The Best Bicycle Shop Blog

2012 Trek 4300 at Pat's 605 Cyclery in Norwalk near Los Angeles

2012-02-25T12:52:00.000-08:00

2012 Cannondale Flash 29er at Pat's 605 Cyclery in Norwalk

2012-02-22T12:50:00.000-08:00

2012 Gary Fisher Trek Wahoo at Pat's 605 Cyclery in Los Angeles

2012-02-19T12:48:00.000-08:00

Inside Peak at Trek Madone 4.0 with RoadBicylingUK

2012-02-16T17:24:00.000-08:00

Roughly six weeks ago, I treated myself – yes, spent my own money – to a new bike to replace my test Dedacciai Strada Assoluto – a bike that I had ridden with some gusto and enjoyment during summer and autumn last year. I was sad to see her go back and am hoping she gets a good home.

Now then, four of those said weeks have been spent coughing my lungs up due to a chest infection (I’ll spare you fine readers the rest of the details), but over the Christmas break I finally managed to swing a proper leg over my new all-American hero. (You need to say all-American with a John Wayne-style accent, I find.)

I once sat in a pub with a well-known cycling writer and a Trek marketing person and watched with hilarity as this quote was laid down to the ashen-faced rep. “In my opinion, Trek are the better-handling bikes, but given the choice for the long term, say 20 years – I’d go with a Giant.”

Now, ordinarily, you would think this was a near-the-knuckle thing to say to the former’s representative. But, you will note that four strong beers and a homemade pork pie can certainly bring out the underlying truth. He stuck to his guns too, you’ll be pleased to hear folks.

So then, with this in mind, I pondered whether to go short or long term. Well, there’s a strong possibility we’ll have discovered, populated and duly begun to ruin another planet in 20 years, so I might have to go with the ‘short term is best’ option. Besides, all bikes will be touch screen by then anyway – won’t they?

Without further ado, here are some early thoughts so far on the Madone 4.9…

The ride

It’s quite unfair of me to compare this bike to my previous Italian number. There’s no comparison – the Trek is fantastic. Smooth, quiet, purposeful, dynamic, light as a feather and made of what feels like higher-spec carbon – there’s a real premium feel to it. Even the Bontrager saddle, which I’ve seen replaced almost immediately on RCUK test bikes in the past – is very comfortable and well made. I see no reason to part with this one. Indeed, it pains me to say it as a lover of the Italian bike scene but this really could be Clint Eastwood’s finest hour – for the money. Time will tell, of course.

The Madone 4-Series bikes sit neatly in the ‘WMNDM’ – my Wife Might Not Divorce Me if I buy this without permission – bracket from £1,775 to £2,700 [how do you work that one out? -ed] and is well specced for the money. The top version, this version, comes with Dura-Ace Lite, although this is basically only cranks and rear derailleur for those who have just begun to jump up and down uncontrollably.

Trek boffins have completely redesigned this series for 012 and like the VW Golf, rumour has it that their tweaks have improved on what I feel is an already very good ride.

The looks

They are absolutely knockout, thanks to a great paint job. Trek finish their bikes incredibly well and the paint scheme on this model is exactly to my taste, but this will always be horses for courses. If you’ve got enough cash and want a Trek, you’ll no doubt be going through their bells-and-whistles Project One system but, as I’m a tight-fisted [and some – ed.], flash-Harry so-and-so from Essex, what’s not to like from my point of view?

I’m looking forward to spring now; not because winter’s generally cold, damp and foggy and we only get what feels about two hours of daylight at the moment, but because the thought of riding this bike on a lovely spring morning makes the winter gloom disappear quite quickly. The last word, however, goes to another all-American hero. Take it away, Steve…”I would rather wake up in the middle of nowhere than in any city on earth.”

** Article Originally Published by RoadBicyclingUK

2012 Giant Escape Road Bike at Pats605 Cyclery in Los Angeles County

2012-02-13T17:48:00.000-08:00

Check Out This Tour of Trek Headquarters with Us at Pats 605 Cyclery

2012-02-13T15:57:00.000-08:00

Trek Bicycle Corporation’s HQ in Waterloo, Wisconsin is an impressive place to visit. The 205,000 sq ft facility houses 800 employees, and one of the only large-scale bicycle manufacturing factories left in the US.

The employee roster breaks down roughly 50/50 when comparing white to blue collar workers, illustrating that Trek's domestic production is more than a token effort. The 400-or-so-strong white collar workforce makes up the vast majority of Trek’s engineering, product management, graphic, marketing and business support staff. However, Trek also maintain a three-person suspension development lab in Southern California, run by Jose Gonzales.

At the heart of their Wisconsin headquarters is Trek's carbon manufacturing. All of their Madone 6 Series road bikes – 16 models, if you include framesets –are made in Waterloo, along with other top-tier models including Speed Concept 9 Series time trial bikes, and Top Fuel, Fuel EX 9.9, Remedy 9.9 and Superfly 100 full-suspension rigs, are made in Waterloo. Trek's US production amounts to roughly 25,000 bikes annually.

Unfortunately when BikeRadar called on Trek, the production line was filled with 2013 bikes so our tour guide, mountain bike brand manager Travis Ott, wasn't allowed to show us the factory. Waterloo also serves as the base for Trek’s Project One program, which allows users to pick custom graphic and paint packages, as well as the sizing and specification of their new bike.

*** Article Originally Published by BikeRadar.com

2012 Giant Talon 0 Mountain Bike - Test Ride at Pat's 605 in Norwalk

2012-01-10T17:41:00.000-08:00

Top of the line in the 2012 Talon 29er Mountain Bike range is the 2012 Talon 0. Pat's 605 in Norwalk can put you on one of these for less than you would think when you check out the specs. This bike is made for the trails, whether in the mountains or cross country. You'll fly over the paths, and hardly notice the rocks and roots.

Frame Technology

At the core of this entry-level off-road mountain bike lies a lightweight ALUXX SL frameset designed to handle the specific geometry demands of 26-inch wheels. A smart mix of weight, comfort and affordability are built into each frame, offering the recreational off-roader the opportunity to own a bona-fide mountain bike.

• ALUXX SL-grade, butted aluminum tubeset
• Replaceable rear dropout
• Tough and light, formed and integrated head tube junction gusset
• Integrated headset

Here are the key upgrades that you get on the 2012 Talon 0 compared to the Talon 1:

RockShox XC28, 100mm suspension fork
SRAM X5 componentry
Complete Avid Elixir 1 hydraulic disc brakes
Giant Connect handlebar, stem and seatpost
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Color: Black/Blue

2012 Giant Talon 1 29er Mountain Bike Offers Supurb Performace - Pat's 605 Norwalk

2012-01-07T17:32:00.000-08:00

Come see the incredible 2012 Giant Talon 1 29er Mountain Bike at Pat's 604 Cyclery in Downy. Notice the top tube positioning that will allow you to have a more comfortable stand over position. Check out the 27 speed shifting that will provide you with a perfect gear for every situation on the trails. This bike is built to be rugged, fast, and comfortable.

FEATURES

Key Upgrades (over Talon 29er 2 ):

SR XCT 29", 100mm suspension fork with lockout
SRAM X4 trigger shifting and SRAM X5 rear derailleur
Avid Elixir 1 hydraulic disc brakes
Giant S-XC29 2 alloy rims and Giant Tracker Sport hubs
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Color: Charcoal/Red

More Bike Radar Best Bikes Under $1k

2012-01-07T12:22:00.000-08:00

Cannondale CAAD 8 7 Sora US$940

One of the Scariest Mountain Bike Trails Ever!

2012-01-05T12:29:00.000-08:00

Trek 1.2: Best Bikes Under $1000

2012-01-05T12:19:00.000-08:00

Bike Radars best road bikes under $1000:

Trek 1.2

"Starter bike? Second bike? It’s up to both jobs"

At the Trek 1.2's heart is that Alpha Aluminum frame. Neatly ﬁnished, it offers a solid, conﬁdent ride. Solid might actually sound like we mean harsh, but that isn’t the case here – it’s solid as in reliable, predictable. Some cheaper aluminum bikes can, and often do, err on the side of bone shaking, but the 1.2 is pleasingly smooth – the slim seatstays have enough give to iron out too much harshness at the rear and the Bontrager Approved carbon fork aids cushioning at the front end.

The riding position is reasonably upright – thanks to the high, long-ride-friendly front end. The good news with that is that you’re likely to remain comfortable. The wheels too – from Bontrager, Trek’s own component brand – are good. They roll smoothly, feel strong and should prove reliable.And the same goes for the Bontrager tires – they provide a good level of cushioning and decent amounts of grip. If you’ve never ridden a road bike or you’re coming back after an absence and have ‘just’ £650 to spend, chances are you’ll ﬁnd a lot to like in the Trek 1.2. But the same can be said if you’ve been riding something a few price points up too.

***Click Here for Original Article by Bike Radar

Ride BMX’s Best Of 2011 Video Compilation

2012-01-05T01:34:00.001-08:00

Cannondale Synapse Sora

2012-01-04T20:17:00.000-08:00

BikeRadar Best Bikes Under $1000:

Cannondale Synapse Sora $1,030

The Synapse is typical for a US$1,000 machine, having an aluminum frame, carbon fork with alloy steerer and Shimano’s functional Sora groupset. For a modestly spec’d machine, the ride is reassuring and comfortable. The frame has a shorter top-tube and taller head-tube than Cannondale’s racier bikes, resulting in a slightly upright position.

The comfort is helped by the oversized bar, excellent bar tape, swooping keyhole-shaped seatstays and Schwalbe’s 25mm Lugano tires, their grip allowing you to tackle corners confidently. Cannondale’s own saddle proved popular too, and the result is a bike that takes long rides in its stride and can tackle them at a reasonable lick. It’s excellent for the price, with Cannondale’s experience in producing aluminum frames standing it in good stead.

*** Click Here for full article

2012 Giant Talon 2 Mountain Bike Review - Pat's 605 in Norwalk

2012-01-04T17:16:00.000-08:00

Entry level for the Giant Bicycle Line of 29er mountain bikes is the 2012 Talon 2. Pat's 605 has also created a video about the 2012 Giant Talon 2 Mountain Bike here.

The Talon frame is very close to the same as the Giant XTC which will set you back twice as much. Giant has crafted the frame using Fluidform, which leaves the main tubes in a near perfect combination of strength and rigidity. The frame is made out of Giant’s ALUXX aluminum alloy. The tubesets have been internally butted and hydroformed to optimize strength and weight.

The top tube is a flattened oval with all the cable routing underneath. The down tube is very large. It flares and bridges across to the first 90mm of the top tube, then curves away from the reinforced head tube. The result is a very dependable, comfortable riding frame.

the Talon 29er uses SRAM and Shimano drivetrain components, offering a total of 27 gears.
The Talon is now running all the cable routing underneath, which provides multiple benefits in appearance and reduced drag.

Features

SR XCT 29", 100mm suspension fork
SRAM X4 8-speed trigger shifting and rear derailleur
Tektro Aquila mechanical disc brakes
Giant S-XC29 2 alloy rims and Giant Tracker Sport hubs
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Color: White/Black

2012 Trek 1.1 Road Bike Is Entry Level Suprema

2011-12-31T16:59:00.000-08:00

If you want to get a great starter road bike that will give you plenty of speed, agility, and options, look no further than the 2012 Trek 1.1 Road Bike available at Pat's 605 in Norwalk.

Some of the features for the Trek 1.1 include

SpeedTrap compatible

SpeedTrap seamlessly integrates the computer sensor into the fork to measure speed and distance with no added aerodynamic drag.

Crank: compact

Two front chainrings with shorter gearing, for the best combination of climbing ability and flat-terrain speed.

2012 Trek 1.2 Road Bike - The Details From Pat's 605 in Norwalk

2011-12-29T16:19:00.000-08:00

2012 Trek 1.2 Road Bike offers you a rewarding ride if you love the aluminum frame road bikes. This bike is the middle priced bike in the Trek 1 series. The upgrades from the 1.1 include Shimano Sora 9-speed shifting, Shimano Tiagra rear derailleur, and a Bontrager Approved carbon fork.

2012 Trek 1.5 Road Bike Great Enthusiast Bike at Pat's 605 in Norwalk

2011-12-27T16:03:00.000-08:00

The 2012 Trek 1.5 Road Bike at Pat's 605 in Norwalk is a fantastic bike for any enthusiast. Strong, light, and exhilarating without weighing down your budget, our 2&1 Series bikes are designed with the same meticulous attention to detail as our award-winning Madone.

A rewarding ride for the passionate enthusiast or aluminium aficionado seeking a tour-tested, confident, comfortable rid

2012 Giant DEFI 5 Entry Level Road Bike at Pat's 605 in Norwalk

2011-12-23T14:16:00.000-08:00

Here it Is. 2012 Giant DEFI 5 Road Bike

FEATURES

8-speed Shimano shifting
Giant Sport alloy stem, handlebar and seatpost
Giant S-R2 rims and Giant hubs with stainless spokes
Sizes: XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL
Color: Black/White/Blue

FRAME
Sizes	XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL
Colors	Black/White/Blue
Frame	ALUXX SL-Grade Aluminum
Fork	Aluminum, Alloy OverDrive Steerer
Shock	N / A

COMPONENTS
Handlebar	Giant Sport, 26.0
Stem	Giant Sport
Seatpost	Giant Sport, 30.9
Saddle	Giant Performance Road, Men's
Pedals	Caged w/ Clips

DRIVETRAIN
Shifters	Shimano 2300
Front Derailleur	Shimano 2300
Rear Derailleur	Shimano 2300
Brakes	Tektro TK-R340 Giant Specific, Dual Pivot
Brake Levers	Shimano 2300
Cassette	SRAM PG 850 12x26, 8-Speed
Chain	KMC Z7
Crankset	FSA Tempo, 30/42/52
Bottom Bracket	External Sealed Cartridge

WHEELS
Rims	Giant S-R2
Hubs	Giant 32h
Spokes	Stainless Steel, 14g
Tires	Kenda Kriterium, 700x25

2012 Giant DEFI 3 Roadbike Best Seller at Pats 605 in Norwalk

2011-12-22T13:48:00.000-08:00

One of the best selling road bikes at Pat's 605 Cyclery in Norwalk, CA., is the 2012 Giant DEFI 3. The component pack on this bicycle is absolutely amazing for a road bike under $1000. The Giant DEFI 5 is a fine entry level bike, but for only a few additional dollars you have an enthusiast's level road bike.

Key Upgrades (over Defy 5):

9-speed Shimano Sora componentry
Giant Sport alloy stem 31.8, handlebar and seatpost
Giant S-R4 front- and rear-specific tires
Sizes: XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL
Color: White/Black/Silver

2012 Giant DEFI 2 Road Bike a Great Value

2011-12-20T13:31:00.000-08:00

You Love the 2012 Giant DEFI 1 roadbike, but it's just a little too much money for right now? You can get almost all of the benefits with the 2012 Giant DEFI 2 roadbike now on our floor at Pats 605 in Norwalk.

What you do get by moving up to the DEFI 2 compared to the DEFI 3?

10-speed Shimano Tiagra componentry
FSA Omega crankset with Press-Fit bottom bracket
Sizes: XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL
Color: Black/Red/White

2011-12-18T16:51:00.001-08:00

2012 Giant DEFI 1 Road Bike Under $1400 at Pat's 605 in Norwalk

2011-12-18T13:10:00.000-08:00

Fantastic Value - This is what folks say about the 2012 Giant DEFI Roadbikes. And the top of the line 2012 Giant DEFI 1 Roadbike available at Pat's 605 in Norwalk is no exception.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE ENGINEERING BLENDED WITH ENDURANCE DESIGN. MAKE EVERY CLIMB A LITTLE EASIER, EVERY SPRINT A LITTLE FASTER.

The frame design offers aluminum engineering at its very best. Light, lively and perfectly tuned for the way you ride, the all-new Defy redefines the performance possibilities of an entry-level road bike. Made with the ALUXX SL aluminum frame and featuring components made to optimize its performance, it climbs, corners and sprints like bikes costing thousands more.

2012 Giant Defy 5 at Pats 605

2011-12-10T12:24:00.000-08:00

2012 SE Draft Lite Fixed Gear Bicycle at Pat's 605 Cyclery

2011-12-09T12:23:00.000-08:00

2012 Trek 1.1 at Pats 605

2011-12-08T12:22:00.000-08:00

Rick Patterson introduces the 2012 Trek 1.1

The Best Bicycle Shop Blog

2012 Trek 4300 at Pat's 605 Cyclery in Norwalk near Los Angeles

2012 Cannondale Flash 29er at Pat's 605 Cyclery in Norwalk

2012 Gary Fisher Trek Wahoo at Pat's 605 Cyclery in Los Angeles

Inside Peak at Trek Madone 4.0 with RoadBicylingUK

2012 Giant Escape Road Bike at Pats605 Cyclery in Los Angeles County

Check Out This Tour of Trek Headquarters with Us at Pats 605 Cyclery

2012 Giant Talon 0 Mountain Bike - Test Ride at Pat's 605 in Norwalk

2012 Giant Talon 1 29er Mountain Bike Offers Supurb Performace - Pat's 605 Norwalk

FEATURES

Key Upgrades (over Talon 29er 2 ):

More Bike Radar Best Bikes Under $1k

One of the Scariest Mountain Bike Trails Ever!

Trek 1.2: Best Bikes Under $1000

Ride BMX’s Best Of 2011 Video Compilation

Cannondale Synapse Sora

2012 Giant Talon 2 Mountain Bike Review - Pat's 605 in Norwalk

Features

2012 Trek 1.1 Road Bike Is Entry Level Suprema

SpeedTrap compatible

Crank: compact

2012 Trek 1.2 Road Bike - The Details From Pat's 605 in Norwalk

2012 Trek 1.5 Road Bike Great Enthusiast Bike at Pat's 605 in Norwalk

2012 Giant DEFI 5 Entry Level Road Bike at Pat's 605 in Norwalk

Here it Is. 2012 Giant DEFI 5 Road Bike

FEATURES

FRAME

COMPONENTS

DRIVETRAIN

WHEELS

2012 Giant DEFI 3 Roadbike Best Seller at Pats 605 in Norwalk

Key Upgrades (over Defy 5):

2012 Giant DEFI 2 Road Bike a Great Value

You Love the 2012 Giant DEFI 1 roadbike, but it's just a little too much money for right now? You can get almost all of the benefits with the 2012 Giant DEFI 2 roadbike now on our floor at Pats 605 in Norwalk.

What you do get by moving up to the DEFI 2 compared to the DEFI 3?

2012 Giant DEFI 1 Road Bike Under $1400 at Pat's 605 in Norwalk

2012 Giant Defy 5 at Pats 605

2012 SE Draft Lite Fixed Gear Bicycle at Pat's 605 Cyclery

2012 Trek 1.1 at Pats 605