Want an ultra-simple, zero maintanence transportation solution? Try a Langster. Want to get started riding the Seven Eleven Velodrome? Try a Langster.

Cheaper than a road bike, faster than a road bike, no gears to grind or skip, just pure riding.  All it needs to become a track bike is a quick brake removal. All it needs to become a road bike is you.
Already graduated from the first track bike? Need something lighter? Something quicker? Something blacker? Something with a bit more kick to it?

Behold. The S-Works Langster module. All aluminum frame, steel capped dropouts, full carbon track fork, carbon seatpost, tight track geometry and a beautiful finish. Maybe cooler than the standard Langster. You tell us.

DT

If that’s not a sweet enough deal, we’ll even throw in a free day-pass to Trestle Bike Park. Buy a bike and go ride it. Easy. Done.
On the completely different end of the bike world, our two velodrome racers (Dean and Aaron) swept the Colorado State Championships in the Sprint event. They finished first and second respectively and still made it to work that afternoon. That was all after a long trip to Portland, Oregon, where our thunder-thighed employees represented Colorado with some big wins on the West Coast. Click on the picture below and check out the sweet Specialized Fortress gloves. It’s all because of the gloves.

Elder’s Weekly Pearl of Wisdom:

“It’s better than a stick in the eye.”

The Joplin seatpost is not a suspension post, but a height-adjuster. This genius gizmo allows you to ride with an ideal XC seat position uphill and with the flip of a switch, drop your seat height 3 inches to descend with a super-low downhill position. More than a few guys in the shop use either Gravity Dropper’s height-adjust or Maverick’s. The Joplin is similar to both, but in a much more refined package. It comes in two versions, the one shown above adjusts with a lever located under the saddle, and a remote version which features a lever mounted on the handlebar. The lever version is in stock now, and the remote is available with a week’s notice. Definitely a great addition to any all-mountain or trail bike.

Anyone have a triathlon coming up? Because we have some new Specialized Transitions that need riders. These things are really something to behold. Super-aero carbon tubing, hidden custom brake calipers, these things have the works. The S-Works version is a must see. It’s like a rolling jewel case / weapon of the future. And hot off the presses; did you catch who won Stage 4 at the Tour today? If you guessed Gerolstiener’s Stephen Schumacher the gold star is yours. Did you happen to see what bike he rode? Come see the Tour-TT winning Transition today.

Speaking of jewelry… Campy track rings now in stock! 47t through 51t at the one time only price of $67. These babies usually retail for $100 each and when these are gone, they’re back to normal prices.

Jon Elder’s Pearl Of Wisdom for Monday: “Rubber Side Down.”

If you want the best of both worlds, climbing on your own ticket, and then descending at top speed, Criterium has the best models for Captain Jack’s with the new Enduro SL’s and Pitches–remarkably light bikes with 6 inches of travel.  And, of course, our best-selling Stumpjumpers and Prophets are lighter yet with 5 inch travel.

Stop in to see what’s new as we have new gear arriving daily!

Right now is the time when races, charity rides, centuries, and other events are open for registration, but not yet sold out (and some events even offer early bird discounts on entry fees). Sign up early and pay your entry fee to commit yourself to an event, and that will usually give you the motivation to get to the gym or get outside and do some cycling or cross training. I know it works for me, especially if I sign up for early season events.

If you want to ride better next season the key is to continue riding  and crosstraining but to tone the pace down.  Most racers are under the mistaken idea that if you are going out to ride you have to ride hard, pushing your heart rate up above your lactic threshold and really pushing your body to the limit.  This couldn’t be farther from the truth.  If you want to avoid the winter burnout, bundle up and ride to enjoy the ride.  It really helps to remember why it is that you started riding, that it’s fun.

The miles you put on in the winter should be base miles, so your heart rate should be around 60-65% of your max rather than 70-80%.  These are just miles to maintain your fitness and keep your legs used to the rigors of cycling without tearing them up.  By keeping the effort lower, you also will have more opportunity to look around and enjoy the scenery rather than putting your head down and hammering.  In addition, if you bring a buddy along, that pace will allow you to enjoy a conversation during the ride.

Good crosstraining can be added to your training to really get you ready for the season.  Add in some weight training and cross country skiing, snowshoeing, or running to round out your training improving both strength and cardiovascular performance.  But don’t totally neglect your bike.  There are plenty of opportunities to get outside, or get good workouts in on the indoor trainer.

The Air Force Academy has also welcomed cyclists back onto the military reservation for road riding. This is a long-awaited opportunity to ride the roads that were the course for the 1986 World Cycling Championships. So, dig out those Worlds’ stripes socks and gloves, and take a few laps. You will need to bring ID, stop at the gate, and park at the Stadium lot if you are driving in.

For Information for visitors and rental customers, call us at 1-888-404-3641 or
visit the more extensive site at www.criterium-bicycles.com.