Its Official: Winter is here!

Yehuda Moon

If you live in the Northeast and have looked out you're window anytime between 4am and now you are well aware that the lingering fall has abruptly ended and man am I glad I winterized my bike yesterday. Here is North Winooski Ave just hours into the snow storm:

I made the decision to outfit my Surly Cross Check with studded tires and full coverage fenders not because i knew there was a winter storm watch for that night and the next day, in fact I didn't even know about it.  Instead the driving force was that we were slammed in the shop yesterday outfitting customer's bikes with the winter necessities and like a good herd animal I followed suit.
This being my first winter in 5 years of bicycle commuting that I have used studded tires I was eager to get on the road this morning. Let me tell you, it does make a difference. I was pleased with how true my bike tracked through the uneven snow and ice, and was even more impressed with the traction around slippery intersection corners.

I wanted to remind everyone that we are fully stocked in a variety of studded tires and full coverage fenders.  And if you come on down now you will get $5 off all studded tires and Free Installation.

Also,  we are going to be hosting a series of winter riding clinics every Saturday morning from 9:00am to 10:30 at the shop (322 north Winooski Ave).  These will be casual conversation based workshops in which people are encouraged to come and share their tips for winter bike commuting and to learn what sort of gear is necessary, techniques for staying safe, how to keep your bike from becoming fossilized in salt and winter road grim, and other tips for diagnosing and dealing with the unique issues that winter in Vermont poses to bicycles.  If you are thinking about riding your bike year 'round for the first time, or if you are a seasoned veteran this will be an extremely useful skill share session.  Call us at 863-4475 with any questions.

Cheers!

Winter ready bikes parked at the shop!