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Sportwheels Bucks for Bikes
For a limited time only we are offering Sportwheels Bucks for your used bike. We will give you an in-store credit available for use at Sportwheels. The credit can be used towards anything in the store!
So, dust off that bike sitting in your shed or garage and come in and see what we can offer*. This is a perfect opportunity to turn that old bike into a baseball glove, skateboard or whatever you need for your spring/summer activities.
Limited Time Only
*maximum $100.00
Flat Bottom V Sharpening Technology
Sportwheels is now offering both the regular sharping and the Flat Bottom V sharpening to better serve you, our customers.
What is the difference you ask?
I’ve included a link to the Blackstone site highlighting the technology that Sportwheels uses!
In simple terms a comparison between the two is as follows:
Traditional Sharpening:
Creates a circular arc hollow in the bottom of the blade.
Flat Bottom V:
Creates a V with a flat bottom as as opposed to a circular arc as with the traditional sharpening.
Benefits:
The flat bottom V allows for a longer glide. This saves a skaters’ energy during the games, meaning fresher legs when you need them.
Come on in and ask our service staff about the Flat Bottom V sharpening or check out the following link for more information!
Blackstone Introduces: The Flat Bottom"V" from Chris Labbate on Vimeo.
2010 Vancouver Olympic games!
The Olympic games are now over in Vancouver!
Sidney Crosby scores Gold medal winning goal !!! Way to go Sid !
Canada has won a record setting 14 gold medals!!
Sportwheels Sports Excellence has the fan gear you need to support our country and our athletes.
Check out our Olympic item selections and Team Canada items by looking on our FEATURED ITEMS page.
We also have Team Canada composite mini-sticks, Team Canada bottles and more !!
Email us: service@sportwheels.ca for more offers!
Bike Buying Tips
Every year we get a lot of people coming in to look at our line of bikes who have a lot of questions regarding buying a new or used bike. I’ve compiled some tips for those people who may have questions. I hope this helps you in your choice of bike for 2010 and beyond and please stop by Sportwheels to see what’s new for 2010!
What are you planning on doing?
One needs the right tool for the job. It’s the same for the bike you choose. There are several types of bikes available to cyclists and it is important to choose the right type for what you plan to do.
Bicycles are designed with purpose driven geometry. Steeper or slacker angles benefit riders involved in specific disciplines within cycling. Some bikes are built to be lighter, while others are heavier yet more durable. Some have one speed, others up to 30. Parts (wheels, tires, shifters etc) differ between the different types of bikes as well.
Road/Cyclocross/Touring:
These bikes are designed to be used on the road or on manicured, non-technical trails. The handlebars are the traditional curved bars, and wheels are 700c (*see note) which are larger and narrower than mountain bike tires. The tread on the tires are often less aggressive with the exception of cyclocross tires. Sidepull brakes are most commonly used.
The geometry of the frame tubes places the rider in a more aggressive, flat back position perfect for maximum power output.
*700c refers to the European sizing of wheels and tires. 700c is approximately 28” in diameter. Tires and rims are marked with 700c on the sidewall.
Mountain Bike:
A mountain bike is designed to be tough, so the frames are usually a little heavier. The angles of the frame place the rider in a more upright position allowing the rider to see obstacles clearly. The bike is designed to be maneuvered easily over obstacles and through single track.
The wheels are normally 26” however, other options are now available. The rims are heavier and more durable. The tires have a more aggressive tread as well.
Mountain bikes are available with no suspension, front suspension, or dual suspension (front and rear).
Hybrid/Comfort:
This category provides a compromise between road bikes and mountain bikes. They are heavier and more durable than road bikes providing the upright positioning of a mountain bike.
The wheels and components are chosen to be lighter which is better for those riding a combination of both road and gravel paths including double track.
These bikes can come without suspension, with front suspension or with front suspension and a suspension seat post.
Dirt Jump:
Dirt Jump/Urban bikes are designed to be super tough. These bikes are made to withstand a lot of abuse, crashes etc. They provide a more laid back feel which is intended to give the rider more control when jumping or doing tricks. Most riders use a very short seatpost for more clearance while jumping. Many Dirt Jump bikes are singlespeeds as well.
Dirt Jump bike users often get a small frame to allow for extra space and better control in the air while jumping. These bikes are ideal for dirt jumps, urban and skateboard/bmx parks.
How much do you want to spend?
This is very important. A new quality bike for an adult can cost anywhere from $200.00 up. For someone whom is racing or participates in a very specific aspect of cycling the cost goes up.
The more expensive bikes tend to be lighter, and more durable. Different parts offer more options and adjustability as the price goes up as well.
Sportwheels also offers used bikes starting in the spring. It is possible to get a great used bike for a fraction of the cost of a new bike. Our inventory is always changing with bikes ranging in price. We have had used high end, full suspension, road, bmx and kids bikes in the past.
Sportwheels takes trades towards the purchase of new or used bikes depending on the time of year, and the condition of your old bike.
What Size do I Need?
It is best to come in and let us help you choose the rights size but, here’s a brief guide of what to look for:
Kids:
Kids bikes are measured by the wheel size.
12” suitable for average kids aged 3-5
Usually fitted with removable training wheels
20” suitable for average kids aged 5-8
24” suitable for average kids aged 8-11
Adults:
Adult bikes are measured from the middle of the crankset to the seatpost collar. At Sportwheels our primary brands are Norco (http://www.norco.com/¬) and Devinci (http://www.devinci.com/home.html). Both are Canadian and use different sizing guidelines.
Norco:
12.5, 15, 17, 18.5, 20, and 22” are the common sizes for their Mountain Bike and Hybrid/Comfort line.
XS, S, M, L, XL are the sizes available for their road bike lineup.
Devinci:
XS, S, M, L, XL are the available sizes for both their Mountain Bike and Road Bike lineup.
All bikes will fit people differently so it’s best to come in and be fitted for your new bike.
BMX:
Our BMX lineup is available with 20” wheels. We carry many major brands including Subrosa, Fat Bald Men, Haro, and Eastern to name a few. Please drop in to see our full line up in store.
Women Specific:
Norco offers a line of women specific bikes. These bikes are designed to fit females comfortably. We all know that men and women are different so their bikes should be too!
Pitfalls to Avoid:
More gears does not necessarily mean better. With certain bikes and usages sometimes less is better. Many commuters or couriers use single-speed bikes for their simplicity and ease of use.
Full suspension is not always better. Some lower priced Dual Suspension bikes (front and rear suspension) have compromises in other areas that make them less enjoyable to ride. They tend to be much heavier and the suspension does not necessarily work very well. Spending the same on a quality front suspension only bicycle can often be a better deal in the long run.
This is merely a guide to buying your new bike. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us via email (service@sportwheels.ca), by phone 865-9033 or drop by to talk to our friendly staff.
Shopping for a Used Frame
At the shop I’ve been receiving a few calls from people asking for frames to build up. People are looking for all kinds of different frames from cheap hardtails to full suspension rigs. Some are building them up for winter riding and others for next seasons’ ride.
I’ve always been fortunate to personally have a plethora of spare parts hanging around and even more so now that I work in the industry. The thrill of building up a bike from scratch with some lovingly used parts and new parts is undeniable. It’s not easy to do by times so I’d like to share a few tips.
Measure twice, cut once:
It’s very important to make sure that the parts you have are going to fit your new frame. Take note of the size of your seatpost and bottom bracket especially. It’s a real disappointment when you realize your bike is all ready to go except your seatpost won’t fit. Although these items can be relatively inexpensive it’s easier to check it out first and budget for such a situation.
Don’t rush into a frame:
There is little uniformity in sizing of frames so be sure to check out all the specs on the frame you’re looking at. Some things in particular to look at is the top tube length and to make sure the head tube is the proper size.
If you’re buying used check over the frame with a magnifying glass. Some bikes are more prone to being abused (dirt jump and downhill frames) and therefore subject to higher possibility of failure. Some areas to inspect include the bottom bracket, head tube area, and the rear dropouts. These are areas that can hide small cracks that can be painful down the road. Remember there is no warranty beyond the original owner on any bike.
Budget:
Some things will have to be bought new. These items may include cables/housing, brake pads, tubes/tires and grips to name a few. Remember to make a list or excel chart with what you need/want and how much it may cost. You can get a better price if you buy in bulk so save your pennies and buy it all at once. Over estimate what you think you’ll end up paying to build up your bike so you can afford to finish the project.
Take your Time:
It not a race! Take the time to do things right. The last thing you want is for your bike to fall apart or not shift right on your maiden voyage in front of your friends. You’re proud of your accomplishment so make sure it’s working 100% before parading it around.
If you need help don’t hesitate to contact us here at Sportwheels. We are always happy to help out and will take the time to show you how it’s done. Some steps will require special tools as well that if not used can cause irrepairable damage.
Ask Questions:
Do not hesitate to ask your friends, shop employees, or even on the forums of your local websites such as www.cogeyed.com or www.pedaltrout.com for advice on frames, parts and how-to issues.
Enjoy building your bike and see you on the trails with your new ride!
Winter Sports are Exhilarating !
Most people think that when winter comes, it is time to slow down…NOT the case !!
Get outside and have some fun, bring the kids, make it a family event !!
Make a backyard rink, go skating on the pond, go to the local rink for some public skating fun…get out the skates and get active !
Also think about sledding, recreational snowboarding or even some winter biking!! Alot of the walking trails are cleared in the winter, and it makes a great day out riding the bike in the cool winter weather!!
Street hockey is always a favourite!
Go for walks, anything you would do in summer…try it in winter…surprise your self and the family with some winter fun !
Sportwheels Sports Excellence has everything you will need:
-Kids skates
-kids skating supports for beginners
-Kids snowboards
-Street Hockey Gear
-Bob skates for the tykes
-Kids bikes
-Adult Recreational bikes
*Be sure to surf around our site for lots of Sporting Goods to keep you active!
Sportwheels Sponsors Chris Sanford for the 2010 Season!
Sportwheels is sponsoring Chris Sanford for the 2010 Cycling season.
Chris Sanford is an avid cyclist whom has been riding since the age of five. Chris has been using his Norco Katmandu faithfully for all his riding up until now. For 2010 he will be riding a 2008 Norco Fluid and wearing the Sportwheels colours in the under 15 category.
Chris started riding with the Sportwheels/Cogeyed.com Mountain Bike Rides in 2009. With the ever present support of his parents he rarely missed an opportunity to ride his bike. His skills have grown in leaps and bounds and eventually he was consistently in the lead group on every ride. Chris is a true natural on a bike.
With encouragement from others Chris’ competitive nature led him to racing. He placed 5th at the Fitz of Fury, 5th at A-Gore-a-phobia, and 4th at the Spokebender Classic. Chris plans to attend as many races as possible this coming season and will no doubt be on the podium.
In addition to cycling and school, Chris is also involved with the Army Cadet League of Canada. He is on the Biathalon team combining xc skiing and marksmanship. He is also of the member of the Range team and has won high accolades in the past for his skills.
Not only is Chris a naturally gifted athlete, he has a great attitude and amazing work ethic. Chris will be writing about his experiences racing and training throughout the 2010 cycling season via the sportwheels web site (www.sportwheels.ca).
Sportwheels is very proud to have Chris Sanford wearing our jersey for the 2010 race season.
Welcome aboard Chris!!
Sportwheels in The Coast!
Check us out in The Coast!
Red Bull Crashed Ice Is Now Drafting Athletes!
It’s that time of year again. There is a chill in the air and with winter comes the most exciting sport on skates…Red Bull Crashed Ice is now drafting athletes. Male and female amateur and pro hockey players from across the country can register their names into the online lottery at www.redbullcrashedice.com starting NOW until January 24th at 11:59 pm EST for their chance to participate in one of eleven qualifying events across Canada.
Making the cut
On January 26th 200 men and 20 women (per qualifying city) will be randomly selected to participate in a qualifying event, which will consist of individual speed trials on a flat ice surface in a traditional indoor hockey rink. The top participants from each qualifying event who demonstrates the best skating skill, agility, strategy and strength will earn a spot in the finals in Quebec City.
First Stop: Munich
The capital city of Bavaria is preparing for the first ever Red Bull Crashed Ice on German soil on January 16, 2010. Athletes will be battling head-to-head in Munich’s Olympiapark – built for the 1972 Summer Olympics. Battling for the glory and representing Canada are the country’s top three performers: 2006 champion in Quebec City Gabriel Andre (Edmonton, AB), 2007 champion in Quebec City and Helsinki Kevin Olson (Lethbridge, AB), and local favourite Christian Papillon (Quebec City, QC). Joining them will be Jean-Guy Chouinard (Sherbrooke, QC) and Bruno Richard (Bedec, NB) who qualified in Garmisch, Germany in December 2009.
For registration info, click here
Red Bull Canada Facebook Fan Page
Happy Holidays !
From Sportwheels Sports Excellence
