CHOOSING THE RIGHT GLOVES FOR WINTER RIDING
Keep Your Digits Warm During the Cold
Tis the season of fewer crowds on the trails, quiet, snow-dusted roads, and the challenge of pushing through colder conditions. However, those colder conditions also bring a host of challenges one being uncomfortable, damp or frozen hands. A high quality pair of winter bike gloves can make all the difference between a pleasant ride and a miserable one.
While cool weather riding, keeping your hands warm is crucial—not just for comfort but also for safety. Cold hands can lead to numb fingers, poor grip, and difficulty braking or shifting, which can increase your risk of injury. In addition to warmth, winter bike gloves should offer protection from the elements: wind, rain, snow, and sleet. A well-designed winter glove will keep your hands dry, reduce wind chill, and maintain dexterity, which is essential for controlling your bike in various weather conditions.
What to look for - When choosing the right winter bike gloves, there are several factors to keep in mind.
Insulation- Winter gloves need to trap heat while also allowing moisture to escape. Look for gloves with high-quality insulation materials like Primaloft, Thinsulate, or Merino wool. These materials provide excellent warmth-to-weight ratios without making the gloves too bulky or heavy.
Waterproofing and Wind proofing – Gloves made with Gore-Tex or similar materials will keep your hands dry. Look for gloves that offer windproof materials like tightly woven fabrics to protect you from strong winds.
Grip and Dexterity - Winter gloves can sometimes feel bulky, but for cycling, it’s important to maintain a good grip on your handlebars and be able to easily operate your brakes and gears. Look for gloves that feature grip-enhancing palms to keep your dexterity.
Adjustable Closures and Reflectivity - Winter gloves should cover your wrists and part of your forearms to prevent cold air from creeping in. Gloves with long cuffs or adjustable closures (like Velcro or zippers) help keep warmth in and cold air out. Additionally having visibility details is helpful as we all know how fast the sun goes down during winter months.
Pro Tip From Bow Trail Sales Manager Kirk: “For cold hands, using pogies will create another barrier against the elements and allows you to wear a thinner glove for dexterity. Plus, theres space inside for hot packs and/or snacks!”
Calgary Cycle offers a wide variety of winter gloves and fat bike handlebar “Pogies”. Visit our website or stop by to shop our varied brands such as Bontrager, Bar Mitts and 45NRTH.
The CC Team
WINTERIZING YOUR E-BIKE
A Guide to Protecting Your Battery
As the snow starts falling, it’s time to start thinking about how to properly store your e-bike for the winter months. A well-maintained e-bike can last for years, but improper storage—especially when it comes to the battery—can lead to issues come spring. Here’s a comprehensive guide to putting away your e-bike for the winter and keeping that crucial battery in top shape.
Before you store your bike, give it a thorough cleaning. Dirt and moisture can lead to corrosion and damage over time. Use a bike cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge to clean the frame, wheels, and components. Pay special attention to the drivetrain, as debris can lead to wear and tear. Avoid high pressure water for cleaning as it can force moisture into the bearings and be sure to dry your bike completely before storage.
The battery is the heart of your e-bike, and proper care during winter storage is crucial. Prior to storing, make sure your battery is charged to about 50-70%. This range is ideal for lithium-ion batteries during long periods of inactivity. Fully charging or completely discharging can shorten battery life.
If your e-bike allows it, remove the battery for storage. Keeping it in a stable, temperature-controlled environment (ideally between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius ) will prevent extreme temperature fluctuations that can harm the battery. Also, check for any updates required on your e-bike. Periodic updates are required for longevity and can be completed by contacting our Bow Trail or Pure Cycle location to book an appointment. You can also review the requirements through the battery brands App. Updates are approximately $25.00.
Even while in storage, it’s a good idea to check on your e-bike and battery every month. Ensure the battery is holding its charge and that no moisture has built up in your storage area. If necessary, top off the battery to maintain that 50-70% charge.
Visit any of our 3 locations to purchase specialized cleaning products or book an appointment for a pre-winter tune up. We highly recommend booking your tune up over the quieter winter months to avoid long wait times in the spring. We also have maintenance specials running, so when in doubt – reach out!
The CC Team
OAKLEY EYEWEAR
Renowned for Cutting Edge Technology
When it comes to sunglasses, Oakley stands out as a premier brand known for its innovation, quality, and style. Whether you are an athlete, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone who simply values eye protection and aesthetics, Oakley sunglasses offer unmatched advantages that make them the best choice on the market.
Oakley is renowned for its cutting-edge lens technology, particularly the proprietary High Definition Optics® (HDO®). This technology features razor-sharp clarity, impact resistance and UVA/UVB/UVC protection. With respect to resistance, Oakley is like no other in that they are designed to withstand high-mass and high-velocity impacts. Oakley lenses are incredibly durable, ensuring your eyes are protected in various scenarios and when it comes to biking, having this type of protection can be paramount should riders come across stray branches or flying debris while road riding.
Calgary Cycle has been carrying Oakley eyewear for 25+ years due to its creative styling and wide variety of design options. Customizable and ergonomic, these sunglasses, are mostly made using a material known as O Matter™, which is stress-resistant and lightweight. We carry sport-specific designs which is another feature Oakley showcases and why this brand is so popular with a variety of athletes. From anti-fog ventilation technology and Unobtainium® nose pads and ear socks that increase grip with perspiration, the Oakley eyewear line truly is outstanding.
When deciding which frames are best for you, Oakley’s custom program allows you to mix and match frame colors, lens tints, and more to create a pair that suits your personal style. From Frogskins™ lifestyle frames to the famous sporty Radar® EV Path® there is absolutely something for everyone. Currently both our Bow Trail and South locations carry a selection of Oakley glasses. We look forward to helping you find the perfect fit!
-The CC Team
A WELL TUNED BIKE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE!
So you have your new bike from Calgary Cycle and have spent many enjoyable hours riding. What’s next?... A tune-up! Just like a car, your bike requires regular maintenance too. Maintenance checks help ensure that all components of the bike, such as brakes, gears, and tires are in good working condition. This reduces the potential risk of accidents caused by malfunctioning parts. Tuning up your bike a couple of times a year can also improve its overall performance, and longevity and enhance efficiency, making riding smoother.
As a basic standard, it is important before any ride that you check your tire pressure. Tires can lose air over time and if they are sitting all winter in the garage then it’s definitely time to double-check the pressure. If you are uncertain how to go about this, stop by any of our 3 locations, and our service team can easily give you tips and tricks and get you topped up with air. Another standard is a well-oiled bike chain. When bikes are left outside or not cleaned often the chain can become “gummy” and also rust, which in turn will lead to drive train damage. Calgary Cycle sells an assortment of lubricants and bike cleaners along with garage floor tire pumps and smaller handheld versions that fit nicely into a backpack. Another reason Tune-ups are important is that it provides you an opportunity to make any adjustments and work with our bike experts on overall fit and comfort, perhaps you would like a handlebar adjustment, or your saddle is too far forward for best posture, we can review these points when you are dropping your bike off.
By keeping the bike properly maintained you can extend its lifespan. Regular cleaning, lubrication and adjustments help prevent wear and tear on critical components that will prolong their usability. If you have a full suspension bike, we highly recommend having a basic shock service (front and rear) for every 30 hours of riding, and an advanced service for every 100 hours of riding. These details and pricing can be found at www.calgarycycle.com under the services tab.
As a friendly reminder, all bikes sold at Calgary Cycle come with a service package, if you are not certain what is included, this information can be found online and is based on the cost of your bicycle. We are always happy to take your call and discuss your specific needs too!
Pro Tip from James, Senior Mechanic at Calgary Cycle South – “Consistent performance requires preventative maintenance on all moving parts – chain wear, cassette, brakes, rotors and bearings! A clean bike just works better!
EXPLORING BICYCLE DRIVETRAIN OPTIONS
A Brief Guide
When entering the world of pedal bikes, many people wonder about the differences in "parts" between models. It can be challenging to notice these distinctions just by looking at bikes in the same category.
When comparing different types of drivetrains on bicycles, each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore the main differences between traditional chain drivetrains and internal gear hubs, and consider scenarios where one might be considered “better” than the other.
Traditional Chain Drivetrains
Traditional chain drivetrains often offer a wide range of gears, suitable for various terrains and riding styles. Chains are universally used across many bike models and are compatible with a wide range of components, making it easy to find replacements at bike shops. While they require regular cleaning and lubrication, chains are relatively easy to maintain and repair. It's important to regularly clean and re-oil traditional chains to ensure longevity. Chain drivetrains also require a front or rear derailleur, which, without proper care, may need replacement.
Internal Gear Hubs
Internal gear hubs are sealed from the elements, making them more resistant to water, dirt, and other contaminants. This type of drivetrain is commonly found on leisure and pathway-focused bikes. Internal gear hubs require minimal maintenance compared to external derailleur systems, as the gears are enclosed and protected. However, this system typically does not offer a wide range of gears and can add overall weight to a bike.
Another common question is about the advantages of a 1x drivetrain. The industry is increasingly presenting more models with this type of gearing. A 1x drivetrain means there is no front derailleur, allowing for smoother shifting capabilities, less maintenance, and a reduced chance of the chain coming off during more aggressive riding. The absence of a front derailleur also allows for greater frame design flexibility and improved clearance for wider tires or suspension components.
Calgary Cycle has three convenient locations for your shopping needs. Choose from popular and quality brands like Trek, Electra, Norco, Gazelle, Santa Cruz, and more! Stop in today and speak to our staff about finding the best bike for you!
-The CC Team
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