly. If you're considering upgrading to a lighter, performance oriented bike, give us a chance to put you on a previously owned cycle from Main Street Cyclery.

We proudly provide Knowledge and Service for the full spectrum of your cycling needs. If you are intent on purchasing online, swing by and we will assist in getting you on the right size and model. Then have your bike shipped directly to us and we will build it out of the box, then “fit you to the bike when you pick it up.

Finally, if you have a good bike but it's not running as well as it should,or, just needs a little love; check out the menu on the service center page. Our prices are very competitive and or technicians are top-notch, so we'll get your baby all shiny and new so you don't have to buy a new one.

Any way you look at it - Main Street Cyclery is the place to go for friendly, knowledgeable service for you cycling needs.

Rain, Rain, Rain

Well, it has been a wet holiday season, particularly for cycling. Most Southern Californian riders never appreciate how good we have it in comparison to most of the rest of the country. The last two weeks have been a bit of a challenge for most of us though. Gloom, regular rain and steady showers have dominated this holiday season.

Rain just makes riding more of a hassle. Your bike is thrashed, it needs to be cleaned and readjusted after nearly every ride. After a few days though, most regular riders just push through and take their bike out anyway. If so, be extra careful because of hydroplaning and braking distance. Also, visibility is often limited.

Ride safely!