MTB Tire Guide
Ever wonder how to pick which tires to run on your mountain bike? Trying to decide which tires to use can be overwhelming, especially when companies like Maxxis have so many options available with nearly endless possible combinations of what you could put on your bike. We're here to help break down how to choose the best tire setup for your riding style.
To make things simple, we'll focus on Maxxis for now, since they have tons of quality tires available (and because it's what we stock most in the shop). In general, it's best to run either two of the same tires front and rear, or go with a faster rolling tire in the rear and a grippier tire up front. Since you do most of our braking with the front brake, that little bit of extra grip is nice for the descents, and since speed is produced by the back tire, you want something with a little less rolling resistance on the rear.
From there, the question is where do you like to ride? If your focus is speed, get something light and with low rolling resistance. In the Maxxis tire lineup, that would be tires like the Ikon, Rekon Race, or Aspen. If you're focused on riding the bike park or descending, go with something grippier like the Maxxis Minions, Dissector, or Assegai. For those looking for a setup in between, running something like a Rekon in the rear and Dissector in the front can be a great combination of grip and speed. What tires you choose mostly comes down to where you like to ride and what you want to get out of your bike.
We could ramble for hours about the subtle differences between all the possible tire combinations out there, not to mention the different casings available and how they impact tire performance, but these are the basics and should provide you with a good starting point. Stop in or give us a call to talk through your options with one of our friendly staff members at either of our Boulder locations! We have lots of options from Maxxis, Schwalbe, Vittoria, and more.
Summer Sale at BCS
This week, our Oakley helmet sale sticks around and we add 25% off all in-stock Giant Trance!
25% off all Giant Trance
50% off Oakley helmets
Free Oakley helmet with purchase of any bike over $1000
In-stock items only, while supplies last. Sale ends Friday, July 28, so don't delay.
Bike of the Week
Giant Trance 29 2
OVERVIEW
We have the Giant Trance on sale this week, a fantastic budget-friendly trail bike from Giant featuring specs usually only found on much higher-end bikes. Featuring a 12-speed drivetrain, dropper post, and modern geometry that makes climbing a breeze and descending a blast, this bike can easily handle any trail the front range has to offer. Giant makes great budget bikes since they still produce their own frames and many other components on this bike like the stem, handlebars, saddle, hubs, and more. Don't let the price fool you, this bike punches above its weight in almost every category!
Stop in or give us a call to take advantage of our sale running through the end of the day on Friday! Our 25% off sale only applies to in-stock bikes, but if don't have your size and you're still as stoked on this bike as we are, we can always put in an order and get you the size you need.
ALUXX SL-Grade Aluminum frame with Maestro suspension system
What to Look for in a Good Helmet
If you're in the market for a new helmet, it can be hard to know where to start your search. There are all kinds of quality options out there, but how do you know you're picking the right helmet for you? And how do you know it's time to replace your current helmet, anyway? You should replace your helmet after any big crash, if there's any noticeable damage to the helmet, or if it's been more than five years since you last got a new helmet, unless the manufacturer suggests otherwise.
From there, as with the other parts of your kit, it's all about what you want to get out of your helmet. No matter what style you're looking for, we recommend buying a helmet with MIPS, which stands for Mult-Directional Impact System. MIPS is integrated into helmets produced by over 120 different brands across all kinds of industries from cycling to equestrian to construction. This technology uses a moving layer between your head and your helmet that prevents injuries caused by rotational impacts, which are common in bike crashes. While most major companies have adopted MIPS technology into their helmets, there are a few that use their own proprietary systems to accomplish the same thing. If you find a helmet without MIPS, make sure it has one of these systems instead.
Once you find a helmet with MIPS or a comparable protection system, it's all about style and fit. Road helmets tend to be a little lighter and more streamlined than mountain biking helmets, which often wrap a bit more behind the head for added protection and feature a visor to keep the sun off your face on long rides. Commuting helmets often resemble road helmets, but some also feature a visor and styling that more closely resembles a mountain bike helmet.
As you move up in price, you're going to get helmets that are lighter and more breathable. Helmet breathability might sound trivial, but it can make a huge difference on those hot summer days. Trust us when we say ventilation matters! You can check out the Oakley helmets we have on sale this week (like the ARO5 pictured here) at either of our Boulder locations. Pick one up for 50% off this week while supplies last!
We are Hiring!
Boulder Cycle Sport is hiring! The COVID-19 Pandemic has not been an easy one for bikeshops, but we have made it our mission to serve our community to the best of our ability no matter what. Are you interested in working with us? We have positions open across all levels from Service Manager to Sales Associate. Check out our website for all the details on the application!
We've expanded hours at both our North and South Boulder locations for the summer! Both locations are open 9 AM to 5 PM all weekend. Boulder Cycle Sport North will open at 8 AM every Wednesday for service drop-offs and hang out after the Wednesday Morning Velo Ride. Stop by or give us a call today!
