09/05/2012 13:07:00
Saturday 19th May is your next chance to try bikes from Orange and Santa Cruz. From Santa Cruz we have the new Tallboy LT, the standard Tallboy, Blur LT’s, Blur TRC’s, Nomad’s, Highball’s, Blur XC, Butcher and Nickel. We have Orange Five’s, Alpines, Patriots, ST4’s, and P7’s all ready for you to test on our Lakeland trails. We have two guided rides leaving the shop, and you must book in advance to secure your place. Just give us a ring on 01539431245 or email us at info@bike-treks.co.uk to secure your place. We look forward to seeing you.
09/05/2012 13:07:00bktr
26/04/2012 17:20:00
It’s less than 1 month to go until the Fred Whitton sportive and now is the time for the final preparation. With 112 gruelling miles ahead, not to mention climbs and descents of up to 30% steepness, there are some key pieces of kit and knowledge you need to get you round the course.
1/ Brake Blocks – Whether you know the hills or not, you will be clinging to your brake levers for several descents, so make sure your brakes are in excellent working condition. If in doubt, stick some new ones on. At the same time, clean your braking surface on the rims, and check the brake cable is in full working condition too.
Recommended Product – Shimano Inserts - £9.99 – To stop when you want to, look no further than these.
2/ Tyres – Nobody wants punctures at any time, but definitely not when you are hurtling down a descent. New tyres provide you with more grip, increased puncture resistance and a smoother ride. You are placing a lot of trust in those pieces of rubber, so do yourself a favour and check them for wear and make sure they are in tip top condition.
Recommended Product – Michelin Pro Race 3 - £37.99 – Fast, light and one of the best road tyres you’'ll ever find.
3/ Energy Food And Drink – 112 miles is a long, long way. Keep yourself topped up with bars, gels and drinks. If you begin to feel hungry then it is already too late – eating before you need to is the key to staying strong all the way through.
Recommended Product – Clif Bars, Shot Blocks, Gels – From £1.30 – Great tasting and guaranteed to keep you going.
4/ Overshoes – If you are planning on getting an early start then be prepared for a chill in the air. A light pair of over shoes or toe covers can make the day a far more enjoyable experience. 8 hours in the saddle with cold toes isn’t anyone’s idea of fun, so get some on keep your feet happy.
Recommended Product – Pearl Izumi Toe Covers - £14.99 – Light, warm and you won’t know you’re wearing them.
5/ Clothing – It could be 20 degrees and sunny, or 5 degrees with thunder, lightning, hail and snow. The right clothing can make the difference. Carrying arm, leg and/or knee warmers is essential, and a good packaway jacket is also a must. Don’t forget to wear a comfortable base layer and some good shorts too.
Recommended Product – Gore Power Bibshorts - £79.99 – Ride in comfort with the most popular shorts in the shop.
Look out for our blogs with more advice and kit in the run up to the Fred…
26/04/2012 17:20:00bktr
09/04/2012 11:19:00
Santa Cruz Tallboy LT’s exclusively at Biketreks! That’s right, the brand new Santa Cruz Tallboy LT (Long Travel) will be available to demo this weekend (Saturday 14th April) at Biketreks. We will be the first store in the UK to have any bikes in store ready to ride, and given the huge build up and anticipation for this bike, it is an opportunity not to be missed.
Santa Cruz will be on hand, as well as Biketreks staff, offering 2 guided rides over some cracking Lakeland terrain so you can give these bikes a proper test. Besides the new Tallboy LT we will have other 29er Santa Cruz’s on hand, like the Tallboy, Highball and Superlight. We’ll also have bikes from Scott (Scale and Spark 29ers) and Specialized (Carve, Camber and Epic’s) so if you are thinking of a new mountain bike this is the ideal time to come and try out the best bikes on the best terrain.
The brand spanking new Santa Cruz Tallboy LTC – THIS WILL MAKE YOU RIDE FASTER!
With 130/140mm travel, the Tallboy LT is one of the new breed of trail ready 29ers, designed to tame any trail, carry more speed and offer bigger grins. As usual, Santa Cruz are at the pioneering end of mountain bike design, and this bike is sure to set the standard for performance for the next few years, much like its shorter travel sibling has. Released to the world only 9 days ago this is the first opportunity for you to see, ride and buy this incredible machine.
Specialized Camber 29er – available to demo this weekend, only at Biketreks
So why 29ers? Well, they roll over obstacles easier than a smaller wheel, allowing you a smoother ride on the trail. They hold momentum better, allowing you to eat up the miles and make any road sections fly by. They offer increased traction on climbs and descents than a smaller wheels. They climb like demons. They flatter your riding skills and make you feel like a riding god!
Scott Scale 29er – available to demo this weekend, only at Biketreks
29ers are the future of mountain biking so give us a call/email/visit and get your demo bike booked for this weekend. We’ve got the best bikes, the best trails (right on our doorstep!) and the best craic, so don’t hang around, places are limited.
Call 015394 31245 Email info@bike-treks.co.uk
Santa Cruz Tallboy LT Alloy
09/04/2012 11:19:00bktr
22/03/2012 15:43:00
So said my wonderful Mother, bless her soul. And although not copyrighted to Mrs. Jane R.. I think I might be right in saying it is an 'Over Wyre' saying... As I was saying to my house mate, where we live there are two strands of barbed wire between us and the Isle Of Man. Another Over Wyre copyright too!
Indeed I was also suggesting that we grow our own as in vegetables and forget the pots of geraniums [red for the Mediterranean 'climate' we enjoy on the Fylde Coast!] in an effort to do our bit for queen & country in this time of austerity & strive for quality and meaning.
It all feels increasing like a new beginning, a seismic shift in how we live and view the world in which we live. Things, they are a changing. And not entirely for the worse. Far from it in fact as my focus on grow our own proves. In fact I for one feel far more optimistic than I have for many a year.
All of you who have followed the Blog over the years [bless you! You poor souls!] will know my mantra by now OF PROVENANCE, PROVENANCE, PROVENANCE. With this clearly in mind The Boutique has taken on a distinct quality atmosphere...
Brands we believe and trust in. Gore Bike Wear, Endura...a highlight being the new 'EQUIPE' Road Range of superb, hi-tech race ready clothing & accessories. The range is indeed amazing and very, very sexy! Yet is quality in every sense.
Pearl Izumi: may be almost 'common place' in the USA but for a darn good reason! Quality and trust.
In other section so of this Newsletter we have highlighted many of the 'stand out' products, as in the Gore Bike Wear Xenon range, the Craft 'Concept'' and so on. Even Altura are hitting the right notes for the season ahead! Cut, quality, feel! It is obvious that without getting all preachy that we firmly believe in selecting & offering the best possible quality products with pedigree and a track record we know we and indeed you can trust.
So back to my dear Mum: Yes spring is indeed in the air, the seeds are set for the season ahead. Your training regime will be at the max, the races & competition diary to the full! Weekends away on the trails & fells. You want and need kit you can trust, stuff you can depend on, believe in and like a good pair of high quality jeans that will last for what feels like forever. The Biketreks Team...both in terms of here in The Store & our Racing Team have a interesting and challenging time ahead. No shirking into a corner, stand square fold and face the future.
We firmly believe... I firmly believe and ask my house mate I am a born pessimist, that this spring is indeed full of opportunity and optimism. The future is indeed bright & the future is indeed now!
Don't put off what you want for tomorrow, live for the day.
All I need to do now is remind myself of this as I walk into a Force 8 freezing cold, rain splattered along Fluke Hall sea defences and focus on the day when I harvest my home grown veg! Life can indeed be good!
So put your trust in us.... put your trust in the products & brands in which we and indeed you trust in and believe in.
We Looking forward to seeing you soon. BST!
See you soon...
22/03/2012 15:43:00bktr
19/01/2012 11:37:00
So let us drop some names, some brands....
Gore BikeWear.... of course!.... Pearl Izumi.... classic yet brilliant!.....Craft....a real buzz about the brand. And quite rightly so!. This brand means business! So in what little 'copy space' we have [in other words...words!] let us give you just a few of the highlights & products that will be taking pride of place in 'The Boutique' in the coming months.
Gore BikeWear Xenon 2.0 AS [Active Shell = amazing breathability!] Superb 'road cut', road specific jacket. We stress Cut! Like a Saville Row suit but for the road bike... eg Scott Foil or Specialized Venge. yes that good! £149.99. Put this at the top of your 'Road Kit' wish list!
Sticking with the Xenon 2.0 theme, buy the jacket but don't forget the Bibshorts. Again with all the innovation we have come to expect. welded seams, so no 'rubbing', abrasion. Full mesh bib ready for the scoucer of a summer we are over due! This looks & feels like the best bibshort ...ever! £189.99. Womens version too! £149.99. Seriously good! And once a bib is worn no going back..ever!
The PRO series of products from Pearl Izumi never cease to please ..And the lite-weight, packable PRO Barrier jacket will be no exceptiontoo! Exactly what we have all been asking for... £74.99. And in orange! Enough said!
Craft: well we've banged on enough about Craft now for many a year. Their Baselayers are THE baselayers as far as we are concerned. So with a warm spring & a hot summer long overdue again we will have the superb ''Cool'' mesh vests & t's. Yes vests as in what the Pro's use. Yes wearing a baselayer can keep you cooler than not wearing one. Ask our line up of riders & Race Team. Add the new technology of the Cool Concept Piece Short/ Sleeve T £32.00 Panelled & cut to make you feel fresh & comfort whatever level the mercury gets too. Looks good too! There is the Active Extreme Concept Short/Sleeve T too £34.00 We reckon the best summer baselayer we have seen. Craft making a 'big song & dance' about this one and with good reason! So good we know you'll buy one for every day of the week! Needless to say Mens & Womens in 'eye-popping colours'!
But it is not only Baselayers from Craft. O'h no far, far from it! Add the 'chart-topping' Elite & Performance range of bibshorts from £69.99. Here too we find the new Craft Performance Bike Featherlight Vest. Windprrof but so 'lite', packable and tailored to the body this is must for all 'Fred' Challengers everywhere. £45.00
Right so that copy deadline and words has caught up with me as indeed the new season approaches so quickly. By the time soem of you get around to opening this email and reading this the first 'drop' of the new season Gore BikeWear will be hanging in size order, all bright, shiny and new! So if this doesn't prompt that long-overdue visit to The Biketreks Boutique then an i don't know what will!
And don't worry plenty of 'cherry-picked' delights from the likes of ENDURA & FOX.... Son you Mountain Bikers & Orange 5 owners need not worry! Hey there is next months' e-shot! Watch this space!...
Looking forward to welcoming you to The Boutique!
19/01/2012 11:37:00bktr
11/01/2012 14:31:00
Really cannot explain this but i have a ''spring'' in my step! Yes the middle of January and yet personally feeling very positive about the oncoming springtime and the warmer, lighter days ahead. Ok so it will not be 'cracking flags' as in the rising of the mercury levels but spring certainly 'perks' us all up after the long, wet, cold winter months.
For those of you in the 'know' and those that have any insight into the working of 'Retail' and the selection and buying 'process' of seasonal products may realise that our collective ''body clock'' is quite frankly all over the 'show'! As in ordering Spring/Summer in the moody, autumn reflective days, with Autumn...lets be all US of A here... Fall/Winter in the warm spring lengthing days. Confused? You bet your bottom dollar! But we do. Increasing so...
So it is good to be able to 'step back' and take a few moments to reflect on what first rate brands we have ordered fantastic products from. Here in The Boutique at Biketreks we have again gone for quality, provenance, tried & tested and indeed the very best we can to ensure we present to you the best there is. So brands we trust, products we use and believe in, fabrics we know works, value for your 'dollar' and know-how in terms of fit, design, performance, function and not forgetting looks!
......to be continued.... from my Blackberry at home!....
11/01/2012 14:31:00bktr
22/12/2011 10:43:00
2012 hasn’t even begun but here at Biketreks we have dozens of new products in store and on the way.
First up, the mountain bike for 2012, the Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Evo, 150mm of efficient, plush and confidence inspiring travel designed to help you push just that little bit harder. Looks pretty cool in the matt paint job too. Sticking with the mountain bikes we have new Scott Spark’s on the way. If you fancy an ultralight bike for ultimate speed look no further. Let’s not forget the range of 29er bikes we have too, the Specialized Carve, Camber and Epic. We are keeping some of these models as demo bikes so drop us a line and book your ride now and find out what the big wheels are all about.
Moving on to the road bikes there is even more to talk about. When Scott launched the Foil last summer it very well received by consumers and testers alike, and now that we have them in store you can see why. An incredible piece of engineering you really need to see it to believe how sexy and fast this bike is! Matching that we have some Specialized Tarmac’s too – with multiple Tour de France wins to its name you would be hard pressed to find a better all round road bike. If it is good enough for Cav, the Schleck’s, Contador et al…
For the girls we have the new Specialized Dolce and Amira road bikes. Catering for every level these bikes are designed specifically to fit women, so you get a comfier saddle, shorter reach, narrower handlebars and easier reach to the brakes. Seriously, pop down, take one out round the town and feel the difference. For off road we have the Specialized Jett 29er which has went down a storm since we got them in. Very fast rolling, full of confidence it is perfect if you are thinking about getting a bit more into mountain biking.
Best known for their mountain bikes we have just received one of a limited number of Orange Carb-O road bikes in store. A beautiful curved frame, sexy paint job and quality components make this a great mid-range road bike, an very exclusive to boot. This one isn’t going to be hanging around too long!
For those who like to do a bit of everything we have the new, improved and incredibly versatile Specialized Tricross. With hybrid tyres for on or off road, an efficient, relaxed riding position and powerful disc brakes this bike is equally adept as winter trainer, touring bike, light off road, cyclo cross… For other hybrid bikes check out the Sirrus, Vita and Scott Sportster. All of these are designed to do a bit of everything and be very comfortable. If you just want to get out on your bike look no further.
Moving on from bikes the Giro Feature helmet has caused quite a stir with its “dude-ish” looks, but rest assured the fit and protection are bang on and it has been popular so far with the mountain bikers. For the roadies the Giro Savant helmet is exceptional value with great fit and ventilation. Keep your eyes open in Spring time for the new Specialized S3 helmet – extremely light, great fit and sublime colours and decals, this will be the business! For the first time in quite a while we will be stocking Fox helmets too, another great option for off roaders with great protection and ventilation.
661 have recently delivered a huge set of new body armour from the budget Riot pads, through the new Rage and Rampage to the top performing Evo pads. These are the best fitting pads we have tried, and with new contouring the fit is better than ever. Pair them with the new Endura Singletrack 2 baggy short – not only will you look cool you will be comfy and protected.
Other gear in stock now include Kinetic turbo trainers (a consistent test winner in the magazines), Purist water bottles (guaranteed not to become contaminated with energy drinks), Breeze Blocker hand warmers, Mucky Nutz mudguards, and Feedback Pro Elite workstands (these extend tall enough so anyone can work in comfort without stooping, and are strong enough even for DH bikes).
Besides all of this, there are tons more stuff to talk about, and we haven’t even got started on clothing! Next time you’re in Ambleside pop in for a look round – there is so much shiny stuff just now you’d better bring your shades!
22/12/2011 10:43:00bktr
05/12/2011 12:07:00
So the first few flakes of snow have fallen and you’ve probably rang the garage about winter tyres on the car, but have you thought about winter tyres on the bike?!
Both Andy and Mike have just fitted theirs to their cross bike and mountain bike respectively and are looking for more of the cold stuff to give them an outing.
For those of you who don’t know what I’m on about, we have just got the Schwalbe Ice Spiker tyres in. These feature 304 tungsten tipped spikes that help you grip on the snow and ice. The sets we have are wired with added puncture protection so you can be puncture free this winter once you’ve got them on.
If you don’t want to go to the extent of having spikes in your tyres but you want some added confidence in riding in wet conditions then here are some tips…
For the road… we would recommend using a tyre with a thicker sidewall with added puncture resistance such as the Specialized All Condition Armadillo Elite which like the name suggests features a band of kevlar protection to keep the thorns, nails, glass etc out of your tyres. Yes they are slightly heavier than your normal “race” tyres but they mean you won’t have to fix punctures in the cold, wet, dark, snow…! A worthwhile investment that William made for his commute to work fro Kendal and he hasn’t been late since putting them on!!
For the Cross Bike… we would recommend the Specialized Borough CX Armadillo Elite’s which again feature added puncture protection and go on relatively easily and allow on and off road riding with ease.
For the mountain bike … we would recommend Maxxis Minion DHF up front and a Maxxis High Roller on the rear for you all mountain riders, and Maxxis Advantages front and rear for you more XC riders. Another great consideration is turning your wheels to tubeless or UST as it’s termed. This allows you to run lower air pressures in your tyres for added grip and with a thicker sidewall punctures become a thing of the past. Almost all wheelsets can be converted to UST using a special kit with silicon based fluid in which acts to seal the tyre to the rim and block up any holes that might appear. You can do this yourself or we can do it for you!
So there you have it, just a few ways to stay on the bike this winter so we want no excuses now!
Sarah
xx
05/12/2011 12:07:00bktr
27/11/2011 17:10:00
Yes you read that correctly! In the car park (Rydal Rd) by the shop parking is now FREE on Sundays on the following dates leading up to Christmas…
- Sunday 4th December
- Sunday 11th December
- Sunday 18th December
- Sunday 25th December
So why not use this as an opportunity to do your Christmas shopping, or visit us on the quieter day and get some personal shopping service or bring the bikes come get some route advice and then tell us how good it was over a coffee when you get back? You’ve now no excuse for not visiting Ambleside, we’ve got the parking and it’s FREE!! Thank You SLDC xx
27/11/2011 17:10:00bktr
18/11/2011 10:46:00
How to keep riding and stay upright in winter conditions. Steady riding at low intensity is great for burning fat, maintaining your core fitness, and allowing you to improve your cycling skills, cadence, balance, roadcraft, etc.
So, how to make it easier:-
Ensure your bike is in optimum condition, and suited to the job in hand.
Fit mudguards, you owe it to yourself and your riding buddies, staying dry is half the battle of staying warm.
Fit winter tyres, this is how you stay upright! Winter specific tyres are constructed using softer compounds, grip is generated by the tyre tread contorting to the ground it rolls over, ‘normal’ tyres go hard in the cold and this process is more difficult. It is exactly the same reason cars swop to winter tyres, if you have ever driven a car in snow, equipped with winter tyres you will understand, as the level of grip available is astounding. This is all down to the softer compound allowing the tread to move.
Winter tyres also typically offer improved puncture resistance, after all who wants to be at the side of the road changing tubes?
Keep your bike clean, build ups of dirt and worse salt, corrode your mechs and brake calipers, leading to poor,or no performance.
Read the road, look ahead and watch for, white lines, drain covers, leaves, diesel deposits, gravel, mud, all of which can be slippy when wet.
Be aware of your position on the road, especially in relation to the camber of the road. Set up and brake for corners before you arrive at them, always brake in straight lines.
If you are planning a cafe stop, and lets face it, that is why some of us ride, carry a spare base layer, nip to the loo and pop on the dry, fresh base layer, so you are not sitting around in the inevitably damp and sweaty one you arrived in.
Follow these tips for a safe and active winter
18/11/2011 10:46:00andy
10/06/2011 15:20:00
Are you looking for a mountain bike hardtail that will stand the test of time? Then look no further! We are selling off our Fleet of Hire bikes to you lovely people. The fleet consists of Scott Aspect 40’s and Specialized Myka Disc’s for the ladies. In the Aspect we have small, medium, large and x-large available in the stunning green colour way, and we have 13” and 15” in the Myka making them great first time bikes. All the bikes come with a thorough check over by our qualified mechanic’s, and the frames are all in great nick as they are always taped up prior to hire. For more info on these ex hire bikes or to buy yours just pop in store or ring us on 01539 431245.
10/06/2011 15:20:00bktr
05/06/2011 16:00:09
So ok, everyone knows all the yogurts face the same way in my ‘fridge. [Sainsburys Basic natural ‘’zero’’ fat, if you want the entire detail.] Add my ‘prized’ collection of Esquire magazines again keep in pristine, chronological order. [i would ‘kill’ anyone within a metre of them!] And it is all too obvious my latest ‘craze’ [crazy?] is the new Mercedes C Class Coupe. [Pity the Team at Mercedes Benz, Blackpool!] Not a ‘snowball’s’ of ever getting remotely close! Kidney? Liver?
There is something to be said to starring one’s OCD in the face: it makes [one] realise that as should we say [one] ‘’matures’’ [don’t! Just don’t!] you begin to realise ‘order out of the chaos is all that keeps [one?] sane! Note how throughout that last sentence i referred to as ‘’one’’? [Distancing myself from the ‘crime sheet’.]
However, as those that know i can [indeed we The Biketreks Team] can become somewhat ‘obsessive’ with our brands and bikes, eyewear and shoes. To say the least! [Another phrase sprang to mind there ending in ‘Sherlock’!] Just experiment if you will by say chatting to Sarah about Santa Cruz, Colin about Orange or even something as ‘mundane’ as a multi-tool… careful! Will about Specialized bikes…road or mtb…urban even! I think Will is surgically attached to his Secteur! And not only that a walking, talking fully-fledged Gore Bikewear ‘in-house’ model. And that is where i come in..as in Gore BikeWear…love it! Amazing kit1 [You thought i was going to somehow reference myself to ‘model’. Get real i hit every branch on that big, old ugly tree.] As for Adidas Performance Eyewear, well if i didn’t want to continue to give blood [and not simply working here!] in the true sense i reckon i would have the Adidas logo tattooed on my ankle by now. [no i haven’t so no Man-ankle action from me.] So dam passionate about Adidas Evil Eyes i swear i would ‘take the bullet’ for that brand. As for Mike, well did i mention Scott CR1’s? Or Giro or Specialized Performance Footwear… Mike is a passionate guy full stop but add those brands to the equation and he is on fire! Literally! Kieren too for that matter, he not far from me as far as Adidas is concerned. Add a ‘sprinkling’ of Energy & Nutrition and it is not only the fastest espresso this side of Milan he is focused on! Totally!
So as and entity we have a shared obsession and vision… ok mine is a little how can we put this ‘left field’ but hey there has to be one! If you ever are in the situation where you are opening my fridge [and believe me my house is on the market so anything is possible] be prepared to set soldier on parade line up of yogurt pots and Divine chocolate with Tropicana Breakfast juice and little else.
But equally visit Biketreks Store any time and be prepared to be greeted with passion! Fire! Emotion! Belief! Zeal! And a good dollop of OBSESSION!
05/06/2011 16:00:09bktr