Nutrition for Long Rides
Ever wonder how the pros can train as much as they do, ride for as long as they do, and recover as quickly as they do? Yes, many pro riders have an entire team of physical therapists, massage therapists, nutritionists, and more to help them through their grueling training and racing schedule, but one of the best things you can do to make sure you're performing at your best out on the bike is to make sure you're eating and hydrating enough during long rides.
For short rides (under 2 hours), a water bottle or two is often enough depending on how hot it is. For anything over 2 hours, it's usually good to bring some calories to make sure you avoid the dreaded bonk and keep you performing at the highest level.
So how many calories do you actually need? This is a little different for everyone, and you'll need to do some experimenting to figure out what works for you as far as the type, frequency, and caloric density of your food. That said, it's a good rule of thumb to bring at least 200-300 calories worth of food per hour.
There are all kinds of products available that are easy to pack and dense in calories. Energy gels like those made by GU or Clif are great for smaller snacks and quick energy. These are usually right around 100 calories. Honey Stinger makes Waffles that are 150 calories, which can make for a great solid snack that sits a little heavier than an energy gel. If you want an even more solid snack option, Skratch bars are a great choice, as they pack around 220 calories and are a little smaller and easier to carry than other bars. All of these companies make caffeinated nutrition options, which can provide an extra boost of energy.
Liquid calories are another consideration. Companies like Skratch make drink mixes that contain both electrolytes to keep you hydrated and calories to keep you fueled. The Skratch Sport Drink Mix contains 80 calories per serving, which can be enough for shorter rides by itself, or add to the nutrition you bring on your longer rides. We have all of the products mentioned here in stock at both Boulder locations, plus other options for you to choose from. Stop in or give us a call and we can talk you through what we like when it comes to nutrition for long rides.
Summer Sale at BCS
For the third week in a row, we're offering 50% off all in-stock Oakley helmets, or a free one with bike purchases over $1000. This week, we add 25% off all in-stock Giant Stance and bring back our sale on Giant Trance and Intense bikes!
25% off all Giant Stance, Trance, and Intense brand bikes
50% off Oakley helmets
Free Oakley helmet with purchase of any bike over $1000
In-stock items only, while supplies last. Sale ends Friday, August 11, so don't delay.
Bike of the Week
Pinarello Paris Rival AXS
OVERVIEW
Paris is a bicycle developed to provide maximum comfort without forgetting the racing spirit of every Pinarello bicycle. This frame closely resembles that of the Dogma, with the Paris designed to be more accessible and comfortable for a wide range of riders. If you're getting into cycling for the first time or just looking for a comfortable, but still performance-driven ride, the Paris is a great option.
Featuring disc brakes that will keep you in control at every turn and a Sram Rival AXS 12-speed groupset, the fact that this bike is still under $5,000 makes it one of the better values we have in the shop.
We have sizes 49 and 53 in stock at our North Boulder location and can order in whatever size you're looking for! Stop by or give us a call for more information.
Bike Lock Buyer's Guide
Bike locks might be the most essential piece of bike-related equipment you own, after your helmet. Unfortunately, bike theft is a major problem in Boulder and many other municipalities around the world. In fact, nearly every employee at our shop has had a bike stolen in Boulder at least once. With that said, a good bike lock can go a long way toward making sure your bike stays, well, yours. The main types of locks are cable locks, chain locks, and U-locks, and they all have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Cable locks are the lightest, slimmest, and easiest to carry of all the bike locks available. However, they're also the easiest to cut using a pair of cable cutters, and we don't recommend these unless you'll be able to keep an eye on your bike or you're pairing it with something else, like a U-lock.
Chain locks are much more secure than cable locks since they're so much harder to cut. Without an angle grinder, these are nearly impossible to break. They're a bit heavier and bulkier than a cable lock, but the added security makes it well worth the extra weight and bulk.
Finally, U-locks are the most secure but also the most bulky. Like chain locks, these are nearly impossible to cut, though they are again a bit heavier and a lot bulkier than a chain lock. It's easy enough to throw these locks into a backpack or onto your handlebars if you're biking around town.
We recommend a U-lock or chain lock for your bike's frame and one of the wheels, with a cable running through the other wheel. Technically all locks can be picked or broken, but the more annoying you make your bike to steal, the more likely the average bike thief is to move on to the next bike. Think of this as an insurance policy. You would never drive a brand new car around without insurance and without locking the door, so why leave your several thousand dollar investment just sitting outside the coffee shop? The 50-80 bucks you'll spend on a good lock is well worth it, and can protect that investment for years. We have lots of options available at both Boulder locations, so stop in, give us a call, or check out our website to see what we have in stock!
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!