The Ute's are coming!

Well a few goods things come from ending bad relationships. One of those things is finding a new girl that makes you happy all over again. I am always sad to see a brand leave the store and don't really like finding a new one, but we really lucked out with Kona. As I sure from you dilligent reading that Kona has some great cross, 29er and squishy bikes but hidden in the back of their catalog somewhere in the road section you will find the Ute long bike. Long bikes (or cargo bikes) have been around for a long time but unless you are a total bike nerd like me you probably have never seen one.

I have been pestering the crap out of our Kona rep to get a few Utes in and the two we got were sold in hours. My friend brad bought his in minutes... You can read some of his Ute exploits here.

Ok, long story short we have some more ute's coming in and if you are as sick of driving a car as I am to get anything bigger than a Chrome Bag then come check out a Ute...

Later

Stop the world I want to get off...

the TREK STOP is coming to a town near you

Little Evil Knievel In Training Goes Bad

I was just ridding along when I cased the fifth can...

17 Reasons Why Bicycles Are the Most Popular Vehicle in the World Today

So, a tidal wave did not engulf the store, nor were we sandbagging to hold back the flood waters, it's summer time people! We have been a little busy, working, riding and living. However, in my internet travels, I found a article that you will enjoy. Check it out...

Now go ride your bike!

I love ridding in the city!

Pittsburgh's own Urban Velo is turning one this week as Issue #7 hits the stands on Friday. In addition to giving a voice to those of us that just love to ride, for no reason at all, They have started a publishing revolution. You can download any of their issues on their website, they have a great blog, you can find them on Myspace, and their online store has a great selection of stickers and clothing. stay tuned for issue seven on their website. Happy Birthday Brad and Jeff! This is your birthday song it isn't very long...HEY!

The Madone Takes TOP Honors!

So just the other day some nice people at Outside magazine decided what most of us already know...the 2008 Trek Madone is the "TOP GEAR OF 2008". check it out in person by stopping by the shop.

So I'm an Addict...I can stop any time I want to...

So as you can tell by the limited Blog postings that we are really busy and any free time I have I would rather be on my bike than here with y'all (sorry, I didn't mean to offend).

One thing that has helped me through has been this song that Nick introduced me to. It seems like each summer has a theme. Last year we rocked out to the Gap Band (you dropped a bomb on me) and this year we are staying motivated with the Flobots. Check them out, you might just learn something.

Fresh off the presses!

Greetings,

Here are the first impressions from UK writer Steve Worland, one of the most influential and intelligent mountain bike editors of the last 20 years.

http://www.bikeradar.com/blogs/article/magic-carpets-15914

"... you get a seven inch travel freeride bike that hauls up climbs like a hardtail, rushes you down rocky chutes with barely a glimmer of respect for the terrain then grabs you a cold beer and launders your kit when you arrive home. "

Check it out and then stop in and pick up your new Kona...

Like 2 Nerf Ball running into each other!

So two years ago the professor (Rick) and Lola decided to train and enter the Wilderness 101. Well more to the point, Lola decided that Rick was going to race with her and she told him he was to start training. So they got some coaching, got a powertap, and started training. Well after the race, they were both starving because they could not really eat while riding, and they have not stopped two years later.

We have been riding alot this week enjoying the beautiful weather and the great trail conditions and the two of them are in the back complaining about how fat they are and how hard it is to breath. One thing leads to another and they start fighting. Lola threatens to come over and beat up Rick and he replies, "come on over it will be like two nerf balls running into each other!"

I really need to start riding by myself more...

Can you tell me the way to Kona World?

So as many of you know we are trying to provide you, the customers with the ultimate in choice and the finest products we can. Along those lines we have made some drastic changes to the bikes brands you will be seeing this season. All 3 of our avid readers know that we re very excited about the addition of Titus cycles.



The next brand is pretty obvious if you read the title of the post. Yes we are now Kona dealers. This includes their entire line of 29ers, mountain, full suspension, cyclocross, road, and urban bikes.



Visit them online at Kona World or stop by and check out the amazing collection from the northwest.

Calling all Cyclists!

T.R.M. Cycles is looking for part time Sales Associates for this season. If you are interested call, stop by or email.

You need:

A strong passion for cycling with a focus on customer service, a willingness and ability to educate every level of bicycle consumer, strong communication skills and basic computer knowledge , good problem solving and trouble shooting skills, cash handling and passion for cycling. Sales and merchandising experience preferred but not necessary. The ideal candidate must be able to have fun while getting the job done. We will teach you everything you need to be successful!

Welcome to the Neighborhood

So in an effort to keep our tile as the 29erest shop in town, we are welcome Titus Cycles to the stable of brands. Titus is know for their excellent 29er and their full suspension design and as an added benefit we will be offering a free pair of Crank Brothers Candy SL’s or Shimano PD-770 XT pedals for every complete 2008 Titus Racer X and Motolite sold during the months April and May. These pedals represent a $120 value. STop by and talk to Chrisp for details!

Oven Baked and Ready to Ride!

Check out this video and then make an appointment to get baked (and no, not that kind of baked)!

A Major Achivement!

So John Majors calls up and says what I have been waiting for... "I made a decision." John opted to go with a Paragon as opposed to waiting for the Superfly to come in. John then says, "I want to change some stuff..." He rattles off a list of carbon goodies that should lighten everything up and make a comfortable ride for his 100 mile races.

John also swaped out the juicey brakes for mechanical BB7's because they are easier to fix out on the trail. John's focus was to reduce the rotating weight on the bike. He went with the race x lite wheels and tubeless tires. He also went after the stock crankset with an intelligent flair upgrading to the xxx lite cranks with the adjustable crank length.


The last area needing attention was the comfort contact points so Carbon riser bar and a carbon post was added to cut the edge off of spending 10 hours in the saddle.



Good luck John, I hope the bike helps you go faster!

Trek of Pittsburgh Commerical

Enjoy our latest masterpiece...

PBR and CMT are a bad combination

So as a growing company, we have bigger needs...what that means to you is that we get to say goodbye to the stalker van as the lease is up and we welcome the MPU to the ToP/TRM family.  The MPU or Mobile Party Unit is a 14 foot box truck that will be cruising the streets of western PA doing Transfers, supporting events, generally causing havoc (especially if Nick is driving).  If you have ever been on vacation, you understand how unnatural it is to transport a bike by car, imagine trying to get 24 of them in a box truck to arrive safely and scratch free at their destination.  Well, four trips to Lowes later and we have the making of a high capacity bicycle transporter or MPU.  We may have watched a little too much Trick my Truck.  Sorry CMT!

Google This

We would like a 'Bike There' feature added to Google Maps - to go with the current 'Drive There' and 'Take Public Transit' options.

The feature would take into account actual bicycle lanes from the locality being mapped, and it would automatically plan a route for a bicyclist, possibly even providing the cyclist options for either the most direct route, or the most bicycle-friendly (safest) route. The Google Maps-based third party site, byCycle.org (http://byCycle.org/), provides these features for two metro areas - Portland, Oregon and Madison, Wisconsin, and there are countless other mapping initiatives around the world aimed at accomplishing the same goal. We hope that Google will consider building this feature into the core Google Maps service.

http://www.petitiononline.com/bikether/petition.html

Contest Time!

So in an effort to be more green we will be holding a Contest. The person with the best greenin up the shop idea wins a $50.00 Gift Card good at any of the TRM Cycles/ Trek of Pittsburgh stores. You can enter by commenting on this posting or if it is more involved you can email me directly at mikeh@trekofpgh.com. We are looking for big unique ideas to take our efforts to the next level, and yes, we already do the easy stuff. We recycle tubes, we recycle parts, we use bio-degradable cleaners and lubes, we recycle cardboard, we even re-use our shop rags. But we want to do our part and show the world that not only can you live better thru biking but you can make a difference as well!

So do some research, ask your friends, and post your comments for your chance to win $50.00 of cold hard gift card good for anything we sell or it can be used on labor as well. Win yourself a free tune-up so you can ride more...

Come Check out the NEW Tech Center!

So this winter we were huddled around the pile of burning tires and decided that we needed to renovate something. A few rounds with the oiuji board and the spirits of the mechanics pasted said we needed to improve the look of our Tech Center.
Rick kicked his computer until the intraweb came up and he spent several hours on Ikea's web site.

Decisions were made while caution was thrown to the wind and we now have our new and improved Tech Center.
It features a ton more storage which we desperately needed, shiney birch work surfaces and on top of all that...IT MATCHES our exisiting cabinets! Not bad for a bunch of boys...

So Wrong and yet so Right!

If you haven't noticed, the blogging has been a little sporatic as of late. I get these great ideas about posts but then never get any time to get them on the site. So I store them up and post them when I can. I have asked a few people to join me to keep the reading fun and more frequent. I will keep you posted.

On to the business at hand. All good bike geeks are familar with the North American Handmade Bicycle Show. It is a collection of the smaller custom builders. They roll into Portland with guns blazing trying to outdo each other. This year newcomer and show-stopper was Naked Bicycles from Canada.



Now if you look closely, you will see several features that are made of wood. Now look even closer and you will notice the headset is ringed in Oak. As it turns out the Oak is actually lighter and just as strong as Carbon and Aluminum. Next they will be telling that Steel in the material of the future.

Ah...full circle...how nice for a biker...

The power of bicycles

World Bicycle Relief aspires to provide people in developing nations and disaster relief situations with a bicycle for access to health care, education and economic development as well as improving the lives of people in those countries.

If you are interested in helping out, each bicycle costs $109.00 and contributions can be made via credit card. visit www.worldbicyclerelief.com for more information.

Welcome to the Family!

I am pleased to announce that long time friend and local fixture, John Majors has chose to join the TRM Cycles/ Trek of Pittsburgh family! John has a long history of racing and ridng and will be a huge addition to the T.o.P. team in the Ultra Endurance series.

John will be racing on a 29er this year and I am looking forward to some of his tips and reviews of 29er equipment. I will keep yinz posted as John finalizes his bike spec and set-up...

Help Wanted

Trek Bicycle Store of Pittsburgh Online Sales Coordinator

Description

Description:

This individual will be responsible for the Online Sales, Online Auctions, Order Fulfillment, and Website Maintenance. This includes all aspects of online sales customer service, Creating online auction postings, fulfilling online orders, and Website maintenance of online purchasing specific information. The selected candidate will also propose new online protocols, and coordinate all other aspects of online sales.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the daily operation of Online Sales.
• Candidate must have experience with Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Outlook.
• Candidate must have experience with Computerized POS, eBay and PayPal.
• Candidate will evaluate and recommend new online products and solutions based on internal requirements.
• Assist in driving fulfillment projects to completion and assume leadership responsibilities in the day to day operations of the business.
• Manage and maintain eBay and PayPal services.
• Create Online Sales reports for Managers
• Communicates status of online sales and auctions to Operations Manager.
• Some Domestic Travel maybe required.

Required Skills:

• Internet Experience
• Online Auction Experience
• Strong Written Skills
• Ability to work well alone under time sensitive deadlines
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Bicycle and bicycle component knowledge a plus
• Website management a plus

If interested, please submit a resume along with salary requirements to mikeh@trekofpgh.com

Trek/Gary Fisher Ultimate Demo Tour makes a stop at Ray’s MTB

Cleveland, Ohio this coming March 1^st and 2^nd (Saturday and Sunday) from 10am till 5pm each day.

So much to say and so little time

Well as the many long time readers (pause for laughter to subside) know the 3rd annual Warehouse Sale is quickly approaching. It is scheduled for Ferbruary 24th from 8am to 5pm. It is best to show up early if you want the best deals. My free time has been given up to get the warehouse ready for yet another banner year.

In the meantime, Professional Cycling has once again shown how silly they can truely be.

On February 13th, the Amaury Sports Organization (ASO) barred Team Astana from competing in any race or event organized by the ASO in 2008. The ASO owns premiere cycling events like Paris-Nice, Paris-Roubaix, Paris-Tours, and the famed Tour de France.

The ASO cited the doping scandals of last year’s Tour de France as justification.

BE HEARD

Help put Levi’s dreams back on track by signing the petition to Let Levi Ride. Petitions will be sent directly to Christian Prudhomme, Director of the ASO, as well as to VS, the official US media partner of the Tour de France.

Please visit www.letleviride.com and sign the petition!

What's your Vector, Victor?

So in an effort to open your eyes to some of the talented people that work at TRM, I have asked everyone to answer ten simple questions to answer. Yinz may want to close your eyes for Victor Vector's answers

Parental Waring: These responses have been edited for content, language and Vectorizing...

1.) What was your first adult bicycle?
Mongoose Wing Elite

2.) What will be your next bike?
Eithar a cyclo-cross (XO-1) or a downhill (Session 10) bike

3.) What is your favorite place to ride?
Ray's MTB in winter, Wisp Resort downhill course in summer

4.) What is the ultimate place to ride?
I'd love to go to Whistler and do the downhill/ freeride stuff

5.) How many bikes do you currently own?
3, 2 broken Mongossez and a Gary Fisher XO

6.) Sandex or Baggy Shorts?
Baggy shorts (and some other comments not fit to repeat)

7.) What is your favorite post-ride food?
The first thing into my stomach

8.) When was the last time you rode your bike?
Yesterday

9.) Who is your favorite riding partner?
Anyone who is fun to ride with

10.) Do you prefer a water bottle or a hydration pack?
Hydro packs are da bomb.

Wait for it...

Yet another glimpse of the Joki...wait for it...Somebody blew that out...

This is what I have to deal with...

On a daily basis...and everyone wonders why I am bald.

Trust in your 29er and it will guide you thru!

So after being sick for what seems like all of 2007, I am finally feeling better and, stop the presses, went riding...OUTSIDE! Pause for for everyone to catch their breath...

Saturday was the typical early season ride where you realize that you are way fatter than you thought and you are way more out of shape than you had convinced yourself walking the dog. I did, however, get to ride my new communter bike. I took a old Bianchi cross frame and added what I consider the perfect gearing and some fenders to prepare myself for ridding for my health, the world and our future (sorry poor marketing plug). Saturday was everyhting I thought it would be on the bike but hurt way more off the bike. I think my butt is still sore. Stupid Aspide... I need to find another saddle!

So on to Sunday. My beautiful wife woke me up at 7:30 and said, "it's frozen out get up we are going mountain biking!" I agreed, rolled over and went back to bed. She then unleashed her secret weapon...Sophie, our 78 pound lab puppy. WHo prceeded to lay on my chest and lick my face untill I got up. A couple of rounds with the pump and a little lube and two bikes were ready to ride. We cruised to the local trails and sure enough if who doesn't come rollin' up but Joki...

We rode the warm up trail which was a ice rink and headed over to the other side and rode the knife edge between riding on the ice and hoping you didn't fall. Long story short, 29ers rule! The only way we were able to ride was because of the larger contact patch. A little trust in the abilities of the bike and the riding was awesome (sorry Lola and Joki for being dumb and reckless)

EHarmony.com

male in search of m/f for race in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, the www. burn24hour.com. race in the 2person category.date may 24/25-2008 $190.00 team. this price is for the earlybird special ending 2-28-08 $20.00 more after date. est. time for trip 8hrs. with one stop lunch-dinner. will pay for gas round trip.

requirements- lights, experience some, willing to go the distance priceless!

my stats.

mtn.biking 20yrs. racing 19yrs. one day races numerous, in PA, OH, & WV 24 hr. races 12 and counting.

contact

e-mail, jimbikeruff1@aol.com

If you are interested..Help a brother out...

The new kid in town...

Hello again from inside the walls of TRM. Today I am pleased to introduce the world to our latest addition. He is world renown mechanic and former Downhill Racer, Jay Humphrey! Jay joined us this winter and is still getting used to where Rick hides everything. We are really excited to have Jay added to the Service ranks to help Rick and Greg out this summer. We have BIG plans for Jay! Stop by and say hello.

Here are his ten questions so you can get a glimpse into the world of Britney...I mean, Jay...

1) What was your first adult bicycle?
A Fuji

2) What will be your next bike?
cyclocross

3) What is your favorite place to ride?
Mt. Snow

4) What is the ultimate place to ride?
Italy

5) How many bikes do your currently own?
3

6) Spandex or Baggy shorts?
Baggy

7) What is your favorite post-ride food?
Sushi

8) When was the last time you rode your bike?
Yesterday

9) Who is your favorite riding partner?
Someone who doesn't complain

10) Do you prefer a water bottle or a hydration pack?
Bottle

XXX Hot Dirty Girls!!!

Now that I have your attention...you should all check out the latest Trek of Pittsburgh community Blog from the lovely ladies of Trek of Pittsburgh. They talk about riding, women's friendly products, and life in the saddle. Check them out and see what they are up to.

http://topladies.wordpress.com/

Get out and ride!

English and Bike Shops don't always Mix

So I am sure that many of you know Jeffers but, many of you don't know that Jeffers is our resident English Major. We wish him all the best with his studies!

1). What was your first adult bicycle?
An IRO fixed gear from my brother. He had cross-threaded the bottom bracket, so I was perpetually tightening both it and all of my chainring bolts, and there were times when I had lost two of the chainring bolts and didn't realize it til after the ride...sold it and got an old Italian steel frame that had been in the Tour de France. Good stuff.

2). What will be your next bike?

Hmm..either a big fat cruiser or the Bianchi Roger with the Surly Dingle Cog, or maybe just a Cross-Check.

3). What is your favorite place to ride?

Oakland/Shadyside area on the fixie...Heartwood and Bavington are fun for the woods.

4). What is the Ultimate place to ride?

Umm...intersection of Forbes Ave and Bigelow Boulevard around 11:52 AM, during Pitt's class changes. If you run the yellow/red light, people are already starting to cross in the opposite direction, so you get to cut through the 1-2 foot gaps between oblivious crossing pedestrians at 10 mph.

5). How many bike do you currently own?

1..2..3..4..5..and a unicycle.

6). Spandex or Baggy shorts?

Spandex, but I mostly ride in jeans.

7). What is your favorite post-ride food?

Vera Cruz burrito.

8). When was the last time you rode your bike?

Thursday...it's Sunday now.

9). Who is your favorite riding partner?

Soupie, Mike McCracken, or Brian Reyburn, in that order.

10) Do you prefer a water bottle or a hydration pack?

Camelbak MULE.

Group Winter Mountain Bike Rides are Starting Again!

Hello all, I want to start up south park mtb rides again. Check the website for details. Let everyone know that this is a really fun time to ride off road! If they don't have all the winter gear,thats fine. Just tell them to dress warm. I will be starting out with really easy rides due to the fact that I'm phat and out of shape. I'm thinking on Sundays and a weeknight. Not sure which day yet.

-Sam Kaufman

Don't worry I speak Joki

Well, it took a little bit of doing but I got Rick to answer the questions. After some heavy editing and a few rounds with the spell checker they are ready to post. I hope you enjoy them.

1). What was your first adult bicycle?

1975 free spirit

2). What will be your next bike?

a cyclocross bike with gears I do not which one yet

3). What is your favorite place to ride?

on my bike

4). What is the Ultimate place to ride?

Lebanon Hills Park MN

5). How many bike do you currently own?

two

6). Spandex or Baggy shorts?

spandex

7). What is your favorite post-ride food?

yes

8). When was the last time you rode your bike?

Saturday

9). Who is your favorite riding partner?

me

10) Do you prefer a water bottle or a hydration pack?

50/50

Tracking a Wild Calvetti in his natural envorinment

We have round two in the series, "get to know your local Bike Shop". Greg is a part time mechanic and an expert in all things science. prepare to be enlightened...

1). What was your first adult bicycle?

A used Soma Cosmopolitan was my first true adult bike, but a Bridgestone 500 was my first real serious bike.

2). What will be your next bike?

If I were to spend money, I'd build up a Surly Cross Check like half the rest of the world, but it will probably be whatever somebody gives me as a freebie!

3). What is your favorite place to ride?

Hilltop out of Heidelberg, past Nevillewood is lovely in the springtime.

4). What is the Ultimate place to ride?

Joki Mountain.

5). How many bike do you currently own?

I have three, but I maintain the family fleet of an additional eight bikes.

6). Spandex or Baggy shorts?

Spandex.

7). What is your favorite post-ride food?

Cocoa Krispies with the fam.

8). When was the last time you rode your bike?

Today. I commute most every day to work.

9). Who is your favorite riding partner?

For long road rides, my friend and former boss, Tim Steinhauer. Otherwise, I have eight great partners in my home for rail trail rides.

10) Do you prefer a water bottle or a hydration pack?

Bottle.

More than you wanted to know...

In an effort to introduce you to some of the new faces around TRM, I took it upon myself to ask everyone some deep probing questions and here are Nick's answers. Now i have to warn you in advance that his views and opinions are not that of TRM Cycles and Parental Supervision is required. You may want to have the younger readers leave the room...

1). What was your first adult bicycle?

Bianchi Cross Concept.

2). What will be your next bike?

Something with wheels and preferably handlebars; possibly tricycle.

3). What is your favorite place to ride?

South Park in the day, Bavington at night, Rollers in the cold.

4). What is the Ultimate place to ride?

Coopers Rock WV is sweet, Moab UT is sick. Haven't been to moab since I
was 14 and last time I was at Coopers I broke my foot. SWEET.

5). How many bike do you currently own?

One, The Carnegie Cruiser Custom.

6). Spandex or Baggy shorts?

Depends on my level of friskiness

7). What is your favorite post-ride food?

Rhythm House Rueben and Heinekin. Not so healthy, it will fill ya up good though.

8). When was the last time you rode your bike?

Last night, It was cold so I was on rollers in my living room watching "Scrubs"

9). Who is your favorite riding partner?

Anyone.

10) Do you prefer a water bottle or a hydration pack?

I prefer to do the camel thing (drink alot before I ride and hope it lasts). But for longer rides, camel back all the way.

The 2% Club

First off let me say that I am really sorry the blog postings have been a little slack lately. We have had a few staffing changes and then the Holidays and then Inventory...you get the idea.

This morning I was walking the dog enjoying the cold...finally...and I was reminded of a survey that I read when I was first started in the bike industry. The survey was talking about how people use their mountain bike (this was long before they had comfort and hybrid bikes). Long story short, they concluded that only 2% of mountain bikers ride their bikes off-road in adverse conditions (mud, rain, rocks and roots), at night, and year round (winter time).

Well I for one love riding this time of year for a few reasons. First off the trails are fun, fast and in good shape (once they freeze up). Second, there are a lot less people on the trails. You don't have to worry about getting chased off the trail by the 50+ group rides. and Finally, Riding in the snow is just FUN, especially a 29er. They really excel in the snow and frozen terrain. You dress right and let a little air out of your tires (or if your Rick you ride your studded tires) and go for a ride.

A couple of tricks that I have learned over the years are to dress for it. Dress in layers and plan a route that brings you past the car a couple of times. Don't forget to drink. Even though it is could and you are probably not sweating you still need water. Don't bother with a bottle it will freeze. If your hydration pack tube freezes up tuck in into your jacket/jersey and it will de-thaw. Or better yet put your hydration pack on under your Jacket. BUY WINTER SHOES! Don't waste your time with booties or shoe covers. Cough up the $170 and get the Shimano winter shoes (in stock now). You will be surprised and pleased with how big of a difference they make. If your feet are still cold add some toe warmers to your socks.

But most importantly get out and ride in the winter. Try a night ride! we have demo NiteRider lites that you can try. Get a 29er from the Two Ninerest shop in town and join the 2% club.

later kids,
Mike