CHOOSING THE RIGHT BICYCLE SHOP

Choosing the right bicycle is just as important as choosing the right bicycle shop. With the growing popularity of bicycling in the U.S., media, print and online resources have commercialized that special bond between kids and bikes. Often however, the quality of the information you find online comes nowhere near the quantity of sites available. With the recent explosion of the bicycle market choosing a bicycle of any type for any purpose can be a daunting task. As a child your first bicycle was chosen for you, handed down to you, or magically appeared on Christmas morning, shiny and new with training wheels, streamers and a bell you could ring. Brand, shape, size and fit didn’t play into this “rite of passage”.  Making the transition from a bicycle chosen for you to one fitting your specific needs can be challenging. Choosing the right bicycle shop leads to choosing the right bicycle. 

Knowing how much you want to spend is important. Bicycles range in price from hundreds of dollars to thousands, not including upkeep, maintenance, gear and accessories; then there’s the overwhelming choice of products. The right bicycle shop offers a trained, knowledgeable sales team asking the right questions, be local to the community you live in and the places you ride, have reasonable hours of operations and an approachable repair and maintenance staff.  Maintaining your bicycle is important. Whether you’re riding for pleasure, for exercise, commuting or racing, having the right bike shop repair and maintenance personnel will keep your bike riding smoothly. A good bicycle shop will quote prices, give estimates and make appointments – with pickup dates and times. 

Are you riding off-road, are you riding on pavement, do you need a mountain bike, road, hybrid, commuter, or e-bike?  All important questions – easily answered on the internet, however understanding fit, testing various models, test riding, assembly, adjustments, training, access to certified coaches and the comradery of other riders will only happen in a brick and mortar store. Purchasing the wrong equipment, having a bad fit, being unprepared for weather and road conditions and the absence of proper gear and accessories can lead to discomfort, frustration and injury.

The right bicycle shop will provide personal service from a cycling professional who will explain budget (often includes more than just the bicycle), brands, fit, equipment, gears and accessories. The customer service focused bicycle shop will include individual and group training sessions, group rides, and accessories such as helmets, all weather clothing, shoes, protective wear and nutritional products.  The riders physical fitness, experience and riding goals are considered when choosing equipment, providing maps, bicycle trails, access to events and in developing a coach/rider training program.  

Fitting the person to the bicycle and not the bicycle to the person should be the mission and the goal of each customer interaction.  Specialized service, Individualized training plans, a concentration on fitness and injury prevention, coupled with a wide range of products, a knowledgeable staff, and bicycle training and coaching in a clean, safe and friendly environment makes knowing and understanding the options an easy one. Local to and invested in the community, the right bicycle shop is open to new, novice and experienced riders and racers. With the right brick and mortar bicycle shop, you’ll enjoy the experience and enjoy the ride.

BUSTER BROWN, USA Certified Cycling Coach

CYCLING AND THE HEALTHY HEART

Of the more than two million Americans who die every year heart disease remains the leading cause of death in men and women. The coronary heart disease epidemic began in the 1920s / 1930s in the United States and the United Kingdom. Although the 20^th century saw big strides in the fight against heart disease, it remains the number one killer for people of all races, colors and ethnic backgrounds. Most people know bicycling is a great exercise but few realize how effective it is in the fight against heart disease. Cycling is one of the three activities meeting the three criteria of physical exercise; moderation, habit and a life time activity. 
 

CYCLING is one of the most easily adapted forms of exercise. It can be adapted to ones’ level of fitness, age, community and environment. You don’t have to be a professional rider, mountain bike aficionado or commuter cyclist to reap the benefits. The level of intensity achieved by a novice riding two to four hours a week meets the recommendation for improvement of cardio-respiratory fitness, and evidence shows people who bike as teens and young adults keep cycling throughout their lives.  

Is cycling a strenuous exercise? Yes, it can be for the professional Olympian or athlete. This is why they have USA Cycling Certified Coaches, are monitored regularly and include health and wellness in their training programs. Riding a couple of times a week for exercise, fun or comradery provides considerable health benefits. It’s more than a slogan or propaganda – it’s true: Mild to moderate cycling improves brainpower and sleep, boosts immune systems, boosts sex drive and contributes directly to a healthier heart. “Studies from Purdue University in the United States have shown that regular cycling can cut your risk of heart disease by 50 percent.” “Other studies have found that women who cycle frequently reduce their risk of breast cancer by 34% (bikeradar, Matthew Barbour, May 22, 2016).
 

Using the major muscle groups; blood vessels, heart and lungs, cycling can reduce or control weight, stress and anxiety. Increasing the metabolism, burning fat and strengthening muscles, regular cycling as exercise lowers the risk of high blood pressure and of cardiovascular disease. Will everyone reap the same benefits from cycling? No. Genetics, smoking, drinking, environment and lifestyle play a role in the effectiveness of any exercise program.

Research in the United States has found cycling lowers the risk of diabetes, reduces the chance of certain cancers, helps to protect from strokes, heart attacks, depression and arthritis as it improves strength, coordination and balance. As with any exercise or fitness program you must listen to your body and to your primary care physician. If you are new to cycling, new to training, or need help in putting together a cycling exercise program doing a one-on-one with a cycling coach can help. Technology for cyclist has come a long way. From BIKEFIT that ensures a perfect fit to gadgets that monitor pulse, breathing, heart-rate, burn and more. It’s never too late to begin a healthy cycling program. Your heart will love you for it.

To learn more about the benefits of cycling, our BIKEFIT program, cycling computer, monitoring devices, group rides, training sessions and specialized coaching, contact me, Buster Brown at Bixby

Bicycles & Accessories.  

BUSTER BROWN

USA Cycling Certified Coach

Welcome To BIKEFIT

Bixby Bicycles is excited to bring you BIKEFIT. Whether you are a seasoned rider, competitive rider or you ride for exercise and comradery, for performance and safety “the foundation for every good bicycle fit” is BIKEFIT. Let’s begin with the benefits of Cleat Wedges.

 

 

Research conducted on cyclist’s feet showed that 96% of us have forefeet that are canted or tilted up to the inside inward (“varus“) or outward toward the outside (“valgus“).  The vast majority (87%) of cyclist’s feet tilt up to the inside.  Unfortunately, almost all cycling shoes, cleats and pedals take this natural tilt and force it flat.  This can generate knee pain, create a foot “hotspot” (where the inner or outer side of the foot feels hot) and diminish your ability to generate power. Cleat Wedges® enable the cycling shoe to connect with the pedal naturally, by acknowledging the foot’s inherent angle.  This creates a neutral foot position throughout the pedaling cycle, resulting in greater comfort and power.   An illustration depicting foot and knee alignment before and after applying Cleat Wedges can be seen here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cleat Wedges are often used in conjunction with ITS Wedges® (in-the-shoe) which provide 1.5 degree of inward canting in cycling shoes that have ample room in the forefoot area. ITS Wedges can also be used to quickly determine if inward or outward forefoot tilt or canting exists. For a 1mm leg length discrepancy (one leg is shorter than the other), we recommend “stacking” two (2) Cleat Wedges, placing two wedges on top of the each other with the thicker edges of the wedges opposite each other.

For comfort, safety and performance, make your appointment today. Call Buster Brown, Certified USA Cycling Coach at Bixby Bicycles & Accessories,  918-943-6700   

Bixby Bicycles, Bigger and Better

BIXBY BICYCLES & ACCESSORIES FAMILY

We are growing!  Bixby Bicycles and Accessories, also known as Bixby Bicycle Works is expanding as we celebrate a one year anniversary. Thanks to Bixby Oklahoma and the surrounding communities we have realized our vision and seen our mission come true. Throughout the year we have created new cyclist, and coached and supported existing and mature cyclist and racers with cutting edge products from road bikes to mountain bikes, from family bikes to cruisers in an honest, fair, friendly and courteous buying and training environment. Like any other retailer we have had out slow days, however over all our sales of comfortable appropriate bicycles and accessories, thanks to the cycling community, have been great. 

Educating the cycling community and fostering a healthy fun method of exercise and sustainable fitness was a personal goal. As a USA Cycling Certified Coach I have had the opportunity to work with individuals and groups at all levels of cycling ensuring their ongoing development and safe participation in the sport of cycling.  As a teacher, motivator and adviser I’ve seen first time cyclist become competitive racers and seasoned racers achieve sustainable goals. I’ve had the pleasure of scheduling group rides, organizing competitions and events, and planning and organizing tours. Working with cyclist on physical abilities, time constraints, performance, and strategy and seeing the winning results has been one of my most fulfilling achievements.

As the seasons change and race season approaches we have a lot planned. On the retail end our footprint will be expanding and more space means more, new and innovative products. As a professional cyclist I know cycling in America revolves around the bike shop. Bixby Bicycles and Accessories will continue to stand behind our products, provide experienced mechanics, have riding experts as sales associates, and concentrate on selection, safety, comfort and fit. We will continue to offer the latest cycling information, technically advanced products, and bike paths and maps as part of the first-rate customer service you’ve come to expect.
   

On April 10^th and 11^th, 2015, our staff, riders, supporters and friends will come together for our one year celebration bash. Our Tuesday and Thursday Indoor Group Rides will continue through the month of March, then it’s outside until late fall. Saturday Group Rides are ongoing and we will again be sponsoring the Bixby Bicycle State Road Race. The Hotter-N-Hell Tour is scheduled for August and the Bixby Bicycle Challenge scheduled to end March 29^th has been a success.

National Bike Month is May 2015, National Bike to Work Week is May 11-15, and Bike to Work Day is May 15, 2015. If you’re not on a bicycle take the challenge. You’re never too young or to old and it’s never too late to join the fun. Start now and you’ll be ready to celebrate National Bike Month with the Bixby Bicycle and Accessories family of riders.  

Thank you for supporting Bixby Bicycles and Accessories 

BUSTER BROWN, Owner

Bixby Bicycles owner to compete in Tulsa Tough for a good cause.

Buster Brown, the nearly 50-year-old cyclist  responded to a

 Tulsa Tough challenge with a fundraising goal. 

Tulsa World Communities Posted: Thursday, June 5, 2014, 10:21 am,
By STEPHANIE ANDRE World Correspondent

BIXBY — They say everyone has a price. And for Buster Brown, that price was $2,000.

Brown, a lifelong cyclist and owner of Bixby Bicycles, had put the brakes on racing in extremely competitive levels of cycling.

With him turning 50 years old on the horizon, he was beginning to focus on moving up to a new age category in racing and embracing the more mellow attitudes that come with it. That was until members of his local cycling club, or his “kids” as he calls them, challenged him to participate one more time in a Men’s Category I/II race at the Tulsa Tough cycling event on Friday.

The Category I/II field, which includes mostly 18-to-25-year-olds, is extremely fast and competitive. A large number of zealous cyclists, combined with speeds topping 30 mph, make the race a potentially dangerous feat for Brown.

“If they want me to race in there and risk my life with 150 other riders, then I figured it ought to be for something worthwhile,” Brown said.

He said he would do it under one condition: They must raise $2,000 in cash and/or canned goods to be donated to the Bixby Outreach Center. The nonprofit center assists families with basic needs in times of emergency, offering clothing, school supplies, health care services and a food pantry.

Within a month, the group was able to collect $2,000 in private donations of cash and canned goods, thus ensuring that Brown would be hitting the road as a Category I/II racer once again.

“I think he’s going to do phenomenal,” said Stephen Phillips, a member of Brown’s cycling club. “He’s as good as it gets. Don’t let his age fool you.”

Phillips, along with other members of the Bixby Bicycles club, will be in downtown Tulsa to cheer Brown on during the race Friday night.

They will also be sporting blue T-shirts in a show of solidarity and to raise additional funds for the Bixby Outreach Center.

The shirts, which are priced at $12, will be available at Bixby Bicycles until they sell out.

Brown said he hopes to place in the top 20 on Friday, but he is cautiously optimistic.

“Knock on wood,” he said. “I don’t know if you’ve ever hit concrete at 30 mph wearing hardly any clothes, but it hurts.”

http://www.tulsaworld.com/communities/bixby/bixbyhomepage1/bixby-bicycles-owner-to-compete-in-tulsa-tough-for-a/article_c97bae7b-f15f-522a-a3f7-f7f49dde9f13.html

Tight Fitting Bicycle Shorts

Last week during a networking presentation, I asked if anyone knew why cyclist wore bike shorts. There were a few who responded right away – with the right answer of course. If you’re a cyclist you know the answer, however if you’re new to the sport your response – like so many others, might be the wrong one. Cyclist who ride for fun, enjoy riding as a family, or use their bicycle for transportation might stray from the tightly fitted spandex short.  Depending on how you use your bicycle, you might have made the wrong decision. Surprised? Whether you realize it or not, bicycle shorts are an important accessory providing both safety and comfort. 

Bicycle shorts are designed to meet the needs of the cyclist, the professional, casual, new and seasoned cyclist.  Specifically designed to meet the cyclist’s needs, these shorts include, padding, tactically placed seams, flexible fabrics which reduce air resistance and wind block, and fabrics that breathe. Choosing the right pair of shorts is important.  Did you know bicycle shorts are made to wear “without” underwear? It’s true and their designed for different types of riding.  Selecting the perfect pair of shorts can be challenging. Bike shops such as Bixby Bicycles & Accessories are staffed with sales associates who can assist with this challenge. 

     First the good news – not all bicycle shorts are tight!  Baggy shorts are available and perfect for the touring or commuting rider. If you ride for fun or casually for exercise – or you want a specific look, baggy shorts can meet your specific needs.  If you choose a baggy short, look for an inner liner – pockets are also available. These shorts have a comfy look and stylish appeal and they come in an array of styles, colors and sizes. 

     However, if you plan on picking up the pace, race training, or high impact exercising tight fitting padded bicycle shorts are a must. They control moisture (wicking), keeping you dry and minimizing chaffing. The pad or leather chamois covers the seams and provides a smooth surface to sit on. Considering they are worn without undergarments it is important to protect the skin against the repetitive friction of the legs against the bicycle seat, to cool the rider down through the process of evaporation, and compress the legs. Tight fitting bicycle shorts protect genitalia in men and women.  They also reduce the weight of a rider’s clothing – improving comfort during long rides or races. Bike short padding, number of panels, the waist band or bib, inseam length, fabric and color are all important. 

     Riding for spin classes, triathlons, mountain biking, commuting or enjoying an early evening family ride, clothing is one of your most important accessories – do the research or ask an informed bicycle sales associate.  The right clothing can be one of your most important accessories. Choose tight fitting bike shorts or baggy shorts, thick fabric or thin (based on climate), sheer or shiny, made of wool, Lycra, spandex or a variety of other wicking materials,