How experts fit a kid's bike (part 2) bike shop Norwalk

Pat's 605 bike shop in Norwalk is running this series on bike fit for various types of bicycles. Today we bring you part 2 on fitting kids' bikes.

After you have selected the right wheel size for your child, it is time to adjust for their proportions.

You can use these guidelines to adjust this bike as your kid gets taller. Ideally, you'll be able to adjust for your child's growth before the bike needs to be replaced. 

First of all, check the standover height. Have your child straddle the bike's top bar. There should be 1-2"  of space between their crotch and the bar. 

Next, adjust the seat. Position the seat so that the child can be in an upright, comfortable riding position. Their elbows should slightly bend while they grip the handlebars, not hyper-extend. Similarly, there should be some flex in their knee when at the bottom of a downstroke on the pedals. 

Come into our shop in Norwalk for help finding the perfect, quality bikes for your children and the right safety equipment so they can safely enjoy riding their bikes.

How experts fit a kid's bike (part 1) bike shop Downey

Pat's 605 has a large selection of quality kids bikes

Pat's 605 bike shop (near by Downey) has been sharing the bike expert's secrets to fitting bicycles. 

Each style of bike has varying fit guidelines. We began with mountain bikes, and today we are going to share how to select fit on a kid's bicycle. When we were growing up, this involved sticking a kid on the largest bike they could physically reach the pedals on, and lowering the seat, right? Actually, it is dangerous for children to ride a bike that is too large for them. We recommend getting a bike that fits them now, so they can be safe, confident, and comfortable when they ride.

Kids’ bikes are sized according to the wheel size. There are general age guidelines to help you know where to look, but it is the child's size, not their age, that tells you what bike to go with. 

Average wheel sizes by age are as follows:

14"-  4 to 6 years 

16"- 5 to 8 years 

18-20"- 7- to 10-years

24"- 10 and up

After you have found a bike that you think is right for your child, the shop will check for fit, and make adjustments as necessary. It is always a good idea to purchase your child's bike from a quality local retailer that has the expertise to help you get a good fit.

How experts fit a mountain bike (part 2): bike shop (near Downey)

In our last post,our bike shop (near by Downey) shared our expert secrets for fitting a mountain bike for it's rider. Approaches in mountain biking are as varied as body types, so some may prefer to tweak these guidelines for their personal style. These general guidelines should provide a good starting point, however. Our earlier post dealt with standover height and reach adjustments. 

Here are other spots you may want to adjust for fit:

3. Saddle height: If you are seated on your bike, your legs should still be gently bent as you reach the bottom of your pedal stroke. If your feet can simultaneously rest flat on the floor while you are in the saddle, you will need raise your seat.

4. Stem: Have someone hold the bike steady so you can sit in the seat with your hands on the grips. If you are reaching or your elbows are locked, your stem will need to be adjusted or replaced with one that is the right length and angle for you.

5. Saddle position: The saddle is generally parallel to the ground, with the knee directly over the ball of your foot. When you pedal, your shin is angled slightly forward. 

If you have any trouble achieving proper fit with your bicycle, or you are looking to buy a new bicycle, come into our shop and we can assist with getting your bike fitted for the perfect performance, fitness, and comfort. 

How experts fit a mountain bike: bike shop (near Santa Fe Springs

At Pat's 605 bike shop (near Santa Fe Springs), we can help you select the proper frame size for your new mountain bike. Not only that, but our experts will adjust the whole bike to fit your proportions and preferences exactly.  

Having proper fit is very important for getting the best ride possible. It will maximize the performance, fitness benefits, and comfort of your ride.
The following are a few of the ways we adjust fit on a mountain bike. Individual riders may opt to tweak these guidelines for their comfort or to change the way the bike responds. However, for many riders these adjustments will provide the most satisfying ride.
1. Standover height: Straddle your top tube, and lift the bike off the ground. On a hard tail , you should have at least 2" clearance between the tires and the ground. You may prefer up to 3-5 inches of clearance for aggressive riding. On a full suspension bike, 1" clearance may be enough, because the compression of the suspension will lower the bike's height when you are seated.
2. Reach: Sit on your bike with your hands on the grips. Your elbows should be slightly bent, rather than hyper-extended. This allows you to absorb the impact of bumps and rough terrain. If you have to reach or lock your elbows, you need to adjust for reach.

See our next post for more tips on mountain bike fit...

Norwalk bike shop's First look: Trek 2013 Fuel EX mountain bike

Here at our bike shop in Norwalk, we've been checking out all the new 2013 models from Trek. One of the bikes that has made an impression this year is the Trek Fuel EX. This favorite trail bike from Trek has seen a number of improvements and refinements in 2013.
 The new Fuel has more travel now at 130mm instead of 120, but what is perhaps even more notable is the changes that have made the 2013 Fuel a much more relaxed, plush ride. Using a dual-chamber shock and fork, Trek has tuned this bike to be both smooth and responsive. 

2013 changes:

• 130 mm of travel from 120 mm last year.
• new suspension kinematics where main pivot is moved forward for better pedaling performance
• Lower standover
• 5mm lower bottom bracket height when sagged
• 10mm shorter chainstays
• Lighter frame weights from 3.9 lbs to 5.4 lbs
• Fuel 9.9 complete bike is now 24.5 lbs
• Internal cable routing for all shifter cables and even the Rockshox Reverb post cable
• Fuel EX 5, 6, 7 weigh 2466 gram
• Fuel EX 9.9 weighs 1760 grams or 3.88 lbs

First look at the stunning 2013 Trek Lineup

We are waiting with great anticipation this year for our bike shop in Norwalk to have all the 2013 Trek bicycles in. We already carried Trek's bikes because we know them to be quality machines that can be counted on, both for road and mountain biking needs. But this year promises to be a sort of revolution of sorts for the Trek models we have grown to love. 

Trek's image since its 2007 has been that of a technology-focused bike, they continue to deliver bikes with an eye for cutting-edge technology. The 2013 lineup includes some of the most advanced models yet, breaking through limits of weight and speed. These bikes are light, fast, and devastating.

Get the full break-down of the Trek 2013 highlights from Bicycle.com, and watch our blog for our announcements about the new models as they arrive on the shop floor. 

We can't wait to get to take these beauties for a ride, and we hope you will come on down to the Norwalk shop to see them for yourself when they arrive.

Cheapest bike ever made

Will this bike one day become the cheapest ever to be sold at our Downey bike shop?

A newly designed bicycle by Israeli entepreneur Izhar Gafni, is constructed from light-weight, durable, eco-friendly, inexpensive, and waterproof cardboard. Does it sound too weird to be true? That's exactly what the experts told him.

Gafni wanted to create a bicycle that would be too inexpensive to appeal to bike thieves, so he began experimenting with building a bicycle out of cardboard boxes. Though he was met with skepticism from the engineers he consulted with, he persevered. He has since created a successful working model of his cardboard bike.

The prototype may still undergo more changes, but presently the production cost is about $9 to $12 per bike. Gafni has not yet found a manufacturer to produce the bikes, so it is uncertain what the total cost will be, but Gafni says it will cost less than $90 new.

Bike shop Downey: Huge Win for Team Sky in 2012 Tour de France

For those following the Tour de France this year with our Downey bike shop,  what do you think  was the most incredible thing to watch? 
Not only did Bradley Wiggins win the first yellow jersey for Britain, but he seemed to do so with so little effort. Wiggins established his lead very early in the race, and held it for longer than some thought possible. The win seemed determined on Saturday, when Wiggins won his 2nd time trial.
Wiggins was followed closely by his teammate Chris Froome, who finished just 3:21 behind him. Froome exceeded expectations with his incredible performance on mountainous stages, forcing Team Sky to make tough decisions. The team placed their faith in Wiggins, and Froome was several times held back by the team strategy to push Wiggins ahead. The tension over this strategy exploded in a series of snarky tweets between Froome's girlfriend and Wiggins' wife, beginning in the 11th stage. 
Team Sky's teamwork also shone when they aided Mark Cavendish in cornering a fourth consecutive stage win on the Champs-Elysees.
Wiggins expressed pride in the team's strategy in "It's magnificent...For us to finish like this as a team, helping Mark to victory and allowing him to defend his record here... it's incredible."

Cyclist shot in theater wants to keep riding

We at Pat's 605 Cyclery bike shop in Downey were saddened to hear of yesterday's tragic shooting in Colorado. We got news that a bicyclist riding across the country was one of the fifty who were injured in the shooting, which killed twelve people.

The cyclist, Stephen Martin of Connecticut, was on a cross-country trip with his friend Ethan, and decided to go to the movies with a friend at the Aurora, Colorado theater, where the shooting occurred. Martin was shot in the back of the neck, and sustained other injuries from shrapnel. He underwent surgery for his injuries, and is recovering in the hospital.

He says hopes to continue and finish his cross country ride, which has been in planning for three years. Martin said he has not yet been told whether or when he will be able to finish, but he is hopeful. "In some sense, I'd feel like if we can't complete it, it's like the terrorists have really won...I have some scars, but I'll be fine," he said. "I really want to ride."

Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy.  Stephen Martin, we are inspired by your spirit, and wish you the very best in your recovery.

Tour de France 17th stage report, with bike shop Downey

Nicolas Bouvy / EPA / July 18, 2012

Our bike shop Downey is following the Tour de France, in its final stages!

In the yellow jersey, Bradley Wiggins of Britain endured the tough, mountainous 17th stage of the race on Thursday, and said he is sensing this race is "pretty much over". 

With just three days remaining in the Tour de France of 2012, Wiggins seems secure in his lead. Wiggins finished third in stage 17, with an overall lead of two minutes five seconds  ahead of his teammate Christopher Froome, who came in 2nd in the 17th stage, ahead of Wiggins. 

The remaining stages in the Tour de France are two flat stages and a time trial, which Wiggins is predicted to do well in. With any luck, Wiggins will, in three days, be the first Briton to take home the Tour de France yellow jersey.

Alejandro Valverde of Spain enjoyed an emotional victory in the 17th stage. He is returning from a two-year doping ban, and survived a rough start to the tour, with no less than three crashes. A teary Valverde said of his win, “It erases all of the past.”

Bike shop Downey's Tour de France Recap 12th Stage

 Follow our bike shop Santa Fe Springs' blog updates on the 2012 Tour de France from now until July 22nd. 
Britain's David Millar claimed an emotional victory in the 12th stage yesterday after what has been a harrowing tour for the Garmin-Sharp team which has lost a number of riders including their team leader, Ryder Hesjedal. 
Bicycling.com asked David Millar about the 12th stage win in light of the team's difficulties. "It's massive. It's been a horrific Tour for us so far," said Millar. "I really wanted to do something...prove that we're still here and show that Garmin-Sharp is one of the best cycling teams in the world." 
France's Pierre Rolland took his maiden victory in the 10th stage, followed by another win in 11. 
Britain's Bradley Wiggins further secured his lead against Australia's defending champion Cadel Evans in the 11th stage. Evans had begun stage 11 in second place, only one minute, 53 seconds behind Wiggins, but dropped to fourth overall at 3:19. 

bike shop Downey's Tour de France recap 9th stage

Check back on this blog from our bike shop in Downey for reports about the 2012 Tour de France between now and July 22nd. Its been a rather brutal race from the very start. All of seventeen bicyclists are currently out of the Tour de France due to injuries from crashes, at the close of the 9th stage. This is the most cyclists to be out with injuries by this stage in the Tour de France since 1998. Britain's Bradley Wiggins, the 3-time Olympic track medalist, took the yellow jersey for the 1st time. Wiggins came ahead in the 9th stage time trial, victorious, only thirty-five seconds ahead of Australia's Cadel Evans. See the video above to watch the exciting finish of the time trial. Wiggins dismissed the speculation from some that he may have taken the yellow jersey too soon. "You can't get too cocky in this race and choose when you take the yellow jersey," the Huffington Post quoted Wiggins as saying. "I'd much rather be in yellow than in hospital – like half the peloton." Sunday, Wiggins responded angrily to questioning about whether his team's spectacular performance was due to illegal doping. Yesterday's 9th stage win gave Wiggins comfortable room in his lead, after France's Thibaut Pinot had his first win on Sunday's 8th stage, followed by defending champion Cadel Evans, with Wiggins taking 4th.

bike shop Downey's Tour de France Recap

Our bike shop in Downey has been eagerly anticipating the 99th Tour de France this year.
The first week has been a great one. If you missed out, you can catch the highlights here on our blog.
There was plenty of Tour de France news in the weeks leading up to the race this year.  2012 has been marked by a number of unexpected factors including some injuries, team changes, and the news of doping charges that have stripped retired Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong of his titles.
The beginning of the race was also full of drama, with a few crashes, including one multi-bike pile-up that included the legendary Mike Cavendish, in the last stretch of Stage 4. Cavendish emerged from the crash uninjured, but unhappy, according to his manager.
Emotions ran high with the crash, and Germany's Andre Greipel's Stage 4 victory. Greipel came through the finish with roaring elation at his first-ever Tour de France win.
He was yet again victorious in Stage 5, coming to the front in the final hundred meters in what he described as "the hardest sprint of my life."
Check back with our blog in the coming weeks for more updates on the Tour de France, and video of the highlights.

Aston Martin One 77 Road Bike

What is the most sought-after bicycle in the world? Well, that depends on who you're asking. We think we have some drool-worthy bikes at our shop in Downey, but one recent contender can not be found at a local retailer.
Luxury sports car manufacturer Aston Martin is partnering with Factor Bikes to introduce the bicycle version of their One 77.
The One 77 (the bike), being lauded as "the world's most technologically advanced road bicycle" brings elements of the exclusive Aston Martin One 77 car to the world of cycling, such as its construction from its unique ultra light-weight carbon fiber composite, its super advanced computer system, and the fine details you might expect from a bike called One 77 such as hand-stitched leather handlebars. The One 77 is outfitted with Shimano Dura-Ace components.
Like the car, only seventy-seven One 77 will be manufactured. The cars have all sold, with one reportedly crashing in Hong Kong last month, so even if you missed the boat, you may still have the chance to own a One 77...for around $40,000, that is. Contact Factor with inquiries.

Bike shop Downey: Types of Bikes

Are you thinking of buying a bicycle at a bike shop Downey but don't know what you want? Here is a brief guide to some of the common kinds of bicycles. We also carry less common kinds! Come check us out.
The right bike for you is the one designed for the type of riding you will do most.

Road bikes
Pros: Speedy and easy to pedal on concrete and pavement.
Cons: Not designed for riding off road. Some find dropped handlebars uncomfortable.

Mountain bikes
Pros: Mountain bike's suspension and upright riding position make for a plush, comfy ride. Great for riding over unpaved surfaces.
Cons: Mountain bikes are slower and more difficult to ride on pavement than road bikes.

Hybrid bikes
Pros: Fast, easy pedaling, with the comfort and versatility of a mountain bike.
Cons: Not as suitable for very rough terrain.

Cruisers
Pros: Stylish and comfortable, relaxed riding position.
Cons: Difficult to ride in on hilly areas, long-distances, or off road.

BMX:
Pros: Durable and nimble for stunt and trick-riding.
Cons: Not very comfortable to ride.

Bike shop Downey: why a beach cruiser

Cruisers are popular at our bike shop Downey with recreational riders of all ages because of their affordability, simplicity and comfort. Times have changed since their birth in the Great Depression, but cruisers remain among the lowest priced bicycles for everyday people. If you want to get the great benefits of cycling for fitness, running errands, or the enjoyment of lazy beach rides, the cruiser offers a relaxed ride at an affordable price. Depending on your needs and price range, you may want to get a multispeed cruiser, add a cushy seat, or check out some of the special lights and baskets available for beach cruisers. The cruisers of today are not just for kids, and come in all varieties.
Consumer Reports recommends purchasing your bike from a local bicycle retailer rather than a big box store. Budget general purpose stores cut corners by selling bicycles that do not hold up to regular riding conditions. Even a low-priced cruiser at a quality local specialty shop will be made with good components that will last you through the years.

Bike shop Santa Fe Spings: Variations on the beach cruiser

Our bike shop Santa Fe Springs knows  the cruiser is a favorite of designers and tinkerers. Its simple design makes it easy to modify. The cruiser base has served as the platform for many innovations in bicycles including the earliest mountain bike models, BMX bikes, commuter bikes, lowriders, and chopper style bicycles.
While the cruisers baby boomers remember riding as kids were single speed, today’s beach cruisers are developed with more than seaside pedaling in mind. We have cruisers with multi-speed drivetrains, suspension seatposts and forks, fenders, and super cushy seats.  
People who own cruisers love comfort and flair, and no cruiser is really complete until accessorized with special baskets, seats, bells, and covers. Customization is wildly popular in cruisers, including all colors, special paint details, modifications, and custom lights for maximum beach or street style.

Bike shop Downey: Intro to the beach cruiser

At our bike shop Downey, we sell all kinds of bikes.  The Beach Cruiser is one style with lasting popularity.
The beach cruiser bicycle was designed for recreational beach riding in the 1930’s. The cruiser is an upright bicycle with basic steel frame, single speed drive train, and balloon tires to resist sinking into soft terrain like Cali beach sand. Cruisers enjoyed popularity from their introduction in the 30's through the 1960's.
The 1970’s-1990’s saw a decline in cruiser sales as the two-car family became the norm, and fewer people were riding for leisure or running errands around town. Since the mid-1990’s, they have become the bicycling comeback kid, with the contemporary interpretation keeping the classy retro styling. Today they are one of the hottest bicycles on the market, appreciated by a broad range of riders for casual or short rides. If comfort, affordability, mechanical simplicity, and plenty of style are your priorities in a bicycle, look no further than the beach cruiser.

Bike shop Santa Fe Springs: Top ten bike wrecks- #10

Our bike shop Downey exposes the top ten bike wrecks, from Bicyclesafe.com. Find expanded info on their site.
#10 Rear End
A car runs into you from behind. This is what many cyclists fear the most, but it's actually not very common, comprising only 3.8% of collisions. However, it's one of the hardest collisions to avoid, since you're not usually looking behind you.

How to avoid this wreck:

1. Get a rear light. If you're riding at night, you absolutely should use a flashing red rear light. Bruce Mackey (formerly of Florida, now head of bike safety in Nevada) says that 60% of bike collisions in Florida are caused by cyclists riding at night without lights. In 1999, 39% of deaths on bicycles nationwide occurred between 6 p.m. and midnight. [USA Today, 10-22-01, attributed to the Insurance Institute for highway safety]

2. Wear a reflective vest or a safety triangle. High quality reflective gear makes you a lot more visible even in the day time, not just at night. 

3. Choose wide streets. Ride on streets whose outside lane is wide enough for a car and a bike side by side. That way a car may zoom by you and avoid hitting you, even if they didn't see you!

4. Choose slow streets.The slower a car is going, the more time the driver has to see you. Especially on weekends, avoid arterials.

5. Get a mirror. Get a mirror and use it. If it looks like a car doesn't see you, hop off your bike and onto the sidewalk.

6. Don't hug the curb. This is counter-intuitive, but give yourself a little space between yourself and the curb. That gives you some room to move into. This prevents a number of common accidents.

Get the safety gear you need from Pat's 605 Cyclery.

Bike shop Downey: Top ten bike wrecks-#9 The Rear End

Our bike shop Downey is posting tips from Bicyclesafe.com about avoiding the most common bike wrecks.
Wreck #9: The Rear End
 

You move slightly to the left to go around a parked car or some other obstruction in the road, and you get nailed by a car from behind.

How to avoid this wreck:

1. Never, ever move left without looking behind you first. Some motorists like to pass cyclists within mere inches, so moving even slightly to the left could put you in the path of a car. Practice holding a straight line while looking over your shoulder until you can do it perfectly. Most new cyclists tend to move left when they look behind them, which of course can be disastrous.

2. Don't swerve in and out of the parking lane if it contains any parked cars. You may be tempted to ride in the parking lane, dipping back into the traffic lane when you encounter a parked car. This puts you at risk for getting nailed from behind. Instead, ride a steady, straight line in the traffic lane.

3. Use a mirror. If you don't have one, get one from a bike shop immediately. There are models that fit on your handlebars, helmet, or glasses. You should always physically look back over your shoulder before moving left, but having a mirror will help you monitor traffic without looking behind you.

4. Signal. Never move left without signaling. Just put your left arm straight out.