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Here is a list of some of our most Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs):
THIS IS MY FIRST BIKE, HOW DO I KNOW WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Before buying a new bike you should ask yourself a few questions. First, what will be the primary use for your new ride? Will you be commuting to work? Are you buying a bike to stay in shape and go on long rides?
Second, are you a high-tech junkie or do you like to keep things plain and simple? Are you looking for something with all the bells and whistles or do you just want to get from point A to point B?
Third, set a budget. What are you willing to spend on a new bike? This will be the easiest way to narrow down your options,while still finding one that fits in with your lifestyle. After answering these questions, we need to make sure your bike fits YOU.
When you’ve chosen your bike, there are a few in-store adjustments that need to be made to improve your comfort. Here we start off by picking a frame size, making sure it is both easy and safe for you to get on and off of. Once we’ve found the perfect frame size we’ll adjust the seat post, the height and position of the handlebars, and the position of the saddle itself. This will ensure walk out with a bike that not only suits you, but feels great!
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THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT MATERIALS FOR FRAMES, WHICH ONE IS BEST?
There are four main materials used for frames, (not including the unconventional bamboo or thermoplastic frames, which are still made today!), aluminum, steel, titanium, and carbon fiber. Of the four main materials there’s not one better than the other, they’re just very different.
Aluminum is the most popular of frame construction materials. When Tungsten Inert Gas welding (welding used on aluminum frames) became economical in the 1970’s, the aluminum alloy frames became popular. The aluminum frames have a better strength to weight ratio than the steel frames, hence are lighter. A common misconception is that aluminum frames are so stiff that the ride is not as smooth as others, that used to be true when the frames were first introduced. Now there are various construction techniques and tubing enhancements that allow the frame to absorb shock much better than they used to. The stiffness of the aluminum frame is great for someone who does a lot of hill climbing, and the frame won’t rust, so don’t be afraid to let it get wet.
Steel frames are strong, easy to work, and relatively inexpensive, but usually the heaviest of frame materials. Using butted tubing (wall thickness goes from thick at the ends to thin towards the middle) reduces weight and increases strength. Standard steel tubing diameters are less stiff than tubing in other materials, which allow them to absorb quite a bit of shock from the road. A classic type of construction for steel frames is by using lugs to connect the tubes, this method allows easy repair due to its simple construction. The lugged frame also allows for fast tube replacement (because steel frames may rust), without harming the neighboring tubes. Now-a-days there are several different techniques of assembly for steel frames, which provide a wide array of choices for most any cyclist.
Titanium is typically the most expensive metal used on frames, which puts them out of reach for some cyclists. Many titanium alloys were first used in the aerospace industry and titanium frames are mostly constructed using Tungsten Inert Gas welding. This metal is less malleable than steel or aluminum, resulting in increased effort leading to increased cost. Due to the toughness of titanium it is also one of the strongest, longest lasting metals found on bicycles. Most titanium bicycles have carbon forks because the fork requires extra strength which in turn requires extra material, only
adding to the already expensive titanium frame. A titanium fork would also add a significant amount of weight to the bike.
Carbon fiber is an extremely popular non-metallic frame. While it is very strong and corrosion-resistant, it is also very light weight. Carbon fiber can be made in to virtually any shape, which allows it to be tailor made for a frame that offers both strength and flexibility where needed most. Custom made carbon fiber frames can be specifically designed to exert as much or as little force needed in almost any direction, carbon fiber is the only material that offers this advantage. Some carbon frames are constructed in a single piece called monocoque construction. This method of construction offers the ultimate light-weight frame, but is also a bit more fragile and prone to fatigue failure, which occurs during a long period of time. Carbon fiber also offers a more aerodynamic structure not possible in other materials, or that would be excessively heavy using other materials. Due to it’s natural ability to absorb shock, if you’re looking for a performance based bike, but don’t want the bumpy ride, carbon is probably best for you.
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WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RIM BRAKES AND DISC BRAKES?
The main difference is in the name. Rim brakes use pads that rub against the rim of the wheel when the levers are squeezed. Disc brakes are a component separate from the rest of the bike. There are discs attached to the wheel hubs and calipers attached to the bicycle’s frame, so when the lever is squeezed the pads rub against the discs as opposed to the actual rim.
Although disc brakes are a bit more expensive they work out in the long run because they don’t wear down the actual rim. Disc brakes are preferable when you’re riding in compromising conditions, such as dirt, mud, and rain. When rim brakes get wet or dirty it takes them a bit longer to come to a full stop on account of the slippery surface created on the rim. Disc brakes are usually best for mountain or full suspension bikes, and rim brakes work best for road and commuter bikes.
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WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HYBRID BIKE AND A COMFORT BIKE?
To start things off, the frame on the comfort bike is built mostly for, well, comfort, and the frame on the hybrid bike is built for comfort as well as efficient pedaling. The comfort bike offers an ergonomically friendly upright riding position, and has good suspension which minimizes the pain of bumpy roads. Hybrid bikes can interchange between upright and speed-oriented positions because they have adjustable components. Suspension in the hybrid bikes also help absorb shock, and the parts are slightly lighter than those in comfort bikes to provide easier pedaling. Common seats on comfort bikes are those with springs, gel, and foam, while the hybrid bikes have more sleek seats with a little less padding. In hybrid bikes tires have high air volume for higher speeds and long rides, and comfort bikes have higher air content for an extra padded ride. So it comes down to this:
do you want to pedal to your own beat (and be very comfortable), or zip around town (and still be comfortable)?
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HOW MUCH CAN I CUSTOMIZE MY BIKE? ARE ANY PARTS PERMANENT?
Bikes can be built from the bottom up. If you have a frame you’d like to keep but don’t want anything else that’s on it, we can help you out. We can change everything from wheels, to handlebars, to rims, to saddles. There is a myriad of different choices in colors, shapes, and accessories to ensure that your bike is uniquely you.
If you’d like to start by picking out a frame and going from there we definitely know what to do. This gives you a multitude of choices because
you can pick any frame you want, and get it as tricked out as you like.
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HOW DO I KEEP MY BIKE IN GOOD CONDITION?
Bicycles are a low maintenance commodity. We recommend you give your bike a tune-up once or twice yearly depending on how often you use the
bike. It’s also a good idea to keep chain lubricants and grease in your house for a quick-fix for those annoying squeaking noises.
For those who are mechanically savvy you can keep an air pump and a couple inner tubes for the unexpected flat. If you’re mechanically-challenged, just bring your bike in and we’ll fix anything and everything you might need.
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WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF FULL-SUSPENSION BIKES?
Full suspension (meaning fork and rear suspension) are easier to ride than mountain bikes with no suspension. Dual suspension offers extra control and there’s no terrain you can’t conquer with it. The rear suspension absorbs the shock from rocks and tree stumps to bumps and potholes (your back will thank you).
Having suspension on the rear of the bike helps the back of the bike stick to the ground giving it the best possible traction. This traction also increases control of the bike, since your wheels are stuck to the ground there’s a reduced risk of your wheels flying all over the place on those bumpy trails. So, don’t be afraid to head full-speed into that tight turn, your wheels will be grounded throughout the entire bend.
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I'VE HEARD ALOT ABOUT 'FIXIES" LATELY? WHAT'S SO GOOD ABOUT THEM?
Fixies (slang for fixed gear) are a great way to work out and are good fun. The difference between a fixie and a single speed is that you MUST keep pedaling with a fixie, as opposed to a single speed where you can coast. Fixies are unique both in their design and in the fact that they require very little maintenance.
Because of their simple design people often times add all sorts of colorful fun accessories, like colored rims, extraordinary paint jobs and unique handlebars. When riding a fixie your feet are directly connected to the pedal, giving you a perfect stroke and cadence because you’re continuously pedaling.
Want to join in on the fun? Stop by and find the right fixie for you.
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WHAT ACCESSORIES DO I NEED? ARE THERE ANY THAT ARE MANDATORY?
There are many accessories geared toward a riders comfort, such as baskets, racks and bags. Each of these have different styles, sizes, and colors. Baskets come in a variety of colors, some are wire baskets, others look more like cages, and of course, the traditional wicker basket. Racks are attached to the bike on the rear and are mostly black or silver, although customizing is always an option. There is a wide variety of
bags: handle bags, shoulder bags, rack trunks, panniers, saddle bags, and the list goes on. Which one is best for you depends completely on what you’ll use it for.
The list of accessories is quite extensive; you can find anything from a water cage to fenders to wheel reflectors. But yes, there are a couple that are mandatory in the District of Columbia. The first is a bell or horn, but sirens are prohibited. Helmets are mandatory for all riders under 16 years of age. Third, DC law requires a front white light and a rear red reflector or light when dark. So gear up and stay safe!
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