One of the best all-round bikes, 29er or not, for the trails of southern Ontario. Paul's been riding Kona and Specialized for 2 decades, and this is one of his favorites!

From Kona's website: "Known for its strong and smooth riding characteristics, the bike features a component package that's race-ready, but not overpriced, with 100mm of perfectly tuned suspension that's quick, efficient and surprisingly plush. With a new ultra stiff 142x12 rear axle, this bike is ready to rule."

Highlights: 3 Time Winner of the BC Bike Race!

Come on in and try it!

Wow! What a great winter to be a cyclist!

This winter has proven to one of the best for possible great riding, particularly if you have a couple of bikes to choose from. Every time I'm out, either on my own on my KONA Jake the Snake cyclocross bike, or with a group on the trails, I wish more people were set up and motivated to get out where the air is fresh and the hills are real! I do appreciate the dedication of those that commit to regular trainer rides, but I can't handle it any more, I've got to get out, must be getting clostrophobic in my old age!

I found myself telling the rest of the group on the trails late November, as we caught our breath at the top of one of Waterdown's scenic climbs, that "this could be one of the last good rides of the season", as historically winter would soon bring rain snow etc. to slow us down and force us to seek more rideable/boring trails. After a few more weeks of me repeating the same warning to enjoy while it lasts, we started to doubt that a real winter would come.

Here are two online reviews of the Kona Jake Series.  I think the information provided will help you see that the Kona Jake line of cyclocross bikes are all winners for 2012.  I know in our shop, the 2012 Kona Jake the Snake is a definite winner.  I encourage you to come in the store and let Paul tell you of all the advantages of the Kona Jake the Snake.  Remember, a cyclocross bike is a great all round bike for road riding, riding trails, commuting, as well as bicycle touring.

Kona Website: 2012 Jake Series -  "We’ve seen Jake The Snakes cross Africa, win cyclocross races and battle through downtown rain."

2 Online Reviews on the Kona Jake Series of Bikes

• Bike Radar Jake The Snake is now a bit racier . . ."
• Bike Reviews - "2012 Kona Jake The Snake Cyclocross Bike works well for racing, commuting, training, touring, and plain rides. Its state-of-the-art frame . . . "

As of this writing we currently have the Kona Jake the Snake and the Jake in stock.

More people than ever are discovering the options of the cyclocross bike--the rugged versatility allowing cyclists to explore both roads and trails.  The 2012 Kona Jake and Jake the Snake are the perfect bikes for:

• Trail riding (including rail trails),
• Bicycle commuting,
• Road riding,
• Bicycle touring,
• Extending your cycling season in the Hamilton, Ontario area.

The 2012 Kona Jake and Jake the Snake: NOW IN STOCK at Bicycle Works in Waterdown. 

I think winter is here to stay for a couple of months.  What that means is you may have to get use to indoor riding for a little while before the days heat up and the roads become clear.  Staying motivated for that indoor ride is sometimes a challenge.  As I walk my mail route (my regular job) each day, I have lots of time to think.  In many ways it's my brainstorming time.  As a result, here's my list of 5 ways to enhance your Indoor Cycling Workouts.

5 Ways to Enhance your Indoor Cycling

1. Purchase a good trainer.  Do your research and learn what fits your needs the best. Bicycle Works has several trainers still in stock.  See below for some of your options.
2. Indoor Group Rides - Set up your garage, invite your friends over and have a blast challenging, motivating and encouraging each other as you have fun and stay in shape. 
3. Have a plan - goals and write them down.  If you aim at nothing your motivation is going to wane.
4. Use a Indoor Training Video - See blog on Indoor Cycling Videos.
5. Make it Convenient to Ride - having to set up your trainer slows you down from doing what you know you need to do.  Convenience to ride will help you meet your goals that you have set out in number 3.

While Supplies Last here is a list of Bike Trainers available at Bicycle Works.

Contact us for availability.

• CycleOps Fluid 2 -
• Blackburn Mag 3 Trainer -
• Blackburn Mag 6 Trainer -
• Blackburn Tech Fluid Trainer -
• Kinetic BIke Trainers -

Feel free to add your ideas below.

Alright, you purchased a CycleOps or Blackburn Bike Trainer this winter and expected to be riding several times a week indoors.  Surprise, the weather has been fabulous and it's so much more fun to ride outdoors.  Well today the snow is finally on the ground which means for many of you it's time to get out the bike trainer for a great workout.  The question arises "how do you utilize your time for the best result?"  I'm no expert so I took some time to do some research and located 6 Indoor Cycling Workouts provided by experts.  I trust you'll find these helpful.

Keep in mind that this list for informational purposes only.  Enjoy staying in shape.

6 Links to Indoor Cycling Workouts

1. How to Ride Inside: Indoor Trainer Workouts for Cyclists from Bicycling Magazine
2. Pimp Your Indoor Ride: Four hip living-room workouts that will keep you fit, fast and sane from Bicycle Magazine
3. Indoor Cycling Workouts from LiveStrong
4. Effective Training Programs for Indoor Cycling from TrainingForCyclists.com
5. 2 Indoor Cycling Workouts to Improve Your Climbing from Active.com
6. Indoor Cycling Workouts from Amateur Endurance

While Supplies Last here is a list of Bike Trainers available at Bicycle Works.

Contact us for availability.

• CycleOps Fluid 2 -
• Blackburn Mag 3 Trainer -
• Blackburn Mag 6 Trainer -
• Blackburn Tech Fluid Trainer -
• Kinetic BIke Trainers -

Feel free to add your workouts below.

It was inevitable.  The snow finally arrived last night potentially putting an end to the New Year's Road Ride you had planned.  Ice and a bike do not mix incredibly well.  Since you purchased one of the indoor trainers from Bicycle Works, it's not as critical to get outside to burn off the extra calories that you're in the process of packing on during the holiday season.  The question though is how do you add enjoyment to your indoor ride.  I've compiled a list of 5 websites that sell training videos for cycling indoors.  Before I provide the list let me explain a couple of things:

• We have never used any of these cycling videos. 
•   We do not necessarily endorse any of these videos.
• We have never evaluated these cycling videos.
• Bicycle Works does not sell the cycling videos.  This is only a resource to help you in your search for training ideas while the weather outside is frightful.  At least your indoor ride can be delightful.  (I tried some humour.  I think it's from spending too much time around Paul.)

FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY

5 Websites for Indoor Cycling Training Videos

1. Ride Fit - Downloadable 45-69 minutes in length
2. The Suffer Fest - Downloadable 45-85 minutes in length
3. Endurance Films - DVD's
4. Spinervals - DVD's
5. Bike O Visions - DVD's 

Bicycle Works Bike Trainers On SALE Now.

• CycleOps Fluid 2 - On Sale for: $369
• Blackburn Mag 3 Trainer - On Sale for: $179
• Blackburn Mag 6 Trainer - On Sale for $229
• Blackburn Tech Fluid Trainer - On Sale for $299
• Kinetic BIke Trainers - On Sale Starting at $399

1. Christmas Food is fattening.
2. You don't like cycling in the cold or riding on ice.
3. You can double task by playing video games with your kids while you work out.
4. Your workout is not affected by the weather outside.
5. You don't have to worry about cleaning your bike after every ride.

Check out the Specials on Bicycle Works Bike Trainers

• CycleOps Fluid 2 - On Sale for: $369
• Blackburn Mag 3 Trainer - On Sale for: $179
• Blackburn Mag 6 Trainer - On Sale for $229
• Blackburn Tech Fluid Trainer - On Sale for $299
• Kinetic BIke Trainers - On Sale Starting at $399

What would you add to the list of reasons to buy a bike trainer?

Christmas is only a week away and some of you may be still scurrying around to find gifts for your family and friends. We're pretty much done around our home so I brought up this question around my house, "what would you think would make great stocking stuffers for a cyclist?"  Hint, hint, hint.  Here are some ideas that we came up with.  Some of the items are FREE or require your time to make them creative.  Here's the list:

1. Share the Road Magnet
2. Hammer Nutrition Products like Gels and Recovery Products
3. Bicycle Works Water Bottle
4. Multi-Tool
5. Spare Inner Tubes
6. Maps for Cycling Southern Ontario
7. Bike Computer
8. Chain Lube
9. Bicycle Works Cycling Socks
10. Specialized or Kona Catalogue
11. Handlebar Grips

What would you add?

As I wrote earlier in the year, I am sold on the 29ers.  As a 40+ year old I can now keep up to my 11 year old while cycling the trails in Waterdown, especially some of the rock beds.  The usual result from my attempts at these natural obstacles is to end up lying on my side screaming to get the bike off me.  Now with that said, I have renewed confidence in riding the trails with a 29er.  As I listen and read and seek to stay informed about trends etc, I came across this mountain biking video produced by Kona a shot in British Columbia.  The video highlights two of Kona's bikes, the 29er Hei Hei and the 29er King Kahuna.  Watching this video is downright inspirational.  I quote one viewer, "If this footage doesn't make you want to ride, well, then you're just dead inside . . ."

Enjoy.

We currently have the Kona Hei Hei in stock.  Great bike, Great value.

Happy Riding.