Maximize your performance and endurance.

As the summer solstice approaches, long rides and challenging events are on the agenda.  Equipment, comfort on the bike, fuel and recovery become increasingly important to ensure you perform your best.

To decrease the chance of a tubeless tire coming off the rim in a the case of a tire blowout, it’s a good idea to install tire inserts as they provide a cushion that both protects the rim when the tire goes flat and keep the tire on the rim. During the 2023 Paris Roubaix, where equipment is ridden to extremes on the rough cobblestones, the World Tour riders were puncturing their tubeless tires and destroying their carbon rims. Some crashed heavily while those with inserts, like Wout Van Aert, were able to ride the punctured tire until they got off the cobbled sector where a new wheel was waiting. In the shop, we can install the Vittoria Air-Liners on your tubeless wheels to mitigate the risk of the tire coming off in a blowout and mitigate the risk of wheel damage. They are available in a wide range of sizes for road and gravel tires. They are a great investment in safety and preservation of your equipment.

A comfortable bike is critical to performing your best. Saddle / bum discomfort is the most common issue that cyclists complain about.  To increase your comfort down below, the first step is to have a professional assess your position. Once you have an efficient position, find a comfortable saddle.  We’ve have had great feedback from both men and women on the new 3D printed Fi’zik Argo Adaptive Saddles.  They are available in 140 and 150mm widths and with either carbon rails (00 model, 175 grams or the R1 model, 190 grams).

Your contact with the saddle should be protected by a good chamois ideally in bib shorts that keep the chamois from shifting around.

Photography by Ian Walton

Chamois cream is critical if you have sensitive skin down below. Muc-Off Luxury Chamois Cream is a high performance, anti-bacterial formation that is enriched with natural Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel, Shea Butter and Sunflower Oil and has a mild cooling function.

Fuel your rides with Skratch nutritional products.  Hydration drink has all the critical minerals you need for hot summer rides. Skratch bars are all natural and high in complex carbs to fuel long rides. Skratch Energy Chews give you a boost of sugar and caffeine when you need it most. Skratch Super High-Carb formula has 400 calories per bottle and is designed for for athletes who push so hard that they can’t easily take in enough calories to perform at their best. Skratch Recovery drink will help you replenish your energy stores so you are recovered and ready to fly day after day.

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