Beer Jerseys

Lucky Lab promoting helmet usage

We are continuing to add more products to our website, and now have our beer cycling jerseys available for purchase. We currently have over 40 jerseys available, most featuring designs inspired by microbreweries around the country. My favorite is one from the Lucky Labrador Brewing Company in Portland, Oregon. I love the dog with the bike helmet on the back. The jersey in the photo above is the women's jersey. The men's jersey is the same design but has black sleeves instead of green. In addition to the microbreweries, we also have several designs for Coors.

Friday Photo - Megacavern

Circle City Bicycles Employees Mike & Cody, plus friends at Mega Cavern in Louisville 

On Tuesday August 11, our store employees Rick, Mike and Cody ventured down south to Louisville with some friends to check out the underground mountain biking at Mega Cavern. It is about 8 acres a hundred feet below ground, with 45 trails totaling over 8 miles. One of the best things about it is that whether it is blazing hot outside or freezing cold, it's always a comfortable 60 degrees in the Mega Cavern.

Here's a video that shows some mountain biking at Mega Cavern. We hope to get our own YouTube video out there soon. If you are interested in going sometime, let us know. We'll probably put together another group to head down there sometime - Maybe January or February, when it's a little slow at the store and it's freezing code outside.

2015 Scott Spark Mountain Bikes - So Many Options!

You Are Sure To Find the Right Mountain Bike If There Are 24 Different Builds!!

Beginning with the Spark 960, Scott starts with the bar already pretty high. Solid frame construction and decent spec for the price point.

The SCOTT Spark 960 has a super light Alloy frame, as well as a front and rear fork/shock lockout allowing for a more optimized ride. It's lightweight, durable, affordable and retains all the great geometry and ride of its Carbon cousins.

Front Shock: Rock Shox XC 30 TK Solo Air
Rear Shock: X-Fusion O2 RL / Air

Derailleur F/R: SLX/ Deore
Brakes: Shimano BR-M395 Disc180/F and 160/Rmm Rotor SM-RT54 CL Rotor
Handlebar, Handlebar Stem, Seat, Seatpost, and Rims by Syncros
Tires: Maxxis



Next in the lineup, for just a few extra dollars is the 2015 Scott Spark 950 which features an immense jump from rockshox fork to FOX CTD, as well as an upgraded front and rear derailleur and shift levers.



Front Fork: FOX 32 Float Evolution CTD Air
Rear Suspension: FOX Float CTD / 3 modes

SCOTT Twinloc REMOTE Technology

Shift levers: Shimano Deore SL-M610-IRapidfire Plus / 2 way release

Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore FD-M615-E2
Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT RD-M781 SGS

It's lightweight, durable, affordable and retains all the great geometry and ride of its Carbon cousins.

Skipping a few bikes, we come to the 2015 Scott Spark 900 Premium.

The SCOTT Spark 900 Premium's HMX Carbon Fiber frame is one of the lightest full suspension Carbon frames on the market. See more about Scott's Carbon Fiber manufacturing process here.

Fork: FOX 32 Float Factory CTD Air / Kashima

CTD damper with 3 modes

15mm QR axle / tapered steerer

Rear Shock: FOX Nude / SCOTT custom w. travel 

CTCD 3 modes: Climb - Traction Control -

Kashima

Full Shimano XTR Drivetrain

Upgraded Syncros Bar and Seat






Skip a few more bikes and we come to the 2015 Scott Spark 730:




The SCOTT Spark 730 boasts a super light HMF Carbon Fiber mainframe with an Alloy swingarm.

Fork: 120mm travel
FOX 32 Float Evolution CTD Air
CTD damper with 3 modes

Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore

Weight: 12.10 kg






At the top of the line, sits the Scott Spark 700 Ultimate Di2

Integrated electronic shifting and electronic suspension adjustment means 22 gears and NO CABLES.

The Spark 700 Ultimate Di2 is wrapped in a network of wires, each of which reports to the Shimano XTR Di2 transmission and that's because Scott has chosen to combine the Di2 components with Fox's iCTD (intelligent climb trail descend) technology.

Designed to plug and play with Di2, the Fox iCTD system features actuators at both suspension units, these provide simultaneous and rapid adjustment to both the fork and shock. Just like Fox's regular CTD components there are three settings – climb, trail and descend, flicking between each is achieved via a handlebar mounted rotating collar switch.

The three position handlebar mounted switch of the iCTD system is disappointingly flimsy to the touch

In its descend position, the specifically developed Fox eNUDE rear shock offers its full 120mm of travel and the Fox 32 fork is set to full open. Turn the switch to Trail mode and, along with a strangely satisfying but brief whirring noise, things get really interesting – the shock now switches to a shorter 85mm travel mode and its sag rate also decreases as the unit adopts an altogether smaller air volume.

The damping of the fork and shock are also altered as low speed compression damping is added to increase efficiency. Finally, climb mode optimises the bike for just that, adding further compression damping which brings the Spark to an almost rigid state. At any point a rider can see which mode their suspension is in via an arrow on the standard XTR SC-M9050 display unit.

Finishing kit is mostly provided by Scott's own sub brand Syncros and consists of a 700mm carbon flat bar, a carbon wrapped stem and a carbon seatpost. Syncros also provides the XR1.0 carbon tubeless ready wheelset, which arrives wrapped in 2.25in Schwalbe Rocket Ron Evo Tires.


These are just a few of the amazing options available from Scott Bicycles. Come to Circle City today and test ride your favorite bike! We'd love to help you find the bike of your dreams!

Circle City Bicycles and Fitness

5506 Madison Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46227

(317) 786-9244

ed@circlecitybicycles.com

http://circlecitybicycles.com

2016 Boardman Team Carbon - An Authoritative Ride At A Great Price

The 2016 Boardman Team Carbon is an Impressive Race-Bred Machine 

Of course, the bike works great as a commuter too, with mudguard eyes in front and rear, and easily accessible external cabling.

Mavic wheels and Continental tires help the bike grip the road, and geometry can be altered via spacers in the headset for a choice between head-down race feel, or a more upright leisurely ride.

www.robertsmithphotography.co.uk

From Cyclingnews.com: 

"Weighing in at just 8kg (17.6lb), the Team Carbon is extremely light for the money, and that’s evident from the first pedal stroke. Put your foot on the gas and the Boardman has a turn of speed that belongs to a bike costing way, way more. You’ll be stunned at just how much of a helping hand it gives you."

It has an unidirectional carbon monocoque frame with a matching fork that comes with a carbon steerer to cut the grammage, while the chunky crown leads down to confidence-inspiring, triangular-section blades.

With a deep teardrop down tube, a big old wedge of a bottom bracket shell and oversized box-section chainstays, this is a bike that’s designed to provide race-grade stiffness.

"Where Boardman’s skill and experience of designing and tuning affordable carbon frames really comes in though is the fact it’s stiff and responsive without being uncomfortably rigid. It’s not dead and damped like many discount carbon frames are either and there’s a real sense of vitality between the obviously Fizik-influenced saddle and chubby Continental tires."

Specs

Cassette/Freewheel: Shimano Tiagra - 12-28t

Chainset: FSA Gossamer Compact 50/34t

Front Brake: Tektro R540 Dual Pivot Calliper Brake

Front Mech: Shimano Tiagra - 2 Speed

Gear Shifters: Shimano Tiagra STI

Geometry: Boardman Road Semi Compact - Sportive

Handlebars: Boardman E4P - 400mm(S) 420mm(M) 440mm(L,XL) - 31.8mm

Headset: FSA Orbit C-40 ACB/Industrial 1.1/8" to 1.1/2" Tapered - Integrated

Rear Brake: Tektro R540 Dual Pivot Calliper

Rear Mech: Shimano 105 - 10 Speed

Rims: Mavic CXP-22S - 28/32 Hole

Saddle: Boardman E4P - Chromoly Rails

Seatpost: Boardman E4P - 31.6mm - 350mm with offset

Stem: Boardman E4P - 100mm(S) 110mm(M) 120mm(L) 130mm(XL) - 31.8 with +/-7 degree rise

Tires: Continental Ultra Sport II 700c x 25c

Come in to Circle City Bikes today to see more bikes from Boardman, Fuji, Scott and More!!

Circle City Bicycles and Fitness

5506 Madison Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46227

(317) 786-9244

Bicycle Locks

Sunlite Cable Keyed Lock

If you are going to ride your bike and stop and leave it for a while out on the road, you need to get a lock. There are three types to consider:

• Cable
• Chain
• U-type

Cable locks look like the one shown above. They are typically coiled so they are relatively compact when not in use. They have a plastic coating around the steel cable so they won't scratch your bike. Chain locks typically have a fabric covering the chain for the same reason. U-type locks consist of a U-shaped shackle that fits into a cylinder with a locking mechanism. I have always used the cable type. Both cable and chain type locks allow you to lock your wheels (They are very easy to steal if you have quick-release) as well as your frame. They also allow you to lock your bike around a tree or other object for extra security.

When selecting a lock for your bicycle, you generally have to decide how important cost, weight and security are to you. In many situations, you should be fine as long as someone can't get on your bike and ride away, but sometimes you may need greater security. Keep in mind that for greater security, you will need a thicker cable or change, which makes the lock costlier and heavier.

Locks can be either combination or keyed. Whichever type you use, always stored your lock in the locked position. This will keep you from locking your bike out on the road, then finding out that you don't have the key or can't remember the combination.

If you are looking for a good, reasonably priced lock, check out this 12 mm thick, 6 foot long cable & lock from Sunlite. If that doesn't fit your needs, check out the rest of our Bicycle Locks.

Friday Video - Tour of Utah Crash

This week we have a Friday video instead of a photo. If you think it's easy being a professional cyclist, think again. It's not a matter of whether or not you're going to crash, it's a matter of when and how bad. This one involving Matt Brammeier during the recent Tour of Utah is one of the worst I have ever seen. Fortunately he's going to be okay, but the 2015 season is over for him. After spending time in a Salt Lake City hospital recovering from fractured bones and a bruised liver, he has returned home to Great Britain. I still don' know why he has approaching the turn so fast.

Closeout Bike Highlight: Raleigh Singulus Road Bike

Sleek Design, Beginner Triathlon Bike 40% OFF!

53cm Frame Only

• The 2013 Raleigh Singulus is a lightweight alloy triathlon bike.
• Mostly hydroformed tubes, teardrop shaped downtube, seat tube and seatstays.
• Carbon fork and alloy steerer

Was $1600                                 NOW: $960

See the list of our closeout bikes HERE

Circle City Bicycles and Fitness

5506 Madison Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46227

(317) 786-9244

Save 20% On This Boardman Bike - Up to 40% OFF Other Bikes - CLOSEOUT

Over 20% OFF The Boardman Elite AIR 9.2

Was $3800    NOW $2999

Check Out Our List of Clearance Bikes

HERE

Aerodynamic Racing

Designed to be ridden fast, the super slippery AiR frame, fork and seatpost cut through the air with minimal air displacement ensuring that once up to speed you stay there. The Shimano Ultegra groupset and Mavic Cosmic Elite wheels make this the ideal bike for Triathlon, rolling road racing and fast criteriums.

Highlights;

- New AiR Aerodynamic Racing frame, fork and seatpost

- Full high modulus carbon fibre monocoque construction

- Wind tunnel developed tube profiles for real world conditions

- Down tube, seat tube and seatpost shaped for maximized airflow and reduced wind resistance in real world head and cross wind conditions

- Forks and seat stays have flat inside and curved outside surfaces for enhanced airflow interaction between the frame and wheel. This is further enhanced when using deep section wheels

- Full internal cable routing with cables entering behind the headtube for further airflow enhancement and clean lines

- Rear brake positioned underneath chainstay

- Mould design incorporates one piece PF30 bottom bracket and optimized oversize box section chainstays with steep taper at dropout for maximized power transfer and strength

- 4 position seat post to ensure that riding position can be dialled from 73º-75º for either Road, TT or Triathlon disciplines

- Stable, predictable geometry to cope with all race situations

- Full carbon fork with tapered fork steerer for increased stiffness and steering precision

- Mechanical and Di2 compatible cable routing

Circle City Bicycles and Fitness

5506 Madison Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46227

(317) 786-9244

Great Deal on Used 2012 Specialized Camber Elite

2012 Specialized Camber Elite 

We currently have a great deal on a medium sized frame, 2012 Specialized Camber Elite. The 2012 manufacturer's suggested price was $2,200. According to Bicycle Blue Book, one in excellent condition should go for over $1,100. Our customer is only asking for $900! If you are interested, hurry in (Call us at 317-796-9244 to make sure we still have it before driving a long distance) before it's gone. Here is the Bicycle Blue Book listing and here is our Craigslist ad.

Please note that we usually don't keep any used bikes in our showroom, so you need to ask about them. Here is a Listing of everything we currently have available. We usually have some bikes in the $100 to $200 range, which are great for students heading back to college, Occasionally we have some really nice bikes like this one.

If you have a used bike you would like to sell, check out our Guide to Buying & Selling Used Bikes in Indianapolis. We can take your bike on consignment, and when it sells, you can take 90% of the selling price in store credit, or you can take 75% of the total in cash.

Friday Photo - Cycling Along a Norwegian Fjord

Two mountain bikers cycling from over 4,000 feet elevation to sea level along a Norwegian Fjord

If you are thinking about cycling in Norway, be sure to visit the Cycling Holidays in Norway website. I love their marketing slogan - "Norway: Powered by Nature." Norway is a sparsely populated country, with only about 5 million residents. By comparison, the Philadelphia metropolitan area has 6 million. This leaves plenty of room for unspoiled natural beauty. If the views are anything like the photos on the website, cycling in Norway must be spectacular.

There is a variety of cycling available in Norway. For road cyclists, they list their top Top Ten Bicycling Routes. Norway claims to have the largest mountain bike race in the world, the Birkebeinrittet mountain bike race, which boasts 17,000 participants. They also have downhill mountain biking. The riders in the photo started at around 4,300 feet elevation and are heading down to the sea. The Arctic Race, the world's most northern professional bike race is held in Norway, It's happening right now, above the Arctic Circle.

2016 Scott Addict CX Cyclocross Bike Review

The Addict CX is back, and its fitter than ever. 

Weighing in below 1300g, the Addict CX frameset is lighter than any other disc brake-optimized cross bike on the market. We have embraced our lightweight obsession to create a state of the art Cyclo-Cross bike that features excellent stiffness values combined with race-driven geometry for immediate power transfer, direct handling, A-level integration and a handful of unexpected extras while maintaining an incredibly low weight.

CONSTRUCTION

LIGHTWEIGHT CARBON CONSTRUCTION

Light weight is the shared bloodline connecting all SCOTT product segments. Early on, SCOTT invested heavily into the development of new carbon manufacturing technologies, the use of exclusive raw materials and the optimization of development processes. The continuous advancement of SCOTT’s carbon expertise enables the release of stunningly lightweight products on a regular basis. The Addict CX is no exception to this rule.

The frame uses an HMX carbon fiber blend that has inherently excellent stiffness-to-weight characteristics. The front triangle of the Addict CX is manufactured using SCOTT’s patented IMP Technology which results in incredibly lightweight construction. Rounded off with full carbon, hollow rear dropouts the frame weighs in at 890g while the disc brake-optimized fork tips the scale at 390g. The race-ready, disc brake-equipped Addict CX, which Marcel Wildhaber rode at the 2015 CX World Championships in Tabor, is scrapping The UCI’s weight limit for complete bikes.

Thanks to SCOTT’s Engineer’s Carbon expertise, the Addict CX is by far the lightest disc brake-optimized Cyclo-Cross bike currently on the market.

RIGID FRONT END


The new Addict CX features 1 1/8” to 1 1/2” integrated bearings and a tapered headtube. Compared to the previous model the headtube diameter has increased and therefore allows for wider connections of the toptube and downtube which results in an increase of torsional stiffness by 32%. The rigid front end enables direct, precise and safe handling of the bike, even in the most technical of turns.









PF86 BOTTOM BRACKET


The PF86 bottom bracket allows for a wide connection of the downtube and the tapered seattube to the BB box. Together with a stiffness-optimized lay-up and SCOTT’s patented carbon manufacturing process, the BB stiffness of the new Addict CX has increased by 14% compared to its predecessor.

CYCLO-CROSS FEATURES

TIRE CLEARANCE

In Cyclo-Cross mud is like sand on a beach. Tire clearance can therefore be a decisive factor in racing. The fork and frame are built so that even in the muddiest of conditions the wheels turn unrestricted. In case a ride on dirt roads is planned, the Addict CX offers enough tire clearance to accommodate gravel tires.

MUD-SHEDDING CHAINSTAYS

Mud on the bike is unnecessary weight and can impair the performance of the bike. The shape of the chainstays has been specifically designed to make sure mud doesn’t stick in this area impeding wheel rotation and ultimately rider speed.

REMOVABLE DERAILLEUR HANGER AND CHAIN GUARD

The front derailleur hanger is removable, accommodating all drivetrain options. If a single chainring crankset is run, no derailleur hanger is required and precious grams can be saved by removing it. A removable chain guard avoids chain sucks in case the chain falls off when a double crankset is used.


All this and so much more. Check out bikes from Scott, Haro, Fuji and MORE at our shop:

Circle City Bicycles and Fitness

5506 Madison Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46227

(317) 786-9244

40% OFF This Fuji Road Bike PLUS Closeout Prices on Scott, Boardman, Raleigh and Haro Bikes!

CLOSEOUT BIKE: 2014 Fuji Altamira 2.1 Ultegra Di2

Road racers looking for an all-around competition platform that excels on the climbs. The series’ top-of-the-line Altamira SL is Fuji’s lightest production bike ever: just 13.3 lbs!

Fuji reduced frame weight by using a combination of ultra high-modulus c15 carbon and High Compaction (HC) mold-ing – used on the SL and 1 series frames. Add in SRAM’s latest RED group, Oval Concepts carbon fiber components, and a tubular wheelset (SL only), and you’re looking at the lightest, best-performing Fuji to date.

Specific benefits are: Super-thin seatstays to offer greater compliance over rougher roads, BB86 Press-Fit bottom bracket that delivers stiffness, An oversized downtube means superior pedalling efficiency and Tapered head tube for enhanced steering precision.

Check Out Our List of Clearance Bikes

HERE

Frame:
C5 high-modulus carbon, integrated head tube w/ 1 1/2" lower, oversized PIIS BB86 shell, double water bottle mounts, Rear triangle C5 high-modulus carbon thin seatstays, oversized chainstays, carbon dropout w/ replaceable hanger
Fork:
FC-440 carbon w/ tapered carbon steerer & carbon dropout
Front Derailleur:
Shimano Ultegra Di2, braze-on mount
Rear Derailleur:
Shimano Ultegra Di2, 11-speed
Shifters:
Shimano Ultegra Di2 Electronic STI shifter/brake, Flight Deck-compatible, 22-speed
Chainset:

Oval 720 hollow forged alloy
Bottom Bracket:
Press-fit BB86 sealed bearing
Cassette:

Shimano Ultegra, 11-28T, 11-speed
Brakeset:
Shimano Ultegra
Brake Levers:
Shimano Ultegra STI
Handlebars:
Oval 310 butted 6061 alloy, 31.8mm
Stem:
Oval 313 3D-forged 6061 alloy, 31.8mm, +/- 6 degrees
Headset:

FSA Orbit C-40, 1 1/8" upper – 1 1/2" lower, integrated
Wheelset:
Oval 527 aero
Front Tyre:
Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Slick, 60 tpi, 700c x 23mm, folding
Rear Tire:
Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Slick, 60 tpi, 700c x 23mm, folding
Saddle:
Oval R500 w/ CrMo hollow rails
Seatpost:

Oval 905, carbon 31.6mm x 350mm

Circle City Bicycles and Fitness

5506 Madison Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46227

(317) 786-9244

2014 Scott Bikes ON SALE at Circle City

Starting With The 2015 Scott CR1 20

The Scott CR1 20 Compact 2014 Road Bike’s IMP Carbon frame offers the perfect balance of performance and comfort at a more affordable price point. Designed to save the rider from shock and vibration, the CR1 is the ideal choice for the enthusiast who wants to enjoy long rides but doesn’t want to feel beat up at the end of the day.


Frame: CR1 Carbon IMP Carbon technology Road Comfort geometry INT BB
Fork: CR1 Carbon 1 1/8" Carbon steerer Alloy Dropout
Front Derailleur: Shimano TIAGRA FD-4600
Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105 Black RD-5701-SS 20 Speed
Number of Gears: 20
Shifters: Shimano 105 Black ST-5700 Dual control 20 Speed
Chainset: Shimano FC-R565 Black Hyperdrive
Chainrings: 50/34T
Bottom Bracket: INT SM-BB7241
Cassette: Shimano TIAGRA CS-4600 12-30 T
Chain: KMC X10
Brakeset: Shimano BR-R561 Black Super SLR Dual pivot
Handlebars: Syncros RR2.0 Anatomic 31.8 mm
Stem: Syncros FL2.0 1-1/8" / four Bolt 31.8 mm
Headset: Ritchey Int. Cartridge
Wheelset: Shimano WH R501-A 16 Front / 20 Rear
Tires: Schwalbe Lugano 700 × 25 C
Saddle: Syncros XR2.5
Seatpost: Syncros RR1.4 Carbon/AL 31.6

Circle City Bicycles and Fitness

5506 Madison Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46227

(317) 786-9244

Back to School Sale

The Arkel Bug quickly converts from a pannier to a backpack

Our Back to School Sale is in progress through Sunday, August 16. Here are some of the deals we have going on:

• Does your bike need a tune-up? Perhaps it has been setting a while & needs new tires and tubes. Get your bike tuned-up and get the tires & tubes at half price.
• Need security for your bike on campus? Locks are 25% off.
• Always wear a helmet. You can suffer a serious injury, even on short ride across campus. Helmets are 25& off.
• Want to show your school pride when riding? Indiana, Purdue, Butler & Ball State cycling jerseys are 25% off.

One item that we have which might come in handy while riding to campus is the Arkel Bug Pannier. It quickly converts from a pannier to a backpack. This let's you ride comfortably without any weight on your back, but still have a backpack when you get off. Check out this video from Arkel to see how quickly it converts and some of its other features. There is also a padded laptop pouch you can purchase to keep your computer secure. The Bug is a great accessory for any commuting cyclist, whether they are going to college or to the office.

Friday Photo - Cat on a Bike

Inseparable Cyclist and Cat

A cyclist in Krasnoyarsk (It's the third largest city in Siberia) found a kitten in a tree who was under attack by crows. After he climbed the tree and rescued the cat, it road home with him perched on his shoulders. They have been riding together ever since. They once rode nearly 60 miles in 85F heat, exhausting both cyclist and cat.You can read more about both of them at English Russia.

NEW SRAM Guide Ultimate Disc Brakes Stands Alone as the Leader in its Class

SRAM's Most Advanced Braking System EVER

Product Photos: Ryan Palmer

bikemag.com

Completely new, the SRAM Guide Ultimate has a 4-piston S4 caliper, SwingLink lever cam, and a carbon lever blade. The 360-gram brakeset has been engineered to be light and powerful, with superior heat management capabilities, which give you better, more consistent, more reliable braking. The new caliper design also incorporates a re-designed seal and aluminum piston interface for ease of setup and improved consistency, while Bleeding Edge technology makes bleeding Guide Ultimate a quick and easy task.

The Guide Ultimate master has all the same guts as the Guide RSC, but is dressed with a carbon lever blade and titanium hardware.

There’s a whole lot more to these new stoppers than carbon levers and fancy bolts. The real magic of the SRAM Guide Ultimate is in the all-new S4 caliper. Aside from needing to maintaining piston size and pad shape, engineers were given free reign to design the ‘ultimate’ caliper to mate with the already-impressive Guide master. SRAM’s main goal with the S4 caliper was to create a brake that feels exactly the same every time you pull the lever. This is accomplished by managing heat, creating super-consistent seal/piston rollback, and simplifying the bleed.

This little piece is a heat shield, and it’s responsible for significantly lowering the running temperature of the Guide Ultimate. SRAM experimented with heat shields around the whole pad opening, but found that the most significant gains were made in just the one location.

The black caliper on the left is the existing Guide caliper, and the one on the right belongs to the new Guide Ultimate. To make further reductions in the running temperature, engineers significantly increased the size of the pad pocket. You can barely make out the heat shield at the very upper part of the pad pocket. Between the new pistons, heat shield and wider opening, SRAM claims that the Guide Ultimate runs cooler than a Shimano XTR brake with both Ice-Tech and Freeza technology.

To simplify the bleeding process, there’s a new bleed port interface, with a new tool. The tool snaps into place and is held securely with a snap ring and rubber seal. After the connection is made, turn the knob counterclockwise to open the system for bleeding. There’s also a redesigned fluid path that allows bubbles to move through the system without getting caught up–as long as you have the pistons pushed back in, that is. To help remind you to do this, SRAM put the bleed port on the inside of the caliper so that you have to remove the wheel in order to do a bleed. Not only will it remind you to reset your pistons prior to bleeding, it’ll keep brake fluid off your rotors.

Here’s the bleed adapter locked into place.

To round out this new flagship stopper, SRAM will be offering two-piece Centerline rotors in both six-bolt and Centerlock mounting and in 140-, 160-, and 180-millimeter diameters. They’ll retail between $72 and $78.

And from the side.

Circle City Bicycles and Fitness

5506 Madison Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46227

(317) 786-9244

Arkel Handlebar Bags

Arkel handlebar bags are available in small and large sizes

Circle City Bicycles offers Arkel handlebar bags for sale. Like Arkel panniers which I wrote about in an earlier blog, these are high-end products made in Canada from top quality materials, and have a lifetime guarantee. They come in the colors of red or black. The main compartment is waterproof. It also has a smaller front compartment. There are mesh pockets on both sides and a map case on top. It provides a place to put your map where it can be easily viewed, and protected from the elements. They are also available in large and small sizes. The large one weighs three pounds and has a volume of 615 cubic inches. The small one weighs 2.1 pounds with a volume of 450 cubic inches. Here's a video by a guy named Captain Overpacker who gives a good, unbiased review of the Arkel handlebar bags. You might also want to take a look at another video he did called Is Arkel's Handlebar Bag REALLY Waterproof?

Some people like handlebar bags and others don't. I think it is a good place to put small items that you might need to get quickly or frequently. It's an excellent spot for energy bars or a rain jacket when the weather looks threatening. I would not put anything in there that is very heavy.