Specialized Turbo Como and Vado
In the last few years we have seen a tremendous gain in the popularity of pedal assist bikes, or e-bikes, at the shop. Specialized had been making electric models for quite some time, but when I saw what the latest version had to offer and the level of refinement, I knew we needed to bring them in to the shop.
These bikes are a blast. They look like regular bicycles, and ride like a normal bike, but feel like you have a tailwind everywhere you go! All of the staff use them daily for running around town, and our customers have been putting some serious miles on them.
It’s really opened up possibilities for riding. For some, it’s making an 8 mile commute manageable more days of the year without having to get to the office sweaty and smelly; then turn the level of assist down for the ride home to make it a bit more of a workout. Others have been able to cover more ground than ever before, and overcome disproportionate riding abilities, making rides with friends and significant others possible as they weren’t before. They are definitely an equalizer!
There are several different models. The Como is modeled after our most popular hybrid, the Roll. Super comfortable and upright, it allows the rider to take the scenery in while cruising along with assistance up to 19 or 28mph, depending on the model. The battery life is anywhere from 30-100 miles depending on the level of assistance chosen, terrain, and weight of the rider with some models coming with a higher capacity battery.
We are fully equipped for repairs on Turbos, just like we are on non electric bikes. The relative simplicity of their design was a big selling point for me, as I didn’t want to have hours of labor into a bike when it needs service. The modular design lends itself well to forward compatibility. The batteries actually have empty cell bays in anticipation of greater capacity at lower prices as battery prices drop. The battery is easily removable for charging in case a power cord isn’t in easy reach of a bike, and it also comes with a battery lock so it’s secure.
The motor is another highlight of these. Smoother power application than other options, Specialized worked to smooth out the torque so synonymous with electric motors. This gives the rider a very smooth transition into power. It’s also very efficient and a large part of why the range is so far on these bikes.
We stock a bunch of the Turbos at the shop. Come by and check them out!
Rocktown Bicycles 2018 Holiday Gift Guide
Happy Holidays, Harrisonburg!
Looking for the perfect gift for the cyclist(s) in your life? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide to find just the right thing!
We have everything you could want to make the Holidays special. From stocking stuffers to a brand new bike, Rocktown can help you make this Holiday one to remember!
The items on the Holiday Gift Guide have been broken down into five sections:
Stay Safe - be bright and be seen!
The BIG one! - NEW BIKE DAY!
Fun Stuff - great for stocking stuffers
Stay Warm - clothing to help you stay outside longer
Mountain & Road Bike Essentials - items we have found to be staples for cycling
Each section is meant to highlight main items we have seen to be the most useful and fun for every cyclist. Our aim is to help you find the perfect gift without the hassle of wondering if it will be liked or used.
As always, please feel free to visit the shop or contact us if you have any questions or requests.
Stay Safe - Be bright, be seen, be happy!
Gift Highlights Include:
Specialized Deflect H2O Jacket: $210
Lightweight rain jacket that doesn’t leave you feeling cold and clammy (it’s also extra bright, which is a plus!)
Specialized Stix Lights: $30 - $55
USB Rechargeable
Lumens range from 18 - 68 for the taillight, 95 - 132 for the headlights
Specialized FLUX Lights: $100 - $150
Lumens range from 110 to 1200
USB Rechargeable
The headlights offer Wide Beam Pattern, great for seeing the road, and for cars to see you!
Lezyne Lights: $25
Smaller blinky lights
Replaceable Battery powered
Cygolite Headlights & Taillights: $30 - $65
USB Rechargeable
Lumens range from 460 - 600 for the headlights, 50 - 150 for the taillights
NightRider Headlight: $50 - $100
More lumens per dollar than ever along with Niterider durability.
Mirrycle Bar End Mirror: $19
Centro Helmet: $55
The BIG One!
Surprise your loved one with a bike sure to put a smile on their face.
Turbo Como 3.0 E Bike $3,250
The Specialized Turbo E bikes are so fun, they make you like a kid again! We love our Turbo bikes here at the shop (I ride one almost daily around town). Specialized Turbo’s are smoother, go farther, have better support, and look better than the others. It really is you, just faster. The 3.0 sits a model up from the entry level Como 2.0 ($2,850) and has all the features we like. 29mph speed, great battery capacity, and integrated head and taillights; and just like any of our new bikes here, backed by the full support and service of our shop.
Riprock 24" Kids’ Bike $525
Big tires, disc brakes, lightweight tuned suspension, kid-usable brake levers, and low standover - your kid will be shredding and having a great time on the Riprock!
Fun Stuff - Stocking stuffers, adventure inspiration, local bike shop love!
Gift Highlights Include:
Wahoo GPS Computer $245
Bells: $8 - $10
Rocktown Harrisonburg Map Bottle $6.95 - $7.95
Bottle Cages $10 - $50
Chamois Butt’r Chamois Cream $17.99
Rocktown T’s & Jerseys $15 - $150
Bike Grips/Tape $11 - $30
National Geographic Map $11.95
Sunglasses $25 - $185
Gift Card ANY AMOUNT! :)
Stay Warm - Colder temps shouldn’t mean the end of the riding season.
Gift Highlights Include:
Deflect Wind Jacket $120
This is a super lightweight, (49 grams!) packable into a jersey pocket wind/light water jacket. Very breathable and an awesome layer to have in your pocket many days of the year.
Therminal Alpha Jacket $200
Made to ‘walk to dry’ in 30 minutes, this Polartec developed fabric is very light, very insulating, and very breathable. With a built in hood that is meant to fit under your helmet, and looks that are good on and off the bike.
Defroster Cycling Boots $200
Super reflective, and insulated throughout. A very walkable and grippy sole made with Gripton rubber so that you don’t slip when you’re off the bike. These have been a shop favorite in the winter months.
Shoe Covers $30-$70
Looking for something to keep wind and water at bay but not ready for the Defroster boots? Show covers are a great addition to your winter layers and work well even for days that may just have a bit of chill to them.
Neck Buff $25
Winter Gloves $40-$85
From lightweight to really cold, I’ve enjoyed our gloves over the years more than any other. The Element line all uses Gore Windstopper fabric which is super breathable and windproof (windproof like I previously didn’t understand). With different levels of Thinsulate in them depending on how deep of a freeze you’re riding in.
Knee warmers/Arm warmers $55
Easy to get on and off and easy to keep in a jersey pocket, the latest version of these warmers fit better than ever.
Therminal Hat & Ear Warmers $16-35
Necessary when it gets below certain temps and available with Gore Windstopper, the headwear we stock is warmer than ever.
Mountain Bike & Road Bike Essentials - Cycling items we don’t like to live without!
Gift Highlights Include:
CAT5 GEAR Travel Bag $75
These bags are AWESOME. I have used one for months now and it’s made all my trips far easier. Very well conceived and executed bike accessory luggage from our friends up in Canada. Available in a bunch of colors. Cyclists are difficult to shop for. This is that gift they didn’t know existed and will absolutely use and love. -Chris
Osprey Hydro-Pack $75 - $140
Mountain Bike Tires $55 - $90
Road/Gravel Tires $35 - $80
MultiTools: $20 - $40
Tire Plugs $6 - $20
Frame Bag/Saddle Bag $30 - $140
Patch Kit & Tubes $2 - $9.95
Hand pumps/CO2 $6 - $50
Road Helmets: $40 - $225
MTB Helmets: $40 - $180
Mountain Bike & Road Shoes: $100 - $475
Gloves: $25 - $40
Pedals: $15 - $200
Cycling Caps: $28
Supercross UCI 2018
The craziest conditions I’ve ever raced in cyclocross.
I went into Supercross knowing that it was going to be messy, but it didn’t really hit me until I was attempting to do a “pre-ride” lap on day 1 of of the event, and could barely pedal through the mud.
The Thursday before the race, most of the Northeast got hit with a snow/ice storm, and we were lucky enough to get the chance to race in melting snow water and the mud that was being created from said snow melt. The temperatures each race day were in the upper 30s to low 40s - perfect for making sloppy cross course conditions.
It’s been an interesting experience, this season, learning how to balance training and racing at a higher level with life and work. I drove up on Saturday, leaving at 4am, to get to Suffern, NY in time to gather myself, check the course out, and warm up without feeling rushed. Maybe not the best idea to drive 6 hours right before a bike race, but, hey, sometimes that’s how it works out, and you give it your all, anyway.
And that’s what I did. Each day of Supercross was full of more running with my bike than riding it. And when we were riding our bikes, there were no brakes to help us out on some of the steeper descents - the brake pads were worn away from the grit in the mud pretty much after the 1st lap. Foot out flat out was the motto for those descents, I guess. It was a good time sending it with no brakes down those muddy hills.
The first day, I had a great start, only to lose that when there was a crash right in front of me about a minute in. But I fought on. After that, the rest of the race was a battle against the mud, my frozen feet, and my bike. My chain dropped 4 times during that race from the mud icing my chainrings over, and it was SO hard each time to get it back on; costing me more spots each time. My fingers were completely numb, and I was so frustrated to feel great in a race only to not have my bikes cooperate.
The mud was up to our knees each day, on a lot of the course. My greatest weakness of this race was being able to run with my bike through the mud with frozen feet. It was so challenging, and took everything I could muster to keep pushing, even when I wasn’t sure what my feet were actually doing.
I was pleased to finish on the lead lap of Saturday’s race, but I was also a little disappointed to have placed 22nd, and not in the top 20. I kept my attitude positive though, because I knew that another day of racing lay ahead, and I had another chance to prove myself.
When I finally got to my hotel room that night, I ate my dinner in bed, and didn’t leave the bed for the rest of the night. I was so tired. The 4am wake up, drive, the race, the cold, and scrambling to find replacement brake pads had taken a bit of a toll on me. Little did I know how much more challenging the next day’s race was going to be.
Sunday’s race course was set in reverse, with worsening conditions, and even more running than the day before. I had a difficult time warming up for this race. The temperatures were cooler and the humidity higher, so it felt even colder than it actually was. And as I waited to line up on the start line, I felt doubt creeping in. Not a great feeling, when you’re trying to race your best. I just didn’t feel right, or ready for what was about to happen, even with already having gone through the same race scenario the day before. I pushed that feeling away as best I could and stuck it all out there on the course.
I was fighting for the last few positions in the top 20 when my chain dropped on the third lap. It took forever to get the chain to stay on. I got pulled from the race, and placed 21st overall. The disappointment I felt was overwhelming. But that’s how racing goes sometimes, and you have to work through it, learn from it, and improve on it.
Through the whole weekend I had a wonderful support system of fellow women racers and friends from the Vanderkitten and CXHairs Devo teams. My two closest compadres, Libbey and Alex, had a stellar 2nd day of racing. Alex got her first UCI points, and Libbey placed 11th, with her best overall finish ever! I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received from those wonderful people and from Rocktown Bicycles. They help me to remember to have fun and push myself when things get tough.
Cyclocross Nationals is in a few weeks, and I’m using everything I have experienced and learned this season to get myself ready for this event. I’m very, very excited to be participating in the Women’s Elite race, and hope to have a great time. Right now I’m just working on getting my two bikes back together without mud all over them. :)
Happy riding! - Kelly
2018 Rocktown Cyclocross Festival Photos & Results
Thank you everyone for coming out! This year’s event was awesome!
Click the button below for results!
2018 Mountain Bike Nationals @ Snowshoe, WV
My first ever mountain bike nationals was amazing!
It's been a few weeks since MTB Nationals, but it still feels like it was only a few days ago. I decided to go to nationals this year after hearing about how fun last year's event was. It took a little bit of convincing from my friends, but I signed up and looked forward to a new adventure.
I've never been to such a large mountain bike event before... where competitors were coming from all over the country, and super skilled/amazing pro riders would be racing in the same place as me.
It was a little overwhelming when I showed up at the top of the mountain, but I immediately felt relief when I saw my friends' sprinter vans parked not too far away.
I have a difficult time not being really anxious before a competitive event. However, this year I embraced the butterflies... learning from a comedian I recently watched who said, "butterflies mean something you will want to make memories of is about to happen." Butterflies can be a good thing, if you let them.
So I held it together through the whole day before the race, waiting until 6pm to be able to check out our course. While waiting I got to see my best friend Lindsey start her Enduro race, cheer people on, and take an awesome nap in my hotel room :) When 5pm came around I headed back up to the top of the mountain, rode around for a bit to get the jitters out, and then my amazing friend Alex from Vanderkitten showed me the course and we worked on a few lines together. The one really challenging section was the slick/wet roots in the first half of the race. I went down once in a sharp turn - took the wrong line and slipped - but that was the only casualty of the day.
I've found that it doesn't matter what sport I'm doing, the night before a race/competition, I'm not into talking. I come off as moody, but really I'm just coming to terms with the fact that what I'm going to be doing in the morning is going to be difficult, it's probably going to hurt, and I'm going to do my best to achieve my best. The butterflies kick in hard the night before a race.
This year though, I tried hard to not waste my energy on being worried. Yes I was a ball of nerves, but I just let that energy hype me up and keep me alert. I think that mentality came in handy for race day.
Race morning started at 5:30am, was low stress, relatively quiet, and everything went according to plan. I was able to eat my breakfast (as opposed to just stare at it and contemplate how I'm going to get it down), I had everything packed in the van, and headed up the mountain around 6am. I knew I would need a longer warm up than I'm used to doing because this was going to be a FAST race AND it was a heart-in-your throat uphill start from the gun.
It was kind of nice racing at 8am. There wasn't any anxious hours of waiting during the day, and it wasn't too crazy or chaotic yet around the village of the resort. Waiting on the start line was intense. There were a few age group races starting a couple of minutes ahead of mine. Watching each wave go off up that hill and around the turn got me more amped and nervous for my race to begin. And then, all of a sudden, my race was on the start line, and I'm waiting for the whistle to blow - it felt like time slowed; the only sound I heard was how hard my heart was pounding.
The whistle went off and I slipped getting my foot clipped in, but only for a split second. I shot off, trying my best to charge up the hill and catch the woman in front. I was on her wheel for a split second and when she turned around she saw me, she threw down the hammer, almost sliding out on a left turn into singletrack - I kept my distance for a few seconds after that; I didn't want to get crashed out - finishing the race is better than not finishing the race.
This course was a lot of fun! Steep climbs and variable singletrack - slick roots, pieces of the downhill trails, some sharp rocks - and fast fire roads. The best part was how crazy my friends and loved ones were cheering for me all over the course! Thinking back on it right now, those are the memories that stick out the most to me: throwing down as hard as I think I can, and then hearing Lindsey, Ellen, and Chris just screaming at me like crazy people, and finding that I could dig deeper and push harder.
I got passed by the woman who placed 2nd fairly early in the race, she hit it on one of the climbs and I couldn't respond. I also got caught up in the mix of the other racers as we entered the slick root section and lost another chance to catch back onto her. Somewhere in the middle of the race Lindsey told me she was up by 2 minutes, and I thought maybe I could make that up, but also knew it wasn't likely because I was pretty much at my max.
We did 3 laps of the course. I was in a bit of no man's land for the last lap, not knowing where the other women behind me were, and worried that I might mess up and get caught. My mantra at a spot like this in any race is pretty much, "go as fast as you can, but DON'T eff up!" Haha :)
Charging down through the last few turns and crossing the finish line of my first MTB nationals race was an absolutely amazing feeling. And I took 3rd place! It took a bit of coaxing and reassuring from my friends that I should participate in this and see if I liked it. I'm so glad I went. I want more of this! I have a better idea of what I need to do to improve my racing, and have cyclocross to look forward to. I can't wait for the next bike racing adventures!
2019 Stumpjumper - First Ride Impressions
The newly redesigned Stumpjumper FSR is here, and it is a party!
When we were told a new design of the Stumpjumper would be coming out this year, each of us were pretty curious as to how Specialized could improve on our already favorite trail bike.
The 2019 Stumpjumper comes with a new frame design, short travel & long travel options, new suspension tune, a flip chip to change the bottom bracket height, and a whole lot of fun!
I rode the previous Stumpjumper design last year and did all sorts of riding on it - All-Mountain hangout gnar days, XC racing, and 100 mile racing. That bike did everything, and I really enjoyed it. However, there were a few issues I had with it at the time that I had attributed to just not being experienced enough. But then I rode this new Stumpjumper and realized that it wasn't my fault that I couldn't keep the front end of the older model down on steep climbs, or that the floppy feeling I experienced through some techy stuff wasn't because of a lack of "aggressiveness".
The new model made all of the issues I had on the older model completely vanish. My first ride on the new Stumpy was at the Massanutten Western Slope - one of our local trails systems with all the rocks you could want in all of the difficulty levels you could want. It's one of my favorite places to ride, with no shortage of spots to work on rock/tech riding. I have a few places on these trails that always give me a hard time - a steeper switchback with a small rock step right in the middle of a long climb, a couple of steeper climbs with a bunch of loose rock, some boulders on a ridge I've always struggled to ride... The 2019 Stumpjumper got me over, and through, and up all of these features that I have burned so well into my brain - they turned into fun features to ride instead of "Kelly's struggle bus section." This bike feels planted through everything. The front end doesn't come up on me at all; I just pedal right along through rock gardens, and on descents I feel like I'm on a rocket ship.
These improvements in my riding are likely attributed to the change in frame geometry - slacker fork, longer top tube and wheel base, BUT the chainstays have stayed the same shorter length of 437mm (same as the previous model). The new frame with the Sidearm design is lighter and stiffer. All of these features combined with the new suspension trail tune make for a bike that truly is ready for anything and everything. It's gone above and beyond what we could have ever expected.
Another feature that completely blew my mind is the new Command Post dropper. It now drops 160mm from what used to be 125mm in the old model for size Medium through X-Large. The first time I dropped the saddle I almost didn't know what to do. We were heading down a descent from the mountain overlook, I hit the dropper lever, and all of a sudden the seat was gone (not really but I was just so surprised lol). Having the seat go so low brought my center of gravity to a new position and it was pretty fun getting real rowdy heading down the mountain.
I haven't completely opened up on the bike up yet - I'm still going through my "break-in" phase on it - but on my second ride I did get it going pretty good and got a bunch of PR's on some Strava segments :)
'19 Stumpjumper Expert Specs:
Frame: FACT 11m, full carbon chassis and rear end, asymmetrical design, 29 Trail Geometry, SWAT™ Door integration, threaded BB, fully enclosed internal cable routing, 12x148mm dropouts, sealed cartridge bearing pivots, replaceable derailleur hanger
Fork: RockShox Pike RC, DebonAir, rebound/low-speed compression adjust, tapered steerer, 51mm offset, 15mm Maxle® Stealth thru-axle, 15x110mm Boost™, 150mm of travel
Shock: RockShox Deluxe RT3, Rx Trail Tune, rebound and 3-position compression adjust, 210x50mm
Wheels: Traverse Carbon rims, 30mm internal width, Hi-Lo disc hubs
Tires: Front - Butcher GRID, 29x2.6", Rear - Purgatory GRID, 29x2.6"
Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle, 12speed
Seatpost: Command Post IRcc, 16-position micro-height adjustable, two-bolt head, bottom mount cable routing, remote SRL lever, 34.9mm, S: 130mm, M/L/XL: 160mm of travel
Brakes: SRAM Guide R, hydraulic disc, organic pads, Guide S4 4-piston caliper
Chris' Vintage Gravel Project
We like all sorts of riding at the shop. Big trail rides, exploring on and off road, slow rides, fast rides, the list goes on. Part of all that is experimenting with different bikes, and seeing what makes those rides more fun! This is what was at the core of my latest project bike....
We like all sorts of riding at the shop. Big trail rides, exploring on and off road, slow rides, fast rides, the list goes on. Part of all that is experimenting with different bikes, and seeing what makes those rides more fun! This is what was at the core of my latest project bike.
I have a soft spot for older (pre 2001) GTs. GT was a brand that was big from the 80s through the 90s, especially in mountain and bmx, although they started to make road bikes including a bangin’ rig for the U.S. Olympic team in 1996. With a distinctive “triple triangle” frame design they always stood out, and a fun corporate culture, they were great rigs. A series of sad events set off by the death of the founder set GT on a course for bankruptcy in 2001. They do exist today, bought by a holdings company, Dorel, but it is not the same company by a long shot.
But I digress. The point of this project was to breathe new life into an old mountain bike frame. The starting point of the project was a 1991 Team Avalanche frame, 23”. Along with the fillet brazed Cyclone (Psyclone), it was top of the steel mountain lineup, made in California. I wouldn’t have used the bike if I built it as an offroad rig, and I’ve become more cozy with drop bars in the past few years, so I decided to make a gravel/exploration bike. A bike that has no real limits on where it may go, but still zippy enough on the road to get there, and fun to ride.
So over the course of about a month, I carefully built it up exactly as I wanted it. No piece of the bike was overlooked. From the 9 speed drivetrain with a compact road crank, the ceramic brake tracks on the rims, to the Specialized adventure bars, it was exactly what I imagined. The scary part of any quirky build like this is if it will ride how you want it to. With a higher than usual (for road and gravel bike) bottom bracket I was concerned it would feel too high, and corner awkwardly, or turn out far heavier than expected.
From the first spin around my fears were alleviated. The bike rides great. The bottom bracket is a touch high for pacelines but then again, this bike really has no place in them. It weighs just under 23 pounds, and fits and feels great. Like driving an older sports car, it still manages to be fun while adding some character to the ride, as well as starting conversations with other riders.
It was my go to bike this winter, and I rode it a few weekends ago at the Harri-Roubaix, our local club’s gravel road ride. Not looking to participate in the race aspect of the Roubaix, I happily cruised a lap of the course with a few different folks and really enjoyed the ride. Having the bigger tires under me was awesome, especially on the freshly laid down gravel sections. The bike definitely added to the fun and I’m excited to see where else it will take me!
Bike Build Highlights
- Frame: 1991 GT Team Avalanche
- Fork: Tange Prestige 26”
- Handlebar: Specialized adventure hoverbar, 44cm
- Crank: Ultegra 6700 50/34
- Front Derailleur: Shimano Cx
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano XTR 952
- Cassette: Sram 900, 11-32, 9 speed.
- Shifter: Dura Ace 7700, 9 speed.
- Brakes: Avid Single Digit Ultimate
- Wheels: front-Mavic Crossmax, rear-Bontrager Team with DT hub, ceramic braketrack
- Seatpost: Thomson Elite setback
- Saddle: Specialized Romin evo 155
Sworks 7 Road Shoe Review
New roomy toe box, improved Boa design, and a higher stiffness index but still comfy?! Yes please!
Specialized came out recently with the new 2018 Sworks 7 road shoe, and when the opportunity came up for me to purchase a pair, I couldn't let it pass by, especially with the limited edition Acid Red/Purple colorway showing up.
Although I was mostly happy with my 2017 lace-up Sworks Sub6 road shoes, there were a few things with those shoes that made me excited for the new ones:
- My lace-up shoes were incredibly difficult to get into - the heel cup was very stiff and narrow; it would get in the way of being able to get my forefoot into the shoe
- It felt like the synthetic leather material shrank a bit after a ride out in the rain. When my Sub6 shoes were new, the fit was pretty great. After a couple of months of use, though, I noticed my toes started to feel a bit jammed in the top of the toe box. Wasn't too happy with that, but was able to put up with it.
- The lace-up shoes have an elastic band on the tongue of the shoe to tuck the laces into - it started to rip about 9 months into wearing them. Wasn't stoked on that, considering these are expensive shoes
The new Sworks7 shoe has changed a good bit from the Sworks6 versions (lace-up & Boa):
- New Dyneema® Mesh Material feels closer to fabric
- top of the shoe more supple
- New Boa S3 Snap Dials (found only on the 7s)
- Elastic strap more supple and fastener feels more secure/exact
- Much more roomy toe box
- there definitely won't be any chance of my toes feeling jammed up in these shoes
- PadLock™ heel cup less aggressively stiff
- Doesn't dig into ankle bones
- Easier to get into and out of
- New carbon plate sole
- better shaping, which is supposed to reduce hot spots and provide stiffness in the proper locations
- higher stiffness - Index 15, the highest stiffness used to be 13 (Sworks 6)
My first ride impression:
DANG!
I took these shoes out for the first time on our local shop Thursday Night Ride. It's a great time. We usually hold 17mph average or so, and there are plenty of times to get rowdy or challenge someone up a hill. :)
I felt like someone had put a motor in my feet. Honestly. I actually said that to someone on the ride. I definitely noticed the increase in stiffness, especially when we were hammering or standing up on a hill.
There's also a ton of air flow through the shoe, most likely thanks to more/larger perforations in the tongue. No hot feet this summer!
I really like the new PadLock™ heel design. Though I never had an issue with the old design while riding, I do know a bunch of cyclists that couldn't wear the shoes because of it. The one issue I did have with the old heel cup design was how challenging it was to just get my foot inside the shoe. That problem is completely resolved now.
With the new Dyneema® Mesh material, the reshaping of the outsole, the new Boas, and the new PadLock™ heel cup, Specialized has made a shoe that fits like a glove, but doesn't constrict your foot. I'm very pleased with this shoe and am quite excited to race with them this coming road season!
Kelly's Technical Info Sources:
Cycling Tips: https://cyclingtips.com/2018/02/specialized-s-works-7-shoe-review/
Specialized: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/s-works-7/p/154855?color=251009-154855
2018 Sworks Evade II: Kelly's First Ride Review
The new Specialzied Evade II helmet came out this past week, and after hearing about all of the improvements made, and how awesome it was supposed to be, I ordered myself one. It's supposed to feel cooler wearing it than if you weren't... How could you not want that?!
The helmet came in just in time to test it out in crazy warm weather for February. The forecast was calling for temps in the 70s, clear & sunny skies, and WIND. I tried to make my route work to my advantage so I wouldn't be dealing with too much headwind, but was also curious about how the helmet would feel in a strong headwind.
Previous helmets that I have worn have had straps that flap when it gets even a little windy. From what I had been told about the new Evade, the strap flap was supposed to be gone. And it was also claimed that the helmet was quieter than its predecessor.
I never owned the first version of the Evade, but I do have an older version of the Prevail (Specialized other top performance helmet). It's been a great helmet, and I've been pleased with it overall, but it's a few years old now.I felt like it was time to update.
It never occurred to me that my Prevail helmet was loud. Until I put this new Evade on. The Evade II is so quiet, it was the first thing I would mention to everyone after my ride. Besides feeling the improved air flow, the decrease in noise from wind and air flow around the side straps is one of the main things I noticed.
The straps are a thin, soft, and lightweight 4X Drylite webbing that won't stretch out with sweat or water. They sit a lot closer to your face, but I didn't even notice them. The placement is very well thought out.
The venting/airflow of this helmet is incredible. As someone whose head easily gets too warm, proper airflow is important for me. The Prevail does great for me - with it being very lightweight and full of air vents, I didn't experience my head getting too warm very often.
But then I put on this new Evade, and knew right away that as great as my older helmet had been, this helmet was above and beyond in cooling abilities. The venting design has changed a bit with fewer vents on the newer model, but with the improved airflow, it's well assumed that those other vents are no longer necessary, improves the aerodynamics, as well as the overall look.
Weighing in at 267g (this is what I personally weighed my size small at, it is said to be 268g by Specialized, so pretty darn close), it is 54g heavier than my Prevail, BUT 10g lighter than the previous Evade model. Specialized is able to keep the weight down, and have it be super safe for your noggin, by using their Patented Energy Optimized Multi-Density EPS construction, and their Patented Aramid-Reinforeced Skeleton internal EPS support. These materials help to manage impact energy, while also keeping the helmet lightweight and cool.
I honestly thought that I might notice the weight difference between my older helmet and this one, and it was actually something I was worried about - I get tension headaches easily; can't even wear a helmet mounted headlight because it gives me a headache.
Well, I didn't notice it, at all, as you have probably guessed. What I did notice though, was the fit of the new Evade. It is much improved. The Mindset Hairport II micro-adjust system is similar to the earlier model but anchored in different points. This makes the helmet more comfortable. I would feel certain pressure points on my scalp after a few hours of riding in my Prevail - this wasn't the case with the Evade II.
Specialized says that the Evade II will save 50 seconds over 40 kilometers. That's pretty significant! I remember when I was racing triathlons I didn't have much money to invest in gear, but I was able to invest in a triathlon specific aero helmet, and it definitely made a difference in my bike time. Fast forward to now, and with the Evade you get to have a normal bike helmet that still gives you aero benefits, cools your head off, is comfortable, and looks good! It's pretty great when your gear can help you be faster.
My favorite piece of this helmet is the magnetic buckle. It's a very nice feature, especially in the winter when you're wearing gloves and don't want to struggle with a traditional buckle.
There are currently three colors available in the Evade - white, black, and hyper green/acid lava. The latter looks like it will be a limited run, so if you are keen on it, maybe grab one before it's too late. I picked the black color for myself because it made me think of the Alien movies, and those monsters are pretty bada**.
My overall impression of the Specialized Evade II: I'm stoked on it, and very excited to use it this year!
If you'd like to read another review of the helmet: Click HERE
It was also one of my sources for writing this review. CyclingTips.com is an awesome bike info resource!
Monster Cross 2018!
Monster Cross is one of the earliest races of the season for us. Almost every year the event has been super lucky with excellent weather and course conditions - this year wasn't an exception, which is surprising considering the day before the race had freezing rain for hours and hours. Our race weather forecast was favorable, though - 40's and partly cloudy!
A whole crew of us from Harrisonburg left town at 6am on race day. Driving down to Pocahontas State Park (just 20 miles outside of Richmond), we were treated to an awesome view of the sunrise. There is an overlook in Afton on 64 East that we don't usually stop at when we're going to races, but this time we had to. The sun just started coming over the mountain tops when we pulled over, and the clouds down in the valley were a striking contrast to the brightness and color of the morning sky. It was a great way to start the day, especially because when we dropped down into the valley, fog and cold temperatures took over for a bit, making us think the weather prediction was going to be off its mark.
Thankfully, the sun came back out just as we were lining up at the start line!
This is a 50 mile race, with the course being 25 miles long, so racers take two laps. The course is a lot of gravel/dirt path, with a few creek crossings, a couple of spots that feel like singletrack, and a decent section of rolling pavement in the middle. It finishes just beyond a steep uphill, which has provided a lot of exciting sprints for the win in the past few years.
The event takes place in Pocahontas State Park, which is 7,919 acres total with over 64 miles of trails. There are a lot of other fun things to do in the park, like fishing, boating, and camping. It's a beautiful park and we are fortunate to be able to have places like this to hold events like Monster Cross! I remember glancing over my shoulder at one point because I realized there was a dam not far from the trail, and thinking, "Oh, that's so pretty!" I'd like to go back and visit the park when I'm not maxing my heart rate out on my bicycle, haha.
Team Rocktown and our fellow Harrisonburg-ians were stoked to represent at this years race! It was our first event in our new Specialized Custom kits! Many of us did quite well, and we enjoyed seeing a lot of cycling friends at the event! It's always great when you get to hang out with people who love riding bikes as much as you for a whole day!
Monster Cross marks the beginning of race season for us, and with it over now, we find ourselves more excited and stoked for the races/events to come!
If you're interested in checking out events in the area, or what races we like to go to, check out our Event Calendar!
Rocktown Celebrates 5 Years in Harrisonburg with RollerRama!
A fantastic night of celebration, friendly competition, and bicycles!!!
February 9th, 2018 will be a night to remember! We held a RollerRama race at Harrisonburg Three Notch'd Brewing Company (just around the corner) to celebrate Rocktown turning 5 Years old!
We had so much fun with customers, friends, and our bike community, and thank each and every one of you for coming out and making the event as awesome as it was! We can't wait for next year!
Below are some pictures we were able to grab during the races. We hope you enjoy them!
Harrisonburg Super Bowl Ride
The Super Bowl Ride has been a long-standing tradition in Harrisonburg to brave whatever winter is throwing our way and ride up into the mountains on the morning of the Super Bowl. I think this year will be a year for many to remember.
There are many ways to meet all of our bike friends on top of Flag Pole Knob for our Super Bowl picture - ride from town, park at the community center in Briery Branch, ride up a bunch of singletrack before hitting the Reddish pavement.... But once you reach the saddle of Reddish, it's the same 2 miles of fire road to Flag Pole for everyone.
Some years we are given the gift of a mild day, with barely any snow on the fire road. Most years it's covered in ice and snow, and you feel like a circus performer trying to safely slide your way to the next "clear" spot ahead of you. Although I didn't go all the way up, I have a feeling it was one of the most extreme condition years based off of everyone's pictures and stories of what the trails were like, and just from what I know I was experiencing climbing up with the group to the reservoir.
I rode my cross bike from town with the brave souls who were going all the way up the mountain. Snow started coming down an hour before we left town (8am), and it continued to snow until about 12:30. Then it turned to freezing cold rain. Bravo to everyone that went out, because what was a super magical day of snow riding turned into a sopping wet, crazy cold affair.
I just wanted to share how much fun I had seeing everyone, and riding in the snow alongside my favorite bike community. Y'all are awesome, and I had such a wonderful time, even when the temps rose and the snowflakes became rain drops.
I'll see you all at Flag Pole next year :)
-Kelly
A comparison of Smart Trainers: Direct Drive Vs. Rear Wheel
Short review of the smart trainers that are popular and availalbe right now. I explain the differences between smart trainer types and brand differences.
So you know you want a smart trainer but now you have to decide which one to get. There are many companies in the market currently. CycleOps, Kurt Kinetic, and Wahoo Fitness all have a few models that will get you rolling with your favorite app.
There are two types of smart trainers (direct drive trainers and rear wheel trainers). To put your bike on a direct drive trainer, you take the rear wheel off your bike and mount it to the cassette and axle that is on the trainer. Rear wheel trainers are used by clamping your rear wheel into the trainer (with the proper trainer skewer or thru axle) and then tightening the roller against your tire. Most of the companies have both types of trainers available. The benefit of direct drive is that you won't have wheel slippage and your tire will stay fresh. The direct drive trainers are quieter, the power is more accurate, they have the best road feel, and they will provide resistance to around 2000 watts. Rear wheel trainers are still pretty quiet, the power is a little less accurate, the road feel is good, and the resistance goes up to around 1500 watts.
CycleOps is the newest to the app-controlled resistance trainer market. They recently released the Hammer and Magnus trainers. The Hammer is a direct drive type trainer. It is claimed to have +/-3% power accuracy and a max resistance of 2000 watts. The Magnus is CycleOp's rear wheel smart trainer. The power accuracy is +/-5% and the max resistance is 1500 watts. The Magnus handles wheel sizes between 26-29x2.0".
Kurt Kinetic is known for the Rock & Roll trainer that allows the bike to lean side to side to add to the real riding feel. They offer the Rock & Roll and Road Machine with Smart Control Power Units attached. If you already have a Rock & Roll or Road Machine then you can buy the Smart Control Power Unit separately to upgrade your trainer. Both of these are rear wheel trainers. Kurt Kinetic does not offer a direct drive trainer but these claim to do up to 1800 watts and power accuracy is +/-5%. They can handle 22-29" wheels. The only limiter I see to using these is that they are Bluetooth only. They do not use ANT+ FE-C which many apps and devices (Garmin) use to communicate/control smart trainers. That being said, Kurt Kinetic has worked with TrainerRoad and Zwift to make sure these trainers are compatible.
Wahoo Fitness kick started the new era of smart trainers. They have the KICKR and KICKR Snap. The KICKR is their direct drive model. It has +/-2% power accuracy and can resist up to 2000 watts (I saw 2500 watts somewhere). It ships with a cadence sensor and an 11 speed cassette. The KICKR Snap is a rear wheel trainer that has best in class power accuracy at +/-3%. These are what we used in the Rocktown Cycle Studio. It will work with wheels between 650c and 29". The limit to the KICKR Snap is that it doesn't work with boost spacing (in case you use your MTB on your trainer). The coolest thing about the Wahoo trainers is the new climbing tower that is coming out this year. It will simulate climbing and descending position on the trainer by raising and lowering the front end of your bike while you ride. It will simulate up to 20% grade climbs and 10% grade descents.
Based on my experience, all of these companies have very competitive products and they price them the same between the comparable models. They all have amazing customer support! We chose Wahoo Fitness products for the studio before the other companies were selling smart trainers. Their products are great and they now have a new GPS bike computer called the Bolt which can double as a remote for the trainers.
My advice on picking a smart trainer is to first decide which type you like. The direct drive trainers are great for people that need higher max wattage or even people that don't want to deal with a slipping wheel. Another reason for someone to pick direct drive is so you aren't wearing out tires. The final reason to choose direct drive would be to get the ultimate road feel. Transitioning from downhill to uphill grades and accelerating and decelerating feels better on the direct drive trainers.
I chose a rear wheel smart trainer because of the cost. It is $600 compared to the $1200 direct drive trainer. Most of the time if you have your tire pumped up and the tension right on the roller then you won't have a wheel slip. I haven't ever noticed additional wear on my tire at 3-5 hours a week on the trainer. I think that the road feel of rear wheel trainers is plenty real for me. I also have never done workouts that put me above 500 watts on the trainer. The most watts I could do are less than the rear wheel trainers max so I am good there.
If you are interested in testing out a trainer come by anytime and we can put you on a Wahoo KICKR Snap rear wheel trainer with any app you please through your phone, our Apple TV, or our iPad.
E-Bikes, Pedal Assist Bikes
Cruising with pedal assist!
We are so used to seeing innovative products in the bike industry: things that help people go farther, faster, more reliably, carry more, stay drier (or warmer)...
Electronic bikes or e-bikes have been on the horizon here in Harrisonburg for a few years now. Specialized first came out with the Turbo series of bikes in 2013. In 2018, using a totally new crank-based motor, improving range, ergonomics, and overall design, the new Turbo Vado and Como arrived. I was impressed. I had said when electric bikes get under $3,000 (a reliable, serviceable model of course) that would be the moment they start to catch on in our town. Starting at $2,600 they have hit that mark.
The implications have been huge. Removing more barriers that keep many off the bike, E bikes have opened up the cycling world to everyone. For commuters, these bikes allow them to arrive at work not drenched in sweat on a hot day; friends and partners that may have never ridden together before can now enjoy a ride with each other; adventures someone may have once thought impossible are now possible; these bikes have even replaced cars!
At the shop, we have seen the E bikes help partners or spouses that would like to ride together but have vastly different abilities on the bike - one half rides 5 days a week while the other is a weekend rider. These folks can now ride together and no one is feeling left behind while the other feels like they are going too slowly. Going over hills and mountains that wouldn't have been attempted previously.
These e bikes are pedal assist, meaning the user still has to exert force on the bike, but the motor will match a given output for that rider. This can also be adjusted for range or preference. We have seen a 35 mile range for an average sized rider on our valley terrain in full turbo mode (125% of the rider's output) and far more range in normal and eco modes.
I love hopping on the Vado to do errands around town. Riding to JMU, or one of our local restaurants, is so fun and zippy (saves time on lunch break too). I was really excited when I heard about the Como as it was modeled after our most popular comfort cruiser, the Roll. The things that make the Roll fun - upright seating position, big saddle, lightweight but large tires for a smooth ride, and stability - are all there in the Como but there is also that turbo boost.
Both bikes are suited for road, gravel, and bike trails like the C&O or Virginia Creeper. They are easy to charge and operate. Come check them out and take them for a spin!
-Chris
Wahoo Bolt Bike Computer Review
Why Chris has switched over to the Wahoo GPS computer
This past summer I become increasingly frustrated with my Garmin Edge 820 computer, and was seeking an alternative. Poor signal pickup from my Stages power meter, glitchy and slow screen transitions, combined with a finicky touch screen were all leading me to be less than impressed with what should have been a great unit.
When Wahoo came out with the ELEMNT computer, it looked like a promising competitor to Garmin and other popular cycling computers. When they came out with the BOLT it really grabbed my attention. If you're looking for a really in depth review, check out D.C. Rainmaker's. I will be going over what I think are the best attributes of this computer, and why it's the best I've used in years.
My previous favorite computer was the Garmin Edge 500. It was simple, small, good battery life, and all the data I needed. The mapping/course functionality was lacking, with only a line and turn by turn that would often freeze the unit. It was a lot to ask back then, but it did a good job.
My BOLT has all those good features and more, without any of the drawbacks. Screen transitions are lightning fast with no lag. The maps are great and routes work just as well. Intuitive, push bottom controls, combined with the easy to use smartphone app make programming easier than ever. The screen is a high contrast, no glare screen similar to a Kindle - no more blinding sunlight reflecting off the screen like some other units. Startup time is very quick, with the fastest GPS location I've had to date.
The more modern functions are full bluetooth compatibility: Strava live segments, auto upload (through phone or wifi directly), and an LED array across the top of the unit from green to red. Users can set them to heart rate zones, power zones, or speed for a quick way to see how hard they're going without thinking about numbers.
To me, a cycling computer should help training/riding, be simple, and trouble free. I have to say, since I purchased the BOLT in August, I haven't thought about it on my rides, which is what makes it a great computer.
Smart Trainers Vs. Traditional Resistance Trainers
Why smart trainers are more fun than traditional trainers
I love to ride outside. I want to keep riding outside, but it is plain painful for me to ride when it is less than thirty degrees out there. So I jump on the trainer a few times a week. The Smart Trainer has made indoor riding much more enjoyable.
The main difference between the traditional resistance trainers (for example, CycleOps Fluid 2) and the smart control trainers is the ability to control the resistance (measured in watts) on a smart trainer with an app.
When using traditional resistance trainers you have to shift and tell yourself to pedal harder or pedal easier during the workout. If you wanted to do 3 minutes hard, you would have to make yourself keep it up for 3 minutes. You could quit at 2.5 minutes and just pedal easier for the remaining 30 seconds.
On a smart control trainer the resistance is controlled by the app. If a 3 minute effort is next in the workout then you must commit. If you try to pedal easier after 2.5 minutes then the resistance stays the same; the smart trainer doesn't let you go easier. It helps to keep you honest on a workout. If you ever need a break you can just stop pedaling.
On the flip side, if you need an easy day and happen to be someone who is an overachiever, the smart trainers will aid in keeping you at an easier pace. If the smart trainer is set at a certain resistance for the workout, and you pedal faster, it keeps the resistance the same by reducing the force per pedal stroke.
The other important difference between smart and traditional trainers is that they tell you the wattage you are putting out. Watts are directly related to calories and physical effort. If you want to track calories burned, apps will provide that data from the force applied to the pedals. While some people use heart rate to monitor physical effort, watts are far more accurate with less variability compared to heart rate.
Come by ready to ride and you can demo our Wahoo Kickr Snap trainers. Bring your bike and any other gear you normally ride with.
Department Store vs. Bike Shop
You see the deals all the time... A kids' bike for $75, an adult mountain bike for $150, a Fat Bike for $200?! The Department Store bike prices seem too good to be true.
If you are looking for a bike that will work properly, not fall apart, not need a ton of maintenance, and fit you properly, that Department Store bike really is too good to be true.
Why you should avoid Department Store Bicycles:
Safety
Assembly: Department Store Bikes are not assembled properly.
Unlike Bike Shops, Department Stores do not have a Bicycle Mechanic/Bike Specialist assembling bicycles and putting them through a safety checkover with proper tools
Brakes are one of the most common parts of department store bikes to be improperly assembled.
Durability
Department store bikes are not built to last. Estimates on the life of department store bikes is about a year (if you are lucky) - and this short lifespan isn’t because “kids are rough on their bikes.” Cheap parts and improper assembly mean a bike will not handle the stress of being used.
Bicycles from Bike Shops can, quite possibly, last a lifetime. The extensive research and technology that goes into making a bike industry bicycle is done because these companies want to make bikes that will last, be safe, be fun, and so you can have the best ride possible.
Value
Many Bike Shops offer the chance to trade in bicycles for a new size bike (handy for growing kids) or for a new bike upgrade.
Try to bring a Department Store bike in for Trade-in, and a bike shop will not take it.
Department Store bikes are not priced cheaply because it's a bigger store that is selling them. Why are they priced so low? These bikes are made from cheap materials and come with cheap parts.
Size
There is no “one size fits all” bicycle.
Department store bikes come in this “one size fits all” status - or their size is based off of the size of the wheel rather than the size of the bike.
All humans are not the same size. Shoes are not “one size fits all,” so why would bikes be that way?
An adult bicycle should not be sized based off of the diameter of the wheel. Just because the bike looks like it has big wheels does not mean that the frame of the bicycle is the proper size for you
Ex: A Specialized Rockhopper (sold at Rocktown Bicycles) is available in 5 Sizes: XS, S, M, L, & XL. The wheel size stays the same - 29”. There are 5 sizes to accomodate for the fact that human size is variable.
Ride quality
If you have never had the chance to check out a Bike Shop, we encourage you to do so. We are sure you will be quite surprised by how different a Bike Shop bicycle will feel from a Department Store bike.
A Bike Shop will size you to the bike that works for you, this alone will make your ride feel better.
A Bike Shop bicycle is made of much more quality material, and is specifically designed for the task you want it to do (commute, road ride, mountain bike, etc.).
These bikes will feel so much smoother and comfortable than any department store bike out there.
What is a 'Bike Brand' Bicycle?
Any bicycle sold at a dedicated/specialty bike shop.
Department stores do not sell the same line of bikes that bike shops carry.
Whatever your reason may be for riding a bicycle, whether it be a commute or a Sunday ride in the park, a safe, properly functioning, and dependable bike is what you should have.