So you have purchased a new bike from Calgary Cycle and are super excited to hit the trails. In some instances particularly with road bikes and full suspension mountain bikes the pedals are not automatically included. This is due to the fact that there are rider preferences and the first consideration is if you prefer clip in pedals or flat pedals. Calgary Cycle carries Chromag, Bontrager, One Up, Deity and others in a wide assortment of both styles and composites. Choose from the thin lightweight and strong aluminum alloy or cost-efficient and durable nylon.

To clip in requires a shoe and cleat set up, and we carry Shimano, Look and Time cleats. Our friendly staff is happy to assist with this process and can also facilitate the installation of the cleats onto your selected shoe. The benefit of riding with a clip in pedal is experiencing a slighter more efficient pedal stroke and not having to be worried about your feet bouncing off the pedals over rough terrain. They also do provide more clearance over rocks and other obstacles.

Alternatively flat pedals provide easy adjustment of your feet and assures riders that they can put their feet down quickly if required. Flat pedals have varying platform size to help accommodate foot sizes. They typically have pins (that can be adjusted) for maximum traction with the pedal, even in changing conditions. It is helpful to have a specific cycling flat shoe versus a tennis shoe when riding flat pedals. The stiffer soles, optimized tread and impact absorbing materials make them a smart purchase. Calgary Cycle stocks Fox, Bontrager, Giro, Shimano and more. The other popular option to consider is a Shimano SPD pedal that has one side flat and the other side is a cleat mechanism, so you get the best of both worlds.

Pro Tip from James, Senior Mechanic at Calgary Cycle Canyon Meadows – “ Don’t neglect your pedals, they are one of your main touch points. Ensure they are tight have no bearing play and no cracks on the pedal body. If you’re using clip in pedals make sure to check your cleats for wear. If you are missing pins on your flats, be sure to use your replacements”.

It can be a lot to consider and the staff at our locations are happy to help and walk you through the options! Be sure to visit one of our 3 locations – Canyon Meadows, Bow Trail or Bragg Creek.

Happy Riding – The CC Team.

We're stoked to reveal that we are officially Calgary's exclusive Mondraker dealer!

A brand forged in passion and honed on the track, Mondraker is globally recognized for its cutting-edge designs, engineering prowess, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of cycling technology. Mondraker offers a diverse range of models meticulously engineered to excel in any environment, ensuring a ride that's not just exhilarating but is truly transformative.

Welcome to the Calgary Cycle family Mondraker!

In recent years, a silent revolution has been taking place on our streets and trails, quietly transforming the way we commute, exercise, and explore the great outdoors. At the heart of this change lies the pedal-assist e-bike, a remarkable fusion of human power and electric power that's reshaping our perceptions of transportation and recreation.

At first glance, a pedal-assist e-bike might appear almost like its traditional counterpart. Yet, beneath its familiar frame lies a sophisticated electric motor and battery system designed to seamlessly integrate with your pedaling efforts. Unlike throttle-controlled electric bikes, pedal-assist e-bikes provide a boost only when you pedal, amplifying your pedaling power and making cycling a more accessible and enjoyable experience for riders of all ages and fitness levels.

Based on feedback there are a variety of reasons as to why these bikes are so popular. Customers are able to continue their riding after experiencing an injury or change in fitness or increase the length of rides and frequency because of having the boost. In addition, we have customers who stopped riding years ago, but because of this technology are now re-entering the sport. This feedback runs contrary to some opinions that by riding an e-bike, you are not getting enough exercise. E-bikes commonly are equipped with levels of assistance, so you can manipulate how much power you are receiving. The range of battery life does depend on the model, however the vast majority can clock in over 60km on one charge.

Another great benefit to riding an e-bike is contributing to an Eco-friendly planet. By offering a cleaner alternative to gas vehicles, these electric-assist wonders help reduce carbon emissions all while getting fresh air!

Pro-Tip from Uwe, Service Technician at CC Canyon Meadows – “ Do not plug your E-bike in for recharging right after a ride. The battery needs to cool to approximately room temperature before charging for optimal battery life.”

Calgary Cycle offers an array of E-bikes from all our popular brands. Choose from fun and comfortable pathway options to hardtail warriors and the luxe full-suspension bikes. Come and visit us to check out and learn about all the selections!

The CC Team

As Spring has officially arrived in Alberta, now is a great time to consider if your child still fits on their current bike. It can happen quickly in the early growing years that their 12 or 16-inch bicycle unfortunately becomes too small. Many parents can be uncertain if their child needs a new bike or whether they can just make some adjustments to the existing one. Here are some Calgary Cycle expert tips on how to decide what is the best path.

Measure the child’s inseam and take note of their riding posture while they are pedaling. The inseam measurement is the length from the crotch to the floor. This measurement helps determine the minimum seat height for the bicycle. If you notice that your child’s knees are coming up quite high, towards their armpits, then the bike is almost certainly outgrown, unless you can adjust the seat height up to a safe level. As a friendly reminder seat posts do have a safety limit labeled on the post.

Within our 3 CC locations, we carry 12,14, 16, 20, and 24-inch bikes for kids. A general estimate
sizing guide is:
12 Inch Wheel: Ages 2-3: Inseam 15-18”
14 Inch Wheel: Ages 3-4: Inseam 15-20”
16 Inch Wheel: Ages 4-5: Inseam 16-22”
20 Inch Wheel: Ages 5-8: Inseam 19-25”
24 Inch Wheel: Ages 7-11: Inseam 23-28”

Children taller than 4'8", can transition into adult-sized bikes with either 26-inch or 27.5-inch wheels and a small frame. Although some parents may see value in purchasing a bike for their child to grow into, we advise against this practice. It could potentially hinder the child's confidence if they struggle to fully control their turning, stopping, or putting their feet down. Additionally, ensuring that the child has stand-over clearance above the frame is essential for safety and comfort.

Pro Tip from Erin, Sales Associate for Calgary Cycle – Age does not always lend itself to the size of a bike, so be sure to bring your child into the store for a proper fitting.

When it's time to buy a new bike, seek out models with adjustable seats, brakes, and handlebars. This flexibility allows for growth adjustments, accommodating changes in height as needed. At Calgary Cycle we offer a selection of Trek and Norco brands for kid's pedal bikes. Additionally, we stock Strider and Kids Ride Shotgun balance bikes, which don't have pedals. Since sizing can vary between brands, our helpful staff is on hand to ensure you find the perfect fit.

Another factor to consider is whether you want to introduce gears and handbrakes. Bikes can feature various braking systems, from coaster brakes (activated by pedaling backward) or rim brakes to highly efficient disc brakes. They may also offer twist grip gears or a trigger shifter for gear changes. Calgary Cycle has a range of kids' bikes available at different price points, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy hitting the pathways. Don't wait – visit us today!

-The CC Team!