The Best Bicycle Shop Blog

Prior Model Bike Closeout. 15-30% OFF!

2012-12-07T06:30:00.000-08:00

15%-30% OFF

All 2012 and Earlier Bikes
We have dozens of prior model year bikes that MUST be sold out to make room for 2013 bikes. In many cases the changes from 2012 to 2013 are just minor trim or modest equipment upgrades, so the earlier model years are great buys at 15 to 30% discounts.

Remaining available sizes and models are changing daily, so COME IN TODAY to get the best selection!

Cannondale Demo Truck! Test Ride a Cannondale at Pat's 605!

2012-12-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

Cannondale Demo Truck

Test a Bike

Saturday, December 15th:

Meet @ 7:30am Ride @ 8:30am

8221 College Ave. in Whittier

20-30 mile Turnbow Canyon Ride

(Private demo rides available 8:30-1:30)

Sunday, December 16th:

The demo truck will be at the shop, and you can check out any of the bikes for about an hour. The bikes will be available between

10:00 and 1:30.

Women’s Specific Design 2013 Trek 7.6 FX at Pat’s 605. What’s Not to Love?

2012-11-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Its not hard to see why women would love the Trek FX 7.6 WSD is their most popular bike. Trek knows that a great-fitting bike is a joy to ride. They implement their Women's Specific Design to maximize comfort, stability, power, and control. Some may call it a fitness bike, but there is so much more to it.

Alpha Gold Aluminum is Trek's standard for mid-range road bikes, but the 7.6 is anything but a standard road bike. To start, Trek engineers have spent more than a year designing what they call the IsoZone damping feature that absorbs road buzz at a critical point on the frame, reducing rider fatigue. It effectively kills vibration in the range the rider feels most at a rate twice that of any other system on the market. The lightweight carbon fiber legs on the fork only help to soak up that hand-numbing road vibration.

Don't be fooled, this bike isn't all comfort. It's got 20 gears with an FSA Vero Crank and Shimano Drivetrain. The Shimano Deore 10 speed shifters are trigger actuated, making it amazingly easy to shift. The Shimano Tiagra front derailleur and Deore Shadow rear derailleur make compatibility a non-issue.

Tektro RX 1.0 brakes complete this bike, giving just enough stopping power to your awesome ride. The pads are easy to adjust, and the levers can be fine tuned to brake as hard or soft as you need.

Come to Pat’s 605 Cyclery in Norwalk. We’re located at 12310 S. Studebaker Road in Norwalk. We are committed to helping you meet all your cycling needs. Stop by or call today! (562) 864-0740.

$25 Statement Credit From American Express at Pat's 605

2012-11-24T12:37:00.000-08:00

Don't Miss It! Get your $25 from American Express on top of our Great Deals!

SEE YOU THERE!

Light, Fast, Stiff Road Bike Designed Specifically For Women: The 2013 Trek Lexa SL! See it Now at Pat’s 605 Cyclery in Norwalk!

2012-11-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Are you a woman looking for a light, fast, confidence-inspiring road bike? That's exactly what you'll find in the 2013 Trek Lexa SL!

100 Series aluminum is Trek's high performance aluminum that uses complex tube shapes for a great combination of strength and weight. You have the option between a compact crank or a triple, depending on your gearing needs. The compact crank offers enough gears for you to be comfortable on any ride, while at the same time saving weight that is all important when trying to get moving.

Trek also decided to use the H3 WSD fit on this bike, which is just a bit higher head tube, and a slightly shorter top tube so you can ride for longer yet feel just as comfortable. Comfort is one of Trek's top priorities, and this is illustrated by their use of Women's Specific Design in their road and mountain bikes. Trek knows that a great-fitting bike means more joy from the ride, and they have designed their WSD bikes to offer great comfort, excellent power and stability, and awesome control.

It goes without saying how excellent it is to have Shimano STI shifters and brakes at the same location on the handlebars. It allows you to have complete control over the gears while maintaining your ability to brake if needed. Shimano Tiagra derailleurs provide compatibility and sure, swift shifting every time.

Trek cares about comfort, and that's why they've used a Bontrager Affinity 1 saddle, a 20mm offset Bontrager Race seatpost, and Bontrager Gel Cork tape on the bars. Long rides won't be an issue because your sit bone and your hands will be gently cradled by these comfy yet firm Bontrager components.

Come check out the 2013 Lexa today at Pat’s 605 Cyclery located at 12310 S. Studebaker Road in Norwalk. You can also reach us by phone at (562) 864-0740.

Don’t delay, come see this amazing bike today!

The Queen of WSD Bikes, the 2013 Trek Madone 6.2, Available for Test Rides at Pat’s 605 Cyclery in Norwalk!

2012-11-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

The 2013 Trek Madone 6.2 should be called the Queen of WSD bikes, with its 9 Tour de France wins. It's an incredible ride with hand-built quality, and for 2013, has an all-new super-aero shape.

The frame is 600 series OCLV carbon which use advanced aerospace materials and weight-saving, performance-enhancing process to have the best blend of frame weight and strength. Trek has taken their time making sure this frame fits women specifically, denoted as WSD. The greater the fit, the better the comfort, stability, power and control. Trek also uses their H2 fit that features a slightly higher head tube to put less strain on your back and neck.

Going from the frame to the components, the bike comes equipped with an all Shimano Ultegra Drivetrain. The shifters are Shimano STI 10-speed, and because they are totally integrated, you can more easily switch gears and use the brake, as they are located together on the handlebars. The STI shifters control the front and rear Shimano Ultegra derailleurs, which means you can be confident that each shift is going to be swift and sure.

To ensure your comfort, Trek went with Bontrager for the saddle, handlebars, and grips. Bontrager is the industry leader when it comes to comfort, so you shouldn't worry about how comfortable this bike is to ride.

To best experience all that the 2013 Trek Madone 6.2 WSD has to offer, you need to ride it. And you can do that at Pat’s 605. We are located at 12310 S. Studebaker Road in Norwalk and our phone number is (562) 864-0740.

We’ll be looking forward to meeting you and helping you with all your cycling needs!

Dual Sport. A Term That Nearly Fails to Describe the Versatility of the 2013 Trek Dual Sport 8.6, Available Now at Pat’s 605!

2012-11-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Trek's 2013 DS 8.6 is the ultimate hybrid. A great bike to ride around the city or to tackle the commute to work, as well as an adventurous trail bike. Trek's Alpha Gold aluminum is used on the 8.6 DS, which is formed into tube shapes that balance weight and strength.

The frame is designed to absorb 20mm worth of roots, curbs, and railroad tracks without a shock. Its called IsoZone, and it adds comfort and durability directly to the frame. In addition, Trek utilized a handlebar-mounted control for on-the-fly suspension lockout as you switch terrains. A remote lockout means an easier time on the trail as your hands don't even have to leave the handlebars.

Speaking of hands, Trek went with Bontrager bars and grips which provide comfort, control, and durability, as well as providing a nice upright ride that's easy to enjoy.

The 8.6 DS is the perfect bike for someone who wants to ride around town or commute to work as well as satisfying the needs of the mountain biker inside. The bike easily accommodates 700x35c tires with fenders, or you can slap on a burly Bontrager XDX 29"x1.8" MTB without fenders for those weekend trips to the light trails.

Trek Dual Sport bikes are the right solution for the multi-purpose rider, designed for weekday-to-weekend versatility. It's comfortable, ergonomic, and capable features are essential for the frequent rider. And having a choice for tire size is a nice option for mixed use. Its fast and efficient on pavement, and its capable and confident on the dirt.

If you haven’t seen this bike, you don’t know what you’re missing. So show up to our store located at 12310 S. Studebaker Road in Norwalk for a test ride. Or you can call us to talk more about what we have to offer you at (562) 864-0740.

You’re Sick of Average Mountain Bikes, and Pat’s 605 has the remedy. The 2013 Trek Remedy 9.9, That is.

2012-11-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Mountain biking has been taken to the next level with Trek's 2013 Remedy 9.9. It's got an ultra light frame, 150mm travel in it's suspension, and super precise handling. The Remedy 9.9 is the ultimate technical trail bike that goes anywhere.

Trek lays the foundation for greatness by using its OCLV Mountain carbon. They tailor it to the rigors of off-road use. They preserve the light weight and great carbon feel, and at the same time reinforce all the right areas. The 9.9 is tough, and built for the trail.

CTD suspension is available on select Fox shocks and forks, and it is a simple, intuitive, high-performance system that gives you three suspension options: Climb, Trail, or Descend. DRCV front and rear shocks offer efficient, simple, and plush big-hit control. One shock, two chambers, no compromise. The front fork stanchions is cushioned with Kashima Coat metal for reduced friction, quicker suspension response and improved durability.

There are tons more features for the avid trail rider. There's the full floater suspension system that attaches to the bottom of the shock via two moving linkage points in order to better respond to bumps on many types of terrain.

Seat hight is sometimes a difficult thing to control when riding, especially when you're in rolling terrain. The Reverb seat post gives you 125mm of controlled-speed seat height adjustment with a hydraulically actuated handlebar-mounted remote. Trek even sealed it off with a custom sealing system, ensuring quality even in bad weather.

There's a reason why Trek is one of the number one brands in the country. To see all of those reasons, you need to test ride a bike like the 2013 Trek Remedy 9.9. We have test bikes available, so come to Pat’s 605 today to check one out. We’re located at 12310 S. Studebaker Road in Norwalk and our phone number is (562) 864-0740. The rest is up to you!

29” Wheels, DRCV Travel, an All Around Excellent Bike: the 2013 Rumblefish 29er Pro! Come See it Today at Pat’s 605!

2012-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Let's cut to the chase. The 2013 Trek Rumblefish 29er Pro has 120mm front and rear DRCV travel. With DRCV you can have it all. Most full suspension air-shock bikes use small-volume canisters for pedaling efficiency, but they don't have the best big-hit control. Our solution is a Dual Rate Control Valve that has two chambers which has the best blend of efficiency and simplicity. The front fork also has Trek's DRCV technology to give you exactly the suspension you need for every inch of your ride. That means great small-bump compliance, smooth mid-stroke travel, and awesome big-hit control.

Some maintain that having 29" wheels makes the handling sleepy, but Trek used G2 Geometry to solve that issue. They have included a custom-offset fork and used advanced frame geometry so you have precise handling at low speed, and excellent stability when at higher speeds. The 29" wheels also hold momentum better, so you can keep rolling over the rough stuff and maintain speed through corners.

Don’t sit on the internet looking at pictures of this bike, or even keep reading this review! Come to Pat’s 605 today so you can test ride the bike and see for yourself how amazing it is. We are located at 12310 S. Studebaker Road in Norwalk and our phone number is (562) 864-0740. We hope to see you soon!

Trek Blows Away the competition in the XC market with their 2013 4900 Disc, Available NOW at Pat’s 605!

2012-11-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

There are too many words that can describe the 2013 Trek 4900 Disc, it's a better idea to come to Pat's 605 Cyclery and look at it yourself. Trek's 4 series are modeled much after Treks XC bikes. It's got an oversize stem and handlebar lend to the bikes stiffness for more confident, precise handling. It's shock absorbing front suspension fork allows the front wheel to travel up and down over bumps while the handlebars stay steady, for a comfortable, controlled ride.

The 4900 D has Trek's Trail Ready certification, which indicates the frame has passed Trek's strict testing for durability and impact standards, and is ready to handle the rigors of real off-road riding.

Probably the best feature on this bike are the handlebar-mounted controls that let you lock out your suspension on the fly, without having to move your hands from the handlebars. As the terrain switches, you'll be ready at the flip of a switch. It's front derailleur is internally routed as well, letting you run your housing directly through the frame, keeping the cable protected from the elements and your bike running smooth, clean, and quiet. Lastly, the disc brakes indicated by the "D" in the model name, offer the absolute strongest stopping power in all conditions, including wet and muddy.

You NEED to see this bike for yourself. We have it, and will even let you test ride it. We’re located at 12310 S. Studebaker Road in Norwalk and our phone number is (562) 864-0740. Don’t wait.

Women Can Easily Find an Awesome Full Suspension 29er in the 2013 Lush SL! And Its at Pat’s 605!

2012-11-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Trek has a brand new full suspension 29er mountain bike that fits women of all sizes: the 2013 Lush 29er SL! The Lush SL features Trek's Alpha Platinum aluminum which is their premium alloy and allows for sophisticated tube shapes. Utilizing these shapes, the bike's designers have been able to find the greatest combination of strength and weight.

Once you're on the bike, the 29" wheels aid in helping the rider pass over the rocks and stumps they undoubtedly would encounter while on the trial. Also, 29" wheels allows for better traction by increasing the surface area of wheel to ground contact.

The Lush SL comes equipped with a Press-fit bottom bracket, which dramatically increases pedaling efficiency and keeps the bike stiff and strong. Adding to the stiffness, Trek used a Magnesium EVO Link to connect the main frame to the rear triangle with a one-piece rocker link. Another benefit of this link is to give greater steering control to the rider.

Trek has really gone out of their way to make any of their WSD bikes an awesome fit for women. Trek knows that a great-fitting bike is a joy to ride. The better the fit, the greater your comfort, stability, power, and control. A few of the features of the Lush SL have been designed specifically for women. The "WSD Rider Right spring rate" is specially tuned to suit women riders, and their WSD 29er geometry is designed to offer best-in-class standover, low hand position, and a low center of gravity for responsive handling, ultimate control, and unbeatable comfort.

Women who are serious about mountain biking shouldn't have to live without this bike. We have it, and we want you to have it. Don’t wait. Come see one today at Pat’s 605 located at 12310 S. Studebaker Road in Norwalk. Our phone number is (562) 864-0740.

Lower-End Bike Doesn’t Mean Less Performance. Perfect Example: 2013 Trek 1.5

2012-11-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Even when it comes to lower end bikes like the 2013 1.5, Trek pays the same amount of attention to detail and features as their high-end bikes. The frame on the 1.5 is Trek's 100 Series Alpha Aluminum, and it comes with 10 gears which is the standard in race performance gearing. It's compact 2 chainring crank saves weight while still offering a great combination of climbing power and flat land speed.

Trek uses their classic H2 fit which puts a slightly higher head tube than normal, giving extra comfort to the back and neck. It's tour tested geometry has the perfect balance of handling, comfort, and acceleration.

Shimano Tiagra STI shifters are an awesome addition for the 1.5. They are trigger shifters that have a nice optical display for easy gear reading, and contain both the up/down triggers and the brake lever in one spot, allowing for a more efficient ride. The front and rear derailleurs are also by Shimano, as well as the 12-30, 10 speed cassette.

The comfort aspects of the bike are handled easily by Bontrager. That means you can trust that the saddle, handlebars, and grips will have excellent geometry and will help to reduce road fatigue over longer rides.

Come over to Pat’s 605, located at 12310 S. Studebaker Road in Norwalk and our phone number is (562) 864-0740. You can take a test ride of this bike, and check out the rest of what we have to offer as well. We’ll be seeing you soon!

Trek Has an Awesome Bike for All Types of Riders. but the 2013 Skye SL Disc is just for Women!

2012-10-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Trek WSD: Women’s Specific Design means that the 2013 Skye Sl Disc will be a great-fitting bike from the first time you sit on it. If you are a woman and you LOVE to go mountain biking, then this is definitely the bike for you. Trek uses their high-performance aluminum with manipulated tube shapes to balance strength and weight. That means the frame is strong, maneuverable, and light. You will be confident riding this bike on or off the road, knowing that the bike is capable of handling any trail you can find. It’s fun, versatile, and designed to fit you right from the start. The better the fit, the greater your comfort, stability, power, and control. Don’t forget that the 2013 Skye comes with hydraulic disc brakes for amazing stopping power; even if you only use one finger on the lever!

Pat’s 605 is located at 12310 S. Studebaker Road in Norwalk and our phone number is (562) 864-0740.

If you want to take a test ride or just want to check out this great bike for yourself, you know where to find us. We’ll be waiting!

www.pats605cyclery.com

Take the Trail by Storm on the 2013 Superfly Elite SL 29er HT! We have it at Pat’s 605!

2012-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

The 2013 Trek Superfly Elite 29er HT has raised the bar for 29er hardtail mountain performance bikes. 29” tires means that you can carry more momentum, roll over obstacles easier, and expect more stability and traction than standard 26” tires. Trek has also included a more robust and confident rear axle that is about 35% stiffer than an open dropout design. Trek’s mountain-specific carbon fiber is tougher carbon, with unique materials and layup procedures, Trek’s advanced engineering and a higher standard of testing. The bottom bracket is the stiffest carbon on the market, and it is exclusive to Trek.

The shifters, front and rear derailleur are all Shimano Deore, so compatabilty is a non-issue. In fact, having an all Shimano drivetrain makes shifting dependable, easy, and quick. Even the brakes are Shimano Deore XT hydraulic disc brakes, which means stopping power is fantastic. Bontrager Race Lite Tubeless Ready Disc Race Wheels come standard on the Superfly, and Bontrager manufactures the 29” tires mentioned earlier.

This bike is incredible, and you can take a test ride of it at Pat’s 605. We are located at 12310 S. Studebaker Road in Norwalk and our phone number is (562) 864-0740.

Don’t wait! Come by now and take a test ride of this great bike!

www.pats605cyclery.com

Pat’s 605 is Proud to Present the 2013 Trek Fuel EX!

2012-10-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Bike Radar

The 2013 Trek Fuel EX may not look different from last years model, but Trek has practically redesigned the whole bike! First, Trek updated the geometry of the Fuel EX by making the chainstays shorter and lowering the bottom bracket. More compliance comes from a 30% increase in travel in the shocks! These few changes alone make the bike way better than the 2012 models.

This bike comes in two aluminum platforms and three carbon platforms. The carbon models have different rear triangles. One made from aluminum alloy, one with aluminum chainstays and carbon seatstays, and another is full carbon. Depending on the model, the frames can weigh as little as 3.9 pounds, and as many as 5.4 pounds.

Trek also included the Active Braking Pivot, and their exclusive Dual Rate Control Valve to make the bike amazingly efficient, confident and smooth. Many reviewers are saying that the Fuel EX is the best bike of the year.

We are located at 12310 S. Studebaker Road in Norwalk and our phone number is (562) 864-0740, If you have any questions about the 2013 Trek Fuel, or just want to come by to schedule a test ride, you can do so at any time. We’ll be waiting for you!

www.pats605cyclery.com

2013 Trek Madone 2 Series: Stiffer, Lighter, Perfect for Any Rider!

2012-10-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

For years, the Trek Madone was a leading carbon fiber road racer used by local riders as well as Lance Armstrong. The light weight and advanced design of the Madone carbon frame gave cyclists a big performance edge over others not as lucky to be riding this bike. Trek has recognized the need to bring the design of the Madone down to a lower price point so for 2013, Trek is introducing two Madone models in aluminum. The Madone 2.1 and 2.3 deliver a lot of the benefits of their carbon big brother but at half the price.

Equipped with a carbon fork and seat post and Shimano 105 10 speed components the Madone 2 series is perfect for racing, triathlons, weekend group rides or that early Saturday morning ride by yourself where you just want to see where the road takes you.

We are located at 12310 S. Studebaker Road in Norwalk and our phone number is 562 864-0740. If you have questions about the 2013 Madone, give us a call or drop by the shop and check them out in person.

www.pats605cyclery.com

Pat’s 605 Checks Out the 2013 Trek Lineup at Interbike 2013

2012-10-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Every year, the bicycle industry gathers for the Interbike Trade Show where all the manufacturers put on display the new bikes, clothing, and accessories you will find at Pat's 605 Cyclery in the upcoming season. New models, new colors, and new technology gets the people in the shop excited about the upcoming year. This trade show was no exception with the Trek bike line looking hotter than ever.

The Madone, Trek's flagship road race bike is redesigned and better than ever! The new 7 series frame has dropped in weight down to just 750 grams yet it's still as stiff and solid as previous Madones. Utilizing the new KVF tube shape, the aerodynamic improvement delivers an extra 25 watts in performance and for the Madone rider, that can be the difference between winning and finishing in the pack. Looking to get into road riding but want to be conservative with your bicycle budget, the Madone now comes in affordably priced aluminum models with prices under $2,000 and the 1 series bikes with models starting at $739.

Looking to save some money or burn less oil and want to start bike commuting to work or school or just want to burn some calories on the bike trail? Then consider the FX category of flat bar road bikes. Each model has an upright, comfortable riding position with the base model starting at under $600. Bicycle commuters and recreational cyclists all over our region have relied upon the Trek FX to get them where they need to go.

We are located at 12310 S. Studebaker Road in Norwalk and our phone number is 562 864-0740. If you have questions about the 2013 Treks, give us a call or drop by the shop and check them out in person.

http://www.pats605cyclery.com

How experts fit a kid's bike (part 2) bike shop Norwalk

2012-08-25T23:52:00.000-07:00

Pat's 605 bike shop in Norwalk is running this series on bike fit for various types of bicycles. Today we bring you part 2 on fitting kids' bikes.

After you have selected the right wheel size for your child, it is time to adjust for their proportions.

You can use these guidelines to adjust this bike as your kid gets taller. Ideally, you'll be able to adjust for your child's growth before the bike needs to be replaced.

First of all, check the standover height. Have your child straddle the bike's top bar. There should be 1-2" of space between their crotch and the bar.

Next, adjust the seat. Position the seat so that the child can be in an upright, comfortable riding position. Their elbows should slightly bend while they grip the handlebars, not hyper-extend. Similarly, there should be some flex in their knee when at the bottom of a downstroke on the pedals.

Come into our shop in Norwalk for help finding the perfect, quality bikes for your children and the right safety equipment so they can safely enjoy riding their bikes.

How experts fit a kid's bike (part 1) bike shop Downey

2012-08-23T23:42:00.000-07:00

Pat's 605 has a large selection of quality kids bikes

Pat's 605 bike shop (near by Downey) has been sharing the bike expert's secrets to fitting bicycles.

Each style of bike has varying fit guidelines. We began with mountain bikes, and today we are going to share how to select fit on a kid's bicycle. When we were growing up, this involved sticking a kid on the largest bike they could physically reach the pedals on, and lowering the seat, right? Actually, it is dangerous for children to ride a bike that is too large for them. We recommend getting a bike that fits them now, so they can be safe, confident, and comfortable when they ride.

Kids’ bikes are sized according to the wheel size. There are general age guidelines to help you know where to look, but it is the child's size, not their age, that tells you what bike to go with.

Average wheel sizes by age are as follows:

14"- 4 to 6 years

16"- 5 to 8 years

18-20"- 7- to 10-years

24"- 10 and up

After you have found a bike that you think is right for your child, the shop will check for fit, and make adjustments as necessary. It is always a good idea to purchase your child's bike from a quality local retailer that has the expertise to help you get a good fit.

How experts fit a mountain bike (part 2): bike shop (near Downey)

2012-08-21T17:54:00.000-07:00

In our last post,our bike shop (near by Downey) shared our expert secrets for fitting a mountain bike for it's rider. Approaches in mountain biking are as varied as body types, so some may prefer to tweak these guidelines for their personal style. These general guidelines should provide a good starting point, however. Our earlier post dealt with standover height and reach adjustments.

Here are other spots you may want to adjust for fit:

3. Saddle height: If you are seated on your bike, your legs should still be gently bent as you reach the bottom of your pedal stroke. If your feet can simultaneously rest flat on the floor while you are in the saddle, you will need raise your seat.

4. Stem: Have someone hold the bike steady so you can sit in the seat with your hands on the grips. If you are reaching or your elbows are locked, your stem will need to be adjusted or replaced with one that is the right length and angle for you.

5. Saddle position: The saddle is generally parallel to the ground, with the knee directly over the ball of your foot. When you pedal, your shin is angled slightly forward.

If you have any trouble achieving proper fit with your bicycle, or you are looking to buy a new bicycle, come into our shop and we can assist with getting your bike fitted for the perfect performance, fitness, and comfort.

How experts fit a mountain bike: bike shop (near Santa Fe Springs

2012-08-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

At Pat's 605 bike shop (near Santa Fe Springs), we can help you select the proper frame size for your new mountain bike. Not only that, but our experts will adjust the whole bike to fit your proportions and preferences exactly.

Having proper fit is very important for getting the best ride possible. It will maximize the performance, fitness benefits, and comfort of your ride.
The following are a few of the ways we adjust fit on a mountain bike. Individual riders may opt to tweak these guidelines for their comfort or to change the way the bike responds. However, for many riders these adjustments will provide the most satisfying ride.
1. Standover height: Straddle your top tube, and lift the bike off the ground. On a hard tail , you should have at least 2" clearance between the tires and the ground. You may prefer up to 3-5 inches of clearance for aggressive riding. On a full suspension bike, 1" clearance may be enough, because the compression of the suspension will lower the bike's height when you are seated.
2. Reach: Sit on your bike with your hands on the grips. Your elbows should be slightly bent, rather than hyper-extended. This allows you to absorb the impact of bumps and rough terrain. If you have to reach or lock your elbows, you need to adjust for reach.

See our next post for more tips on mountain bike fit...

Norwalk bike shop's First look: Trek 2013 Fuel EX mountain bike

2012-08-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

Here at our bike shop in Norwalk, we've been checking out all the new 2013 models from Trek. One of the bikes that has made an impression this year is the Trek Fuel EX. This favorite trail bike from Trek has seen a number of improvements and refinements in 2013.
The new Fuel has more travel now at 130mm instead of 120, but what is perhaps even more notable is the changes that have made the 2013 Fuel a much more relaxed, plush ride. Using a dual-chamber shock and fork, Trek has tuned this bike to be both smooth and responsive.

2013 changes:

130 mm of travel from 120 mm last year.
new suspension kinematics where main pivot is moved forward for better pedaling performance
Lower standover
5mm lower bottom bracket height when sagged
10mm shorter chainstays
Lighter frame weights from 3.9 lbs to 5.4 lbs
Fuel 9.9 complete bike is now 24.5 lbs
Internal cable routing for all shifter cables and even the Rockshox Reverb post cable
Fuel EX 5, 6, 7 weigh 2466 gram
Fuel EX 9.9 weighs 1760 grams or 3.88 lbs

Review of 2013 Trek 7.2 FX by LA Times Writer Roy Wallack

2012-08-11T12:52:00.000-07:00

He wrote "Bike for Life: How to Ride to 100," and Roy Wallack recently reviewed four fitness bikes in a column for the Los Angeles Times. Here is his thoughts on the growing category called fitness bikes:

If you're ready to ride a bike for fitness but not ready to hunch over like a Tour de France racer or tackle death-defying single-track trails in the mountains, a single-speed, bulbous-tire beach cruiser won't do. You need a "fitness bike," what the industry now calls the broad category that combines the large, fast-rolling 700-C wheels of road bikes, a tough multi-tread tire and the straight handlebars of a mountain bike. Formerly known as hybrids, these lightweight aluminum-frame bikes have become more refined, stylish and specialized; all work for commuting while sporting varying capabilities for pavement and mild dirt paths.

Roy really gave the 2013 Trek 7.2 FX Fitness Bike a big thumbs up:

Trek 7.2 FX: The all-conditions performance fitness bike for road, trail and commuting comes with 24-speed Shimano Alivio drive-train, puncture-resistant tires and mountain-bike style V brakes.
Likes: Fast, quick and balanced on road and mild dirt paths. Like the Specialized, it has more of a leaned-over, high-performance position than the Electra or the Felt, plus just enough style (note the red accents) to feel hip. Fender mounts make it a worthy all-weather commuter. It's also available in a women's model with altered dimensions. The FX's higher-end models have disc brakes and better components. For more off-road capability, go to the Trek 8 Dual Sport bikes, which have a light suspension fork.
Dislikes: None.

First look at the stunning 2013 Trek Lineup

2012-08-06T17:12:00.002-07:00

We are waiting with great anticipation this year for our bike shop in Norwalk to have all the 2013 Trek bicycles in. We already carried Trek's bikes because we know them to be quality machines that can be counted on, both for road and mountain biking needs. But this year promises to be a sort of revolution of sorts for the Trek models we have grown to love.

Trek's image since its 2007 has been that of a technology-focused bike, they continue to deliver bikes with an eye for cutting-edge technology. The 2013 lineup includes some of the most advanced models yet, breaking through limits of weight and speed. These bikes are light, fast, and devastating.

Get the full break-down of the Trek 2013 highlights from Bicycle.com, and watch our blog for our announcements about the new models as they arrive on the shop floor.

We can't wait to get to take these beauties for a ride, and we hope you will come on down to the Norwalk shop to see them for yourself when they arrive.

Cheapest bike ever made

2012-07-25T23:21:00.000-07:00

Will this bike one day become the cheapest ever to be sold at our Downey bike shop?

A newly designed bicycle by Israeli entepreneur Izhar Gafni, is constructed from light-weight, durable, eco-friendly, inexpensive, and waterproof cardboard. Does it sound too weird to be true? That's exactly what the experts told him.

Gafni wanted to create a bicycle that would be too inexpensive to appeal to bike thieves, so he began experimenting with building a bicycle out of cardboard boxes. Though he was met with skepticism from the engineers he consulted with, he persevered. He has since created a successful working model of his cardboard bike.

The prototype may still undergo more changes, but presently the production cost is about $9 to $12 per bike. Gafni has not yet found a manufacturer to produce the bikes, so it is uncertain what the total cost will be, but Gafni says it will cost less than $90 new.