Answer: Kreitler Rollers!

Kreitler Alloy Rollers

Let the fun begin!

If you must ride indoors this winter, the Harris staff  heartily recommends the Kreitler rollers.  These are  smooth and durable rollers  that can be set up in as many different configurations and resistance settings as there are riders in your family.   Rollers are a heck of a lot of fun, not too hard to master, and will really help you develop a fast, efficient, and beautiful spin, all the while keeping you fit for your early spring century.

Come on by and talk to Jon, our resident Kreitler guru.  And yes! You can even try the rollers right here in the store!

Shopdawg Golly says. . .

1. …because you want to be riding and not waiting in line at the bike shop the first beautiful day of spring.
2. …because,  until Feb. 28th,  we’re offering $20 off of our regularly priced $69.95 tune-up!*

Our tune-up includes:

• Full adjustment of braking system.
• Full adjustment of shifting system.
• External adjustment of both hubs.
• External adjustment of headset.
• External adjustment of bottom bracket.
• Complete wheel dishing & truing.
• Chain  lubrication.
• Tires inflated to correct pressure.
• Full check of parts and accessories to ensure safety.

* This $49.95 tune-up offer is only available if you mention this blog.

We’ve just received a shipment of Dura Ace 9-speed 12-27 cassettes we’d like to move in a hurry.

These are Shimano’s best 9-speed cassettes. The top three cogs are titanium on an alloy carrier and they are 179g light on our shop scale. The cogs are 12/13/14/15/17/19/21/24/27 (our most popular 9-speed combination).

Check our special price and order here. (They are on sale ’till they sell out)

And don’t forget that it’s recommended to replace the chain with a new cassette.

Check your gear ratios on Sheldon Brown’s Bicycle Gear Calculator.

Your bike will surely thank you!

The Amfib tight has been the go-to softshell tight for keeping legs warm in single digits for years, but it wasn’t a perfect tight – it was binding around the knees and wouldn’t stay up.

The  new Amfib tight is totally revamped, and it’s amazing! The improved tight offers more freedom of movement through the knees, greater water resistance, loads more breathability, and increased reflectivity for night riding! It also sits up higher in the rear. Fear sub-freezing temps no more!

Sadly, however, the new improved tight is only available in men’s sizing. Pearl gives the gals the old version, but the men’s sizing should fit many women.

Come on in and get your new tights!

Psst! 25% off clothing sale going on now!

• Coda, 15,17 in Black:Reg. $550, Now $499
• Coda, Ladies 16 in Sangria: Reg. $550, Now $499
• Commuter 4, 17 in Winter Blue: Reg. $800, Now $650
• Commuter 2, 15 in Black: Reg. $585, Now $499
• Satellite Sport Ladies, 51, 54 in lite Green:Reg. $650, Now $499
• Satellite Sport, 58 in Sangria:Reg. $650, Now $499
• Aurora, 55, 57 in Sangria: Reg. $1100, Now $899

In store purchase only.

Awesome!

Hey folks! We have some new Gunnar Crosshairs cyclocross bikes in stock in a variety of colors. They’re light, strong, beautiful and awesome! Handbuilt in Wisconsin with high quality steel, they’ll take fenders, racks and studded tires for winter, or keep ‘em simple and go play around on your favorite trail. We love these bikes, and so will you.

Sizes in stock: 52, 54, 56, 58.

52 in Big Band Blue

54cm in Poppy

58 in English Blue with white panels

Our shipment of 2012 Breezer bikes has arrived. We’ve got a good inventory of Uptown 8’s and Uptown 3’s.  These bikes are perfect for the upright positioned around-town rider.  Bike paths and casual rides most anywhere are happily handled by these capable rides.  Both models are equipped with fenders and dynamo lighting, so year-round any-weather use is possible, and they make excellent commuters.   Stop in for a look and test ride!

Photo courtesy of Supernova

Lighting season is here, and we are proud to offer the best dynamo hubs and lights available.

Hub dynamo lighting systems are great because the are always there and ready to go. Modern dynamos from Supernova and Schmidt have no discernible drag and there’s no need to worry about whether batteries are charged. Hub systems are indifferent to weather conditions, unlike bottle dymanos that were (and still are) prone to slipping in the wet, had notable drag, were noisy, and required precise alignment to work properly.

From the start, we have been particularly impressed with the products from Supernova. Their E3 Triple is the brightest dynamo headlight made. It is ideal for off-road use, in particular. Some of our customers (and staff) are using it on their daily commuters. The E3 Pro and E3 Terraflux (with asymmetrical non-glare beam) are perfect for road use, commuting, and general riding.

The new Supernova Infinity S (shown above) and Infinity 8 hub dymanos are due here before the end of the month. The Infinity S is a mere 10g heavier than the Schmidt SON Delux yet has a higher output than the even larger and heavier New SON28. This means brighter light at lower speeds – never a bad thing!  Cost will be comparable to he Schmidt hubs. The Infinity S is compatible with the Shimano centerlok system for disc brakes and will be available in grey or black.

Hubs and lights from Schmidt and Busch & Müller are also in stock.  We stock both the SON Delux and New SON28 hubs as well as the eDelux, CYO, and LYT headlights.  Our lighting section is here.

Some may be unable, or don’t wish, to ride with a hub dynamo system. Perhaps it’s a budget thing, or you ride multiple bikes, or it’s only an occasional need. For these situations nothing can beat the Supernova Airstream.   The Airstream has an asymmetrical (non-glare) beam pattern that is exceptionally smooth and wide. There are four power settings that burn from 2.5 to 24 hrs, with the dimmest being adequate for normal riding needs in a pinch. The next brightest is 7 hours. It’s the one I generally use for most riding (when I’m not on a bike with a hub dynamo). This light is fabulous, and there’s a new Airstream tail light that connects to the power/charge port to make it a complete lighting system.  The optional USB charging cord will connect the light to your computer to charge while you work/surf/game/etc.

Let There Be Light!

This magnificent Rene Herse was found in Argentina!

One of the things that is great about my job is attending various bike shows and gatherings.  The ones I enjoy the most are about vintage bikes, swap meets, and the like.  Interbike is the annual trade show an Las Vegas.  It’s cool, but doesn’t have the soul or hold the interest for me that smaller shows do.  It’s just too overwhelming and highly commercial.  But after all, that’s what it’s supposed to be about.

1948 Alex Singer

Last weekend, Peter Weigle had an open house at his shop in Connecticut.  He called it “French Fender Day” and it was, by all accounts, an overwhelming success.  About 40 people showed up.  Most brought rendered bikes to show and ride.  There were a few equally welcome non-fendered machines as well.

This weekend, I’ll be heading south to the Philly Bike Expo.  I’m really looking forward to the weekend!  Photos and a followup should be posted early next week.

The rain didn’t dampen the spirits of those in attendance,  it looks like all had a great time, and I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll be there for 2012!

Congratulations to Aaron Ritz of Trophy Bikes in Philadelphia for a podium finish!