Friday Photo - Santa Out for a Ride

Santa and a couple of his favorite elves out for a ride

All of us here at Circle City Bicycles wish you a merry Christmas, and hope that Santa was good to you. In the photo above you can see him out biking with two elves. Unfortunately, Santa is not as safety conscious as he should be. We're going to send a letter to the North Pole & recommend a trailer for the two elves and helmets for everyone.

Our photo comes from the Cycling Action Network in New Zealand. The weather is not so good for cycling in Indiana right now, but it's probably great in New Zealand.

Video Christmas Card from Team Sky

Here's a virtual Christmas card from Team Sky (Team of Chris Froome, Richie Porte and others). Riders Ian Stannard and Ben Swift provide the electrical power.

Friday Photo - 1915 Australian Bicycle Ride from Adelaide to Darwin

Think U.S. motorists are hostile to cyclists? (Photo courtesy of DailyMail.com)

Don't worry - The scene above was staged and the cyclist was in no danger. The photo is one of many taken by Edward Reichenback (also known as "Ryko") on his nearly 2,000 mile ride through the Australian Outback in 1914. He had a companion riding with him for the first half of the ride, but his friend had to retire after spraining his ankle. Ryko took a lot of photos during his trip, and after arriving in Darwin, sold copies of them. One of his photos shows him wading through a swamp while carrying his bike. Another shows his bike parked next to a giant termite mound. The government of Australia's Northern Territory suspected him of being a German spy during World War I, because of his suspicious travels and the fact he had a German name. Ryko was actually born in Australia and he was eventually cleared.

One Week Until Christmas - Are You Done Shopping Yet?

Christmas Gifts For Your Favorite Cyclist!

We know it can be hard to choose what to get for your friends and family during the holiday season. If you still have people on your list that love to ride their bicycle, you have come to the right place. Here are a few of our favorite gift ideas this holiday season.

Arkel Bags

Any cyclist will tell you - there can never be enough storage!

Arkel bags come in many shapes and sizes, including innovative ones that turn into backpacks or bags that have separate pouches for oddly shaped items like tent poles.

Check out our YouTube video about Arkel Bags HERE






Park Tool Chain Cleaner



The chain is one of the most often overlooked parts of the bicycle. Keeping your chain clean and lubed means less energy is lost during your pedal stroke. It also means a lower likelihood of getting your pants dirty on the commute to work!

Abus Locks


Theft is always a concern of the avid rider. If you know someone who rides a bike (no matter how expensive) and they DON'T have a lock, maybe you should get them one anyway.




Cycling Rear View Mirrors


Keep your friend or family member safe on the road! Having a rear view mirror on your glasses, helmet, or bar end is like having eyes in the back of your head!








Bike Tools


Every cyclist can use a muli-tool. Most cyclists would have use for the other tools we have in the shop. 








Last, but not least,

Nutrition Products


Cycling is great for your health, but it also uses energy from your body. Staying fueled up with proper nutrition is extremely important before, during and after rides.

Circle City Bicycles and Fitness

5506 Madison Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46227

(317) 786-9244

ed@circlecitybicycles.com

www.circlecitybicycles.com

Bicycle Tire Chains for Riding in Snow

Slipnot chains are for cycling through snow

So far the winter has been mild, and let's hope it stays that way. However, if you are a diehard cyclist and want to be able to ride no matter what the weather is, you might want to look at Slipnot. They make bicycle tire chains in a wide variety of sizes. Prices range from $95 - $105 for a pair. We don't carry these, but you can order a pair at SlipnotTraction.com. Here's a video that shows a couple guys testing them out after a blizzard.

State Cycling Jerseys - Arizona, California, Indiana and MORE

One of our many state cycling jerseys

We have recently added a number of state jerseys to our website. These come from a variety of suppliers. Here are the jerseys we currently have available:

• Arizona
• California
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• New England
• New Mexico
• New York
• Texas

If you are looking for a state jersey that we don't have, send us an email at roy@circlecitybicycles.com or call us at (317) 786-9244 and we'll see if we can find one.for you.

Okay, I know that New England is not a state, but we include it here because you need to add together all all of New England to make a decent size state. Their combined area is still less than that of Kansas.

Friday Photo - The Treadmill Bicycle

Treadmill bicycle with optional dog walking attachment

This week's photo comes from The Bicycle Forest, inventors of the treadmill bicycle. While the treadmill bike is innovative, it is not particularly fast or efficient, as you can see in this video. Be sure to read their post about Reverend Lugio, who wanted to purchase five of these bicycles for his church in Kenya. Sensing that this was a scam, Bicycle Forest concocted a story that they had five bicycles, but one had the optional dog walking attachment shown above, and another one had the optional hot dog cart. The "Reverend" was undeterred, and still wanted all five as soon as possible.

New YouTube Video: Arkel Commuter and Touring Panniers

How Do You Carry Your Stuff While Riding?

Commuting, touring or just riding around town, panniers are one of the best ways to haul your stuff. Panniers attach to your front or rear racks so you don't have to wear a heavy, sweaty backpack to work or on your weekend group ride.







Arkel offers many different styles and features including a separate pouch for tent poles and the ability to change into a backpack.

Come in to Circle City Bicycles and let us help you find the best pannier for your needs!

Circle City Bicycles and Fitness

5506 Madison Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46227

(317) 786-9244

ed@circlecitybicycles.com

www.circlecitybicycles.com

Trotify

Trotify makes your bicycle sound like a clopping horse (Photo courtesy of Geekologie)

At Circle City Bicycles we're always looking for new and innovative cycling accessories. Things that you probably won't find at most bike shops are frequently good products to sell through the Internet. We're not too sure about this one called Trotify. It attaches to your front wheel and makes your bike sound like a horse trotting (You need to provide the empty coconut shell halves). Here's a video that shows it in action.

Friday Photo - Upside Down Bicycle

The upside down bicycle

Here's an interesting bicycle. I can't figure what the advantage this design offers, but it is unique. My only complaint is that any rider of this bicycle should be wearing a helmet. It looks like you could land on your head pretty easily. To see this bike in action, check out this video.

B & O Trail

Tunnel on the B&O Trail (Photo courtesy of The Family Trail Ride)

The B&O Trail Association is trying to raise funds to extend the trail 16 miles westward from Brownsburg to North Salem. They are attempting to come up with $20,000. You can donate by visiting their crowdfunding site.

2015 Closeout Bikes - As Cheap As They'll Ever Be!

THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE

ALL of our auction bikes are at the lowest price they will ever be!

Come in today and get the bike of your dreams at a HUGE discount - up to 50% OFF MSRP!!



See THIS PAGE for a full list of bikes and their amazingly discounted prices.

Don't wait! Come to Circle City Bicycles today and see all that we have to offer!

Circle City Bicycles and Fitness

5506 Madison Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46227

(317) 786-9244

ed@circlecitybicycles.com

www.circlecitybicycles.com

Friday Photo - Turkey Bike Rotisserie

Ride at a steady pace and the turkey will cook evenly

I apologize for being a day late with this one, but keep it in mind for next Thanksgiving. The photo comes from a website called TJ's Performance. He came up with this design for a show on the Food Network called "Ham on the Street." This particular episode was called "Ham on Turkey."

VIDEO - See these great bikes - Nearing 50% OFF

This Is Your 2nd To Last Reminder!

Don't miss getting a 2015 carbon road bike, aluminum road bike, mountain bike or flat bar bike in our reverse bicycle auction! It ends next week, so come in today and put in your bid for the lowest price bike you can possibly get!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Circle City Bicycles and Fitness

5506 Madison Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46227

(317) 786-9244

ed@circlecitybicycles.com

www.circlecitybicycles.com

Friday Photo - Bicycle Sauna

Bicycle Sauna being towed

The folks at H3T Architects have come up with a portable sauna that can be towed by bicycle. They call it the Cyclosauna. It can accommodate up to four people. Apparently is has been a hit around Prague in the Czech Republic. I'm not sure what is going on in this photograph. What's the deal with those killer bees in the background?

Want a 2015 Carbon Road Bike For Just Over $1000?

You Can Have Just That. Today.

Today, the price of this 2015 Scott CR-1 20 is just $1,124

And this 2015 Scott CR-1 30 is just $964





Buy Today, or BID for tomorrow! On Monday, 11/23 and 11/30 the prices will drop again all the way down to just $875 and $750!

How do you bid?

Come in to Circle City Bicycles and put a $100 deposit on a date and price. If no one else purchases the bike before that date arrives, YOU get the bike at a severely discounted price!

We also have mountain bikes, flat bar bikes and aluminum bikes.

See all the bikes we have in the reverse auction on this page.

Circle City Bicycles and Fitness

5506 Madison Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46227

(317) 786-9244

ed@circlecitybicycles.com

www.circlecitybicycles.com

Circle City Bicycles Exclusive Cycling Christmas Ornaments

Three Circle City Bicycles exclusive Christmas ornaments

If you are looking for a unique Christmas ornament for your tree, or a gift for a cycling friend, you can't go wrong with our exclusive ornaments. We have something for everyone. On the left is our "Get out and Ride" ornament for road cyclists. On the right is our "Hit the Trail" ornament for mountain bikers. In the center is our "Two for the Road" ornament for tandem enthusiasts.

You can find these ornaments and many more on our Fun Christmas Ornaments website. The first two ornaments are under the Bicycling section and the last one is in the Mountain Biking category. We also have many other categories (Over 100!) of fun activities, everything from archery to zip lines. You can find something for everyone on your Christmas list for about $10.

These Bikes Are Nearing 50% OFF and DROPPING FAST

2015 Scott CR-1 30

Our Reverse Auction Continues - PRICE DROP MONDAY

Check out our YouTube video explaining how the auction works. Get your bid in ASAP, there are only 2 more price drops left!!

See more details and a full list of bikes here.

CARBON ROAD

Model	Size	MSRP	Was	NOW	11/23
2015 Scott CR-1 30	54	$1499	$1071	$964	$857
2013 Scott CR-1 Team	49, 58	$2700	$1714	$1543	$1371
2015 Scott Addict 30	56	$2499	$1785	$1607	$1428

Aluminum Road

Model	Size	MSRP	Was	NOW	11/23
2013 Scott Speedster 30	47	$1175	$768	$691	$614
2015 Scott Contessa Speedster 25	51	$1149	$1018	$985	$952
2015 Scott Speedster 60	52, 54, 56	$749	$663	$642	$821

MOUNTAIN BIKES

Model	Size	MSRP	Was	NOW	11/23
2015 Scott Scale 760	Medium	$1499	$1071	$965	$857
2013 Scott Spark 950	Large	$2856	$1786	$1607	$1429
2013 Scott Scale 950	Large	$1950	$1143	$1029	$914

Flat Bar Bikes

 

Model	Size	MSRP	Was	NOW	11/23
2015 Scott Sub Speed 30	Large	$749	$535	$482	$428
2015 Scott Sportster Ladies		$599	$428	$342	$321
2013 Scott Metrix 30	Small, Medium	$750	$425	$383	$340

*Remember* Prices will go down EVERY Monday... You can put in a bid for any bike, as long as it is above the 12/7 price. You must put down a $100 deposit. If no one buys it before it drops to that price, it's yours. Keep in mind that someone could buy it before then at a higher price. In that case, we will refund your $100.
MORE DETAILS AND A FULL LIST OF BIKES HERE

Circle City Bicycles and Fitness

5506 Madison Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46227

(317) 786-9244

ed@circlecitybicycles.com
www.circlecitybicycles.com

Friday Photo - Major Taylor

Major Taylor shaking hands with an opponent before a race in Paris

The Major Taylor Velodrome in Indianapolis is named after Marshall Taylor. He was born in Indy in 1878. An African-American, his father fought in the Civil War and his grandfather had been a slave. Taylor's father worked for a wealthy Indianapolis family, who had a son about the same age as Marshall. They gave him his first bicycle when he was twelve, and he quickly learned to do some trick riding. This landed him a job with a local bike shop, who paid him to perform tricks in front of their store. He wore a military uniform, which is how he got the nickname Major.

Major Taylor won a 75 mile road race in central Indiana when he was 16. Due to racial barriers in Indiana, he soon moved to Massachusetts, where the population was more tolerant. In 1899 he became the first African-American world champion when he won the one mile race (Black Canadian boxer George Dixon had become world champion in 1890).

After his victory, Taylor was offered a large sum of money to race in Europe, but he turned it down because he would not race on Sunday. The promoters reworked the schedule so there was no Sunday racing, and Taylor agreed to race. In place of the racism he faced in America, he was hailed as a hero in Europe, especially in France. Major Taylor retired from bike racing in 1910. Life after racing was not kind to him. He made over $25,000 per year at the height of his career, but died penniless in 1932.

Pedicabs in Indianapolis

Indy Pedicab driver waiting for a fare

I learn something new every day. Living in Greenwood, I had no idea there were two pedicab companies operating in downtown Indianapolis. There is Indy Pedicabs and Circle City Pedicabs. There doesn't seem to be a lot of information on either one, but Circle City Pedicabs operates in the mile square downtown, and a ride anywhere there is only $5. They can take 2 or 3 people and there is a 600 pound limit. It's a good thing for the drivers that Indianapolis is flat.

REVERSE AUCTION - Price Drop Monday

2015 Scott Contessa Solace 35

Get Your Bid In Before It's Too Late

We have only three more weeks of this amazing reverse auction. If you aren't familiar with how a reverse auction works, watch our YouTube video.

See more details and a full list of bikes here.

CARBON ROAD

Model	Size	MSRP	Was	NOW	11/16
2015 Scott Cont. Solace 30	51	$2149	$1689	$1535	$1382
2015 Scott Addict 30	56	$2499	$1964	$1785	$1607
2015 Scott CR-1 30	54	$1499	$1178	$1071	$964

Aluminum Road

Model	Size	MSRP	Was	NOW	11/9
2013 Scott Speedster 30		$875	$750	$688	$625
2015 Scott Speedster Jr.	47	$1175	$921	$845	$768
2015 Scott Speedster 60		$949	$895	$868	$841

MOUNTAIN BIKES

Model	Size	MSRP	Was	NOW	11/9
2015 Scott Aspect 940	X-Large	$749	$685	$633	$642
2015 Scott Scale 960	Large	$1499	$1178	$1071	$964
2015 Scott Spark 760	Large	$1999	$1571	$1428	$1285

Flat Bar Bikes

 

Model	Size	MSRP	Was	NOW	11/9
2015 Scott Sportster - Mens		$599	$513	$471	$428
2013 Atacama Sport	XL, XXL	$525/650	$392	$356	$321
2015 Scott Sub Speed 40	Medium	$550	$354	$321	$289

*Remember* Prices will go down EVERY Monday... You can put in a bid for any bike, as long as it is above the 12/7 price. You must put down a $100 deposit. If no one buys it before it drops to that price, it's yours. Keep in mind that someone could buy it before then at a higher price. In that case, we will refund your $100.
MORE DETAILS AND A FULL LIST OF BIKES HERE

Circle City Bicycles and Fitness

5506 Madison Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46227

(317) 786-9244

ed@circlecitybicycles.com
www.circlecitybicycles.com

Friday Photo - Cycling in Egypt

Start of the 2015 Cairo to Cape Town Tour (Photo courtesy of Egyptian Streets)

This week's photo shows the start of the 2015 Cairo to Cape Town bicycle tour. The tour took 121 days and crossed 10 countries (Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa). According to the organizer, Africa is relatively safe, although she did admit that they had to be careful about bandits in parts of northern Kenya, as well as elephants in Botswana and Zambia. The tour has rest days in places like Khartoum, Addis Ababa, and Nairobi. Participants also visit sites like Victoria Falls. If you have ever seen Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls is twice as wide and twice as tall.

The event is put on by the TDA Global Cycling, which calls the event "Tour d'Afrique," The 2016 edition will run from January 15 to May 14. Cost for the entire event is just under $16,000. You can also do portions of the tour, which cost between $1,400 and $3,550.

2015 Bikes Reverse Auction - PRICE DROP MONDAY

2013 Scott CR-1 Team

Hurry! Only 4 Price Drops Left - BID NOW

Stay tuned to our blog! Every Monday (when we drop the prices) we will show you just how much money you can save week to week on all of these awesome bikes!

See more details and a full list of bikes here.

CARBON ROAD

Model	Size	MSRP	Was	NOW	11/9
2013 Scott CR-1 Team	49, 58	$2700	$2057	$1886	$1714
2014 Scott Solace 30	56	$2749	$2160	$1980	$1800
2015 Scott CR-1 20	52	$1749	$1499	$1374	$1249

Aluminum Road

Model	Size	MSRP	Was	NOW	11/9
2015 Scott Speedster Jr.		$875	$750	$688	$625
2015 Scott Speedster 30	47	$1175	$921	$845	$768
2015 Scott Cont. Speedster 35		$949	$895	$868	$841

MOUNTAIN BIKES

Model	Size	MSRP	Was	NOW	11/9
2013 Scott Scale 960	Medium	$1300	$1486	$1200	$1100
2015 Scott Cont. 650	Small	$549	$533	$518	$502
2015 Scott Scale 770	Small	$1049	$974	$899	$824

Flat Bar Bikes

 

Model	Size	MSRP	Was	NOW	11/9
2015 Scott Sportster - Mens		$599	$513	$471	$428
2013 Atacama Sport	XL, XXL	$525/650	$428	$392	$356
2015 Scott Sportster - Ladies		$599	$556	$513	$471

*Remember* Prices will go down EVERY Monday... You can put in a bid for any bike, as long as it is above the 12/7 price. You must put down a $100 deposit. If no one buys it before it drops to that price, it's yours. Keep in mind that someone could buy it before then at a higher price. In that case, we will refund your $100.
MORE DETAILS AND A FULL LIST OF BIKES HERE

Circle City Bicycles and Fitness

5506 Madison Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46227

(317) 786-9244

ed@circlecitybicycles.com
www.circlecitybicycles.com

Friday Photo - Micro Gypsy Wagon Bicycle Trailer

The trailer provides about 12 square feet of floor space

Here's a bike trailer that the creator, Barry Howard calls his "Micro Gypsy Wagon." I'm pretty impressed with the design. It provides twelve square feet  of sleeping space. There is a small fold-down table mounted on the wall. Storage is in the bottom of the trailer, under the sleeping pad. The trailer folds down - When it's folded down, the top of the trailer is about the height of the bike seat. From reading the article on Tiny House Talk, it sounds like Barry was pretty resourceful in coming up with material for his trailer. He re-used material from a church organ, craft fair booth, camera tripod, folding bicycle and mini van camper. If you are interested, Barry says to contact him. Here is his Facebook page.

No Halloween Costume? Why Not Use Your Bike?

12 Cycling Halloween Costumes, Just For You

Halloween is such a fun time of year. Maybe you waited until the last minute to decide on a costume, or you don't want to spend too much. Either way we have collected some of our favorite bicycle themed Halloween costumes for your viewing pleasure. Following the pictures we have included some bicycle safety tips so you can enjoy your night to the fullest!

Please follow all traffic and city laws. Of course you should be doing this anyway, but Halloween is one of those holidays during which you should be extra vigilant.

You may need to be quick if you want to try one of these first few costumes

1. Headless Horseman

This one is the most difficult of all the costumes, in our opinion. Mostly because it would be so difficult to see while riding your bike. If you are riding on trails or on lightly traveled (and excellently paved) roads, this costume could be amazing!

2. Cardboard Car 

Depending on your skills, you can make a cardboard car that is the joke of the party or that will amaze everyone who sees you. Make sure you can move your arms comfortably enough to ride your bike and that you can turn your head in both directions. Cardboard is great because there is so much you can do with it. Don't want to be a car? Make yourself into a tetris block, a lego man, a plane, or anything you think you can fashion out of cardboard. There are even some DIY articles online!

Think You Can Do It Better?

3. Riding Falkor the Luckdragon or a Unicorn/Horse/Shark Etc...

Wow, that first example was really specific, wasn't it? It is truly up to you how much effort you put into this one. You can try to find a large stuffed animal at a thrift store to sew around your bike or buy a large animal onesie and fasten it like a sail. Or for the very last minute Halloweener - buy a horse head and mount it to the front of your bike. Cardboard can help here too! It's probably best not to avoid being any animal that has a long tail. 

Now on to some easier costumes. 

4. E.T.

This one can be really simple, and you can use any bike to do it! Just mount a milk crate to the front and buy an E.T. doll. If you can't afford the doll, you can make a dummy by stuffing your old clothes with other old clothes, and then wrap it up in a blanket. Grab a green light-up bracelet or something similar at the dollar store and - Viola!

5. Dorothy (Scarecrow)

While it would be interesting to see someone in a Tin Man costume try to ride a bike, we would advise against it. This costume works especially well if you already have a little dog! Dorothy costumes are easy to come by (and relatively cheap). Adding your bicycle makes it unique and fun! For scarecrow, try your local thrift store for all brown clothes. You can buy fake hey or straw at many different places. Makeup is essential for both of these characters.

6. Witch

You don't want to be GOOD on Halloween do you? Instead of Dorothy, try out the wicked witch! Fasten a broom to your bike, grab a witch hat from a party store, and paint yourself green. Customize to your heart's content!

7. Astronaut

This costume may take a bit of money to accomplish, as you will want a realistic looking helmet and; It's getting harder and harder to find parachute pants in stores. You could try and create a spaceship out of cardboard if you'd like, but, just being an astronaut on a bicycle should turn some heads.

Now for the easiest costumes that you could literally wait until the day of your party and still look like you put thought into your costume.

It'd be nice if you could pull me into town

8. Napoleon Dynamite

All you need for this costume is poor fashion sense! Kidding - but seriously - Get an afro wig, light blue shirt (preferably with a unicorn on it) and some 80s glasses and you are ready to go! If you have a friend who is daring, he could dress up in the Kip costume, complete with headband and roller skates.

Everyone loves Pee-Wee Herman!

9. Pee-Wee Herman

This costume requires a red cruiser bicycle, but if you have that then you are nearly done! Find yourself a grey suit and red bow tie and try out your Pee-Wee-est laugh! Join up with your friends before the party to establish a "secret word." Every time the secret word is spoken - you and your friends start screaming! 

10. Fred Armisen from Portlandia

A quick trip to the local thrift store will probably get you more hipster clothes than you even know what to do with. Roll up your pant leg, throw on a fake goatee and cycling cap, and you're 90% of the way there. The weirder, the better.

11. Skeleton in a basket

This costume speaks for itself. Make it yours by adding a mask or clothes to the skeleton. Put fake blood on it and on your bike in your best attempt to be creepier than this picture. Good Luck!

12. Wrecked Cyclist

This is the end-all beat-all of lazy, last minute costumes. When you get home from riding your bike on the day of Halloween, simply find your old tubes, ripped cycling clothes and broken helmet to accomplish the wrecked cyclist look.

Fake blood, crutches, and bicycle optional. 

We hope that you have enjoyed our list of possible Halloween costumes!

Here are some safety tips to make sure your night is everything it can be!

1. Don't wear your cape, tail, or anything else draping over your legs or back when riding your bike. It can get caught in the gears, pedals, or tires and cause a nasty accident. If you have to keep your costume on, use safety pins to make sure it's not dangerous.

2. If you will be riding your bicycle at night, use front and rear lights AND your helmet. There are amazing statistics about alcohol consumption, Halloween night and fatal car accidents. Make sure you are protected and aware.

Circle City Bicycles and Fitness

5506 Madison Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46227

(317) 786-9244

ed@circlecitybicycles.com

www.circlecitybicycles.com