Your newest KC Vibram dealer

We are proud to be Kansas City's newest Vibram dealer. By now you have probably seen people wearing Vibram's signature Five Finger shoes and now you have the chance to try a pair out yourself.

We have a large selection of the Five Finger models including the KomodoSport LS, KomodoSport, Bikila LS, and TrekSport for men and the Jaya and KomodoSport LS for women. Stop by the shop and check them out yourself.

S5 sweetness

We've seen a few of these roll in the door and a couple roll out pretty quickly to some mighty lucky customers.  I stumbled upon Cervelo's newest S5 video and wanted to share:

Castelli clothing sale

Take advantage of Garmin-Cervelo's excellent showing at the '11 edition of the Tour de France and save on all Castelli clothing.  Buy:

(1) Castelli clothing item get 10% off
(2) Castelli clothing items get 15% off
(3 or more) Castelli clothing items get 20% off

We have a full selection of Castelli gloves, socks, shorts, bibs, jerseys, and outerwear.  Stop in today and save big!

KC weight loss challenge

A customer and team member of ours, Mike Harper, signed up to participate in KC Fitness Magazine's weight loss competition.  Join us in voting for him to get set up as one of the contest participants.  To vote:

1.        Like the KC Fitness Magazine on facebook :
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Kansas-City-Fitness-Magazine/183360774833
 
2.       Then like Mike's picture by following this link:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=10150252900434834&set=a.10150252899634834.346940.183360774833&type=1&theater

Best of luck Mike!

Garmin trade-in offer

Purchase a Garmin Forerunner 210, 310XT, 410, or 610 and trade in your old Forerunner for a $50 mail in rebate.  You can access the promotion online by going to http://garmin.blogs.com/promotions/.  If you have any questions stop in the shop and we can get you taken care of.  We carry the Garmin forerunner and edge series in stock.

Nutrition Clinic

For those interested in getting a jump on nutrition knowledge, Pip Taylor will be hosting a free speaking engagement at The Inside Sports Clinic Thursday, June 30^th at 7pm.  She is going to cover her take on nutrition for training and racing as well as having a Q&A session.  Interested parties should attend and tell them Elite Cycling sent you!  They do request an RSVP by calling 913-888-4845.

New summer hours

We took some feedback and have changed our summer hours to (hopefully) better accomodate our customer base.  The hours are as follows effective immediately:

Monday-Thursday:  10a-7p
Friday:  10a-6p
Saturday:  10a-5p
Sunday:  11a-5p

Thanks to all who shared feedback!

Pivot Mach 4 XT

We have a Pivot Mach 4 w/ Shimano XT in stock.  Come check it out.

We've got Honey Stingers!

We've got gels, chews, bars, and waffles.  Stop in and check 'em out!

ERTA fundraiser

We are proud to announce that we raised over $440 during the Salsa expo night/ERTA fundraiser.  Thank you to all who came out to join us and most of all to all our generous sponsors who donated to the cause.  Below is a list of the local and industry companies who took the time and effort to make this event a success.  Please support them for supporting our trails!

Broadway Cafe and Roastery
Spin Pizza
Pearl Izumi
Shimano
Endura
Osprey Packs
Salsa
Michelin Tires

Salsa expo night this friday!

We are having a Salsa expo night and silent auction for the Earth Riders Trail Association.  Come check out bikes from Salsa and bid on items from Salsa, Endura, Shimano, Broadway Roasting, Osprey, Spin Pizza, and more.  For full details check out the flyer.

What: Salsa Expo Night/ERTA Fundraiser
When: Friday April 15, 2011; 6:30p-8:30p
Where: Elite Cycling; 10673 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS 66206
Why: Why not?

Saturday morning shop ride

MAPL-Elite Cycling will be hosting a Saturday morning shop ride at 8a every Saturday morning.  42 miles with a shorter option around 25 miles for those needing to be back at the parking lot around 9:30a.  Join us every Saturday morning for this brisk paced ride.  For a detailed map click here.

Dr. Dover's Gravel Grinder

Dr. Dover's Gravel Adventure
We head North this weekend for another fine Northland Gravel Grinder
out of Smithville. Ben "Dr. Dover" Bolin is hosting the spring edition
of our popular Smithville Gravel Grinder. He promises much warmer
weather than the last edition and a delightful adventure.

Who: Fat Tire Riders and Gravel Grinders
What: Dr. Dover's Gravel Adventure
When: Saturday, April 2, 2011 9 AM
Where: Smoke-N-Davey Trail head
Why: Because Ben is attempting the insane DK 200 this year.
How far: The loop is 44 miles. There is talk of doing one loop and
then riding it in reverse for another loop.

http://gravelgrinders.blogspot.com

El Mariachis are in!

We got 6 El Mariachi completes in at the end of last week.  4 are now spoken for but we have a medium and a large complete in stock.  $1749, X7/X9 group, Reba fork, Stans tubeless rims.  Get em while they are hot!

Elite Cycling Apparel

Now through Sunday all Elite Cycling apparel is 15% off.  We have shop kits, vests, socks, jackets and more.  Stop in and pick up Elite gear while supplies last.

Gardner Gravel Grinder

What: Gardner Gravel Grinder v2
When: Saturday, 3/26/11 - 9:00 am
Where: CenturyLink Office building in Gardner (Queen Mary on the
Pairie)
Who: Any and all are welcome
Why: It is always Gravel Grinder season.

Tim Greene is again hosting this fun GG.....We will start in the
parking lot
Hopefully this time there will not be a 35 mph wind to deal with :-).
Some
of us will do two laps of the routeto get ready for Ouachita, Bone
Bender 3/6 Hour,  TransIowa,
and DK 200.

Velonews digs it...

The S3 from Cervelo that is.  Velonews recently released a test of the world's best aero road bikes including the Felt AR1 and Ridley Noah and once again the S3 took the cake.  Check out the full report here.

Salsa El Mariachi Ti demo bike

Our Salsa rep dropped off his El Mar ti complete bike.  Bike is built up with full Sram XX drivetrain, Reba XX fork, Hope brakes, Stans arch rims laced to Hope hubs, and thompson stem/seatpost.  Stop in and check it out.  Bring some pedals and take it out!

New K-Swiss shoe

K-Swiss revealed their newest iteration of their popular blade light model.  Other prototype models were released including a new take on their awesome K-Ruuz model and trail running version of the Blade series.  For full report click here.

Picture courtest of Triathlete magazine.

Bone Bender 3/6 Hour MTB Oddysey

April 17, 2011, Clinton Lake State Park, Lawrence, KS.  Flyer here.  Contact Chris for details.

2011 2XU Tri Apparel is in!

Men's and women's tri tops in shorts are now in.  Wetsuits and other tri apparel and accessories are trickling in as well.

Castelli spring/summer clothing is in!

We just received a large supply of spring and summer clothing from Castelli.  Stop in and check out men's and women's jerseys, gloves, shorts/bibs, socks, and vests. 

Reminder:  All winter clothing is still 20% off.  We have jackets, shells, tights, etc from Pearl Izumi, Castelli, Showers Pass, Sugoi and more.  Get it while it lasts!

HED Wheels

Just got a couple sets of '11 HED wheels.  Check out the world's most aero wheelsets.  We have the Jet 6 clinchers and Stinger 6 tubulars in stock.  Super aero brah!


HED Jet 6 clinchers, $1600/pair



The Mullet's Revenge

...gravel grinder:

What: The Mullet's Revenge
When: Saturday February 19, 2011, 9:00 am
Where:Baldwin City, KS  - Meet at the Antiques on the Prairie (High
Street and 6th)
Why: Come see the highest per capita of Mullets in the US and enjoy a
fun filled gravel grinder.
Who: Anyone welcomed - Mullet is not required, but is recommended.

We have a mullet filled 25 mile route for your enjoyment.  Come see
why "a mullet ride is business at the front and a party in the
back!".   Complete 1 or 2 laps then enjoy some tasty BBQ.

Flyer and updates at http://gravelgrinders.blogspot.com

Here are some pictures from last years ride for motivation:
https://picasaweb.google.com/DirtWorks/MulletRide#

Pivot is coming...

...You have called and we have answered...We soon will have Pivot bikes in stock!....yum...

Expo this weekend:

Elite Cycling will have a booth at the Lifetime Fitness Saturday from 9a-12p at the 137th and Metcalf location.  Stop by and get your spin on and check out our booth!

Limited edition Parlee Z5, matte black:

Another limited edition frame available from Parlee:

Matte black/ghost finish.  750-875g depending on size.

Spring Hill Gravel Grinder

What: The Epic Spring Hill Gravel Grinder
When: Sunday February 13, 2011, 9:00 am
Where: Spring Hill, KS
Why: It is time to start training for Trans Iowa, Bone Bender 3/6 Hour
and more. Get off that trainer and start grinding or you will be
wishing you did.
Who: Anyone who has signed up for an endurance challenge in 2011 and
needs to get some base miles in.
 
Distance will be 58 miles. Come out and enjoy some of the best gravel
routes in the Midwest. A very fun route is being put together that
will have all the classics that this area has to offer. The weather
forecast is looking very good for a day of gravel grinding hosted by
one of the nicest guys around.
 
Course maps and updates tomorrow on http://gravelgrinders.blogspot.com/
 
The ride starts in the parking lot across from the gas station we
always stop at on 223rd.


Dont forget our winter clothing sale!  All winter clothing items are 20% off!

Winter Clothing Sale

All winter clothing on sale!  20% off all winter clothing items.  Stop in and check out the selection from Pearl Izumi, Showers Pass, Castelli, Craft, Sugoi, and more.  All winter clothing and accessories are included (excludes warmers and rain shells).  Sale?!...Suh-weet!

Elite is open today!

The roads are clear enough...we will reopen at 10a today.  If you ride your bike to the shop today we'll give you a high five!

Shop Closed Today, Night Ride Tonight!

Shop is closed due to snow which means it's the perfect day for a snow ride!  For all who want to join, dress warm bring a fat tire bike and meet at the JC Nichols fountain at 5p for an hour ride.  Bring your friends, dogs, and things that are warm.  Route has yet to be determined but will be on the bike paths, parks, and side streets.

Mild, medium, or hot...

Hot!

55cm, $1699, Sram Rival 1x10, 19lbs even.

Seriously light Parlee!

Just saw this on Bikerumor for those of you who get really geeked out about quality light weight bikes.  Weighs in at a scant 10.36 lbs!  I've seen light Parlees but this takes the cake.  Full story here.

Image courtesy of bikerumor.com
http://www.bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/parlee-10-lbs-cycles-2.jpg

Belton Gravel Grinder

For those of you who know Chris Locke and the Cowtown crew, you know they love their dirt and gravel.  As spring approaches we get closer to some of the region's great gravel races including the Dirty Kanza 200 and Trans Iowa.  Cowtown will be hosting a 67mile gravel ride this Sunday:

What: Belton Gravel Grinder
When: Sunday January 30, 2011, 9:00 am
Where: Hyvee (58 Hwy/S. Mullen Rd)
Why: It is time to start training for Trans Iowa. Get off that trainer
and start grinding.
Who: Anyone who has signed up for an endurance challenge in 2011 and
needs to get some base miles in.

John Williams is hosting our next GG on his ever popular Belton-
Drexel gravel route. This 67 mile route will take us to Drexel, MO for
our first (and only) stop of the day at only store in town - Casey's.

The course feature rolling hills and the pace will be moderate. The
first 5 miles are road, but then it's all gravel baby!

Complete info at http://gravelgrinders.blogspot.com/2011/01/belton-gravel-grinder.html

Announcing Salsa!

Elite Cycling is proud to announce Salsa as the newest member in the family of bikes that we carry.  We have been anxiously awaiting becoming a Salsa dealer for a number of months and are proud to announce that we will be working with them in 2011 and into the future.   Salsa hails from the great state of Minnesota where wonderful singletrack and cycling culture are in abundance.  I'm stoked to work with a company that caters to the wants of the Midwestern singletrack and gravel rider.

For those of you who are as hot for some of Salsa's new models as I am, the good news is that bikes and frames will begin rolling in our shop in the coming weeks.  We expect to see El Mariachi complete bikes and frames in stock the first week of March and have the Chilli Con Crosso and Fargo completes coming in in the next week or so.  Spearfish completes and frames will be available in June.

If you want in on the Spearfish or El Mar frames/complete bikes, give us a ring or shoot us an email here to discuss reserving one (or more than one!...the more the merrier).

We also have the ability to bring in any frame or model from Salsa.  We hope this will give KC-area riders one more reason to get out on the dirt!  Cheers!

Snow or no snow...

Don't let the powder scare you off...Elite is open today despite the snow.  While the roads are covered it might be a good day to schedule that bike fit you've been wanting to have done or come look over our sale '10 bikes.  On that note, stay tuned in the coming days/weeks for exciting news for the shop on a couple different fronts.  I can't say more than that right now but there are some cool things happening for the shop right now.  We will keep you all posted...

In other old news, snow bikes are rad!  Check out the new wave of cool bikes made to conquer the snow and other situations:

Surly makes the Pugsley.  Having ridden one I must say I was impressed by how snappy the bike felt considering the massive tires and otherwise sluggish looks.  Like all things Surly, the bike uses a 4130 CroMoly steel frame and is available as a frame or complete bike.  A white snow bike...now that's cool!



Image courtesy of bikejournal.com

Pictured above is the bike I am really stoked about.  Being a huge fan of cold weather, snow, and riding through it, I was particularly excited to hear Salsa jump into the same market as the Pugsley.  To make things better, Salsa decided to use a 6061 double butted aluminum frame to keep weight down and appease the folks who fear using steel in inclement weather.  While I'm a steel junky myself I'm excited at the use of aluminum in this frame to give consumers a different option from the Pugsley.  Salsa utilizes its new "north woods" (I came up with that myself!) graphics scheme that goes along with their "adventure by bike" mission statement.  If the snow leaves your yearning for adventure (by bike!) check out the options from Salsa and Surly!

SockGuy socks!

We just received a large order of socks from SockGuy.  Stop in and check out our collection of classic and new designs available in standard and wool models.  Come on brah, your toes deserve it!