Friday, December 20, 2013

Redeem Gift Cards at Gotta Ride Bike Shops or Spend Christmas Cash on Cycling Accessories!

That Extra $50 from Nanna Is Enough To Get Almost Anything On This List!


Sometimes your friends and family members aren't up to par when it comes to buying specific gifts that really meet your utmost needs. Some of these friends and family members have long ago decided to quit giving gifts and start giving cash or gift cards to their loved ones. Come on over to Gotta Ride to find something that you KNOW you'll like.






1. Serfas Combo Kit   -   $49.95

 Everything you need to get on the road. Saddle bag, front/rear light, multi-tool, patch kit/tire levers, and mini pump.











 2. Enzo's Button Hole Chamois Creme   -   $19.95

 Our most popular chamois creme.








  3. Nite Rider Solas 2W Taillight   -   $44.95

 At 2w, this light can be seen a long way away. 4x as bright as most higher-end taillights at only a slightly higher price. USB rechargeable means no AAA batteries to go dead on you.








 4. Clearview Micro Mirror   -   $14.95

Attaches to most any helmet, provides great vision with a minimal footprint



 5. Bike Helmets

 Previous year helmets by Bell, Giro, LG Mavic on sale for half off!










6. Louis Garneau Arm Warmers   -   $22.95

 A must for winter cycling!











7. Serfas TSL-200 Headlight   -   $64.95

 The TSL-200 Headlight is great for the bike commmuter who's looking for an extra light punch from a USB rechargeable that comes in such a small package.






 

8. Louis Garneau Electra Jacket   -   $22.95


 A must for winter cycling!














9. Gizmo Wooly G Socks   -   $12.95

Merino wool for colder days










 
 10. Serfas Thunderbolt Tail Light   -   $44.95
 
This USB rechargeable light is the brightest rear light that we have. It features a wide non-directional beam to maximize visibility from side angles. Easy to move from bike to bike with the silicone attachment system. Runs 2 to 9.5 hours on a charge.






Thanks For Shopping With Us!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Top Ten Gifts For Cyclists

It can be hard coming up with gift ideas for your cyclist friend or family member. Many bike parts and accessories are highly specific and can be harsh on the wallet. We understand your frustration, and have compiled a list of the top ten gifts for cyclists. Come by either Gotta Ride Bikes location today to easily determine what to get that cyclist for any occasion, year round.






1. Serfas Combo Kit   -   $49.95

 Everything you need to get on the road. Saddle bag, front/rear light, multi-tool, patch kit/tire levers, and mini pump.











 2. Enzo's Button Hole Chamois Creme   -   $19.95

 Our most popular chamois creme.








  3. Nite Rider Solas 2W Taillight   -   $44.95

 At 2w, this light can be seen a long way away. 4x as bright as most higher-end taillights at only a slightly higher price. USB rechargeable means no AAA batteries to go dead on you.








 4. Clearview Micro Mirror   -   $14.95

Attaches to most any helmet, provides great vision with a minimal footprint



 5. Bike Helmets

 Previous year helmets by Bell, Giro, LG Mavic on sale for half off!










6. Louis Garneau Arm Warmers   -   $22.95

 A must for winter cycling!











7. Serfas TSL-200 Headlight   -   $64.95

 The TSL-200 Headlight is great for the bike commmuter who's looking for an extra light punch from a USB rechargeable that comes in such a small package.






 

8. Louis Garneau Electra Jacket   -   $22.95


 A must for winter cycling!














9. Gizmo Wooly G Socks   -   $12.95

Merino wool for colder days










 
 10. Serfas Thunderbolt Tail Light   -   $44.95
 
This USB rechargeable light is the brightest rear light that we have. It features a wide non-directional beam to maximize visibility from side angles. Easy to move from bike to bike with the silicone attachment system. Runs 2 to 9.5 hours on a charge.






Thanks For Shopping With Us!

Friday, November 15, 2013

Not Just Bikes... Shoes on Closeout as Well! All Kinds!

Whether You Need Road, Mountain or Triathlon Shoes (or just Economically Priced Ones) We've Got 'em

Wearing old shoes or ones that aren't suited to your riding style can mean aching, numb feet at the end of a long day of riding. And, with our SUPER low CLOSEOUT PRICES, your wallet won't be aching or numb either!


Take the Giro Factor Carbon Road Shoes for example.     

 WAS 279.99 NOW 189.96
Luxurious comfort and uncompromising power. Super supple material delivers unmatched breathability and also features unique foot conforming properties to provide an incredibly comfortable form fit. It's sole is borrowed from the Easton EC90 carbon fiber which is incredibly stiff and light as a feather.

On the inside, the SuperNatural footbed cushions and supports with cycling-specific padding and three included inserts which allow you to fine-tune your shoe's arch support for a perfectly tailored fit!

• 3 hole mounting pattern
• 518 grams per pair
• Micro adjustable strap with off-set straps

 WAS 229.99 NOW 149.96



Or, if you like Mountain Biking, there are the Giro Gauge Carbon Mountain Bike Shoes

Like Giro's other top-tier models, the Guage features the amazing Teijin AG100 microfiber upper. Scuff guards at the shoe's most exposed areas deliver extra protection off-road. For the retention system, Giro uses a replaceable ratcheting buckle and two off-set straps for adjustability, security, and pressure relief. A smart D-ring adjusting center strap has also been added for an additional level of customization

Weighs 355 grams in size 42. Compatible with a standard two-bolt MTB cleats. Available in White and Black (red accents), Black (red accents) and Magnesium/Black.




Are you a Triathlete? Try Mavic's Tri Race Shoes
 WAS 199.99 NOW 134.96
Pure tri performance

Exceptional performance thanks to the Energy Alutex outsole, triathlon specific upper construction and features like the Easy On Strap.

FEATURES:
• Energy Ride: Energy Alutex Outsole: The bi-density Alutex outsole with aluminium enhanced nylon and glassfiber insert assures increased stiffness with a thin profile (7mm Stack height) for racing performance. 5mm front rear cleat adjustment. Energy Ride. 
• Easy On Strap: Patented strap system which remains open for easy and rapid transitions. The large Velcro closure provides rapid adjustment and secure foothold. Ergo Ride.
• Ergo Fit 2D: Pre-shaped 2 density composite insole with a high density rear heel cradle. Agion anti bacterial treatment. Ergo Ride.
• Ergo Strap Custom: Adjustable version of this advanced closure system. Strap length can be customized based upon individual foot shape and preference. Ergo Ride.


WAS 129.99  NOW 64.96!
Ok, maybe your shoes are falling apart at the seams, and you only have $100. Check out these shoes from Diadora Zone, and use the money you save to get something nice for yourself!

This is the ideal shoe for cycling lovers and anyone taking up road cycling! These shoes are light, comfortable and well ventilated.
Outsole: in Diapan Fiber with ICS system for ventilation. Female thread in steel studied to be compatible with SPD, SPD-R, Look, Time Impact and Campagnolo pedals.
Upper Material: in Suprell and nylon, cotton lined
Closure: 2 Velcro bands, which wrap the foot perfectly
Insole: removable in EVA, Cambrelle lined insole with microperforations





Come to Gotta Ride Bikes TODAY for all your cycling needs! Like us on Facebook, Follow Us on Twitter, or Subscribe to our blog for more updates in the cycling world!

Call Now! 
Bulverde: (830) 438-1299
San Antonio: (210) 479-2200

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Top 5 Reasons To Replace Your Helmet

Will Your Head Be Safe?

Obviously, if you have been in a crash, or if the helmet is in two pieces, you will have to get yourself a new one. But maybe you haven't considered one of the reasons on this list. Be informed. Be safe.

1. Helmet manufacturers recommend replacing helmets every five years. 

And it's not so they can sell a bunch of new ones. It's because the materials in a helmet break down over that time causing the helmet to lose some of it's impact-absorbing ability, which means in a crash, you're at risk!

2. Helmets are constantly improving. 

Today's designs are drastically superior to those we were wearing just a few years ago. Helmet manufacturers have engineered features like better cooling vents, feathery weight, and extra protection against concussions, all of which make it worthwhile to upgrade regularly.

3. Significant Accidents or Falls

EPS foam is made to compress upon heavy impact. This disperses the force of the impact sothat the helmet, not your skull, is taking the brunt of the blow. However, EPS foam does not completely regain its shape after a major impact. The bottom line from every source is that, if the helmet has been in an accident, replace it, even if it does not look damaged.

4. The outside is just foam or cloth instead of plastic, or it doesnt have a CPSC, ASTM or Snell sticker inside, or you just can't get it to fit!

Obviously foam and cloth are not protective enough, but there are still some helmets floating around out there that aren't up to the safety code that manufacturers established in the 1990s. And anything that doesn't fit is probably not good for your ride.

 

5. It's not a cycling helmet

It's a good idea to wear a different helmet for each sport you participate in. If you skateboard, or do some activity where you crash regularly, you may not want to wear that helmet for cycling, as it could be less prepared for the types of falls that can occur when riding.

Stay updated on cycling news and more by bookmarking our blog (You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get all the updates as they are released!


You Have GOT To Watch This Video

Amazing Mountain Bike Video Shot With GoPros


Monday, October 28, 2013

Top Rules of Cycling #11-20

Follow Any of These Rules To See Improvement in Your Ride!

Stay On The Lookout For the Rest of The Rules!



11. Train Your Weaknesses

Even though this may seem vague and obvious, this is much more about identifying your weaknesses and THEN training them. Professional endurance racer Mark Weir makes his living blasting through corners, but that wasn't always the case. "I was a semi-pro downhiller racing in Park City, Utah, and there was a corner that I thought just sucked," he recalls. "I told Jan Karpiel, one of my sponsors, about it, and he said: 'The corner doesn't suck, you suck at that corner.' I realized then that training my weaknesses is far more important than sticking with my strengths.


 
12. Check Your Tire Pressure Before Each Ride

13. Learn to Bunny Hop on Your Road Bike

Doing an unclipped hop shows you how changes in body position affect your bike's behavior — knowledge that will boost your confidence on steep downhills, rough roads, and in corners.

A. Replace your clipless pedals with platforms and your cycling shoes with soft-soled sneakers.

B. Ride across a flat, grassy field at slightly faster than walking speed, standing on your pedals, cranks level with the ground, elbows and knees slightly bent.

C. Push down on the handlebar while bending your knees even farther so you are crouched over the saddle. Then immediately pull up and back on your bar as you shift your weight back to get the front tire up.

D. With the front tire off the ground, shift your weight forward as you push the handlebar ahead and hop up with your legs to lift the rear wheel.

14. Fitness Takes Time

No crash diet or hell week of training will magically propel you into top form. "You've got to work toward it all season long," says Pierre Rolland, the best young rider of the 2011 Tour de France.

15. If something is painful like your knee, back, or wrists, you should consider getting a professional fitting. 

Many websites and blogs offer instructions to "do-it-yourself," however — it's a much better idea to let a professional fine tune your bike to your anatomy.

16. Wash Your Bike

Especially after a wet or muddy ride. Mist it with a garden hose or soak it using a bucket of soapy water. Wipe it down and rinse, then dry it with a clean rag or towel. Don't forget to lube your chain.


17. Buy a Torque Wrench and Learn How to Use It

This is mandatory for carbon parts, but will also extend the life of all stems, handlebars, bottom brackets, seatpost clamps, and suspension pivots



18. Speaking of Your Chain

A well-maintained and lubricated chain could last 3,000 road miles ore more, but check it every 500. Here's how: Take a ruler and place the 0 at the rivet of one link. If the ruler's 12 inch mark aligns closely with another rivet, you're in good shape. If it's more that 1/16th of an inch away, replace the chain.
 

19. Respect Your Front Brake

Applying 60 percent front brake will bring you to a smooth, controlled stop. But on steep descents or during rapid decelerations, you'll want to rely even more heavily on the front.

Be sure to shift your weight behind your saddle to prevent yourself from sailing over the handlebar

20. Stick With Your Group

Whether you're embarking on a 500-mile charity ride or racing Paris-Nice, there's safety in numbers. Teammates and friends can pull if you're feeling tired, share their food, or help fix a mechanical issue. "I've seen this so many times," says Chris Horner. "A guy is leading the race and is really strong and so he goes into a breakaway. But what happens if he crashes or flats? He is all alone. Stay with your group as long as possible.

Stay tuned for more GREAT tips, video reviews and much much more!

Gotta Ride Bikes is located at
20475 Hwy 46 West #210 in Bulverde , TX 78070
 (830) 438-1229
www.gottaridebikes.com

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

First Ten Rules of Cycling (of 50 from Bicycling.com)

Tips To Make You A Better Cyclist

(bicycling.com)

1. Layer Like A Wedding Cake

With winter months approaching, it's a great idea to pack yourself with layers to make it easy to regulate your temperature. Booties, vests and skullcaps, as well as arm, knee, and leg warmers can all be stashed in pockets as the day warms up.

2. Keep Your Head Up

Looking far down the road or trail will help when you see approaching traffic, spot the best line through corners, or recognize when someone's making a break.

 



3. Carry a Frame Pump. And a Spare Tube. And a Multi-tool with a chain breaker.

Basically, be prepared. You never know what you might face out there.

4. Listen to Your Bike

"A click or pop or scraping noise doesn't heal itself," says Calvin Jones, director of education at Park Tool. Pay attention to the sounds emanating from your ride and you'll know when it's time for some TLC.

Noise: Rattling over bumps
Common Culprit: Loose bottle-cage bolts or quick-release skewers
Solution: Tighten them

Noise: Thunk/shudder during braking or over bumps
Common Culprit: Loose headset
Solution: Adjust headset to remove excess play

Noise: Squeaking while pedaling
Common Culprit: Dry chain
Solution: Lube

Noise: Pop, followed by a skipping chain
Common Culprit: Frozen chain link; worn cassette and chain
Solution: Find and free frozen link... or replace chain, chainrings, and cassette.

Noise: Grinding noise during braking
Common Culprit: Grit in brake pads
Solution: Sand pads lightly to remove grit and grime

Noise: Clicks, squeals, or whines
Common Culprit: Could be any number of problems-from a loose stem to worn bottom-bracket bearings
Solution: Head in to Gotta Ride Bikes so we can fix it for you!

See our related post 22 Common  Cycling Issues and Their Solutions here!



5. Have a Plan

Improvement does not come accidentally. If you want to take your riding to the next level, you need to craft a strategy and set incremental goals to reach it. "Better yet, hire a coach to guide your way," suggests three-time Leadville 100 champion Rebecca Rusch.

 
6. Embrace the Rain

Unless you live in the desert, soggy rides are a part of life. Just dress appropriately: Layers and a rain jacket are optional during the summer, but become essential when temperatures begin to drop.

7. Keep a Spare Kit in Your Car

You never know when you'll have the chance to sneak in a ride. Borrowing or renting a bike is easy, but it's harder to find a spare helmet, shoes, and chamois. Keeping a kit in your car all but ensures you'll never miss an impromptu ride. Scour bike swaps for secondhand shoes, pedals, and other items, but buy a new helmet.

8. It's Okay to Stop

Don't be afraid to pull over for a good swimming hole, hot spring, ice-cream stand, cafe, bakery, or dive bar. In fact, some of the best rides are planned around these diversions.

 

9. Keep Your Perspective

Like most young professional riders, Ted King is learning how to balance the demands of training and family obligations with the extensive travel and training his job requires. Here's what he's learned so far.

When training: set a goal for every ride- even if the goal is recovery
When racing: ride smart, don't chop corners, and remember that the local shop ride is not the World Championships
On the road: think like a motorist. Maybe there's a reason the guy in the pickup truck is pissed at you.
 

 
10. Refuel Right

The key recovery window is the 30 minutes following a ride; that's when your body needs protein to repair muscles and help reload its energy stores, so make sure to get at least 20 to 25 grams. Stacy Sims, a nutritionist at Stanford University, recommends six to eight ounces of nonfat Greek yogurt with walnuts or berries. Or try this protein rich smoothie: Before working out, put 1.5 scoops whey protein powder, 1/2 cup frozen strawberries or blueberries, 1/2 frozen banana, 2 tablespoons nonfat Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal, and 1 cup vanilla almond milk into a blender (but don't blend it yet). Store in the refrigerator. Whirl and drink when you return.

Gotta Ride Bikes is located at
20475 Hwy 46 West #210 in Bulverde , TX 78070
 (830) 438-1229

Thursday, October 10, 2013

How to Get an Aero Road Bike Without Selling Your House

The 2014 Kestrel Talon Shimano 105 Sprint Delivers A Sweet Package At A Great Price


Kestrel has released their 2014 Talon Tri bike, and it truly is a beauty. It's versatile geometry features three degrees of adjustment on the seat tube angle EMS Pro seatpost. The frame and fork are a delicious blend of 800K high modulus carbon fiber and 700K intermediate-modulus carbon fiber; creating a bike that is both stiff and lightweight.

The Aerodynamic tubing used on this bike has been developed in the A2 Wind Tunnel for extraordinary speed. The bike looks and feels polished, and rides true.

The Shifting, handled by a mostly Shimano 105 drivetrain, is smooth and dependable, not to mention easy to clean. A great investment for the road cyclist that wants to break into the triathlon scene.



Come To One Of Two Great Gotta Ride Bikes Locations:

We'd love to help you pick out your next bike and help you fill your every cycling need.

Friday, October 4, 2013

10 Symptoms of Cycling Addiction

Are You an Addict?

If one or all of these apply to you, you could be!

1. You spend more on your bike than your car

2. Only the bottom 2/3 of your legs are tan

  3. Your surgeon tells you that you need a heart valve replacement; you ask if you can choose between Presta and Schrader
 
4. You have more pictures of your bike than yourself
 

5. (Guys) You actually shave your legs to gain a bit more speed. Let's not elaborate on this one.  

6. When you are forced to drive, you drive with the windows open or the AC on to simulate riding your bike.  

7. There are more jerseys in your closet than dress shirts.

  8. Biker chick means black spandex, not leather, and a Scott Contessa Women's Road Bike, not a Harley.

  9. Protein bars start to taste better than Snickers or Twix  

10. You find out early on a first date that she doesn't ride a bike; and immediately try to find ways to end the date early. 

 We hope you enjoyed our list, feel free to comment and add more ways to know if you are a cycling addict!

Friday, September 27, 2013

Massive Bicycle Sale Near Austin and San Antonio in Boerne



We Lost Our Minds Over Christmas! Visit www.gottaridebikes.com Today!



Or come into our stores to see sale items on the shop floor. 

Ride Faster and Finish Stronger Than Ever

Training Your Core Can be Just As Important As Your Legs

You know how important it is to have strong leg muscles when cycling, because they provide the most tangible source of power. If you have strong leg muscles, this is how you are able to start every ride strong and get up to a nice riding speed. Soon though, you find yourself getting back aches, and feeling tired in the saddle.

The problem is, "You can have all the leg-strength in the world, but without a stable core you won't be able to use it efficiently," says Graeme Street, founder of Cyclo-CORE, and a personal trainer in Essex, Connecticut.

Your abs and lower back are the vital foundation from which all movement, including your pedal stroke, stems. What's more, a solid core will help eliminate unecessary upper-body movement, so all the energy you produce is delivered into a smooth pedal stroke.

It only takes about 10 minutes to complete this intense routine designed by Street.

Dimity McDowell of Bicycling.com and Street say that if you do this routine, in this order, three times a week you will create a core that lets you ride faster, longer, more powerfully - and finish stronger than ever.


1. Boxer Ball Crunch
   What It Works:
Transverse abdominus, obliques, lower back

A. Lie with the middle of your back on a stability ball, your knees bent 90 degrees and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head, but don't pull on your neck.


B. Squeezing your belly button toward your spine, lift your upper back off the ball. Keeping your shoulders off the ball, trace a clockwise oval with your torso. Apply pressure with your lower back to keep the ball still through the entire motion. After 15 clockwise ovals, trace 15 counterclockwise.

Why It Works: Despite the straightforward motion of the bike, your body moves in three directions: forward as you head down the road, vertically as your legs pedal up and down, and laterally as your hips and upper body rock side to side. "This fluid, circular exercise builds control," says Street, and that helps you minimize lateral torsion and wasted motion.

2. Power Bridge
    What It Works: Hip flexors, glutes, lower back

A. Lying on your back, bend your knees and place your heels near your glutes. Arms are at your sides, palms down.

B. In one smooth motion, squeeze your glutes, raise your hips off the floor and push up from your heels to form a straight line from shoulders to knees; toes come off the floor slightly. Hold for two seconds. Keeping your toes raised, lower yourself three-quarters of the way to complete one rep. Do 20 repetitions.

Why It Works: In addition to stretching the hip flexors, often extremely stiff in cyclists, the bridge strengthens the link between your lower back and glutes.

3. Hip extension
    What It Works: Lower back, hamstrings, glutes

A. Lying with your hips and stomach on the stability ball, put your hands on the floor directly under your shoulders, and extend your legs with toes resting on the floor.

B. With a straight spine and shoulder blades back, as if you're trying to make them touch, lift both legs off the floor, keeping them straight. If possible, raise them slightly higher than parallel to the floor. Hold for two seconds and lower. Do 20 reps.

Why It Works: This movement builds backside strength, for added efficiency on the second half of the pedal stroke.
 
 4. Plank
     What It Works: Transverse abdominus, upper and lower back

A. Lying on your stomach, place your elbows under your shoulders with forearms and hands on the floor.

B. Lift your hips off the floor, keeping your back straight and abs tight, and rest on your toes. Aim for 60 seconds.

Why It Works: The plank builds the strength and muscular endurance you need to ride powerfully in the drops or in an aero position long after others have surrendered to the top of the handlebar.

5. Transverse Plank
    What It Works: Transverse abdominus and obliques

A. Lie on your right side, with your right elbow under your shoulder, forearm in front for stability, and stack your left foot on your right. Raise your left arm over your head.

B. In one motion, lift your hips to create a straight line down your left side. Lower your hips a few inches off the floor; do 10 to 15 reps, then switch sides.

Why It Works: Strong obliques improve your stability in the saddle, letting you take on hairpin corners with more control and speed.
 
6. Scissors Kick
    What It Works: Transverse abdominus, hip flexors, inner and outer thighs

A. Lying on your back with legs straight, place both hands palms down under your lower back.

B. Pushing your elbows down into the floor and pulling your belly button toward your spine, raise your shoulders off the floor and look toward the ceiling. Raise your leg 4 inches off the ground and scissor them: left leg over right, then right over left. That's one rep. Work up to 100.

Why It Works:  A comprehensive movement that connects key cycling muscles, the kick also builds inner-thigh muscles, which help you achieve hip, knee and forefoot alignment for a proper and efficient pedal stroke

7. Catapult
    What It Works: Entire core

A. Sitting with a slight bend in your knees, press your heels against the floor. Extend arms to the front at shoulder height, palms facing each other.

B. With a straight spine and upward gaze, inhale deeply, then exhale and slowly lower your torso to the floor over five counts as you inhale. Arms are overhead.

C. In one smooth movement, leading with the arms, exhale and explode back to the starting position. Do 20 reps.

Why It Works: Contrary to its name, the catapult encourages supreme body control.

8. Boat Pose
    What It Works: Transverse abdominus, lower back

A. Sit, resting both hands lightly behind you, and lean back until your torso is at a 45-degree angle.

B. Keeping your legs together, lift them off the floor as you extend arms forward at shoulder height. Abs are tight, as thighs and torso form a 90 degree angle. If your hamstrings are tight, you'll need to bend your knees a little. Work up to holding for 60 seconds.

Why It Works: As with the plank, this pose builds the lower-back stability and core strength needed to remain bent over the handlebar for hours, or to blast up hills without compromising power or speed

Following this regimen will give you some improvement in your core strength, riding ability and endurance. Stay Tuned to our blog for more cycling tips!