Bicycle Torrance: Bike maintenance chart

Our bike shop Torrance offers you this handy chart for planning your bike maintenance:
every ride	monthly (<>500 miles)	six months (<> 2,500 miles)	yearly (<> 6,000 miles)
check tire pressure & add air if needed	clean the bike with a rag (or soap and water if it's real dirty) and inspect the frame and components for signs of wear such as cracks	clean and wax the frame to protect the paint/finish (not necessary on bare titanium frames); once it's clean, inspect the frame and fork for any cracks or damage	check all bearing systems: hubs, bottom bracket, headset and pedals: adjust and/or overhaul as needed
check the tire tread for wear and embedded debris that could cause a flat	wipe the chain and cassette cogs clean with a rag and earth-friendly degreaser and relube	check and replace tires if needed; also check your spare tube and patch kit to make sure the spare holds air and the kit has glue & patches	check all cables and housings for fraying, breaks, rust and corrosion and replace if necessary
check that the wheel quick releases are tight and that the wheels are secure	check the wheels for loose spokes	check the hubs, bottom bracket, headset: adjust and/or overhaul as needed	replace brake pads, rubber brake hoods and handlebar tape if necessary
spin wheels looking for wobbles, which indicate you should have your wheel trued	test with a wrench, the tightness of the: crankarms, pedals, chainring bolts, seat bolt, seatpost bolt, stem bolts, handlebar bolts and all accessory mounting bolts/screws	check all cables and housings for fraying, breaks, rust and corrosion and replace if necessary	clean and check wheels carefully for signs of wear such as worn sidewalls (braking surface) or cracks at the spoke nipples
squeeze brakes to make sure they're grabbing and check to see that the brake pads are in good condition and that they strike the rims (not the tires!)	lube the brake, derailleur and clipless-pedal pivot points	check for worn brake pads and replace if needed; also replace worn handlebar tape or grips	check the hubs, bottom bracket, headset: adjust and/or overhaul as needed
compress and release the suspension to check that it's working properly	lube the cables to prevent binding and check the cables for fraying and rusting and replace if necessary;	check for chain, cassette cog and chainring wear and replace worn parts as required	overhaul the pedals to check the bearings and add fresh grease; if you're using toe straps, check them for wear and replace if needed
check chain & add lube if it looks dry	check clipless pedals and cleats for loose screws/bolts	clean the drivetrain (chain, chainrings, cassette, front and rear derailleurs) with biodegradable solvent and rags	maintain and lube your suspension components according to the advice in the owner's manual
make sure you've got your spare tube, tools, pump, etc.	maintain and lube your suspension components according to the advice in the owner's manual	maintain and lube your suspension components according to the advice in the owner's manual	lube your frame and home pump

Bicycle Torrance: What kind of bike should I get?

Are you thinking of buying a bicycle Torrance but you're not sure where to start? Here is a brief guide to some popular kinds of bicycles. You should choose your bike based on what kind of riding you plan to do.

Road bikes
Pros: Fast and easy to pedal on pavement.
Cons: Not good for riding off road. Many people find the dropped handlebars to be uncomfortable.

Mountain bikes
Pros: Suspension and upright riding position make for a comfortable, cushy ride. Great for all terrain.
Cons: Mountain bikes are slower and harder to ride on paved surfaces.

Hybrid bikes
Pros: Fast and easy pedaling, with the comfort and versatility of a mountain bike.
Cons: Not suitable for very rugged terrain.

Cruisers
Pros: Stylish, comfortable for relaxed riding.
Cons: Difficult to ride in on hills, long-distances, or over rugged terrain.

BMX:
Pros: Durable and nimble for stunts and trick-riding.
Cons: Not comfortable.

Why buy from a local bike shop Torrance?

Thinking of buying a new bicycle Torrance? One of your first choices, and not necessarily an easy one, will be where to shop. It can be a challenge because there are a myriad of stores that carry two-wheelers, from specialty retailers, to giant department stores, to backyard garage operations. Consumer Reports recommends buying from a specialty retailer.

Why?  Well, bicycles aren't like toasters or suitcases. Bikes are shipped in boxes and they must be assembled and tuned. Local retailers have the expertise and attention to detail that ensures your bicycle will be assembled correctly and fitted perfectly. Not only that, but local retailers focus on purchasing bicycles with quality components, so your money will go further.
For these reasons, Consumer Reports recommends shopping at a good specialty bicycle store in your area. For instance, we hire competent salespeople and expert mechanics who'll ensure that you get the right bike and a quality machine. Look for a store that's clean, has helpful personnel, offers a good selection, and an on-site repair department.

Bike shop Torrance: Warm-up Secrets!

Some warm-up secrets that may surprise you from a bike shop Torrance:
Less is more: Research released last year shows that the standard 20 minute warm-up routine used by cyclists causes too much fatigue. A shorter, less-strenuous warm-up routine made for better peak power output.
 Inside out!
Riding through hectic intersections, over uneven surfaces, around throngs of people, and in rough weather can take its toll on your warm-up routine. A steady, controlled warm-up inside on a stationary trainer is more effective, and preferred by many cyclists.
Intermittent, not continuous:
When you pedal continuously with all you've got and really get your heartrate up, you feel like you are getting a better warm-up, but evidence points to the contrary. Continuous exercise is exhausting, and before its perceptible to the rider, performance is affected. Try a warm-up of 20 second high intensity pedaling, followed by 10 seconds of rest. Repeat for 8 cycles.

Watch with PV Bicycle as the 2012 Tour Of California Visits SoCal!

2012 Tour of California Visits SoCal

 

We're usually lucky to live close enough to visit one of the Tour of California stages without travelling too far. This year, thousands of cyclists rode to see some portion of Stage 7, the climb to Mt. Baldy. One of the most difficult stages of this year's tour, the race covered 72 miles and about 10,000 feet of climbing. The final 8 km section was the incredibly steep road from Mt. Baldy Village to the ski lifts at almost 7,000 feet elevation. If you had the nerve to ride all the way to the top, you were able to see stage winner and eventual overall tour winner Robert Gesink pass Columbian Jhon Atatpuma less than 500 meters from the finish line. There were a number of other excellent vantage points to watch the stage, and a huge turnout of cyclists took advantage of the opportunity. The next morning, the race finished at the Staples Center in downtown LA and again a great number of spectators, many on bikes, turned out. If you missed it, be sure to check out next year's edition. It's like being at the Tour de France without the air travel!

Annual Huge Memorial Day Sale Friday thru Monday 5/25-5/28 at PV Bicycle Center!

PV Bicycle Center's annual Memorial Day sale begins this Friday May 25th and runs through Monday May 28th. Look for these great savings throughout the store: 25% off remaining 2011 model year bikes 20% off all current model shoes and cleats 30% - 50% all prior year model shoes 15% off all current model year clothing 30% - 50% off all prior year clothing 60% off all Michelin Pro3 tires 15% off all other tires and tubes 20% off on all tools, lights, pumps and accessories 20% off on all helmets Special savings on select 2012 model year bikes   Don't miss this great opportunity to stock up on your summer cycling needs at great prices!

Bike shop Torrance: Biking for fitness

As a bike shop Torrance, we know that bicycling is an excellent fitness activity. Studies show benefits of cycling include reduced risk of heart disease, lowered blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduced stress.
Cycling may be the exercise component of a weight loss plan, with outstanding results. In order to glean weight loss benefits, you will need a routine designed with this in mind.
Bicycling is low-impact fitness. Low-impact fitness is recommended for all ages, body types, and fitness levels.
If you cannot run for exercise, you may still be able to ride a bicycle easily and pleasurably. If you are overweight, the non-weight bearing design of cycling can mean you will have greater stamina than if you were walking. Even if your mobility is limited, cycling can offer freedom of movement that give people joy and a sense of accomplishment. There are bicycles available for all sizes of people, there are also adaptive designs that are available for people with physical limitations: recumbent bikes, hand cycles, walk-through design, and adult tricycles.
Cycling tones the stubborn areas of the body- thethighs, buttocks, waist, and hips.  A local bike shop can help you maximize these benefits, by assisting you in finding the right bicycle for your body type and that it is fitted so you get the most exercise benefit.

Register for the Ride for Habitat April 21st with PV Bicycle Center

SIGN UP FOR THE INAUGURAL PALOS VERDES RIDE FOR HABITAT

RECEIVE GREAT DISCOUNTS AND INCENTIVES

 

Sign up now for the first annual Ride for Habitat on Saturday April 21st and help raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. The ride, co-sponsored by PV Bicycle Center, starts and ends at the Terranea Resort with a rest stop at PV Bicycle Center. Click for a complete flyer or go directly to the web site to sign up.

 

Bring proof of registration to PV Bicycle Center and get a free bike safety check through April 14th, or get 50% off labor on a tune-up with drive train clean, tune-up with new cables and housings or a deluxe tune-up, now through April 12th only. Bring your bike in early before we get booked up!

How to Buy a Mountain Bike by Mountain Bike Expert at PV Bicycle Center in Los Angeles

2012 Specialized Enduro Reviewed at PV Bicycle Center Near Torrance in PV