Q: Are you a franchise?
A: No, we are a family-owned and operated bike shop since 2012.
Q: How long have you been in business?
A: Since 2012.
Q: What Brands do you carry?
A: We carry Specialized turbo-electric bikes, along with Bianchi, Masi, Jamis, and many other brands. Check out our Brands tab to see what we have.
Q: Do you carry trikes?
A: Yes, we carry the premier Catrike brand - made in the USA.
Q: I want to surprise my kid/spouse a bike for a special occasion-can I return if it doesn't fit or they don't like it?
A: Gift bicycles can be returned for store credit only, ensuring you have the right size and color bike that they would like.
Q: How do I clean my chain?
A: Use an alcohol based degreaser such as Finish Line and a brush, then use a bicycle-specific lubricant when done.
Q: What caused my tire to go flat?
A: There are numerous reasons, most commonly puncture or pinch flat.
Q: What can I do to protect my tires from getting flats?
A: Buying high-quality tires, using flat-protection strips, or use a tubeless system.
Q: What PSI should I run?
A: That depends on the tire. PSI ratings can be found on the side wall of most bicycle tires.
Q: What's the difference between Shrader and Presta Valve?
A: Shrader valve is the most common valve to people, as it is similar to a car tire, while Presta valves are exclusive to higher pressure wheel and tire systems.
Q: Do you work on bikes?
A: Yes, we have a ful-service service department and can repair anything on two or three wheels - and sometimes even four.
Q: How much will it cost to repair my bike?
A: It depends on the nature of the repair, with smaller repairs being around $10-15, while larger, more comprehensive repairs demand a higher price.
Q: How long will it take to repair my bike?
A: Small repairs can be done while you wait, often under 15 minutes, while larger, more involved repairs may take up to 24 hours.
Q: Do you have used bikes?
A: Yes, we sell new and used bikes.
Q: Do you take trade ins?
A: We will consider trade-ins that can apply towards the cost of a new bike.
Q: Do you rent bikes?
A: Yes, we rent bicycles, trikes, tandems, and electric bikes.
Q: What can I do to increase the comfort of my saddle?
A: The most effective way would be to invest in a professional level fitting.
Q: My bike is uncomfortable to ride, what can I do to make it more comfortable?
A: A professional level fitting is the best way to ensure that your bike is comfortable for you to ride.
Q: Do you offer shop rides and maintenance classes?
A: We have shop rides three times per week (schedule changes depending on season) and maintenance classes are by appointment or in the winter months.
Q: Does the bike come in different colors?
A: Most manufacturers will have multiple color options depending on the model.
Q: Does it come with a kickstand?
A: Some bicycles come with kickstands, others can have them added to them, but a kickstand can but applied to most bikes.
Q: Why is there a difference in price between the same style bike?
A: The specifications and way the bicycle is built lead to the price differences.
Q: What are the essentials that I need for my bike?
A: You will need safety equipment (helmet, glasses, gloves), and it is advised to have safety lights on your bicycle, and invest in repair staples such as an inner-tube, tire levers, and a hand-held pump.
Q: Are there any discounts?
A: We offer a 10% military discount, 10% SIUE student discount, as well as a 10% discount on accessories after purchase of a new bicycle from us.
Q: How do I shift gears?
A: There are three common methods of shifting: a grip shift, a trigger shift, or an integrated shifter. All of them shift gears by shifting the actuator up or down.
Q: What's the difference between Hydraulic and Mechanical disc brakes?
A: Hydraulic brakes require a fluid while mechanical simply require a cable.
Q: What's the difference between freewheel and cassette?
A: A freewheel has bearings housed within the cog cluster itself, while a cassette is host to a free-hub body, where the bearings are in the hub.
Q: Can I change my tire size?
A: Yes, depending on the rim and the frame standard of the bicycle, you can usually increase or decrease the tire size marginally.
Q: Why do people get clipped in?
A: Clipping in gives you a more efficient pedal stroke and optimizes power transfer, increasing performance of your bicycle.