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Specialized Turbo Elite Computer:
The new Turbo computers from Specialized rule. The Elite is the second from top-of-the-line, and features all sorts of goodness including cadence, wireless speed sensor, and a new easy-to-read display with a GIGANTIC read-out. In a truly ingenious move, Specialized engineers have made the computer cable on all the models (speed on the base models, and cadence on the higher-end models with wireless speed) removable. Not only does this make mounting the cadence sensor much easier, it also means that in a crash where you would have snapped your cable from the computer, there is now a good chance that the cable will just unplug from the computer saving you a costly and time-consuming reinstall. Available in Silver or Black to match your taste. |
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Crank Bros. Mallet Pedals:
When we first saw these pedals advertised we thought they were called the Mullet, which would be even better than Mallet, but maybe Mallet just sounds tougher. Who knows, we've seen some movies with some pretty tough mullets too. Anyway, the famous eggbeater pedal returns in a beefy new caged format upon which one can stick their foot for traction with or without clipless pedal shoes. Pedals include two sets of traction plates, for medium or high levels of not-clipped-in traction. |
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Specialized AirTool Pro Pump:
A while back, VeloNews magazine tested a number of pumps in the $50 to $100 range and guess who came out on top? Yup, the AirTool Pro. A solid design with the gauge mounted low to resist damage when the pump falls over, along with a sweet polished aluminum finish and a fast fill-up rate have this pump schooling competitors that cost twice as much. There is even a little pressure release button on top of the handle that allows you to adjust the exact pressure you want by over-inflating the tire and then releasing tiny bits of air without having to take the pump head off the valve and using a separate pressure gauge. |
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Specialized LoPro Mag Pedals:
If platform pedals are your thing, then we recommend a closer look at these sweet bits. Made of magnesium to shave the grams off an ordinary aluminum pedal, the LoPro's feature an oversize heat-treated chromoly spindle, sealed cartridge bearings, and a removable o-ring for adjustable resistance (for folks who want a smooth spinning pedal versus one that doesn't spin when your feet are off the pedals for no-footed tricks). The low profile design also means that your foot is closer to the pedal spindle for a lower center of gravity. |
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Avid Mechanical Ball Bearing Disc Brakes:
Anyone who has ever ridden in nasty conditions, or had to finish a ride with a bent wheel knows that rim brakes have their limitations. Disc brakes on the other hand are unaffected by wet or muddy conditions, and since your rim is no longer your braking surface, also allows for riding with tweaked wheels. Hydraulic brakes are complex to set up and fix, cost more, and tend to have a higher chance of developing problems than some of their mechanical counterparts. Simpler, less expensive, more reliable, easier; faster; and cheaper to fix, and just as powerful... Gee, let us think about it. There is a reason that most of the Solano Avenue Cyclery crew uses the Avid mechanical disc brakes... They rule! No broken hydraulic lines, no bleeding the brakes, no putting the house up for sale so you can afford a set of disc brakes. And a regular ole' brake cable makes 'em tick.. Need we say more? |
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Shimano XT Cassette:
People spend a fortune trying to shave the grams off their bikes, but few people think of a cassette when it comes to saving some weight. Next time you're in the market for a cassette flip over the ones you are considering and put the ones without a spider back on the shelf. The XT cassette is basically nine cogs attached to a spider, versus a huge clunky bunch of cogs, like the cheaper cassettes have. Upgrading from a Deore or LX will not only save weight, it will improve your shifting quality. Who can argue that? |
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WTB Laser-V Titanium Saddle:
If your butt's been aching for a nice new saddle, and your brain is aching from trying to figure out which one to buy, just ask us. Most of us here at good 'ole Solano Avenue Cyclery ride this very saddle and our butts have never been so happy. And since a happy butt is a butt willing to go on longer rides, you benefit from keeping that butt of yours happy. |
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Thomson Seatpost:
What better way to support Solano Avenue Cyclery's favorite saddle, than with our favorite seat post? The Thomson line of posts is available in most any size your bike desires, and we have yet to encounter any problems with these nifty anodized aluminum sticks. |
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Easton MonkeyLite Carbon Bars:
If that last tumble down a rocky hillside took its toll on your handlebars, we have a recommendation. Well, two actually; Next time, slow down a hair more coming into that off-camber gravel corner, and two; replace your mangled old bars with a swish set of Easton MonkeyLite's. They come in a variety of types (flat, rise, XC, DH) to fit your needs, and anything with Monkey in the name must be awesome! The Santa Cruz Factory Downhill Team rode these during the 2002 season with no problems, and those guys are pretty rough on parts. |
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Fox Forx:
There are a number of splendid suspension forks on the market these days. Many of them have more adjustability than the forks on a couple of our motorcycles! We've been building a lot of our customers' high-end bikes with the Fox Forx, and odds are there will be a number of Fox Forx on our own bikes when the season kicks in. The folks at Fox Racing Shox were even kind enough to help sponsor our resident pro Andy. Like their rear shocks, Fox's suspension forks are the leader when it comes to top-notch construction and a quality ride. Available in both air and spring models, short and long travel. Ask us about what suspension will work best for you. Manitou, Marzocchi and Rock Shox have some fine offerings as well. |
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Burley D'Lite Child Carrier:
Sitting in a comfy, rolling room, surrounded by your favorite toys, checking out the scenery through tinted windows, while Mom or Dad does all the hard work – that's the life. Sign us up. Too bad they only make them for little folk. There are a few different Burley models to suit everyone's needs and they can all be converted into strollers with the addition of the Stroller Kit.
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Heart Rate Monitors:
When the time comes to train, a heart rate monitor can come in really handy. There are hordes of different options when it comes to monitors. The Vettas are a good value and we've been using them for a while with good results; the Polars are very popular as well. In addition to helping with training, having a heart rate monitor attached to your bars may help to intimidate your riding buddies.
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Look Road Pedals:
We're big fans of the Look road pedals – it's the pedal of choice among the roadies at the shop. A big platform and great retention if you choose to crank the setting down, so you can power climb or sprint to your heart's content.
Beware: Looks are so durable, that a few years down the road when you want the cool new model, odds are your old ones will still be going strong and you'll have no real legitimate reason to get the new ones. |
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Trainers:
Cycling trainers, like the ones from CycleOps & Minoura, are handy little units when the weather turns sour. Pop on a race tape and pretend you're winning Het Volk. When you're done, see if you can get your significant other (or, if need be, some random stranger) to kiss you on the cheek like a podium girl/guy. Even when the weather's fine, trainers can be great for… uh, training; and they're super handy for warming up before races.
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Protective Pads:
On certain rides we wear pads, and every once in a while we put them to use. Sliding along a rocky, dirt trail on your elbows and knees is a whole lot more pleasant with a good set of pads on. We carry a number of different brands – slide by and check them out. |
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Camelbaks:
Years ago we used to tease the heck out of Marty for riding with a first generation Camelbak, sporting a big neon pink logo. It seemed goofy and the pink really had to go. Marty weathered the name-calling and now it's the rest of us who are the hypocrites. Camelbaks aren't goofy – they're wonderful. Carry a whole lotta water and all the gear you need. If Camelbaks were only available in neon pink we'd still use them. |
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Itching to buy something?
Email marty@solanoavenuecyclery.com for more info! |
Solano Avenue Cyclery 1554 Solano Ave. Albany CA 94707
510.524.1094
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