Allegro Elite Cycling

Winter Special Pricing

2014-02-13T09:16:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year - the rain has started and cooler days have already come our way. But, don't hang your bike up yet! It's also the best time to get your position dialed in and your maintenance concerns addressed so you hit the road or trail in the spring pain and worry free.

Here's the deals through March 31:
(Click the links for details...)

Platinum Elite Fitting: Was $180, now $160
Platinum Overhaul: Was $170, now $150
Gold Major Tune Up: Was $90, now $75

Keep in mind: these feature all the same benefits as the in-season prices. On-Location fitting w/ video analysis, pick-up, delivery, evening and Saturday service.

Make your appointment today!

Allegro Elite Cycling Welcomes Wahoo Fitness!

2014-02-11T13:22:00.002-08:00

Just arrived last night; the Wahoo Fitness RFLKT and BLUE SC. These are test units; I'll be testing and reporting on them (so be watching for my review) and you can schedule an appointment to test yourself and then buy direct from Allegro.

If you are not familiar with Wahoo and their line of products; they create tools which augment and complement the apps that many of us have grown to use and love for tracking our fitness activities using our smart phones. Integrating seamlessly with Strava (my app if choice);the RFLKT will display your data live from your handlebar while your phone is still safely stowed in your pocket.

To test the RFLKT and BLUE SC (speed and cadence sensor) yourself; contact me by email (allegrobike@gmail.com) or call/text me at 971-238-4130 to reserve a date. Your small deposit includes installation and setup/pairing with your iOS device (iPhone, etc) and can be credited to your purchase.

Purchase pricing also includes delivery, install, and setup.

Watch here for a through review and details including all Wahoo pricing.

Enjoy the ride!

Expanded Service Offerings

2013-07-01T10:21:00.003-07:00

I am very excited to continue to expand my offerings to my valued clients and Washington County's excellent cycling community. Thanks to all my customers who have contributed to my calculated growth and expansion. Allegro is growing and you have all helped!

Check these new services added:

-Event Support

-Group/Club Presentations and Demonstrations
-Mechanical Training

-Tandem Orientation
(Tandems are also eligible for tune-ups, overhauls, and fitting. Contact me for pricing.)

And, as always - don't forget about my Referral Rewards Program. If you know someone who might be interested in any of the above services; send them my way and earn yourself a bonus!

Thanks again to everyone for your loyalty and business. I sincerely appreciate it!

Platinum Custom Assembly - Get the Bike YOU Want

2013-04-24T10:50:00.003-07:00

Today's bicycles are amazing and the breadth of options is often overwhelming. Still, with more models available than ever; it seems that sometimes you cannot find exactly the bike you want. A long-time client of mine was faced with exactly that situation - and so we crafted a solution.

And that is exactly why I offer the Platinum Assembly - to allow for custom options in addition to top-quality frame-up assembly.

Richard and I talked for some time before we arrived at a final solution; but much of the hows and whys were already a part of the conversation. We knew we would be taking a carbon road bike and doing a flat-bar conversion because it meets his riding position needs. When we located a bike that met our fitting demands (another area where Richard and I have worked closely for some time) and that met his satisfaction in terms of ride-quality: he pulled the trigger and we went to work.

This project started with a stock Trek Domane 5.2 - as pictured:

The work began with a complete dis-assembly with the exception of the cranks, front derailleur, and brake calipers. We would be replacing the cassette, rear derailleur, saddle, stem, handlebar, shifters and brake levers, and upgrading the wheels and tires with items that better met Richard's wants and needs but weren't options in Trek's catalog.

Re-cabling the bike due to flat-bar brake levers and different cable lengths was all part of the job, and well within the scope of the Platinum Custom Assembly (Internal cable routing and all...)

(Here is where I ought to also commend Trek on a job well done on a well executed and relatively easy to service internal routing job. While I much prefer external cables when servicing a bike because they are easier to replace and allow a few "mechanic's tricks" for faster set-up, internal cables look good and make it easier to clean the bike. However, home mechanic beware - they are a bear to replace without proper tools, know-how, and a little mistake-related-experience on your side...)

I need better photos of the finished project (perhaps I can bribe Richard for some...); but we were able to create something that is mechanically sound, fits and rides beautifully, maintains good aesthetic quality, and most importantly makes Richard very happy when he rides.

Here's the final photo; just before delivery to Richard:

And the final specs; much of which I was able to source for Richard, making his experience a little easier and hassle-free:

Frame/Fork/Seatpost: 2013 Trek Domane 5.2
Wheels: Shimano Dura Ace WH-7900 C24 CL
Crankset: Shimano Ultegra 6703 Triple
Front Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra 6703 braze-on
Brakeset: Shimano Ultegra 6700
Tires: Continental GP4000s 25mm
Cassette: Shimano XT M780 11-32
Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT M772 Shadow
Shifters: Shimano SL-770 flat bar road
Brake Levers: Shimano BR-SL flat bar road
Chain: Shimano Ultegra CN-6701
Stem: Bontrager Race Lite OS 31.8
Handlebar: Ritchey WCS Aluminum zero rise 31.8

What ideas have you had floating around in your head but don't think anyone can help you with? Contact me and we will see what we can work out with this service or my many others. I am here to help!

Allegro Referral Rewards

2012-10-26T14:04:00.002-07:00

Referrals are the backbone of any successful and reputable business and a huge part of how I find new people to help. I consider it a giant compliment that my clients are satisfied enough to recommend my services to their friends and family.

I want to reward you for sending someone my way. Here's how the program works:

Have your friend or family member call me or send me their contact info.
They complete a repair or fitting appointment of any level or value.
I contact you with a referral bonus.

Simple, right? That's how it should be.

The rewards are as follows*

10% off any product that I or my suppliers have in stock (that's right, special orders are eligible too).
20% off labor pricing of any repair, overhaul, or fitting service (seasonal specials included).

Let's build this thing together and get you what you need to truly enjoy your cycling experience!

Thanks for the referrals, everyone!

*Reward values do not accrue with subsequent referrals. You have one reward bonus available until you use it regardless of the number of referrals - so use your bonus quickly so you continue to receive rewards! Program subject to change.

Bicycle Assembly

2012-08-22T08:13:00.003-07:00

There are a variety of reasons you would need professional bike assembly:

~ You found a bargain online that will be shipped to you but don't have the time to assemble it your self or would prefer to have someone else do it to insure the job is completed properly.

~ You have been travelling with your bike for vacation or an event and need it reassembled after shipping it home.

~You found a great deal on a collectible frame set on craigslist and have a period-correct build kit to put on it and want it done right.

The proper assembly of your bicycle - according to manufacturer specifications - is the most important factor in assuring it consistently performs and lasts a long time. Correct torque values, bearing adjustment, spoke tension, and simple pride in workmanship all work together to deliver an enjoyable riding experience for many years.

I have assembled bicycles of every frame material and nearly every brand. Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo components receive proper care and adjustment according to their unique needs and requirements. Zipp, Mavic, Shimano, Bontrager, Rolf, Campagnolo, Fulcrum or even custom hand-built wheels will receive manufacturer-correct service.

Platinum Assembly: $135

Custom assembly from a bare frame requires extra time and attention. Assembly compound on all threaded surfaces; running all cables and cutting to proper length. Bicycle may also be set up to fitting dimensions when you provide the data. Includes pick up and delivery.

Gold Assembly: $60

When your bicycle arrives partially assembled in a box - whether new from a retailer or after being shipped home from your trip abroad - this service should do the trick. Includes pick up and delivery.

Dura Ace PD-7900 Pedals - First Impressions

2012-08-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

A quick update before the weekend. Shimano’s latest pedal offering arrived last season – the new Dura Ace PD-7900 in carbon composite. Now that we've had our hands on them and they've seen some miles; here's our thoughts. Published weight is 248 grams per pair (124 g. each) which officially enters Shimano into the light-weight pedal game.
This puts the PD-7900 pedal and cleat within 2 or 3 grams of a Speedplay Stainless Steel pedal and cleat. In true Shimano style; they have not sacrificed to get there though – in fact it appears that there is actually more pedal surface contacting the cleat and offering a broader support platform for more comfort and efficiency. Riders who have lots of miles on the latest version and the former PD-7810 have commented that the stability seems to have improved with a feeling of a firmer connection to the pedal without negatively effecting freedom of float.

These are sure to be in slim supply for a while (this pair was already sold…had to sneak a photo or two before installing) so get your orders in now! It seemed to take Shimano a season or so to catch up with demand on the previous generation. However, the trade show season may show an Ultegra version. What do you think?

Yeah, our scale says 250 grams. Chalk that up to grease on the bearings. It’s 1 gram per pedal for goodness sake!

Worn Tires and Flatting

2012-04-04T19:26:00.000-07:00

This post also appeared on my blog - but I figured the audience there is a little more broad and it's a good topic; so I'm sharing it here as well.

This time of year I seem to more commonly be addressing common causes of flat tires and how to prevent them. A frequently overlooked cause worth talking about is worn-out tires.

As your tires wear their flat protection is reduced because there is less rubber on them to resist sharp objects as you roll over them.

Additionally, tires do age: and not very well at that! Cracking in the tread and side-wall of the tire is a good indicator of a worn and weakened tire that is ready to be replaced.

Finally, tires also get cuts in them which weaken the tire and make it more prone to flatting. Anything bigger than 3/16" (4 mm) really ought to be addressed.

All of these symptoms are exceedingly common. How common? All 5 of the flat and worn tires pictured below came into the store on one Saturday last year!

Good, round tire

Worn, "flat-top" tire

Vanished tread or wear indicators

Large cuts through tread and casing

Cracking/"cross hatch" in sidewalls

Cracked/separated tread

Tire worn through to casing

More worn tread through to casing

Do I Need a Bike Fitting?

2011-10-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

Driving around town the other day I saw so many people who were so obviously uncomfortable on their bikes (and suffering a loss of efficiency because of their lack of comfort along with other factors). So, since so much of my material is inspired by my experiences - I was inspired to write another post: A few quick pointers on how to know if you need someone to assess your bike fit.

Several of the signs are pretty obvious: persistent knee pain being the most common. But there are a few quick and easy signs that something is wrong that aren't immediately apparent (or that some of you think you just have to live with). Let's start at the front of the bike and work our way back.

-Numb hands: Bike fitting can't always eliminate this issue as sometimes there are some deeper things going on (poor circulation being an obvious one). But, often this is a marker that something is wrong with your position and your hands are having to do too much of the work of supporting your torso.

-Can't comfortably use all or most of your handlebar: I see this one pretty often. You paid for all of that handlebar, you might as well be able to use all of it that is possible! All kinds of position errors can limit your access to your handlebar. If you're not able to reach all the different positions on the bar, you're not getting the most out of your bike and not able to change positions enough to enhance your comfort.

-Poor handling characteristics or difficulty descending: There can be many causes to these symptoms ranging from the mechanical to the psychological. But, a correct position on the bike is not only comfortable, but lets the bike work as it is designed because the rider's weight is distributed properly. Handlebar position, stem length, and saddle position can all contribute to fit related causes.

-Locked elbows: Usually mean your handlebar is in the wrong spot. This makes your bike handle less predictably and often causes soreness in the elbows, shoulders, neck, and possibly elsewhere. Your bar could be wrong in any direction though: consult a pro.

-Sore neck or headaches after riding: Often also an indication of poor handlebar position requiring the rider to hold the head up too far or driving the shoulder blades together

-Muscular soreness or fatigue at shoulder blades: Often indicates a handlebar that is too wide, thereby forcing these muscles, instead of skeletal structure; to do too much of the job of supporting your torso.

-Lower back pain, soreness, fatigue: Can be poor handlebar position or saddle position causing strain on the muscles or vertebrae.

-Sore hip(s): On one side? Usually an alignment issue between the hips and feet. Can be saddle or shoe and pedal related Both sides? Poor seat or clipless cleat position. This can definitely be something deeper as well.

-Persistent symmetrical seat discomfort: Improper seat position (usually too high) is the most common cause of this symptom that I encounter. This causes too much of your weight to be supported on the saddle rather than being shared on your feet and hands. Poor saddle choice for your anatomy, riding position, or riding habits is also a cause.

-Asymmetrical seat discomfort/saddle sores: Often caused by a misalignment between the hips and feet causing the rider to not sit squarely on the saddle. Improper saddle choice can also cause the issue due to a rider's tendency to attempt to adapt thereby creating a misalignment.

-Frequent Hamstring/Quadriceps cramping: Seat position usually not optimal for your physiology and/or riding style and strengths. Can also be nutrition related. Examine your nutrition first as it is usually easier to solve (and a good thing to pay attention to anyway...)

-Knee pain: Dr. Andy Pruitt could write a whole book on this (wait, he practically did!). This is a complicated issue. If it is persistent, see a trained, experienced, respected fitter.

-Calf (Gastrocnemious) cramping: Often poor seat or cleat positioning or nutrition as above.

-Ankle pain or soreness: Usually because cleat alignment, rotation, or angular orientation is not bio-mechanically correct for you.

-Foot pain, numbness, discomfort: Often due to lack of proper support in the shoe, improper cleat positioning, or poor shoe fit. Can also be the result of other physiological issues such as poor circulation or nerve issues.

This is of course, not a complete listing and only meant to serve as a point to begin a conversation with a fitter - be it myself or another experienced, trained professional. If fitting has not helped or solved your problems, definitely consult a physician. But, if any of these experiences are familiar to you; it might be a good time to seek out someone to help you get more enjoyment from your riding.

I'll do my best to address comments on this one; but some riders' issues require a different medium of communication than this allows. I may refer you to a fitter in your area.

Thanks for reading!

Fitting a Cyclocross Bike

2011-09-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

JUST A LITTLE DIFFERENT FROM MY OTHER BIKE...

Well, yes and no.

As I have discussed (at length) before - there is a lot of good and bad info out there about bike fitting and selecting the right size frame. One of the more common topics I run into this time of year is how to select the right size of Cyclocross bike.

A common guideline I have heard is that you ought to size-down from your road bike frame size to obtain the right 'cross frame. As a universal guideline, this couldn't be moreWRONG! There are instances where this may apply, but I would say that they are rare now. It is a unique bike and just like you wouldn't adjust your road bike a "little different from your road bike"; treat your cyclocross bike like and individual and get it right.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BICYCLE...
To explain my stance - first a little history. In the (seemingly) long-gone days of"traditional" (horizontal top tube) geometry, one of the big differences between a road frame and a 'cross frame was a higher bottom bracket shell (where the cranks pass through the frame) to allow for clearance over obstacles and terrain. Depending on what road frame geometry you were comparing this to (criterium, stage race, touring etc...) this could result in a bottom bracket that is 10, 15, or 20mm higher on a 'cross frame than the comparable road frame. Therefore, to get the same top tube length for proper fit, you would subtract that 10, 15, or 20mm from the road frame's height to arrive at your 'cross frame size. For example, I fit nicely on a lot of "traditional" 58cm and 59 cm frames. So, I would ride a 56 or 57cm 'cross frame from the same manufacturer (if it had a higher bottom bracket) to get the same extension to the handlebars.

Since then, a few things have changed. (o.k., a lot of things - but only a few in the world of bike geometry.) But these few items may have a large effect on what frame size you ride.

Sloping top tubes and taller head tubes have changed how we size and fit bikes
The same top-tube slope has introduced more variability into "numbered" frame sizing (i.e. 53, 54, 56, 59 cm, etc...) for road and cyclocross frames
Many frame builders have moved away from the "Euro" higher bottom bracket to a more "American" lower bottom bracket for cyclocross - although, not all of them.
Integrated headsets "inflate" head-tube dimensions and must be accounted for versus traditional "press-in" headsets when determining front-end height

To put it simply - those of you who read regularly have read this before - you have toconsider all the dimensions of the frame to ensure proper size; especially when comparing one brand to another. Look at top tube length and head tube length in concert with seat-tube length (dimension most commonly used to identify frame size) and alsoconsider bottom bracket height (or drop) depending on how the frame is measured by the manufacturer (key: complete bikes tend to measure height to bottom bracket from ground, frame builders tend to measure bottom bracket drop from the plane of the front and rear axles).

It's complicated for sure - but your best bet is to look for a frame that will give you the following:

The same leg extension in the saddle with the same knee position relative to your pedals. This will provide the same power and efficiency you should be enjoying on your road bike.
A similar distance from your saddle to your handlebars as your road bike to ensure good weight distribution for good, confident handling with proper muscle engagement from the gleuts, hamstrings, and upper body
Possibly a slightly higher handlebar position relative to the saddle (consider 2-3 cm depending on your current drop to the bars on your road bike). This delivers a slightly more relaxed position for better access to the drops of the handlebars for powering up steep climbs, more ability to use your elbows for "suspension" over rough terrain, and easier re-mounting after clearing barriers.

So, in closing, it's not always that different from a road position. Just a slightly higher handlebar.

Velonews.com also has a great article on the topic here:http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/08/news/velonews-training-center-how-should-a-cyclocross-bike-fit_136539

Thanks for reading. Comment with questions and please click and ad or two if you're a fan and want to support my work. It doesn't pay a lot (about 20 cents a click...and doesn't cost you a penny), but it's a simple way to send your thanks!

Matt.

Introducing: Pick up and Delivery!

2011-07-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

Yup, your mechanic and fitter now delivers! Pizza Hut ain't got nuthin' on me.

I've long thought that there had to be a better way to meet the needs of my clients than the traditional store model. I've been working with a few of my closest clients lately and we're really enjoying working together in this fashion - so I'm opening my schedule a little more and can't wait to help.

My service and fitting prices now include picking up and delivering your bike. No worry about having to make it to the store before closing in order to keep your appointment. We arrange an appointment around when you need your bike serviced and when and where you'd like to have it picked up and delivered. I do the rest.

We're finding that this allows for more timely turn around times and keeps the bike with you more - which is the only way you can ride it; by the way.

Additionally, this allows me to create appointments for fitting of bicycles on Saturday! Yes you read that right - Saturday. Not too many places offer Saturday fitting; but it is often the best day of the week for you. I can help.

Sound good? Let's talk.

How to Prepare for Your Bike Fitting

2011-06-30T15:55:00.000-07:00

To help you plan and prepare for your fitting appointment:

- Platinum Elite Fitting may take up to 3 hours; but I'm usually done in 2 - 2.5 hours.
- Gold Fittings take about 1 hour
- A Basic Bicycle Sizing takes about 30 minutes.
- Cleat Fitting takes about 45 minutes
- The Aero-Add-On (for TT and tri bikes) adds about 30 min. for the second hand position.

With the Platinum and Gold Fitting we begin just by discussing your activity and riding history, riding style, and injury history. A quick physiological assessment follows where we look at flexibility, strength, and symmetry to discover how we will expect you to sit on the bike and where we can improve while minimizing discomfort and injury potential. Finally, we'll get you on the bike and begin making adjustments.

In the days approaching your fitting, be thinking about the symptoms you notice while you ride that have you concerned. If you are pain- or discomfort-free - think about your objectives: how would you like to improve your riding position or cycling.

Wear your regular riding shorts and have your cycling shoes ready (but you don't need to wear them when we begin). After that; dress however you are comfortable.
A space approximately 8-10 feet square is adequate. I've used plenty of clients' garages; but have used kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms and offices too! Feel free to have us work where you're most comfortable - I'm flexible.
You may want to have a fan and a towel handy for your comfort as you will spend a measurable time riding your bike. I am not always able to bring these items with me.
You don't need to have an indoor stationary trainer; I always bring mine.

If you have additional questions, please feel free to email me (allegrobike {at} gmail {dot} com) and I'll gladly answer them.

Departure from Sunset Cycles

2011-06-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

There are many who read my blog who are regular customers of mine. Some of you I have been able to contact; others I have not. For those of you who do not already know - here is the latest as I do not want anyone to be surprised:

Last Thursday night, June 16; Roger laid me off from my job at Sunset Cycles. Reasons cited were 1) failure to follow through on small, around-the-store tasks such as cleaning and 2) Refusal to work on Sundays more than the occasional instance I had originally agreed to.

While both of these are true, I believe that those who know me well will agree that there are many bigger, more valuable tasks - providing superior customer service among the biggest - that I performed with absolute consistency. Additionally, Sunday is a special day to me as it is my only weekend day that I spend with my family - who are the most important people in the world to me - as we go to church and do other important family activities and I will always refuse to put work ahead of my family if forced to make a choice.

I am not looking for sympathy and I don't expect you to defend me to anyone at Sunset Cycles. Neither do I intend to influence where you choose to do business in the future. I simply wanted my side of the story to be told to those who are important to me and for you to not be surprised when you visit the store.

Additionally; I feel that we have a long-standing relationship as it pertains to your cycling life and I want you know that you are free to contact me with questions and for advice.

As for the future; I don't know if I will be returning to the retail side of the bike industry again. But if I do; I will certainly announce it here.

Best wishes. I hope to bump into you on the road - as I plan to do more riding now - and I hope that I can be of service in the future. I am open to helping you with your bikes at least in the short term with the understanding that my resources are a little limited at the moment.

As I have always said: Let me know how I can help. I have created a new e-mail address specifically for this purpose at allegrobike (at) gmail (dot) com - please use it.

God bless-
Matt.