Boulder Cycle Sport eNews 2023-08-09

What is a Women's Specific Bike?
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between unisex bike designs and women's-specific bikes? If you're a woman looking to buy a bike this is an important consideration, as frames built for women have distinct advantages for some riders.

So what exactly are the differences between unisex bikes and women's bikes? You might think this just comes down to the paint job, but that's not the case at all. Each brand does things a little differently, but in general women's bikes usually have a shorter top tube in a given size, different saddles, handlebars, and a lighter suspension tune compared to unisex bikes. These changes are based on data on average male and female body measurements, and help create a ride more suitable to the average female body. 

That said, women's bikes aren't necessarily for all women. There are plenty of women who fit just fine on a unisex frame, but women's bike brands are worth checking out. Liv is the largest women's brand we carry, and they feature bikes comparable to the Giant lineup. Scott's Contessa line is the other main women's brand we carry in the shop.

If you're in the market for a new bike of any kind, checking out as many options as possible is always what we recommend. The more you have to compare, the more likely you are to find something that 

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!

Speaking of women's specific bikes, we're highlighting the Liv Devote this week. This gravel bike is built for a comfortable, relaxed ride that's sure to get you through any long-distance ride whether you're out on a day ride or bikepacking in the backcountry. With a frame that can easily fit 45c tires and mounts for three water bottle cages, racks, and other accessories, this bike is ready for any epic ride you could possibly throw at it. 

As a women's specific bike, the frame geometry, fork, handlebars, saddle, and more are built specifically to fit women's bodies best. The Devote frame is also built to be compatible with a dropper seatpost, which can help get your seat out of the way on those gnarly descents. We have a variety of sizes available at both locations, so stop in or give us a call to find out more!

• Liv Advanced-Grade Composite frame
• Liv Advanced-Grade Composite fork
• Giant CXR-1 Carbon Disc wheels 
• Maxxis Receptor 700x40c tires
• Shimano GRX Di2 drivetrain
• Shimano GRX hydraulic disc brakes
• Shimano SM-RT800 160mm rotors
• Giant Contact handlebars, stem, and seatpost
• Liv Approach SL saddle

Sale Price: $6,400.00

Bike Lock Buyer's Guide
We covered locks last week, but since the Boulder Police Department just reported bike thefts in the last 30 days topping over $100,000 in stolen property, we're going to cover them again. Remember, that reported number only includes stolen bikes that were actually documented, so the true number is probably even higher. U-locks or chain locks are an absolute must if you want to prevent your bikes from getting stolen. Here's the same breakdown we provided last week. We just restocked on U-locks that include a cable for the rear wheel, so stop in today to make sure your bike doesn't turn into a stat from the Boulder PD. 

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!