Holiday Hours This Week

Elite Cycling will hold the following hours this New Years holiday:

Friday December 31, 2010:  10a-4p
Saturday Janurary 1, 2011:  CLOSED
Sunday January 2, 2011:  CLOSED
Monday Janurary 3, 2011:  10a-6p

Showers Pass Portland jacket.

Just received a shipment of Showers Pass Portland jackets.  The Portland is a stylish on/off bike jacket.  Featuring bike specific features like hidden pit zips, a fold down rear reflective flap for rain/wind protection and visibility, and adjustable tapered sleeves, this jacket is great for the urban commute or a night on the town.  With a casual cut and standard fleece-lined pockets the jacket is well suited for hanging out at the coffee shop, a couple drinks at the pub and the ride to or from in cold rainy weather.

Brown plaid color.

The Portland is the do everything commuter jacket that you aren't embarrassed to be seen in.  Available in brown or beige both colors have a distinctly slick look with a subtle plaid pattern.  The jacket comes with a baselayer laminated into the inside most layer of the jacket for a warm touch and feel while acting as a moisture wicking layer to  keep you dry no matter the conditions.

Both bikeportland.org and Momentum Magazine gave the Portland very positive reviews.  Momentum Magazine picked this piece as their Editor's Choice casual bike jacket.

Jacket is available in men's and women's sizes in brown or beige plaid for men and "pretty plaid" (a gray color) for women.  The Portland retails for $199.99 and carries Showers Pass' excellent warranty.

Holiday hours this weekend.

We will be open from 10a-4pm Friday December 24th.  We will be closed for Christmas on Saturday and open on Sunday for our normal hours (10a-5p).  Remember to stop by Mission Farms/Elite Cycling on Sunday for Box(er) Cross.  First race is at 11am. 

No ride tonight, 12.14.2010

Due to some ice on the roads, no ride tonight.  Check back next week for ride schedule.

Warsaw Jacket from Verge

This jacket is your answer to staying warm through the Kansas City winter.  It features a fully windproof, water resistant outer to keep the cold winds from biting and 320gram microfleece lining to keep you warm when the temperatures drop.  This jacket is breathable and has a rear cargo pocket, full front zipper with windshield and reflective trim.  $150.

Box(er) Cross 2010

Elite Cycling and Localcycling.com will be hosting the Box(er) Cross cyclocross race on Sunday December 26, 2010 in the Mission Farms shopping center in Leawood, KS.  The race will be situated in the fields on the east side of the Mission Farms parking lot.  Race flyer here.

Elite Cycling selected to become a Shimano SSC

Elite Cycling was recently selected by Shimano to become a SSC (Shimano Service Course) dealer.  100 dealers nationwide were selected based on their knowledge of Shimano product and expertise working on Shimano-equipped bikes.  We stock a full range of Shimano road and mountain components, tools, and accessories from PRO in addition to being a certified Shimano warranty center.

20% off all triathlon clothing

Elite Cycling is running a 20% off special on all triathlon clothing.  Stop in to browse our selection of Pearl Izumi, 2XU, Profile Design, and others.

http://www.2xu.com/files/blog_images/100__pic1.jpg

New Gu Chomps flavor, Tuesday night ride

Just got Gu's newest flavor Chomps in...watermelon...pretty tasty. 

Tonight's ride will leave at the normal 8:15p time.  We have some guys from last week leading the ride.  Dress warm and show up for a good ride.

2010 Cervelo Sale

Cervelo has announced a price drop on all models for 2010.  We still have a few left so come check out the selection while they are still here.

R3 Dura Ace, S3 Red, and P3 Ultegra



2010 P2 Ultegra 6700 now $2400

2010 P3 Ultegra 6700 now $3250

2010 P3 Dura Ace 7900 now $4050

2010 RS Ultegra 6700 now $3200

2010 R3 Ultegra 6700 now $3200

2010 R3 Dura Ace 7900 now $4850

2010 S1 Sram Force now $2700

2010 S2 Ultegra 6700 now $3600

2010 S2 Dura Ace 7900 now $5400

2010 S3 Sram Red now $6500

Gloves just arrived...

Full line of winter gloves from Pearl and Giro just arrived.  We have a full size run and couple different models.

This weekend in KC Cycling; November 19, 2010

Kind of a slow weekend.  If you know of any events, shoot us an email or leave a comment. 

As per Randy:  The KanBikeWalk annual meeting and ride is Saturday, Nov 20th at 10am in Olathe.
http://www.kanbikewalk.com/2010/10/kanbikewalk-2010-annual-meeting-bike-ride/

Manions Cross2 on Sunday November 21.  The race is located on the same grounds as the first race earlier in the season, just east of Wyandotte Lake.   First race starts at 10a with a new riders clinic at 9:30am.

Argon 18 Platinum w/ Rival

We just got this built a couple weeks ago:

Click to expand.

I have to say that I have been nothing short of amazed at the ride quality of this bike.  The bike gets up and goes yet retains an amazingly compliant feel over some of the rough sections of road.  I had the chance to take it over some cobble-like bricks in our parking lot and was amazed at how classic the bike felt.  The bike has a very balanced feel.  It is nice to see a frame manufacturer put this much attention to detail into a carbon frame.  Everything from the tube junctions to paint is nothing short of exquisite.

Click to expand.

The bike is spec'd with 2010 Sram Rival, Ritchey Comp cockpit/WCS seat post & bars, and 2010 Mavic Ksyerium Elite wheels.  The bike, all told, weighs in at a scant 15lbs. 15oz.  The bike is priced at a mere $3000.  Size medium.  Bring your shoes/pedals in and take it for a spin.

End of the year maintenance

As most cyclists and triathletes wind down their training/riding and transition towards the winter season they forget the importance of getting their bike checked in for routine maintenance.  Whether you plan to ride through the winter (props to you!) or hang the bike up or ride the stationary trainer, here are a couple things to consider as you move into the winter season:

1.  Replace the chain, cassette, and chain rings:  It is not uncommon for the average rider to put 2,000 or more miles on the bike during warmer months.  If you have been putting a lot of miles on the bike, now is the time to replace the chain.  It is recommended to replace the chain every 1,500-2,500 miles.  Keeping it on the bike longer can cause undo wear to the cassette and chain rings.  Typically we recommend replacing your chain rings and cassette every 2-3 chain changes (~6,000 miles).   Bring your bike in and we can check the chain wear for you and make recommendations for maintaining you chain including what chain lubes to use, how to apply lubricants, and what to look for in the future.

2.  Replace cables and housing:  Cables and housing are subject to a lot of wear.  While modern cables and housing are much more resilient and resistant to contamination due to teflon and other coatings on the inside of the housing, they still need replacing at least once a year.  Moisture and dirt can make their way into the housing and lurk there until the cables begin to rust and cause corrosion of the cable or clog up the housing and make shifting and braking rough.  Consider upgrading to teflon coated cables instead of the standard stainless cables.  These will get longer life and stay smooth inside the housing longer.

3.  Pull and re-grease the bottom bracket:  How many times have you heard that annoying clicking and creaking coming from down below as you pedal?  How many times have you had your bottom bracket pulled and re-greased?  There tends to be a correlation between those answers.  Like your cables and housing, moisture can make it's way past the crank inside the bottom bracket and lodge itself in your frame.  When you start putting force through the pedals, the threads on the bottom bracket start to creak against the threads of your frame.  The last thing you want is a seized bottom bracket and thus a ruined frame.  We recommend having your bottom bracket pulled and re-greased once a year.

4.  Don't forget the wheels!  For some reason wheels seem to be the most overlooked part of the bike.  We all make sure to stay regular on the maintenance of our drivetrain, wipe down our frames after a wet ride, and check our brake pads for wear.  Make sure to have your wheels checked by a qualified professional for true and your hubs checked for tightness and routine maintenance.  Wheel truing is an inexpensive but essential thing to have done to your bike.

While you are at it, have your tires checked.  If you plan to do some winter riding it may be worth the investment in a set of winter tires that are more flat resistant.  Some people like to replace the standard 700x23 tires on their road bikes with some 25's.  Check out the Continental Grand Prix 4-season or Ultra Gatorskin for a great winter tire.

5.  Have your bike professionally cleaned.  There is no better way to have a bike work and look like new than a professional cleaning.  At Elite our complete overhaul includes a comprehensive cleaning where we strip the frame down, clean it, thoroughly clean all components, and lubricate and replace each component paying attention to the fine details.  Even if you plan to ride throughout the winter, this process can prolong the life of your bike and equipment and remove the accumulated grime and grit from the previous season.

Not sure what you need done?  Stop in the shop.  Quotes and advice are free.  :)

Congrats to Kansas City area 70.3 World Championships participants!

Barry Ogden's Torso

Yesterday the Ironman 70.3 World Championships took place in Clearwater, FL.  The Kansas City area had a strong showing with our athletes posting great results.  Congratulations to Jeff Messenger, Brad Meara, Carrie Tysdale, Michelle Arzubi, Luke Wilson, and our very own Barry Ogden  for posting some awesome results and representing the Kansas City triathlon scene. 

Awesome job and congrats to everyone who toes the start line.  For a complete list of results and search-able results archive, click here. 

New product spotlight: Showers Pass

As the rainy part of fall officially bestows itself upon Kansas City, it is nice to have rain gear in your arsenal.  Having gear that can shed the elements is a must come winter and serves as a great barrier between rain, sleet, wind, and snow if you are that hardcore.  Even if you aren't, as we highlighted in our article about dressing for cold weather rides, it isn't hard to be set up for comfort in all temperatures.

Elite Cycling has recently added Showers Pass to it's list of technical cycling and running apparel.  We searched for a company that could provide the best in protection from the elements while still maintaining all the attributes that we as cyclists, triathletes, and runners require.  In business in the Pacific Northwest since 1997, Showers Pass has become an industry leader for technical cycling gear and has grown from a small business to a national favorite among cycling enthusiasts.  Their attention to detail, high quality, sharp looks, and use of Elite fabric made bringing them in a no-brainer.

Showers Pass has a thorough line of jackets, pants, and accessories for every type of cyclist from the daily commuter, to the cyclocross junkie, to the roadie or triathlete who is putting in miles year round.  There are two pieces I have been particularly impressed with.  The Elite Pro jacket is a waterproof, windproof and breathable shell.  It is insanely light at 240g, is fully seam-taped (...that means no water/wind leaking through the seams!), is extremely breathable (no more soaking in your sweat on those long slow endurance rides), has an offset euro style seam sealed zipper, and comes with a cycling specific cut, including adjustable cuffs that allow the rider to control air flow through the jacket.  Showers Pass also offers the Elite 2.0 which serves as a bit more relaxed cut.

The other piece I am really excited about is the Softshell Trainer.  I have always liked the idea of having an insulated cycling specific jacket  for the days that the weather drops to colder temperatures but am always turned off by the seemingly endless number of offerings that are either not water/windproof or are too stiff and lose the flexibility of a jersey or wind/water shell.  Showers Pass provided the answer to my gripes with the Softshell Trainer.  Available in black or yellow, it has all the convenience of a long sleeve jersey (tapered sleeves, rear zippered cycling jersey pockets, and sleek look) with the added waterproofing and thus wind resistance by nature of the waterproof fabric.  This piece has the versatility to be the perfect piece for fall/winter training rides (just add a windstopper baselayer from Craft on those really windy days.  Crossbikereview gave the piece a pretty stellar review and went as far as to post a video:

   

Stop in and check out our line of Showers Pass apparel.

Thatch update Thursday

In case you are wondering where this is going, the answer is nowhere fast.  To save yourself the time, just donate by clicking here now and using the gold button at the top right.

I've encountered few problems with mustache growth thus far.  In case you are wondering, mustachi do have many benefits including ease of infiltrating the sub-rosa social scene in cities like Portland or Kabul, reduced chance of spending money on frivolous dating activities, much less interacting with a woman, and a decreased likelihood of being carded when purchasing spray paint.

The downside to 'thatch-hatching' for the beginner is his (or her...embrace it) lack of training for the tongue sweep, hand hanky, or bristle brush.  Let's take a close look:

Figure 1

As you can see from Figure 1, the mo has retained a small crumb of Amana 12 Grain sandwich bread (produced exclusively for your local HyVee) as highlighted by "1" and a recently discarded chunk of tuna 'n' ketchup (don't knock the ketchup and tuna sandwich until you try it...high fructose corn syrup and omega 3's are a sinister combination).

Outside of general hair-line hygiene, approaching mid-Movember I'm struggling for 'mo'-identity.  I'm looking for creative inspiration, artistic advice, and money for the cause...

To donate click here and click the gold button top right.  Donations of $5 or more will be entered into a drawing for a free McRib courtesy of Elite Cycling.  All proceeds benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) and LiveSTRONG.

Join Us Tonight!

Temperatures are going to be in the 60's for the Tuesday night Plaza ride tonight.  This may be your last time to enjoy a night ride with summer-like temperatures for '10.  We leave around 8:15p from the shop at 10673 Mission Rd. in Leawood.  See you there!

This Weekend in KC Metro Cycling

If you are looking for some cycling/multi-sport outlets this weekend, there are plenty:

Swope Park Trail Work/Ride Day:  Saturday November 6, meet at the Swope mountain bike trails.  Work will be conducted on the Rancho D-Lux loop from 9am-12pm, lunch will be provided from 12p-1p, and riding will take place starting at 1pm.  For more information see the Swope trails website.  This is a great way to meet new people, get a free lunch, and ride with people.  All skill levels welcome!

Lung Hill 5k:  Saturday November 6, 8am at Liberty Memorial.  Come out for the 5k and enjoy the post-run festivities.  Elite Cycling will be sponsoring the run and have an expo of running shoes and accessories.  For more information click here.

Cyclocross:  For all you mud and PBR lovers this weekend is ripe with two more races for your enjoyment.  On Saturday Joules Cross takes place in Lawrence.  Click here for a race flyer.  Sunday plays host to Veteran's Cross at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth.  Even if you aren't the racing type these events are a fun way to spend the afternoon with family and friends.  For additional information about this weekend or future weekends in Kansas Cyclocross, visit the website here.

Got another event to add?  Leave a comment and we will get your event added.  We do a weekly post on Friday mornings listing the weekend's events.

The Lung Hill Run 5k

Elite Cycling will be supporting the Lung Hill Run 5k this Saturday November 6 at Liberty Memorial at 8AM.  We will be out in full force with our van, tent, and lots of cool running and cycling accessories on display.  The Lung Hill Run 5k is a fund-raising effort in support of LUNGevity, an organization who raises funds for lung cancer research.  The race is chip timed and mile-marked.  All participants receive a free event t-shirt and can enjoy post-race festivities.

All participants in the Lung Hill Run 5k receive 15% off running shoes and running products at Elite Cycling for 2 weeks post race.  Elite Cycling is a stocking Newton and K-Swiss dealer and carries products for runners, triathletes, and cyclists alike.

Mustache Mondays! Support Movember!

November is here and what better way to celebrate than harboring bristles on my upper lip.  By now you are probably wondering why you are reading this and what this has to do with cycling.  Before you exit, keep in mind that Felippo Pozzato is bringing the mustache flare to the pro peloton with gusto:

In an effort to raise finds for and promote men's health, I have decided to don a mustache for the month of November in support of Movember, a month long fund raising initiative to raise funds for LIVESTRONG and The Prostate Cancer Foundation.  

Check back every monday for mustache tid-bits, photo updates on my upper lip, and reasons why growing a mustache will make you faster.  Please donate to Elite Cycling's fund raising efforts by visiting the Movember website here. 

This weekend in KC Cycling; Oct. 29, 2010

This weekend in Kansas City Cycling:

Today is the start of our weekly Friday update of some cool cycling related activities.  Check back each Friday for a list of cool weekend events around the KC Metro area.  Without further ado:

Cyclocross:  Saturday Oct. 30 is the 3rd race in the 4 race Boss Cross series.  Whether racing or looking for something to do check it out.  Those guys put on a great race series.  Weather looks promising.

Mountain Bike:  Earthriders are promoting Trick or Treat or Trail.  This ride starts at 3pm and mixes some good ole fashioned trail riding with other family friendly activities including a haunted hike and candy search.  Costumes encouraged. 

...if you haven't been paying attention, Zdenek Stybar has been tearing up the cross world in '10...

25% Off all in stock Yakima products!

Effective this weekend (Friday included) all in stock Yakima products are 25% off.

Remember to come take a look at some 2010 closeout bikes from Argon 18, Cervelo, Felt, and Jamis.  Sale prices range from 10-30% off selected models including but not limited to the Felt F1SL, Argon 18 Platinum w/ Rival, Jamis Xenith Comp, and Cervelo R3.  

No better time to get on a new bike at a great sale price!

Fall is here...

...and nothing gets me more excited than the prospect of spending every free minute on the trails whether riding or running.  If I had it my way every day would be as ideal for hitting the trails as this October has provided us Kansas Citians.  If you don't get out on a mountain bike often or ever you are missing out.  I know its 'cross season.  I know it always great to get out on the road bike this time of year.  Hell, it's a great time of the year to squeeze in a full or half-marathon.  I'm not going to argue with anyone who is throwing a leg over the bike or waking up early to lace up the running shoes and hit the road before work.  I will tell you that if you aren't getting out and experiencing some of the great trail systems the greater Kansas City area has to offer you are missing out.

I'm lucky enough to live less than a 5-mile ride to Swope Park; a trail I consider to be the best in the city, if not the area.  I spent a good portion of Monday afternoon there and try to get out to Swope three times a week.  I'd strongly encourage anyone to ride it.  There are some great trails for riding the cyclocross on the new 'phase 3' section.  Big thanks to the guys over at Swope Trails and all the volunteers for heading this project and continuing to keep it maintained.

I haven't had the chance to get out to one, but Swope plays host to Dirty Thursdays through this Thursday the 28th--a great opportunity to meet some cool people and experience the trails first hand in the form of dirt crits on your cross or mountain bike.  Earthriders, Kansas City's social mountain bike club, also hosts their weekly Thursday night Swope ride.  I highly recommend joining up for a ride with those guys/gals and paying for an annual membership.  Your 'donation' in the form of a membership is the price of a dinner for two and gives your support for a year to an organization who does a lot to make mountain biking what it is in Kansas City.

If you didn't read the above and want the Reader's Digest version:

Don't give up the:

Add a:

Ride here:

View Swope Hiking/Biking Trails in a larger map


Until next time keep the wheels down and the miles up.  


P.S.  We carry mountain bikes from Vassago, Pivot, Salsa, Jamis, Felt, and BH.  :)

Pearl Izumi Shoes 40% off, Castelli Pro Logo Jerseys $50

All Pearl Izumi cycling shoes in stock are 40% off msrp.  We have a wide selection of road and mountain cycling shoes in men's and women's sizes including popular models for indoor spinning and insulated winter training shoes.

Castelli Pro Logo short sleeve jerseys are now $50 down from $80.  I'm a big fan of this jersey.  They feature hidden front zip as well a nice tapered fit that won't flap in the wind.  Castelli's Pro Logo jersey was first introduced in 1999 as a jersey that continued Castelli's legacy as a maker of fine Italian cycling clothing.  Classic style, modern materials, European flavor.

Weekend Super Deal!

Mention this article and receive 20% off any one outerwear shell.  We have a large selection of shells and jackets from Castelli, Pearl Izumi, Showers Pass, and Sugoi.  Elite Cycling is open 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday.  Stop in and check out our selection.  Check back often for more weekly deals, sales, and specials.

"I love you too Norm."

This one comes from a customer of ours.  This is David's Salsa Fargo--a true off road adventure bike.  Equipped with hand built wheels utilizing Shimano XT hubs laced to Velocity Chukker rims, a Sram X7 2x10 drive train w/ Apex shifters, Avid BB7 road disc brakes, Salsa Woodchipper bar, and the obligatory Brooks saddle; this bike is the off road touring bike.

Salsa describes the Fargo as "...a bit of a bicycling anomaly: a disc brake only, drop bar mountain bike designed for off-road touring."  For more information on the Fargo and other Salsa bikes hit up their website or stop in to the shop and we can get you set up.

Have fun with the bike David and keep us posted with more pictures of the bike in use!  For those of you impressed with the David's bike and his photography skills take a look at his site with more pictures of his bike and just about everything else.

Tuesday Night Ride! 8pm

For those who have asked, you now shall recieve.  Elite will be hosting the first of what we hope to be a weekly Tuesday night ride.  Meet at the shop at 8pm and we will depart at 8:15pm (8:17 depending on the number of trash bags to dispose of).  Behold the Tuesday Night 47th Street Ride! 

The route will leave from the parking lot of the shop at 10673 Mission Rd. in Leawood at 8:15p and will head north to 47th St. through the Country Club Plaza before heading south through downtown Waldo, Prarie Village and meet back at the shop.  The route is a hair over 19miles long, has some rolling hills, and hits some great roads on the Kansas and Missouri sides of the state line. 

All are welcome to attend.  The ride is a non-drop ride but plan on the group setting the pace anywhere from 16-18mph.  Bring your road bike, single speed, commuter rig, or tandem and show up for a good time.  If the group wants to, a quick stop can be made on 47th strett to grab fluids of your choice.  TAIL LIGHT WILL BE REQUIRED, head lamp or light recomended.  If you don't have a tail light, come to the shop a couple minutes early.  We have them on sale starting at $14.99.

Fall & Winter Clothing Tips

This time of year we get one question more than any other:  How do I dress for fall and winter riding?  I asked this same question when I first began venture towards year-round riding.  There are many ways to achieve warmth on the bike as well as a million different variations for everyone’s personal comfort level.  I’ll keep it simple and address the basics.  If you want more information swing into the shop so we can sell you things.

Core Warmth

The key to winter warmth is effective temperature regulation starting at your core.  The tricky part for winter riding is finding something that not only keeps you warm but also wicks away moisture from your skin to other layers to be transferred away from your body and evaporate.  When you begin the search for a good base layer there are three attributes to look for.  The first of these attributes is finding a layer that is form fitting.  Think of this layer as a second skin.  A good base layer will have a stretchy aspect to it that allows it to perfectly conform to your body.  The second aspect of a good winter base layer is the use of an insulating fabric.  If you have ever worn base layers in the summer this may come as a surprise.  While a summer base layer can work in the winter, you will find yourself lacking that extra degree of warmth that can be the difference between chilled and comfortable.  Keep in mind, that the more warmth you can preserve next to your body, the less bulky and weighty (yes I said it, you can cut weight with your clothing!) the rest of your layers need to be.  The last thing to look for is a base layer that is rated to an approximate temperature range.  While comfort is a personal thing, it is good to get an idea of what temperature range a specific garment is aimed at.

I usually don’t find one product to completely out perform the others, but in the case of base layers I have to give a shout out to our friends over at Craft.  I have not found another base layer manufacturer out there that makes any thing comparable.  Craft has a unique approach to producing their base layers in that they use a design that implements three key attributes:  Air channeled polyester that allows their baselayers to disperse excess heat, proprietary filaments that keep you dry, and designated body mapping for a perfect ‘second skin’ fit.  Add to this Craft’s Silver Ion technology that keeps odor producing bacteria to a minimum.  

For those days above freezing up to about 60 degrees check out their ProZero base layers available in sleeveless, short sleeve, and long sleeve versions, as well as men’s and women’s cuts.  Craft recently released their ProZero Extreme version that provides a bit more warmth for those of you with a real grudge against Jack Frost.  For those days that dip below freezing don’t stay inside!  Craft offers the ProWarm line of base layers available in crew and mock neck versions to keep you toasty warm.  I keep a variety of these layers on hand for all my fall and winter riding.

The insulating Layer

The importance of layering becomes more important the colder the temperatures get.  The more you think in terms of versatility, the more likely it is you will stay warm on your ride and be able to regulate your degree of comfortability by shedding layers or adding them as necessary.  Once the temps get into the 40’s, I find myself needing the important middle or insulating layer.  This layer should be less form fitting and will be worn over a good base layer.  I recommend using a brushed fleece or even better, merino wool.  You can vary the thickness of this layer in conjunction with your base layer to set yourself up for the weather you are riding in.  Keep in mind that as the winds begin to howl this layer may need to be more substantial.  Look for insulating layers that are versatile and can be worn alone as a long sleeve jersey, use front zippers, and have pockets.  The more use you can get out of one piece, the less money you spend on clothing and more you have to spend on bikes!  Here at Elite we have offerings from Castelli, Pearl Izumi, Sugoi, and EWR to name a few of our favorites. 

The Shell

Catch me in the right mood and I just might talk your ear off about the best shells in the industry.  The shell (or jacket as some may refer to it) is the icing on the cake.  Think of this layer as the keystone to the operation.  If you get a bad shell, all the time and money you spent picking out good base and insulating layers goes to waste.  There are a couple features to look for.  The most important thing to find is a shell that is both water proof and wind proof (don’t settle for water resistant).  Make sure to look for a jacket with a cycling specific cut that will allow you to be comfortable on the bike.  The cut should be loose enough to allow a small amount air flow through the sleeves and aid in drying your body’s perspiration.  The shell should also be trim in the chest and stomach but leave enough room for your under layers.  Make sure the back and shoulder area are not too tight when you are in a cycling position.  Want to be absolutely sure you are getting the right fit?  Bring in your clothes to wear under the shell and make sure it provides enough room.  

A cycling specific cut should have a tapered but not tight fit and implement a tail to keep your rear warm..  Other features to look for are easily accessible rear pocket/s, adjustable sleeve cuffs so that you can control how much draft you let in (you want some air flow through your jacket to dry you!), and easy zipper operation while on the bike.  Many of these features may be found on the models we carry, though the best shells will implement them all.  Elite carries a full line of shells from Pearl Izumi, including the Elite Barrier Convertible jacket that is available in men’s and women’s cuts, a multitude of colors, is fully wind/water proof, and easily converts from a jacket to a vest for those cool fall and spring mornings.

What about my legs?!

Everyone does it differently but I find thermal tights worn underneath bike shorts works best for my needs.  This allows the versatility of getting a couple different pair of tights for different weather conditions and using your existing shorts to provide a bit of extra warmth as well as padding to keep your rear from chafing.  Once the temperature gets below freezing I always use tights with wind proof fronts.  This allows your muscles and especially your knees to stay toasty and moisture to wick out the back side of the tight.  If you are concerned about keeping extra warm, look into Craft’s Gore Windstopper briefs that use their ProZero fabric with a windproof shell over the crotch.  This will keep you warm where it matters most on chilly training rides.  Make sure to avoid tights that are bulky in the knees and thighs and restrict movement.

The Accessories

Find a pair of gloves that are rated for the temperature range you plan on riding in.  Look for windproof outer and a fit that doesn’t constrict your hands.  A small loss of circulation means a large loss in warmth.  

Your mother was right when she told you not to forget your hat!  You may not get a cold but you will lose a lot of warmth through your head.  I enjoy beanies when the temperatures drop and full face balaclavas when the winter winds start to blow.  Others find success by adding a windproof helmet cover.  Experiment and see what works for you.  Make sure whatever you do, avoid cotton and other materials that do not wick moisture.

The last thing to consider are your feet.  Invest in a good pair of shoe covers that will add warmth to your summer shoes.  Bring your shoes in to the shop and we can show you what size booties/shoe covers will work best.  Look for something made of thick neoprene with some sort of wind proofing on the outside.  In addition, invest in some wool socks.  We offer shoe covers from Pearl Izumi and Castelli and soft wool socks from DeFeet, Pearl Izumi, and Castelli.  This isn’t your grandparent’s wool.  Imagine a miniature bear cub hugging your feet as you ride(it’s a cute image, I know).  

Wrapping It All Up

With a small investment you can have yourself set for years of winter riding.  With the right gear, winter riding can be as much fun as summer.  I look forward to each off season as a way to refresh and get miles in my legs and show off my new gear.  It is also a great time to vary your riding by picking up a cyclocross or mountain bike and getting some off road riding in.  Don’t let the thermometer scare you away.  Keep posted all fall/winter for updated rides scheduled from Elite.  When the rest of the competition spends the spring shedding pounds, spend yours dialing in your fitness.  Until then, see you on the trails and roads!

New blog, new look, new content.

With the weather getting a little cooler we decided what better way to spend our time waiting for the sun to warm the roads than with a new blog and new content.  Forgive the mess as we are learning how all this works (we tune up bikes not websites!).  Expect a cleaner look once our blog/webmaster gets a hold of the page.  With the kick off our new blog we will have weekly product reviews, new product highlights, weekly deals, and mindless caffeine-induced ramblings.  I know the latter is what you guys are here for.

First and foremost on our list of announcements is that we are adding two new group rides for your enjoyment.  Keep posted for ride details, however we will be doing a Tuesday night ride leaving from the shop at 8:15pm.  Tail light will be required.  Expect a 20ish mile route that will hit up some of the best places to view in the city at night.  Our second ride will be a Saturday morning 8am ride.  We will put together a 2 hour ride route that will cover some great training roads starting and ending from the shop.  Folks can meet early and grab a cup of coffee at Natasha's across the parking lot.

Image courtesy of:  http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/11/30/travel/escapes/30cyclo.html

Last thing of note:  Cyclocross season is upon us (hey, I didn't say our posts were going to be groundbreaking!) and Elite is your source for all things cyclocross.  We are carry a full line of cyclocross essentials such as tubular tires from the likes of Dugast, Challenge, and Tufo and clinchers from Michelin, Clement, and Kenda among others.  Elite Cycling is now a Stevens dealer and will be carrying a variety of their aluminum and carbon models (you do know Neils Albert and Katie Compton ride their rigs...if you want to be as fast as them you NEED a bike like theirs) as well a selection of the popular Jamis Nova models.  We have all your geared and SS needs from parts and accessories to your favorite apparel from Pearl Izumi, Craft, Castelli, Assos, and Sugoi.  When you aren't practicing dismounts, doing intervals on the median of Ward Parkway, and ogling all the newest gadgets on the web, stop by and take a look around the shop.  We promise to keep Cross playing on the tube (well it's actually a flat screen LCD...aren't we fancy) and may even let you huff some tubie glue with us .