On Sunday February 26th we hosted the second of three events of the Team Adaptive Duathlon Training Series.

The weather was fantastic and we had a great turnout.  Check out our Facebook link for some pictures. More pictures to follow.  Also below is the current standings

Now a little bit about performance testing...

I cannot believe it has been two years ago this week that there was a story about May Street Bicycles in Elite Magazine title "​Southern Pines bike shop puts performance to the test."  The article was written by Johanna Royo and the pictures were taken by Cindy Burnham.  I am grateful to have them as friends:)

Well it is that time of year for individuals preparing for their big event of the season to establish their training zones, nutrition and pacing strategies.  So I will let the story by Ms. Royo give you an overview of performance testing. As well, I would like to thank Pete Johnson for allowing me to test him for this story.

Just to review - an Ironman triathlon is a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride and a 26.2-mile run, raced in that order and without a break. Sixty-three-year-old Pete Johnston is training for another one.
"No bigger rush than when you blow past a 30-something in an Ironman and he says, 'Please don't tell me you are 62,'" Johnston says, referring to a race last year. He explains that Ironman athletes wear their age on their calf.

Johnston huffs and puffs a tiny bit as we talk because he's been riding a stationary bike at just below his maximum ability while breathing into a special tube connected to a VO2 metabolic cart connected to a laptop.

At the other end of the tube is Dr. Greg Combs, professor of the sport management at Methodist University and owner of Velo Smart Performance Lab and May Street Bicycle in Southern Pines.

Combs increases the resistance on Johnston's bike. At the end of the static ride, he can pinpoint exactly what speed and heart rate will carry him to the finish line. More often than not, the optimum speed for success is slower than the speed at which the athlete is currently training.

In other words, racing at the wrong pace will burn too many carbohydrates and the runner/biker/swimmer (or all three, if you are Johnston) will peter out before the finish line. And that type of athlete is what Combs calls a sugar burner.

"I get guys in here on a (military) team, and they want to know who's a sugar burner because they want to know everyone's energy demands," Combs says.

Just as they want to know that everyone on a team can shoot, soldiers need to know everyone can go the distance in a critical situation.

It's a scenario Johnston and Combs know firsthand. Johnston retired from 5th Special Forces Group. Combs served in the 3rd Ranger Battalion. Combs also competed as part of the Army's world-class athlete program after his time in the Ranger Battalion. The training took a toll on his body, and he found the breakdown-recovery cycle was getting longer and longer. Combs says getting the perfect bike fit - the practice of fitting a bike to an athlete - was key to a faster recovery. He traveled all over the country to find someone who could help him with that perfect fit. Now, he helps other people train smarter, whether for biking, ruck marching or preparing for an Ironman.
​
So after getting out of the Army during the downsizing of the 1990s, Combs started bike fitting in his basement. He grew his business slowly while teaching at Methodist and opened his shop this year. Combs says bikes and smarter training are his passions and the business is his retirement plan - a place to go when he is 90. His advice to other veterans transitioning out of the military is to find what they love and know that career success is much like training for a big race - it doesn't happen overnight.
And if you were wondering, Pete Johnston scored well in his VO2 test. But like any good soldier, he has his eye on better. Combs is ready to help him get there.

To learn more about performance testing and smarter training stop in I will be happy to help.  A performance testing clinic and social will be coming very soon:)

Yours in Cycling and Fitness,
Greg Combs
President of Fun
​May Street Bicycles is not your typical bike shop. Sure we sell awesome bicycles, provide bicycle repairs, and rental bikes all at great prices. But we do a great deal more such as dynamic bike fitting, metabolic testing, altitude training, and personal training.  

The Team Adaptive Duathlon Training Series Event #2 is tomorrow.  Please come out and compete, participate, or just support this activity.  The weather is great and the Weymouth Nature Preserve Trails are in great shape.

The 1.5 mile run will be on a portion of Barron's Trail and Gum Swamp Trail.

For the bike you have the option to ride your mountain bike on All American Trail for 10 miles.  The road bike course is 16 miles and takes you out on King Rd.  Both bike courses are a challenge but provide a great opportunity to build on early season fitness and fun.

Upon returning from the bike course, you will once again run 1.5 miles in the scenic Weymouth Nature Preserve.

We have great raffle prizes donated by Tifosi Sunglases, Cactus Creek Coffee, and JBI Bicycle Imports which include handle bar tape, tires and much more.

Day of registration starts at 11 am and the duathlon kicks off at 1pm. We hope to have a great turn out.

For more information call 910.528.4365 or email: gcombs@maystreetbicycles.com

Cyclists and multisport athletes want to be in shape to participate and compete in their sport. They spend many hours per week training, eat healthy food, hire a coach, and buy the latest and great equipment to have a competitive edge.  So I often wonder why I rarely see anyone (other than myself) using Power Cranks. This device invented by Dr. Frank Day is the best piece of equipment I have ever owned to help me improve my cycling and overall fitness.

I bought my first pair of Power Cranks over ten years ago and I used them consistently for five years with great results. Then I quit using them because I lost interest in competing.  Well, I dusted off my old pair of Power Cranks with a renewed passion to improve my cycling fitness in a fraction of the time that I would have to typically spend.

I have use the Power Cranks for the past few months and I feel a great deal stronger.  Since I will do a few triathlons this year I decided to buy another pair to put on my tri bike and I will race with them as well.  So what are Power Cranks, you ask?

Below is an introduction by Dr. Frank Day. "PowerCranks is the only training tool proven by independent university studies to impove both cycling and running speed beyond what can be done without them. If you are an average athlete you can be running faster in 3 weeks and cycling faster in 6 weeks (elites may take longer) when used as we recommend. Continue and see 1 min/mile running improvement in 3 months and 2-3 mph cycling improvment in 9 months on average. Don't believe us? There is a 90 day moneyback guarantee. What more do you need to know? If you want to get better, PowerCranks is the most efficient way to go. Watch the intro video.

PowerCranks, What are they?
PowerCranks are, simply, independent bicycle cranks that replace the regular cranks found on a typical bicycle or exercise machine. Independent means one leg cannot help the other in making the pedals go around and in order to pedal the bike one cannot simply relax on the back stroke but must actively raise the pedal using your hip flexor and hamstring muscles, generally undertrained muscles in most athletes. This give the rider feedback when he is doing it right (they will work like regular cranks) and feedback when they are doing it wrong (they simply fall apart) and, because they are on a bicycle, the user can get enough duration to train this change for whatever their sport demands, even for hours. This forces the user to learn how to pedal a bicycle in a more efficient and powerful manner and the motion closely resembles a running motion (without the impact). Further, this simple change ensures that your leg muscles will become balanced (both right/left and fore/aft) and that you will be training additional muscles with a coordination important to overall well-being and superior athletic performance whatever your sport. They have been described as plyometrics without the impact or injury risk. 

PowerCranks, What do they do?
PowerCranks are a unique training tool to improve the benefit you receive from the time you spend training. Since 90% of an athlete's time is spent training, preparing for competition, this makes PowerCranks particularly effective in enhancing competition results. They do this by helping the user to train more and better balance muscles while also focusing on helping the athlete to develop better form or technique. Runners run faster without risking injury from needing to run more (runners frequently see running improvement starting in 2-3 weeks - yes they are used by pro runners and university track teams). Cyclists gain more power and speed compared to the same amount of training time on traditional cranks. (Cyclists typically see 2-3 mph speed improvement in 6-9 months and, yes, they are used by World, Olympic and Tour de France champions.) Triathletes gain running speed while they are improving their bike power (and, yes, they are used by World, Olympic and Ironman champions). Any athlete that uses their legs can benefit (yes, they are used by World Series and Superbowl champion teams). If you are injured PowerCranks will help you rehab faster and better, usually a lot better. The injured can insure complete recovery and balance during rehabilitation, lessening the chance of reinjury after return to competition. Other athletes (currently used by pro football, baseball and rugby teams) can gain better core muscle balance and coordination which usually translates into more strength, better coordination, and reduced risk of injury.
PowerCranks do all of the above by, again, by forcing the user to train more and better balance lower extremity and core muscles while also focusing on helping the athlete to develop better form or technique. Using PowerCranks will add synergy to your training and racing. One training tool provides all of the above benefits and all you need do is incorporate it into your normal training routine. Interested? "

Check out these athletes that use Power Cranks: 
For the fourth Olympics in a row a PowerCranker has won the cycling road race. Bettini X2, Sanchez, and now, Vinokurov.

At the 2013 Ironman World Championships PowerCranker Mirinda Carfrae sets a new run course and overall course record. Just as impressive age-groupers Sam Gyde and Stefanie Adam win their division with amazing bike splits. Sam rides a sub 4:30 bike split, faster than all but 4 pros and then runs a 3 hr marathon to set a new AG record and Stefanie rides a sub 4:50 bike split, faster than all of the pros (she beat them all last year also). Both Sam and Stefanie train on PowerCranks.

At least 25 Pro Ironman Champions have won their first Ironman after starting training on PowerCranks

Stop in at May Street Bicycles to check out our Power Cranks:)

Yours in Cycling and Fitness,
Greg Combs
President of Fun
​May Street Bicycles is not your typical bike shop. Sure we sell awesome bicycles, provide bicycle repairs, and rental bikes all at great prices. But we do a great deal more such as dynamic bike fitting, metabolic testing, altitude training, and personal training.  AND WE HAVE POWER CRANKS:)

Yesterday I posted why I prefer using the VASA Trainer over swimming laps. So how do I use it and what type of workouts do I perform? Below are some great video clips on exactly how to get better at swimming in a fraction of the time on the VASA.

The first video is how to increase your swim endurance.

Vasa for a strength work out Part 1.

Stop in and try the Vasa Trainer at May Street Bicycles.

​Yours in Cycling and Fitness,
Greg Combs
President of Fun
​May Street Bicycles is not your typical bike shop. Sure we sell awesome bicycles, provide bicycle repairs, and rental bikes all at great prices. But we do a great deal more such as dynamic bike fitting, metabolic testing, altitude training, and personal training.  AND WE HAVE A VASA ERG:)

There are many reasons I rather use the Vasa Trainer versus swimming laps in a pool. 

First, I have no real beef swimming laps. But to get a 30 to 45 minute swim session in, it takes me at least an hour and thrity minutes.  I have to pack my gym bag, drive 20 minutes, find parking, walk into the fitness center, get a locker, change clothes, take a shower, find an open lane... then finally start swimming.  If I am lucky I am in the pool within 30 minutes.  Then get my swim work out accomplished, and then reverse the process. So I have burned 90 minutes of my day (and that is without getting side tracked talking with various people, etc.). I am not anti-social but when I am crunched for time I just prefer getting my work out accomplished and then getting on with my day.  So time savings on the VASA for me is a huge benefit.

Second, the VASA reinforces my technique.  I can see and feel immediately when my form falters. In the pool there is no way to check my technique unless someone is taking a video and I can see it... after swimming.  The VASA allows me to catch and pull effectively and when I do finally get in the water I can actually feel the correct muscles engaging.

Third, I get stronger on the VASA. I can actually see my power output with every stroke. This is not possible swimming in water (unless you are dragging something behind you, not likely).

These are just a few things that justify my use of a VASA Erg.  But don't just rely on what I have to say about the VASA. Read the below article.

Ian Kurth, MD:  
What are your goals in triathlon for the future?
I enjoy the process of training, and experimenting with various training methods and prescriptions.  Visualizing a stretch goal, and then breaking it down into small segments, designing a training plan, committing to the work needed, and then laying it out there on race day and executing to a successful result is a powerful experience that draws me to this sport. Ironman-distance triathlon remains a complex puzzle with many moving parts.  Attempting to solve that puzzle within the time constraints of daily life is a magnetic hobby and one that I hope to continue to craft into the future.

What have been some significant challenges for you in triathlon and specifically for swimming?
I am a busy practicing physician with many clinical and administrative responsibilities.  Balancing these duties with an active, and many times hectic home life is a priority.  Time management and prioritization is an ongoing challenge.

One of my major frustrations with swimming are the large administrative costs for me to get to a pool.  I generally have to get my workouts in before 7am, so maximizing this time is essential.  I don’t mind swimming laps, I just have trouble justifying all of the lost time commuting to and from, pool hours limitations etc.  On top of these time limitations, while being a reasonable athlete in many sports, swimming does not come naturally to me.  I find it frustrating that my improvement trajectory does not correlate with my time investment and does not parallel my gains seen in other sports with similar efforts. Enter Vasa.

You have a Vasa SwimErg what are the benefits?
Over the course of several weeks of I felt stronger on the Vasa SwimErg, and I also could see improvement through supporting objective metrics.  I proved that on several Vasa power tests as well as in a few of my rare pool workouts.  More importantly, I set swim leg PRs in several triathlons leading up to  Ironman Wisconsin 2016.  While I didn’t specifically improve in the IMWI swim time this season, I favor this being a one-off with the mass start etc.  I certainly was in strong swim shape, and my swim fitness translated into no significant downstream fatigue on the bike or run.  Overall, I am very pleased with my swim times in races relative to my build and plan to continue to primarily use the SwimErg until I eventually face the music and do a required serious, intensive dedicated swim block. 

What specific breakthroughs, insights, and successes did you experience as a result of using the Vasa and working with a coach?The confident delivery of the prescribed workouts instilled in me the confidence that I could “swim without getting wet” in training and still be very productive during race season.  The type and variety of workouts were challenging.  When it comes down to it,  if you put in the time and establish consistent training habits, results can be achieved with the Vasa SwimErg (and Vasa primarily).  Moving forward, I can approach my Vasa-only swim builds with much more confidence that it simply works.
I suspected this was the case even before I began working with Eric, as I stumbled upon a few threads on Slowtwitch describing user experience with the Vasa.  Virtually NOBODY said it didn’t work.  In fact, most described the Vasa SwimErg as their most important piece of triathlon training equipment. However, they were almost reluctant to say so as they seemed to feel it was their secret weapon, and didn’t’ want to divulge their advantage to the competition.

In what ways has the Vasa SwimErg been a valuable investment?
The Vasa SwimErg  is a huge time saver.  For those with busy lifestyles who are interested in maximizing efficiencies, the Vasa SwimErg deserves strong consideration.
It is a reliable, reproducible, metrics based swim-specific training tool.  It is well built and requires virtually no maintenance.
I feel the Vasa SwimErg is extremely underrated for form improvement – I use several mirrors for real-time feedback on form, and it is easy to use video for more advanced analysis.  It also allows a functional way to experiment with different pull patterns, cadences, and rhythms to pattern a more efficient stroke.  This feature was a pleasant surprise – particularly to an adult onset swimmer still trying to figure out all of the vectors swimming requires…
What are 3 benefits you realized from using the Vasa SwimErg?

•     Effective, convenient, swim-specific training
•     Massive time savings
•     Real-time feedback

Yours in Cycling and Fitness,
Greg Combs
President of Fun
​May Street Bicycles is not your typical bike shop. Sure we sell awesome bicycles, provide bicycle repairs, and rental bikes all at great prices. But we do a great deal more such as dynamic bike fitting, metabolic testing, altitude training, and personal training.  AND WE HAVE A VASA ERG:)

The crew at May Street Bicycles has been on a mission to be community servants in many respects by hosting Boy Scout Bicycling Clinics, being a "Farm to Table" pick up location, triathlon clinics, shop rides and road trips.  However, our true calling is to help our friends and neighbors with physical and emotional disablities.  Last year we were fortunate to collaborate with Team RWB Sandhills Chapter in raising funds to purchase an Invacare Top End Handcycle.  Since then we have been able to allow many people who use wheelchairs to borrow the handcycle and enjoy the great outdoors and get some exercise.  We have also expanded our handcycle options by becoming an authorized Invacare Dealer.

Along with handcycles we now have three wheeled recumbent bicycles from Catrike.  These recumbents enable people with mobilty and balance issues the opportunity to enjoy cycling, as well.

Another initiative we have at May Street Bicycles is sponsoring the Team Adaptive Cycling Club. Team Adaptive provides a social and training resource for people with disabilities to exercise for fitness and competition. We currently have three athletes in training with focusing on competing in the Paralympics as well as riding long distances for an upcoming ride from Charlotte to Myrtle Beach.  To assist our Team Adaptive Cycling Club members with training, equipment, and transportation costs we are hosting the Team Adaptive Duathlon Training Series.   So we are asking fellow cyclists and fitness minded folks to come out and support this worthy cause. 

​Please read the following information to learn more about the importance of physical activity for people with disabilities.

Physical ActivityPhysical Activity Among People with Disabilities 
There is growing evidence that persons with higher levels of physical fitness have a reduced risk for chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.  This message has been targeted toward the general population for numerous years, but a significant disparity exists between the level of physical activity participation among people with disabilities compared to those without a disability.

• Data from Healthy People 2010 suggests that 56% of adults with a disability reported no leisure-time physical activity, compared to 36% of people without a disability.
• According to the 2002 National Health Interview Survey, only 22% of adults with disabilities (34% without disabilities) engaged in moderate physical activity and only 14% (25% without disabilities) engaged in vigorous physical activity. 
• According to data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 25.1% of people with a disability reported that they had not engaged in any physical activity in the past 30 days. 

Importance of Physical Activity
People with disabilities are less physically active than people without disabilities, yet are at risk for the same chronic health conditions.  People with disabilities are also at risk for secondary conditions that are related to a primary disability.  Secondary conditions can be medical, social or emotional in nature.  Many of these conditions (fatigue, obesity, social isolation, deconditioning, etc.) can be improved or eliminated with increases in physical activity. 
In addition to prevention of secondary conditions and overall health and well-being, physical activity can be important in the day-to-day life of people with disabilities.  The strength and stamina that is developed by participating in physical activity can help maintain a higher level of independence.  Increases in physical activity may also affect a person's ability to go to school, work, and participate in all aspects of community life.
Being physically active is one of the most important steps that Americans of all ages can take to improve their health. The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans provides science-based guidance to help Americans aged 6 and older improve their health through appropriate physical activity. These benefits are even more important if you have a disability, since people with disabilities have a tendency to live less active lifestyles.

The following is a list of Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults with Disabilities from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

• Adults with disabilities, who are able to, should get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. Aerobic activity should be performed in episodes of at least 10 minutes, and preferably, it should be spread throughout the week.
• Adults with disabilities, who are able to, should also do muscle-strengthening activities of moderate or high intensity that involve all major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week, as these activities provide additional health benefits.
• When adults with disabilities are not able to meet the Guidelines, they should engage in regular physical activity according to their abilities and should avoid inactivity.
• Adults with disabilities should consult their health-care provider about the amounts and types of physical activity that are appropriate for their abilities.

Also, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines for Active Children and Adolescents, children and adolescents with disabilities are more likely to be inactive than those without disabilities. Youth with disabilities should work with their health-care provider to understand the types and amounts of physical activity appropriate for them. When possible, children and adolescents with disabilities should meet the Guidelines. When young people are not able to participate in appropriate physical activities to meet the Guidelines, they should be as active as possible and avoid being inactive.

Yours in Cycling and Fitness,
Greg Combs
President of Fun
​May Street Bicycles is not your typical bike shop. Sure we sell awesome bicycles, provide bicycle repairs, and rental bikes all at great prices. But we do a great deal more such as dynamic bike fitting, metabolic testing, altitude training, and personal training.  

Lately, I have been riding my Torelli  Zona Cross for general fitness training.  It was especially nice to have when I visited my family in Illinois during Christmas.  The back roads are mainly gravel and are a hassle to negotiate on a typical road bike in Central Illinois on rural roads. I have also found that riding the Zona on the local dirt and sand trails in the Southern Pines Area has been a nice refreshing change to open road riding in cooler weather (and no traffic to avoid).  So to say the least, I am very happy to have invested in my purchase and use of my new gravel bike.  

Now, I will be doing my first Gravel Bike Race (on a gravel bike, that is) this weekend at the Monster Cross 50 Miler in Chesterfield, VA on February 19th  (Thanks George Hatcher for telling me about this exciting event.)  So far there are more than 500 people signed up to participate in this Gravel Grinder.  I am sure I will have a great experience.

Since I have been riding my gravel bike I get questions about the differences and reasons for riding a gravel bike versus a road bike. 

Below are some interesting bits of information:

First, gravel bikes are more durable than a road bike (and much faster than a mountain bike). In which gravel bicycles present an interesting option for the rider who wants to travel on and off road.

Second, regardless of where you live, there is probably plenty of fire or service roads around you that are easy to tackle on your everyday road bike. So what’s the problem?  Well most of those exciting roads will destroy your headset, knock your wheels and you out of consciousness, and make climbing or downhill a slippery and dangerous adventure. In other words, no matter how many motivating action movies you have watched, your everyday road bike can’t handle every road on this planet. Enter the gravel bike world!

Third, the gravel bike family tree! A gravel bike is a combination of a road bike (happy on pavement) and a cyclo-cross bike (happy on mud). The idea came from the US, where the countryside is crisscrossed by miles and miles of unused tracks, trails, and unpaved roads. The gravel bike is capable of performing on various surfaces while sustaining comfort. Their adaptability, versatility, and ruggedness make them a perfect commuting bike, an ideal light touring, a great winter training bike, or simply that one bike that can tackle any sort of terrain you care to try it on. How do you recognize them from the more common road bikes, from which they are partly derived?

Fourth, the geometry is more relaxed than that of a race bike. The head tube is often taller and the head angle is slicker for more relaxed steering (less twitchy than a racing bike, less responsive on technical off-road sections than a cross bike). The bottom bracket will usually be a little lower than a cyclo-cross bike. Gravel bikes are also designed with longer wheelbases, so they’re stable on the road and when riding over an unpredictable surface like gravel, and provide extra stability and comfort over long distances.

A sloping top tube offers more stand-over height, which is useful in a get-off, while taller head tubes than what you’d expect to see on a ‘cross’ or race bike allow for greater comfort in a more upright rider position.

Fifth, most gravel bikes feature disc brakes (mine has cantilever brakes). Disc brakes, especially hydraulic discs, offer more power, which provides more confidence when riding off-road and are useful in mixed conditions. In the rain or in the mud you’ll appreciate the perfect efficiency.

Six, the gravel bike accommodates bigger tires. The idea of bigger tires will give you not only extra comfort on the rough and bumpy roads, but due to their design they also raise the grip on the ground.
I am currently riding 700 x 40c tires and it can easliy accept 43c tires.  Big boy likes!

Stop in and test ride a gravel bike for size. In the meantime wish me luck on my Monster Cross Adventure.  ​For more info about everything gravel check out Gravel Cyclist.

Yours in Cycling and Fitness,
Greg Combs
President of Fun
​May Street Bicycles is not your typical bike shop. Sure we sell awesome bicycles, provide bicycle repairs, and rental bikes all at great prices. But we do a great deal more such as dynamic bike fitting, metabolic testing, altitude training, and personal training.  

​I get bike buying questions from customers every day.  Well, that’s what I do… help my customers choose the best bicycle to meet their needs.  To help them find the right bike, I have created a basic guide to help them make an informed decision when they ask me the following questions.
​
1. Which bike brands are best Felt, Litespeed, Orbea, Quintana Roo, or Torelli?
Each brand does have its diehard fans, but I cannot specifically answer the question. If the customer is shopping brand first, then they are making a style decision, not a performance one. When deciding which bike is better suited to them, it's the model that counts. To find the best bike, choosing a price range, identify the ride feel and features they are seeking firstly, then I recommend looking for models from the various brands that meet those criteria. From there, a winner will emerge.

2. When does May Street Bicycles have sales on bikes?
Bikes are like cars: New models arrive each year, typically in the fall as the riding season winds down (so October through February, or until I unload my older inventory). This is the best time to look for deals, because I don't want soon-to-be-year-old inventory lingering through the slower winter months. While hot models in popular sizes will sell out over the summer, the customer may get lucky and find last year's model at a discount.

3. Can I negotiate over your advertised price?
I am not very flexible on current-year model bicycles. My profit margins on bike sales are razor thin. However, I offer many incentives and discounts on accessories and maintenance packages.

4. What is the best type frame, carbon fiber or something else?
Carbon is generally lighter than other materials and is constructed to provide specific ride qualities in ways that metal tubes can't, and offers unlimited tube shapes. If they race and want a stiff frame, carbon offers a good mix of low weight, aerodynamics and drivetrain stiffness without a rough ride.
If the customer has a tight budget, there are many race quality bikes made of high-tech aluminum or a mix of alloy and carbon, which are stiff and light but will ride a bit more harshly. If the client wants a smooth, refined ride feel, steel and titanium framed bicycles are a great option.

5. Do I need a women's bike?
Standard bikes are built based on male physiology. Women's bikes are proportioned to suit the general female population, and most have components to suit women's anatomical needs, such as shorter-reach levers for smaller hands.

The longer frames of a standard bike often cause female riders to stretch their torsos and arms, as well as move forward on the saddle. This makes getting a secure grip on the levers more difficult, but it also moves a rider's center of gravity too far forward, compromising balance, mitigating power output and removing some rear-wheel traction. None of this is good.

I recommend to my female customers take a test ride on a women's bike, then on a comparable men's model. Chances are they will feel more in control on the women's bike.

5. Do I need standard, compact or triple gearing on my road bike?
Which is best depends on how the client will ride. If they ride only a few miles a week or live near steep hills, then a triple may be best. But if they ride regularly over varied terrain, I recommend a compact. The smaller gear ratios enable nearly the same climbing prowess as a triple, but without the weight and added mechanical complexity of the extra chainring.

6. Can't I save a bundle buying online?
Just as with books, cat litter and everything else, bikes are sold online at reduced prices. But the customer may not get a bargain. When the customer ventures online, they are on their own. If they know their preferred frame angles, top-tube length, and stem and handlebar sizes, they might find a barely used dream ride and save hundreds.  I have seen this happen. But if those measurement terms mean nothing to them, I recommend they see me for help. Otherwise, they will get a bargain online but spend twice the savings trying to make the bike fit, and it may never feel right. I see this happen often.

7.  Should I buy a full-suspension mountain bike or a hardtail?
If the customer is not sure then they have revealed themselves as a trail-riding newbie. Then I recommend going with the hardtail. Without a rear suspension the bike will be lighter and less forgiving, which will help them feel the bumps, pick lines and correct mistakes without the hand-holding of a shock. However, if the customer has lower back issues and lacks flexibility, I recommend going with dual suspension.
​
Yours in Cycling and Fitness,
Greg Combs
President of Fun
​May Street Bicycles is not your typical bike shop. Sure we sell awesome bicycles, provide bicycle repairs, and rental bikes all at great prices. But we do a great deal more such as dynamic bike fitting, metabolic testing, altitude training, and personal training.  ​

Yesterday I posted a comparson between May Street Bicycles and the big chain department store bicycles.  One major benefit we offer our customers is the opportunity to trade in their child's bicycle once they out grow their bike for a larger size.  We also offer a child's bicycle that actually expands and grows by extending the frame to become longer and extending the seat height as the child continues to grow.   Thusly, named the GROW by Orbea.

May Street Bicycles is an authorized Orbea Bicycle Retailer.  We are proud to inform our customers that 100% of Orbea's bicycles are manufactured in Spain and meet EUR testing and inspection standards.  Sure there are great bicycles made in China. But the standards are not as demanding as EUR standards.  As well, Orbea ensures high quality through an extensive warranty program.

Anyway, back to the GROW.  We have the entire GROW System in stock. The GROW 0 fits kids from ages of 2 to 4 years of age. The GROW 1 is for ages 3 to 5 years of age, and the Grow 2 meets the riding needs of children ages 5 to 9 years old.

Every Wednesday from 4 to 5pm we have a Kid's Bicycle Demo period where you can stop in and we help you set the bicycle up for your child and even assist you in how to safely ride their GROW.  If you prefer, just call us to set up a private session at 910.528.4365.  

​We appreciate you:)

Yours in Cycling and Fitness,
Greg Combs
President of Fun
​May Street Bicycles is not your typical bike shop. Sure we sell awesome bicycles, provide bicycle repairs, and rental bikes all at great prices. But we do a great deal more such as dynamic bike fitting, metabolic testing, altitude training, and personal training.  ​

I often have customers coming into May Street Bicycles looking for a bike for their child and they are a little skeptic paying more than the bike they can purchase from a department store.  I have nothing against people wanting to save money especially on a product that a child will eventually (usually sooner than later) grow out of.   We obviously will take the used bike on trade in to ease some of the purchase burden. But there are many benefits buying the bicycle from mMAy Street Bicycles  than the department store bikes. The bicycle they buy, and especially where they buy it, has a huge impact on their safety, comfort, and how much fun they have riding their bike! 

The National Bicycle Dealer Association states, "Bicycles are vehicles that can travel at high speeds and withstand even demanding conditions. To do their best, they need to be constructed of high-quality materials, assembled by competent and trained bicycle mechanics, and properly adjusted to fit you right. By purchasing your new bike from a professional bicycle store instead of from a mass merchant or "discount" department store, you receive numerous important advantages that will ensure a lifetime of cycling enjoyment."
Below you will a comparison between purchasing a bicycle from a bicycle shop versus a department store.

Bike Comfort and Fit
Bicycle Shops: People come in all sizes and need the expert fit bike shops can provide. They ensure that your bike is the right size and adjusted properly just for you. Test rides and follow-up fitting fine-tuning is available, too. The result is easy, efficient and safe cycling and more fun!

Mass-Merchants /Department Stores: Mass-merchant bicycles come in few sizes forcing you to compromise on the fit. These stores also do not have experienced staff who understand how to measure you or how to adjust the bike to fit you. Plus, they don’t offer test rides and don’t do follow-up adjustments. The result is an uncomfortable, inefficient ride.

Selection
Bike shops have a wide selection of bicycle models, sizes, styles and colors. Their expert staff coaches you through the process of finding the best bike for you.

Mass-Merchants /Department Stores: Selection is usually very limited and staff expertise is limited, too, or non-existent.

Safety
Bicycle Shops: Bicycles come in boxes and need to be assembled carefully and properly to be safe, work right and hold up. Bike shop bikes are assembled in-store by experienced mechanics, and each is test ridden to ensure proper function and safety. They are then carefully fit to you at the time of purchase. Test rides, tune-ups and instructions assure safe and great rides.

Mass-Merchants /Department Stores: Some mass-merchants sell unassembled bikes meaning you have to do it yourself (yes, it's "only" a bicycle, but it still requires significant know-how to build it right). Plus, no test rides, tune-ups or safety tests are available. Many buyers eventually bring these bikes to bike shops to be properly assembled or adjusted.

Value After The Sale
Bicycle Shops:  Bicycle shops have an experienced staff who welcome post-sale service and adjustments, usually for free or at low cost. They want to satisfy your needs and help you fully enjoy cycling!

Mass-Merchants /Department Stores: After buying a bike from a mass-merchant, you have little or no help after the sale, either if problems occur or if you just want help to enjoy your bicycle more.

Accessories
Bike shops offer a wide selection of quality cycling accessories, helmets and clothing in many models, colors and sizes. The staff consults with you to find the right accessories and gear for your bike and how and where you ride.

Mass-Merchants /Department Stores: Usually a limited or poor selection of accessories is available, with little or no help to choose the right ones. Often, these are cheap, knockoff products, which can create safety and reliability issues, too.

Warranty
Bicycles sold at bike shops come with full warranties. And, most problems are resolved in-house. Plus, shops stand behind their bikes and products with experienced mechanics and riding experts.

Mass-Merchants /Department Stores: Products sold here have manufacturer warranties only, making it impossible or cumbersome to get a repair or adjustment. They may let you return the bike for a refund.

Community
Bicycle shops are the central source for more than just great bicycles accessories and apparel. They help you find the great rides, latest cycling info, and often serve as advocates for better bike paths and facilities in your area, too!

Mass-Merchants /Department Stores: They mainly just sell stuff.
Expertise
Shops employ knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff, many who are cyclists with detailed knowledge in the field. Their only job is satisfying your cycling needs, and they love doing it!

​Mass-Merchants /Department Stores: They mainly just sell stuff.

Yours in Cycling and Fitness,
Greg Combs
President of Fun
​May Street Bicycles is not your typical bike shop. Sure we sell awesome bicycles, provide bicycle repairs, and rental bikes all at great prices. But we do a great deal more such as dynamic bike fitting, metabolic testing, altitude training, and personal training.  ​