The Mother of all Commuting Bikes.....

Sometimes collaboration with customers, numerous employees, and small unique manufactures can produce quite the bicycles. Here we have our most unique build of the year. First we start of with a Rawland 650b Dsogn frameset. A great multi purpose frame ideal for commuting, mountain biking or urban riding. Then on to a simple drivetrain; Shimano internal 8spd Alfine rear hub paired to a Shimano double compact crank in front. Thats right a "single speed" but with 2 gears in front for a total of 16speeds. Now what to use for shifters?? The client wants drop bars but Shimano does not make shifters for internal hubs for a drop bar. HMMMMM? Lots o' research and we come up with a VERSA STI style right hand shifter paired with a old school barend shifter for the left.
Wait, we need some good lights. Shimano Dynamo front hub produces the power paired with Lumotech Lights from Peter White Cycles ( we are a dealer). These lights will stay on for four minutes with the bike stopped and have a on/off or automatic on when dark switch. All built up on hand built wheels using Velocity 650 rims. Add some Planet Bike Fenders....and finish it off with Brooks B17 Womens saddle and Leather Bar Tape.

More Bike Shop Rock n Roll

come check out Jacob and Pauls band Way of Life.

Class Time!

Class Schedule

Happy Thanksgiving!

Looking back on the year there is a lot to be thankful for. This was a hard year for our our fellow Americans with the bad economy and all of its effects. Yet the last year was also one of our best in many ways. Back to the Thankful part. We are thankful for our loyal customers, great employees, all the rides and events put on by our teams, customers, friends, local cycling clubs, our suppliers for working with us to provide you the best product, the new technology both on bikes and on the web allowing us to ride better and communicate better,the riding trips that we and our customers take allowing us to re-energize and remember why we ride,and our families that support us.
We always say we are a community with in a community and that is why we, our customers, and our employees can be thankful for all of the above....

get out and get in...

to ray's.

i was able to grab some free time yesterday, so i headed out to ray's for a couple of hours.

there's been some changes, and addition to the place. the xc loop has some added fun; which makes it a little more challenging. it is basically the same loop; however, things have been added like logs on the climb up to the bridge. a rocky decent, and various different routes to take around the sport section.

they also added a new room; which i was in no shape to attempt, but it looked like fun.

and the other addition, a little kitty. his world is one giant scratching post.

if you haven't been it's worth the trip and time.

enjoy...

Hitler Wants to Ride his Mountain Bike

Watch out for the language kiddies

Rays Preview

Thanks From a Fellow Touring Cyclist

It's always rewarding in this business when we get feedback from people
that stop in while on a cross country tour. Nick Cizek stopped in for
some emergency repairs and much appreciated advice from Russ Brown. Here
is the email Nick sent after reaching his goal.
Dear Russell Brown,
Thanks again for quickly fixing my bike and sending me off on my way free of charge last Thursday. You asked that all I do was send you an email telling you how my trip went. So here's what happened. First of all, I made it, in large part thanks to you. I told my friend to be at the Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls between 3:30 and 5:30 on Friday. I'd meet him there, and he'd pick me up and drive me back to Cleveland. Well, as you know, things got a little behind schedule right away when my bike got messed up and I had to go back to your shop and wait for it to open. I wanted to get about midway between Erie and Buffalo that day, but instead I only made it to the eastern side of Erie by about 7 that night. I took your advice and slept in the backyard of a church, and that was great. Right on the lake, with a nice view of the remaining light of the setting sun over the water. I think I'm going to use that idea much more often now. The only problem with sleeping that night was that I was nervous about the next day. I was supposed to get the majority of my riding done on Thursday since I had much less time on Friday to ride. Being less than halfway, I was worried that I wouldn't make it the next day, even though I had guaranteed my friend that I'd be there. I should add that I don't like electronics very much. I don't own a cell phone. So, any time I go somewhere on my bike, the only electrical things I have are my front and rear lights. No cell phone, no speedometer, not even a watch. So not being in Niagara at the proper time could have created somewhat of a mess. When I woke up Friday morning, it was still pitch black outside, and I figured it would be best to get on my way, figuring it was probably 4 or 5. Not long after I left, I saw a clock at a gas station that read 1:15, and for some reason I decided to just keep going. It ended up being some of the best, most memorable riding of my life. Over the next 6 hours or so, only a handful of cars passed me, so I had the road all to myself, and the temperature was great, and the wind was nonexistant, and I even saw 4 or 5 shooting stars. Anyway, I made it to Niagara with time to spare. I waited a few hours for my friend to get there. And the scenery was great all along the way. I almost always had water in sight, either from Lake Erie or the Niagara River, which I biked along on the Canadian side (I crossed into Canada in Buffalo). The only hitches were the breakdown that first morning, a rare Southwestern wind coming from the lake all day Thursday (I thought I was biking into a headwind, and my dad confirmed later on, saying that he checked the weather out of curiosity and noticed the unusual wind direction), which was rough, and a difficulty figuring out how to get into downtown Buffalo (I got stuck along the lakefront and was cut off from the city by a canal that had no way for me to bike across, and it actually cost me more than 2 hours of time, having biked in the wrong direction for quite a while and then needing to bike all the way back in order to get onto the mainland and into the city). And that wasn't pretty. Western Buffalo, if you've never been there, is a rather dismal place. OK then. I wrote about 50 times more than you probably wanted me to. I'm sure you didn't read all of this, but I hope you enjoyed whatever parts you did. I really appreciate your helping me out Thursday morning. Good luck with your riding in the future.
---Nick

Recent artical interview from Ohio Sports and Fitness

During a recent training session, I was asked by a newbie what she should look for when buying her first road bike. Her question brought me back six years to when I purchased my Cannondale R600, my trusty aluminum road bike with Shimano 105 components. § To answer that question, and several others regarding the purchase of a new bike, I turned to Jacob English, owner of Mountain Road Cycles, in Chagrin Falls and Chardon.
STACY RHEA: When buying your first road bike, what should the new rider keep in mind?
JACOB ENGLISH: When looking for a new bike, it is important to ask yourself the following questions:
What type of riding will I be doing?
Who will I be riding with and what styles of bikes are they riding?
Do I have any specific goals?
Do you have any injuries or positioning requirements?
These questions lay the groundwork for a sales associate to help you make the best choices. Don’t be overwhelmed by the amount of brands and styles to choose from. In general you and the sales associate will be able to narrow it down to two or three styles that fit your needs and budget.
Once you have narrowed down your choices, have the bike(s) fitted to you and go for a test ride. Although you may not understand the subtle differences between bikes, you will be able to tell what feels better, and what you like about each bike. Be prepared to purchase basic accessories that will enhance your riding experience (i.e. bike shorts, cycling tops, gloves and road shoes).
SR: What about components? Shifters? Crankset? What’s should a new rider be looking for in the components?
JE: For someone just getting into road cycling Shimano’s entry-level groups, Sora and Tiagra, offer shifting integrated into the brake levers and a wide range of gears.
If you are concerned about weight and performance take a step up to Shimano 105. The biggest difference you will notice with the 105s is in the shifters and crankset. Performance and durability are significantly better at this level.
For enthusiasts, Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace, SRAM Force and Red, and any Campagnolo components offer immaculate shifting, a big weight savings and precise adjustments.
It is also important to discuss the actual gearing choices. A triple-chainring crankset offers the widest range of gearing. A compact offers almost the same range but with better shifting performance. A traditional double-crankset is going to give you gears on the higher end for speed.
You can read the Rest of the artical here

2nd Single Speed Ride Tonight!!!!

Hey everyone,

Tonight is our 2nd single speed ride of the season. This time it will be at our other store, which is in Chardon. It will start at 6:00 at the shop. The ride should be roughly around 12-15 miles. We will be riding the Maple Highlands Trail to East Branch Reservoir, around the Reservoir and come back to the shop. Also, it does get darker earlier, so lights are an option. Hope to see you all there.

day 2 report

First up.. Moots. Amazing new RSL frame. 3/2 front triangle fully butted with reynolds TI coupled with 6/4 in the back. Super stiff, ubber light. Press fit BB and a new head tube. Looking at a booth full of Moots is never a bad thing.

So I ask my self....What is this years theme of the show?? Colored and anodized parts? ( yes it is 1990 all over), 2 x 10 or D12 electronic drive trains? when did bikes start needing diagnostic machines? While I live for new technology and it keeps us busy, I found The Nantucket Basket Company and NutCase helmets very refreshing from all the hype.

The new Scott's look great and have killer spec. Felt ...full carbon from 1699. However bikes are not the big theme ( most of the big guys: Giant, Trek, ect. have already shown their bikes at dealer meetings) so it is about accessories and accoutrements. Hey, thats what all of you buy after and for the bike anyway, so it is good to find the best out there.

After a day of scouring the hall, happy hour arrives. Sometimes you stand in line at Sram for 45 minutes to get a Fat Tire....or sometimes Dirt Rag will have a full bar, the red rocker( jeff), and Gary fisher. It is never a bad time to open your day looking at Moots and finish it doing shots with Gary.

For a few more pics

Interbike part one

Yesterday I headed out to the tent city in the desert known as The Dirt Demo. Every want to have your choice of hundreds of bikes to ride; Road, Mountain, Cross, City, electric assist, anything you can think of... After a couple meetings it was riding time. First up the Scott Genius with dual lock out and travel control for both the front and rear suspension. Full locked, 4" rear-full 6" front, or full 6". Carbon frame. This bike glided over everything. I found my self using the lock outs instead of changing gears in the front. If you want a cross country bike that has all mountain capabilities this is a great way to go.

Next up was the new Kona Cadabra. Great technology that changes Head tube and Seat tube Angles then firms or softens the suspension depending on pedaling forces. On the down hills and rolling ups this bike screamed and felt right at home. If you want an all mountain bike that can go up this is a great way to go. 2 bikes, same travel, one more XC and one more AM, both very capable.

Then it was on to some new technology that Spot developed last year. The Belt Drive. A number or companies including Spot, Trek, and Raleigh are coming out with bikes with the Belt drive this year and the rumor is Felt, Giant and Kona are in the works. Stronger than a chain and a better lifespan a number or bikes will be using this in the future. From the first pedal stroke all I could think was SMOOTH and QUIET. No chain noise and a feeling of immediate engagement. I think we may have to bring one in soon.

Now its off to a day of meetings, catching up with suppliers, free beer, and general bicycle madness that is interbike.

bike racks part deux

After yesterdays post I found myself trying to load the Moots into the 66 jeep this morning. They apparently did not consider bike transporting in their design process. Realizing it would not fit in the back I opted for the passengers seat. The whole way to work I found myself doing the parental hand across the passenger at every stop. I then had to laugh at my self criticizing someone else's rack choice!

But what could be better than a ride in the jeep with your moots. Thanks taking a bike for a ride.

Something is not right here...

This is not how a Saris Bones rack should be used...........

Although the Thule Spare Tire rack was a little to tight on the MRC FJ, so maybe they're on to something. Remember all rack companies have fit guilds on their web site to let you know what will work. Stop in our stores and our helpfull staff will let you know the best rack for your car and even show you how to use/install it! That brings me top my next point. Of late we have seen quite a few customers and friends ( yes you know who you are!) "forget" about the bikes on top of the car. At least 7 I can think of. Stay away from the drive throughs, garages, overhangs people! :)

PS. I have only done that 3 times in my life......thats good right??

Way of Life at the Beachland Ballroom

Come out and hear some bike shop rock n roll! Jacob's and Paul's band Way of Life is Playing the Beachland Ballroom Thurs Sept 3rd. Show at 8:30 and tickets are only $5.00

Giant Dealer Event in Keystone

Hello all, just got back from the 2010 Giant Product launch in Keystone, Co. Giant and Mountain Road Cycles are excited to offer you the best Giant line up ever. Killer bikes, graphics, spec and ride quality!! We learned a tone about the technology Giant uses on all its bikes. The riding wasn't to bad either. Keystone has a great MTB bike park with runs dropping you about 2500' . Plenty of features and flowing trails. Took out a Faith and a Glory. Giant shaved alot of weight off the bikes and the suspension was dialed. Then took out a TCR Advanced SL on a great ride down to Dillon Lake. Stiff and Fast does not even begin to describe it. Look for the new Giants to be in the stores soon. More info and reviews to follow. A few of us are off took West Virginia next weekend for the annual riding trip. 2 weekends of back to back riding in the mountains..........life is good in the bike shop.

Chagrin Falls Sidewalk Sale is this weekend!

Mountain Road will have a booth right down on the Triangle. Stop by for huge savings up to 50% off on Clothing, Accessories, and Footwear. We'll be down there Thurs 9-8, Fri 9-6, and Sat 9-6. Select bikes will be marked down as well. Look for the Yellow Giant Bicycle Tent.
See ya there!

Passionate on pedaling to school

Story from Sun News and Cleveland.com

When Jacob English was a boy growing up in Chagrin Falls, his life revolved around bicycles.
"As a kid," he says, "I competed in Freestyle BMX biking."
That's a sport where participants use their specialized bicycles for all kinds of tricks, from riding along narrow surfaces, to flips in the air, to "flatland" tricks.

Now that Jacob is 32, married to Kimberly English and living in Bainbridge, he is the owner/operator of Mountain Road Cycles in Chagrin Falls and Chardon. He's moved from rotating bikes in mid-air to promoting bicycling.
He works with the Safe Routes to Schools program, which is national and international in scope and aims to help and ultimately encourage students to walk and ride bikes to school.
"I'm the guy working on the biking portion, and trying to educate kids. I'd like to have schools change their policies to allow kids to ride their bikes to school."
According to local Safe Routes member Lorrie DiGiampietro, the group is "working to obtain federal funding to make our town more walkable and bikeable."
It's a cause that's a natural to Jacob English. The former BMX competitor began working for local bike stores at the age of 14.
"It's what I was always good at, so I stuck with it," he says.
He has expanded his interest in types of bikes.
"There's such a broad spectrum of bikes available that there's something for everybody, from kids to absolute enthusiasts.
" It's a fun, healthy, environmentally sound activity that nearly anybody can participate in."
If you think that you have to head to Seattle for great biking, Jacob English wants you to think again. This is a really great time for the Chagrin area in regard to biking. You've got the South Russell trail, and Mayor Thomas Brick appointed a new committee (of which Jacob is a member) to find trails around Chagrin."
His enthusiasm for biking isn't limited to Chagrin Falls.
"The Chagrin Valley and Geauga County has some of the best road riding in the country. The terrain of valleys, rolling hills, farmlands, lots of country roads and no major mountains to climb" are perfect for biking, Jacob maintains.
Among the activities Jacob English and Mountain Road Cycles promotes is an upcoming one is the "Right Side of the Road Chagrin Valley Bike Tour," on Aug. 2, which will benefit The Bright Side of the Road's effort to find a cure for ALS.
As for what advice he has for my readers, it's one I sincerely hope you bicyclists of all ages take to heart: "Wearing a helmet is essential," he says.
Take it from an expert bicyclist.

Is this what happened to Russ?

Ever been in our Chardon store and looked down to see Russ's bright Nike Cortez shoes? I don't know how he keeps finding them but he does. over and over for years. and now I know why. Sometime in the 70's he saw this pic and said " those will be the only shoes I will ever wear again"

P.S RIP Farrah

Whirlwind week of riding, sag, and fun

What a crazy last week. We had a great first Single Speed ride out of Chagrin. 12 Miles and tons of Kona and Surley singles. About 15-20 riders showed up. John and Paul rocked the fixed gears. All around Chagrin then over to Trifles where Kenny hooked us up and fed the hungry. Then on to Sunday. Up at 5 for Sag support on Sunday in June. They had a record 800 riders. Lots o' bikes to fix. Leather had her first bike tour, hanging out by the truck and keeping riders amused as I tore apart crank and headset emergency's. Nothing like driving down the middle of the road with riders on one side and Amish going to church on the other! Next up was Wed. night wet ride. Angie, the new Kona rep was in Town from Fendale Wa. We had to show her the local trails, but of course, it's wed so that means rain. No matter. We had a killer ride in a down pour. Bob, Kenny, Bob 2, Doug, Jimmy, Jason, and my self all showed her how we can't ride bridges in the the rain, while she showed us she can. If Bob crashes on a bridge and we are around to see it, do you hear it? Yes. Thanks for coming out Angie and all the swag and beers! By the end of the ride the sky cleared and good times was had by all. Not to mention we now have a sweet Kona Lisa One 20 Dlx available for demo. Up next is a gearing clinic tonight and a Sunday road ride.....and you wonder how summer flies by?

Chagrin Falls Single Speed Ride

Get the Down Low.........

Its over..........

Another great Parade has past. Thanks to the 30 Men, Women, Children, Young Adults , and Dogs who participated!! Wow thats a diverse group of beer drinking, crazy bike riding people! We had no crashes and ran over no little candy grabing fingers. Although I heard Paul ran into the Truck with the Pizza bike. We'll put some more pics on the website and Facebook soon. One upcoming night ride in Chardon this Friday ( 7:30 Mountian Run Station, call 440-279-0374)) and it's on to all the events and rides in June. Look for our Chagrin Single Speed Ride, Sunday in June, and more road and mountain ride. Summer cycling is here!

It's Coming!!!..............

Thats right it's almost Parade time. The Chagrin Falls Blossom Time Parade is this Sunday at 2:00pm. Chardon will have normal business hours, Chagrin Will be open from 12-1 and 4:30 to 5 for any quick needs. If you would like to ride in the parade contact Jacob@mtnroadcycles.com. Or feel free to stop by the shop from 11:30 -1:00 for Beers and Food on us. Come join the Madness of 20,000 people and kids, and lots of kids! and remember it's not just a ride down the block, it's a ride back up the hill! What type of bikes will we be on?......long crusiers, pizza bikes, 3 wheeled recumbents, tall bikes, highwheelers, plus all the regulars!

American Brain Tumor Association bike trip from Reading Pa. To Chicago Il.

When you open the doors to your store in the morning you never know who or what will
walk into your store. Last April 16 Barry Noss rolled up to our store in Chardon
with a bike problem. I could tell he was on a cross country trip. He asked if we fixed bikes and when we answered yes a look of relief came over his face. While working on his bike he told us where he was biking from and his final destanation.
The most important was why he was doing this 900 mile bike trip. Barry's wife Gina,
is a survier of a brain tumor that was diagnosed back in 1996. Barry was showing his support for her and helping to support the American Brain Tumor Association. Please check out Barry's Facebook page to learn more about his trip. You will find a link to his page from the Mountain Road Cycles facebook page. Here is a sample of his stories
"I reached a sign that said, "Welcome to Ohio". Took some pictures and headed out. It ends up most of the pictures at the sign I deleted with out realizing so I need to go back some time to get more. I made it to Andover, OH and I got back on route six. It wasn't long and I heard a bang on my bike. Stopped to see what was wrong and noticed that I broke a spoke, again. Decided to try to nurse it thirty miles to the bike shop. Made it fifteen miles and I heard another bang. I knew what it was right away, a second spoke. I decided I was pushing my luck, so I had to find a place to pull over. I caught with the mail lady who was in front of me and asked her for a bike shop that was nearby, she just laughed. I was in the middle of nowhere. Next I asked her if there was a convenient store nearby with a parking lot. Luckily I only had to go a few blocks and there was a BP Station. First I need to thank Ed and the Bicycle Barn for making sure I had the correct tools and making sure I knew how to repair these spokes. Believe it or not it went pretty good. I got them both fixed, I got the tire put back on and I didn't have any extra parts which was a good thing. I had some people watching what I was doing. They were amazed that I had the parts with me, and the tools to fix it. My goal now was to make it to Chardon and the bike shop. Things went good and I made it to the shop alright. I was a little nervous how I was going to be treated walking in and wanting service right away. When I walked in the first thing I looked for was if they serviced bikes. I saw that they did and knew I was in luck. I told them my story, and they couldn't have done more for me. They helped me unpack my bike and they started working on it right away. He replaced six spokes that were damaged, and trued the rim up. It ends up I couldn't have gone to a better place, these guys knew what they were doing. I asked them about my route through Cleveland and they gave me some advise on the best way to get through. They looked over my bike and found a few things that needed straightened out and did it. They told me where the motel was and that they would be in the shop until if I wanted to come back and hang out that I should. I ended up finding my motel room and getting something to eat. I walked back up to town and back to the bike shop just to shoot the breeze a little bit. Once again the guys and the Mountain Road Cycles made me feel right at home. They gave me some good advice and wished me luck. I feel a whole lot more confident going through Cleveland tomorrow knowing that these guys worked on my bike. Went back to the room and did my normal organization of gear and making phone calls. The weather was beautiful today, not a cloud in the sky and a high of about sixty degrees. Expect the same weather tomorrow. I'm pretty excited and nervous about going through Cleveland, it should be exciting getting up to Lake Erie. Well, time for bed, it will be a busy day tomorrow. Rode about 58 miles today. Expect to do about 90 miles tomorrow".
href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Yp1vJ1nOLlE/SgSJKindqtI/AAAAAAAAAHE/BpnQvhUbQUs/s1600-h/n1759037224_7270_6142856.jpg">

ATTENTION ALL SINGLESPEED/FIXED GEAR BIKE RIDERS!!!

Mountain Road Cycles will be putting on a singlespeed/fixed gear bike ride on Saturday, June 13th at 6:45p.m. The course will be roughly around 10-12 miles and we will be riding around the Chagrin Falls area. The ride will start at Mountain Road Cycles ( Chagrin Location) and end up at Trifles Cafe for some after ride refreshments. We will be having another singlespeed/fixed gear bike ride at our Chardon location in the fall. Check back for info on that ride. So come and join us and have some fun riding around the lovely Chagrin Falls area. (This ride is for singlespeed and fixed gear bikes only. No gear bikes allowed, sorry).

Maybe Cleveland should take note

Great artical on Cycling and Cities

In any list of the best biking cities on the continent, Portland, Oregon, would certainly come out on top (with some cries of foul from San Francisco cyclists). But there are plenty of other North American cities where people move on pedal power. And in the wake of the 2008 spike in gas prices and boom in bike sales, municipal governments are attempting to make things easier for riders. We’ve measured everything from the League of American Bicyclists’ comprehensive Bicycle Friendly Community ratings to the frequency of informal street races to bring you snapshots of seven places where the gears are turning. (A glossary of terms–including the dangerous races called alley cats—is listed at the end of this article.)

helmets are an...

important part of any ride. from quick trips to the store, to long road rides, to an easy day in the saddle on the tow path, to epic mountain bike rides. you need a helmet.

these are two new models from bell and giro.

first up; the bell volt. this is their race helmet. it comes with a detachable visor, so it either works great as a road or mountain helmet. amazing ventilation, light weight, and the most comfortable bell helmet that i've put on. the way that the vents are designed, really keep the head cool and comfortable during the ride. if you want/need only one helmet for both mountain and road...this is it.

next is the giro athlon. this is their high end mountain helmet. this is a slimmer design than their xen, and lighter weight. again; these vents are amazing at keeping the head cool on those hot days in the saddle.

why go more high end on the helmet? first; better ventilation. keeping you cooler, keeps you more relaxed, and enjoying the ride. second; weight. lighter the helmet, again the more comfortable you are going to be. if you are not comfortable you are not going to enjoy the ride, and that is what it is all about.

remember...keep your brain safe.

amitibha...

A great clip on the local race scene

Races at the Lake from ohio cycling on Vimeo.

A lot of Felt Action out there

Group Night Ride on the Maple Highland Trail this Friday

Join us on Friday April 24th for our first Maple Highlands Trail Night Ride! Meet at Mountain Run Station (12601 Chardon Windsor Rd) parking lot at 6:30. A basic light set and helmets are required. 16 Miles total.

Suspension Services

Did you know Mountain Road Cycles service Fox and Marzocchi suspension forks and rear shocks in house? Common problems and wear include, changing the oil, seals leaking and not holding proper air pressure. We are an authorized Fox and Marzocchi dealer. We can also send out your Rock Shox and Manitou to service centers. Speeking of taking a rear shock off to service we also will rebuild any full suspension frame. Many times pivots and bearing wear out and need to be replaced. These are not easy jobs and require knowledge on frame and suspension design. We can get any parts from Kona, Giant, Felt, Yeti and Moots. If you have another brand feel free to get the parts from an authorized dealer and bring them in for us to overhaul. (we can help you figure out what parts you need. These repairs usally take longer so plan for a 1-2 week turn around. Let us help you get the most out of your bike!!
That brings us to the next point. Tuning suspension. Modern shocks have a wide range of adjustment. We can tune the suspension to you body and ridding style. Do you know what Sag, preload, rebound, damping, platform valve, compression, instant center, lockout,and inertia valving are??? Stay tuned for the next post and we will start explaining!

Kick off the Season SALE!

April 3rd,4th and 5th is our Spring Sale. Take advantage of the lowest prices of the season, 12 month no interest no payment financing,.......and free HOT DOGS!

Mountain Road Cycles in Chardon has rentals available for the Maple Highlands Trail

Starting April 1st our Chardon store will have RENTAL bikes available for use on the Maple Highlands Trail. Do you have family or friends in from out of town. Let this be the perfect adventure! We will offer Giant Sedona ST's and Giant FCRs, Trail-a-bikes, and Kids Trailers.
Comfort Bike Rental: Giant Sedona ST $8.00 per Hour

Perfomance Bike Rental: Giant FCR 3 $12.00 per Hour

Road Bike Rental: Giant OCR A1 $20.00 Half Day $40.00 Full Day

Rentals available on a first come first serve basis and subject to waivers.

It is 63 degress out, do you know where your bike is?

If its not with you on a ride then beat the rush and bring it in to the shop for your Spring Service. In another week we'll be backed up with repairs, right now we can turn them around in a couple days. What is our most popular and needed repair you ask? A Tune - Up with a Drive Train Clean up. What is involved with that you ask? All mechanical adjustments of the bike including brakes, gears, bearings, tension and truing wheels, lubing all cables and pivots and checking all the bolts. We also take off your derailluers, chain, cassette, and crankset; then soak it in our solvent tank and make it all Shine! And who does all this for you..................

Geauga Park Volunteer Bike Patrol

Work with Geauga Park District Rangers to patrol Geauga Park District's Maple Highlands Trail! Bike patrol members ride The Maple Highlands Trail north and central sections, serving as a volunteer presence for trail users, to answer question, provide basic assistance and report any issues.
Bike patrol members must be able to ride the trails at least two evening or weekend shifts a month. Uniforms and training provided. Geauga Park District Volunteers receive awards and benefits to recognize their contributions.
Mountain Road Cycles also gives 10% off all accessories to volunteers.
Register to be a volunteer today! Contact Geauga Park District's Volunteer Coordinator Holly Sauder, at 440-286-9516, or hsauder@geaugaparkdistrict.org.
SEE YOU ON THE MAPLE HIGHLANDS TRAIL!

farfignugen...

continues.

a new look for the trek vw. i was getting a little worried about the original fork that was on the vw, so i knew i had to replace it. some rust and such. going the route that i wanted to go, i knew i had to basically get a new headset, and stem too.

i settled on the race face ride stem. it is on their low end, but that wasn't a concern for me, plus the cool 'three-d' face plate sold me.

for the headset i went with the cane creek one-hundred. same functionality at the one-ten, but not a much. little heavier. however; smooth in its use. and it feels really snug to the fork, because of its compression ring. really like this headset.

fork. this took some time. i really didn't want cro-mo. so i picked up the origin eight black-ops carbon. not the best carbon fork out there, but it will do the job for me. i didn't want disc., so my option were limited. i wanted a carbon fork with canti. brake bosses. the thing about their forks...depending on the length, they are able to be set up for a twenty-six or a twenty-nine inch wheel. it comes out of the 'box' set up for twenty-nine; however some simple turns of the screws, move the bosses down, and i'm set up for twenty-six. nice.

together...it all feels really nice, and smooth. the front end is lightened up. more responsive. just an all around smooth feeling, rigid, stable feel to the front end.

took it out for a long ride yesterday, and handled beautifully.

amitabha...

Handmade Show Update one.

This past weekend Jacob, Russ, Nick, Daniel, Ben, P-File, and Mrs P-File headed out to Indianapolis to check out the Handmade Bike Show. Beautiful bikes abounded the cool city of Indianapolis. This year saw record attendance. Don Walker of Don Walker Frames puts on the show and promises it will be east of the Mississippi again next year. We spent most of the day Saturday checking out bike art. However the majority of the bikes were well thought out, practical and highly functional. We saw many familiar face from Cleveland we'll do a few posts on this great event, but to get you started on drooling ASAP here is the first flicker link. Photos by P-File, more to come from JE and Daniel.

Giant Demo Day At Ray's Indoor MTN Park

As most of you know the Giant Demo Rig is coming to Ray’s Indoor MTB Park on March 28th and 29th. There will be lots of product to test ride for consumers as well as shop owners and employees. Jeff Lenosky will be there to meet and greet as well as performing. And there will be drawings for prizes including a Giant 2009 STP SS model. Where else can you go and ride $2000 dollar bikes and thrash them around.
So make time in your schedule to be there.

In an attempt to keep up with the Jones, or in this case just about everyone, we have created a Mountain Road Cycles "group" on Facebook. This may be a good tool to communicate about group rides, times, ect . Or maybe we should get rid of blogs, facebooks, mywastes, twitters, emails on phones, laptops, the office and what were they called? websites? and just spend that time ridding our bikes and playing guitars (not the plastic wanna play rockstar ones).........now what vintage/soon to be back in fashion photo should we use for the profile?? I have to go make some posts, email, ect.

Rays Up Coming Events

They Ride and Play?

Hey All, Valentines Dinner and/or Drinks at Trifles....and the entertainment is...a bunch of bike riders!
Jacob and Paul will be playing and acoustic set with Norm, Jamie and Kimberly. Music starts around 7. Covers and originals from the band. If your coming for dinner give Trifles a call for reservations.

Trifles Cafe
440-2478595 516 East Washington StreetChagrin Falls, Ohio 44022http://www.triflescatering.com/

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and take part...

national park action

we need this, we deserve this...

amitabha...

Thanks to my brother in law John we now own a bit of Cycling history! Now on display in our Chagrin store is the original Cast and Crew T Shirt and Hat from the making of the American Flyers movie starring Kevin Costner. A set designer who works with Spielberg and Cameron, John worked on the movie, and after a few hints went through the old boxes to find us these. Thanks! It's a must see Cycling Cult Classic!

During December of 08 MRC refurbished and donated children's bicycles to numerous holiday gift programs.
Today we received a letter from Women Safe House located here in Chardon. They thanked us for participating in the Holiday Gift program. They also included a excerpt from one of the recipient of the donation bikes.
I'd like to share a little of the letter with you.
"The first thing I need to say is thank you!! You have helped me and my boys to have a wonderful Christmas. Without your help we would not have had such a wonderful Christmas. Words can not even start to tell you how much you are appreciated for all you have done. Just to see the look on my babies face, and the feeling that where running through me. There are people who really care and are willing to help others in need. I would like to give you all a big hug! Again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
It's great to get that letter and know that we made a difference in making peoples holidays a little brighter. Next year we will be doing the same thing and hopefully
be able to donate more bikes to more holiday gift programs.

Snow Ride!!

There I was outside on Wednesday, trying to shovel out the driveway with my 2 girls after another snow storm. I remembered that I needed to go to the store to pick up a couple of things. So I figured since the store was only 5 minutes away, instead of trying to dig the car out, I'll just grab the single speed and ride up to the store. So I hopped on the bike and started riding up there. Let me tell you, with the wind and the amount of snow we got, was even a challenge to ride that day. It took me a little longer to get there but not to bad. I grabbed the stuff I needed and rode back home. After I got home, I said that felt great to get out there and ride. It's been such a long winter, so to get out there and ride for a little bit was wonderful! Hopefully the groundhog won't see his shadow and we will get a early spring. We are all wishing for that after this winter!!

There Here!!!!

We just got in our first shipment of Scott Bikes. At first glance these bikes are very impressive. They built up very well, no issues at all. The frames are hydroformed fluid aluminum. The way they formed these frames are a work of art. Pictures of these bikes don't do them justice! You have to see them in person to justify the craftsmenship of these bikes. We don't have all of the bikes we ordered in yet, but we did get the in Genius 50, the P3 & P5. We are expecting to receive the remaining order of our Scott bikes very soon. So check back with us soon, but in the meantime come on down to see the new bikes we have and witness of work of art.

Vintage Rides

I just got done putting the final touches to my Viscount restoration up here at the men's escape center. I pulled her out of the trash a few years ago and she has been waiting in my barn for someone to restore her to like new condition.
The Lambert/Viscount bicycle company has a rather unique story behind them. They set out in the 70s on a brave quest to manufacture high quality frames and components that were affordable. A grand and noble attempt it was doomed to failure. Some of the cool things found on this bike are the sealed bottom bracket and hubs, one of the first aluminum forks (aka the death fork), and the beautifully polished crankset. We have the bike on display at the Chardon store if anyone would like to come up and take a look at it. In the future we will be posting more vintage bikes for you viewing. Stay tuned:)

Cabin Fever?

The snow and ice are not going to melt anytime soon. Nokian steel studded tires are a great option to keep you from slidding on the ice. We have sold a number of these for people still commuting. One guy road into the store with these last Thursday. I think it was about -3 degrees at the time. Props to him! 240 studs will grip the slippery stuff. These are available in both Hybrid and Mountain sizes. (26x2.1 or 700x37). I have found them a great fit for "fitness bikes" like the Giant FCR or a Kona Dew. We keep a set in stock in the 700x37 or we can order it for you in just a couple days. Sounds like the perfect thing for the Vultures Knob Cyclocross Like Experience!

Giant Dual Fit Indoor Cycle

I just got done assembling a Giant Dual Fit indoor exercise cycle.
The temperature is up to 12F now. I thought I'm not going outside to ride so why not put in a few miles on the Dual Fit. I was very surprised at how smooth and
quiet this unit is! I felt comfortable, turned on the supplied computer and pedaled
away. Well, a few miles turned into 10 miles in no time. I felt I got a good
workout not only in my legs but also in my arms. With this exercise cycle you can
workout your arms and legs together or independently. I look foward to going
home and using the one I bought my wife.

When all else fails to excite..

Threw on the Carharts and stepped outside to do some chores. Replenish the wood suppy for the wood brurner and snowblow the driveway. After a few passes and loads I started looking at the bikes hanging in the garage. What to do? Take down the Griswald style Xmas lights? Head in for a round of PS3? Not going to put on shoes and gear, the ray's bike with the Kona platforms is at the shop. Then I saw the Suntour Toe Clip and Strap pedals on the the Specialized. Why do I need bike gear when I have a full Carhart suit on? I am wearing my Craft beanie. Off I went. Sun was setting, and the snow falling, I was plenty warm. Came back with a smile on my face, thinking about what a story this bike was.

This was my first "real" mountain bike. It took me to my first XC race. A 1991 or 92 Handmade S-Works hardtail, Suntour XC pro parts with grease guard port holes, Future shock and a Dura Ace rear derailluer. We found out short cage Dura Ace worked great with the Suntour, just like Downhillers will run them today. Yet I was young and needed some money so I sold it for, I don't know, $350. Yahh, sell a $3000 USA made bike for a few bucks, real smart. Then about a year ago a customer brings in a bike somebody gave him. The bike had been in a abandoned building. It was the same bike....not the same model, actually MY BIKE. It Had the same silly paint, "El Diablo" on the top tube, that I had so poorly painted. I promptly traded the customer, had KEI repaint the frame, and had John rebuild it for me.

Just like 1992, no bike gear, no clipless pedals, just a great ride.

new brakes...

for my cross bikes. avid redesigned the shorty sixes for thousand nine. upon first inspection, they seem to be more 'stable' than previous years. they are lighter than before.

they are also front and rear specific. this is made apparent by the different pads. the rear is your 'average' cartridge pad that you'd find on a road bike; however i'm sure that there is more to it than that. then the front is your 'average' cross pad set up. i'm sure that there is some science and engineering behind that, but i couldn't find any thing on the net, or on their site.







the interesting thing that they come with is three different length straddle wires. the longer the wire (with a steep angle) they will provide you with a firm feel; however you lose out on leverage. conversely with a shorter wire with a lower angle, you get a softer feel with more leverage. i thought this added feature to be pretty cool, and to add some personalization to the brake itself.

i look forward to using these brakes this season. i've always liked the shorty's, and these improvements ought to be welcomed.

enjoy...

amitabha...