The discount, in one line

Coloradans can get $225 off a qualified eBike at a participating retailer, applied right at the register. It’s one discount per resident per calendar year.

Why eMTB riders should pay attention

Colorado also runs an income-qualified rebate, but it excludes full-suspension mountain eBikes and limits standard eBikes to a $5,000 purchase price. A lot of trail-ready eMTBs fall outside those rules.

The tax credit discount doesn’t have either restriction. The state lists no minimum and no maximum purchase price, and full-suspension eMTBs are not excluded. So whether you’re looking at a $3,000 hardtail or an $8,000 full-suspension trail bike, the same $225 comes off at checkout.

What your eMTB needs to qualify

The bike has to meet the state’s general eBike requirements:

• New (no used bikes)
• Certified to UL 2849 or EN 15194
• Electric motor of 750 watts or less, not gas-powered
• Two or three wheels with working pedals
• Class 1, 2, or 3

One thing to watch for: bikes with an “off-road” mode that goes beyond the three-class system, or that can reach more than 20 mph on throttle alone, don’t qualify under the state’s definition (as of August 2025). If you’re comparing models, ask about this before you fall in love with one. We’re happy to check specs with you.

What to bring

• A document that shows your physical Colorado address, dated within three months of your purchase (a driver license or ID, utility bill, or bank statement are common choices)
• A few minutes at checkout to sign a short affidavit form, which the shop sends along to the Colorado Department of Revenue

A few things to keep in mind

• The discount doesn’t cover sales tax. You pay the full tax on the bike.
• You can use it once per calendar year, so it’s worth thinking about which purchase you want to apply it to.
• Accessories, gear, and service are separate from the bike purchase, so ask us how they fit into your budget.

Come ride with us

Trying out an eMTB is the best way to know if it’s the right fit. Stop by 1601 S. Tejon St. in Colorado Springs or call (719) 473-1015, and we’ll help you find a bike that qualifies and handle the paperwork. For the official rules, see the Colorado Energy Office eBike tax credit page.

Internal notes (do not publish)

Publish Blog 1 before Monday, October 19, then Blogs 2, 3, and 4. All program facts come from the state pages (rebate, tax credit), as Shawn asked.

Left out on purpose (client confidential)

• The tax credit increase planned for January.
• The state payment to the shop that improves margins. Note: the state page lists a $250 retailer credit, while Shawn’s email says $500, so it may be worth asking him about it. It stays out of public copy either way.
• Nothing is worded as “$225 forever,” so the posts won’t need a rewrite when the amount changes.

Where the posts follow the state page instead of the email

• The state describes the “tax credit” as a $225 discount applied at the register, with the shop claiming a credit from the Colorado Department of Revenue. Blog 2 says this so readers don’t expect to claim it on a tax return.
• The rebate is a random selection after registering, not guaranteed enrollment. Blog 1 says so.
• The state page adds a $5,000 price cap on standard eBikes for the rebate. Shawn’s email didn’t mention it.

Confirm with Shawn before publishing

• Bicycle Experience is listed as a participating retailer for both programs (the posts say “come see us” and imply that it is).
• Lectric and Aventon models are named only as popular picks. Check that the models he sells meet the rules (new, UL 2849 or EN 15194 certified, 750 W or less, no “off-road” mode beyond the three classes, and $5,000 or less for standard bikes under the rebate).
• Phone number and address come from his email signature.

Update after the window closes

Blog 1 and the table in Blog 3 point to the October 19-26 window. After October 26, switch the call to action to the next window (January 11-18, 2027) and keep the later dates (March 15-22, 2027) in mind.

The post Tax Credit for eMTBs appeared first on Bicycle Experience | Bikes | Snowboards | Gear.

The short version

The rebate is bigger but limited: it’s for income-qualified residents, it requires registering during an enrollment window, and winners are picked at random. The tax credit is smaller but open to everyone: any Colorado resident can use it at the register, once a year, with no sign-up.

Side by side

Which one fits you?

If your income qualifies, register for the rebate. It’s the bigger discount by far, and registering is free. Just remember that selection is random, so it’s not a guarantee. The next window is October 19-26, and the ones after that are scheduled for January 11-18 and March 15-22, 2027.

If you’re buying an eMTB or a pricier bike, the tax credit is your option. The rebate excludes full-suspension bikes and caps standard eBikes at $5,000, but the tax credit has neither restriction. That means a trail bike or a high-end build can still get $225 off.

If you’re not sure you’ll be selected, don’t wait on the rebate to buy. The tax credit is there whenever you’re ready, and you don’t need to register for anything.

Can you use both?

Yes. If you’re selected for the rebate and buy from a retailer that participates in both programs, the two can be combined. Keep in mind the rebate has to be in hand before you buy the bike, and you have sixty days to redeem it once you’re approved.

Neither program covers sales tax, so budget for that either way.

Let us help you sort it out

We’re happy to walk you through both programs and help you pick a bike that qualifies. Come see us at 1601 S. Tejon St. in Colorado Springs, call (719) 473-1015, or check the official pages for the rebate and the tax credit.

The post Rebate vs. Tax Credit appeared first on Bicycle Experience | Bikes | Snowboards | Gear.

How the discount works

The Colorado Energy Office describes it simply: Coloradans can get $225 off a qualified eBike purchase at a participating retailer. The discount comes off at the register, so you don’t have to wait for a refund or claim it on your tax return later. At checkout you’ll fill out a short affidavit form, and the shop handles the rest with the Colorado Department of Revenue.

You can use it once per calendar year.

Who can use it?

Any Colorado resident buying from a participating retailer. You’ll need to show proof of a physical Colorado address at the time of purchase, and the document should be dated within three months of the day you buy. A driver license or ID, a utility bill, or a bank statement is a common choice, so bring one with you.

Which eBikes qualify?

The bike needs to be new, certified to UL 2849 or EN 15194, and have an electric motor of 750 watts or less (no gas motors). It needs two or three wheels with working pedals. Class 1, 2, and 3 eBikes all count, and adaptive eBikes do too.

The part we like best is what’s not on the list of rules:

• No price cap. There’s no minimum or maximum purchase price, so the discount works on a commuter bike and on a high-end build.
• No suspension restriction. Unlike the state’s income-qualified rebate, full-suspension eMTBs can use this discount.
• No income requirement. It’s open to Colorado residents, period.

The state does remind shoppers that very low-priced bikes may not meet safety standards, so it’s worth buying from a shop that stands behind what it sells.

What it doesn’t cover

You still pay the full sales tax on the eBike. The discount reduces the price of the bike, but sales tax isn’t part of what the state covers.

Can I use it with the rebate?

Yes, if you’re selected for the Colorado eBike Rebate, you can combine the two at a retailer that participates in both programs. We’ll walk through that in our post comparing the two.

Is it worth it on a more expensive bike?

Absolutely. $225 is a nice chunk off an entry-level commuter, and it’s just as useful on a trail bike. Since there’s no price limit and no suspension rule, riders shopping for an eMTB can use it too.

Ready to ride?

Stop by 1601 S. Tejon St. in Colorado Springs or call us at (719) 473-1015, and we’ll check that the bike you like qualifies and take care of the paperwork at checkout. You can read the official details on the Colorado Energy Office eBike tax credit page.

The post Colorado eBike Tax Credit appeared first on Bicycle Experience | Bikes | Snowboards | Gear.

How much is the rebate?

The Colorado Energy Office rebate takes $1,000 off a new qualifying eBike, applied at the point of sale. If you’re buying an e-cargo bike or an adaptive eBike, you get an extra $300 on top, for $1,300 total. Each person can receive one rebate in their lifetime, and it can’t be used on a bike you’ve already bought.

How it works, step by step

1. Register during an enrollment window. You create an account on the state’s online portal and answer a few eligibility questions. You can only register while a window is open.
2. Wait to be selected. The Colorado Energy Office picks registrants at random and emails the results the evening the window closes.
3. Upload your proof. If you’re selected, you have one week to upload proof of your Colorado address and your income (or your enrollment in a qualifying assistance program).
4. Redeem it. Once you’re approved, you have sixty calendar days to use your rebate at a participating retailer. The bike has to be purchased after you receive the rebate.

Who qualifies?

You need to live in Colorado, be at least 18, and either have a household income below 80% of the area median income for your county or be enrolled in a qualifying program such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, WIC, LEAP, Section 8, RTD LiVE, CARE, or WAP. If you’re enrolled in one of those programs, that enrollment counts as your income proof. Otherwise, you’ll use the first page of your 2025 Form 1040.

Which eBikes qualify?

The bike has to be new, certified to UL 2849 or EN 15194, have a motor of 750 watts or less, and have two or three wheels with working pedals. It also needs to be a Class 1, 2, or 3 eBike under Colorado’s definition.

A few other rules matter when you’re shopping:

• Standard eBikes can cost up to $5,000.
• E-cargo and adaptive eBikes have no price limit.
• Full-suspension eBikes are not eligible for the rebate.
• Used bikes, gas-powered bikes, and bikes with an “off-road” mode that goes beyond the three-class system don’t qualify.

Many of our customers shopping with this program pick bikes from Lectric and Aventon. Stop in or give us a call and we’ll help you match a model to the program’s rules.

What the rebate doesn’t cover

The rebate doesn’t cover sales tax, shipping, or assembly. Sales tax is calculated on the listed retail price before the rebate comes off, so plan for that in your budget.

You can pair it with the tax credit

If you’re selected, the rebate can be combined with Colorado’s $225 eBike tax credit discount at a retailer that participates in both programs. We’ll cover that one in a separate post.

Ready to get started?

Mark your calendar for October 19, and get your income and address documents together ahead of time so you’re ready if you’re selected. The state runs the registration portal at coloradoebikerebates.aptracks.com, and you can read the official details on the Colorado Energy Office eBike rebate page. Questions about the program itself can go to the state at 833-933-9602 or ebikescolorado@aptim.com.

Want to talk bikes? Come see us at 1601 S. Tejon St. in Colorado Springs or call (719) 473-1015. We’re happy to help you figure out which eBike fits your rides and your budget.

The post Colorado eBike Rebate appeared first on Bicycle Experience | Bikes | Snowboards | Gear.

Carl the Cat, for the record, has fully committed to fair-weather status. You’ll find him parked on a shop towel by the heater, judging anyone who walks in still shivering from the cold.

Cold weather mountain biking maintenance in Colorado Springs requires a different approach than summer care. Low temperatures, freezing overnight dirt, and shorter daylight hours put unique demands on your frame, brakes, and drivetrain.

How Cold Temperatures Impact Hydraulics and Rubber

Sub-freezing mornings do interesting things to bike components. Fluid thickens, air contracts, and rubber compounds harden. If you’ve ever felt your brake levers feel stiff or slow to return on a chilly morning, you’ve experienced cold-weather fluid drag firsthand.

• Hydraulic Brakes: Mineral oil and DOT fluid both thicken as temperatures drop toward freezing. If your brakes haven’t been bled in over a year, tiny moisture droplets trapped inside the lines can freeze, causing inconsistent lever feel or brake drag. A quick system bleed removes trapped water and restores crisp lever action.
• Tire Compounds: Softer rubber compounds engineered for summer grip tend to stiffen in freezing temps. Drop your tire pressure by 1 to 2 PSI to compensate for the stiffer casing and maintain traction over frozen roots and slick granite.
• Dropper Posts and Suspension: Seals shrink slightly in cold air, which can allow air to bypass internal chambers. If your dropper post slows down or sags when you sit on it, it likely needs fresh grease on the collar seal or a cartridge recharge.

Drivetrain Care for Damp, Grit-Heavy Riding

Late-fall trails often alternate between frozen dirt in the shade and soft mud in the sun. That combination flings a slurry of grit, decomposing plant matter, and moisture directly into your chain, cassette, and derailleur pulleys.

Running a dry summer lubricant in these conditions lets moisture strip protection off your chain in just a few miles, leading to surface rust and annoying chain suck on climbs. Switch to an all-weather synthetic chain lubricant that repels water without collecting excessive trail debris. After every ride, wipe down your drivetrain with a dry rag to remove lingering moisture before storing your bike in an unheated garage. It takes two minutes and saves you a much bigger headache come January.

Managing Light and Visibility for Afternoon Rides

With sunset arriving earlier every week, a minor mechanical issue like a broken chain or a flat tire can quickly turn a casual afternoon spin into a dark, freezing walk back to the trailhead.

Always pack a compact handlebar or helmet light rated for at least 800 lumens, even if you plan to be back before dusk. Cold weather drains lithium-ion batteries significantly faster than warm weather, so charge your lights fully before every ride and keep backup batteries or power banks stored close to your body inside a jacket pocket to keep them warm.

FAQ: Cold Weather Bike Maintenance

Can I store my mountain bike in an unheated garage all winter? Yes, but bring your suspension components, electronic shifting batteries, and light batteries indoors if temperatures drop well below freezing for extended periods.

Why are my hydraulic brakes squealing more in cold weather? Condensation and morning frost settle on brake rotors easily. A few hard stops usually generate enough friction heat to burn off surface moisture and quiet the noise.

Is trail mud different in late fall than spring? Yes. Fall mud often sits over frozen subsoil, meaning water can’t drain easily. If dirt is sticking heavily to your tires and frame, turn back to avoid tearing up the trail surface.

When should I start thinking about winter storage or seasonal service? If you plan to transition to snowboarding or ski biking once the snow settles, servicing your bike in late fall ensures it sits clean and ready to roll the moment spring arrives.

Riding through the cold-weather transition is all about staying ahead of the elements. A well-maintained bike handles freezing trailheads, sudden light shifts, and chilly descents without missing a beat.

Need help getting your bike ready for chilly trail laps or seasonal service? Bring your setup to Bicycle Experience. From hydraulic brake bleeds to full drivetrain overhauls, our mechanics will keep your ride running all year round flawlessly — and Carl will keep his heater spot warm for you in the meantime. While you’re in, ask about custom builds if you’ve been eyeing an upgrade, and once winter really settles in, we’ve got snowboard sales, rentals, and tuning ready to go too.

📍1601 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80905

 📞 (719) 473-1015

 🕒 Mon-Fri 10 AM – 6 PM

Sat 10 AM – 5 PM

Sun CLOSED

📸 @bicyclexperience

The post Preparing Your Mountain Bike for Cold Weather Riding and Late-Fall Trails appeared first on Bicycle Experience | Bikes | Snowboards | Gear.

That leaves you with a big decision: should you throw a few hundred dollars into upgrading parts, or is it better math to sell the bike and buy a new one? Come ask us in person and you’ll probably get an opinion from Carl the Cat too — he’s got strong feelings about anyone leaving a bike box open near his favorite napping spot.

The real answer usually comes down to three things: your frame’s geometry, current component standards, and what you actually want out of your rides on Colorado Springs trails.

When Upgrading Components Actually Makes Sense

Upgrading makes total sense if you already love your frame, the geometry fits your riding style, and the bike uses modern frame standards. If your frame handles well on local trails like Palmer Park or Ute Valley, upgrading key contact points or wear-and-tear items yields a massive jump in performance without the cost of a full new bike.

Here are the upgrades that give you the biggest return on your investment:

• Wheelsets: Factory entry-level wheels are often heavy and flex under hard cornering. Upgrading to a stiffer, lighter wheelset with faster hub engagement changes how your bike accelerates and climbs instantly.
• Brakes: Moving from basic two-piston brakes to four-piston hydraulic brakes gives you significantly better stopping power and lever feel, especially on long, steep descents like Captain Jack’s.
• Dropper Seatposts: If your bike didn’t come with a dropper post, adding one is hands-down the single best functional upgrade you can make for trail riding.
• Drivetrain Wear Items: Upgrading to a clutch rear derailleur or a wider-range cassette eliminates chain slap and helps you clear steep technical climbs without running out of gears.

If your frame is in great shape and built on modern standards, like Boost axle spacing and a tapered headtube, targeted upgrades keep your bike feeling fresh for years.

When Buying a New Bike Is Better Math

There’s a point of diminishing returns where upgrading individual parts becomes an expensive trap. If you find yourself wanting to swap out the fork, the drivetrain, the wheels, and the brakes all at once, you’ll almost always pay significantly more buying those parts separately than you would buying a complete new bike.

You should consider buying new if:

• Your frame uses outdated standards. Older bikes with quick-release axles, straight steerer tubes, or non-Boost hub spacing make finding quality replacement parts difficult and expensive.
• The frame geometry doesn’t match your riding. If you feel cramped, unstable on steep descents, or overly pitched forward, no component upgrade will fix a frame geometry that doesn’t fit your style.
• The total cost exceeds 60% of a new bike. If your planned upgrades cost more than half of what a modern complete bike costs, save that money and apply it toward a new ride with updated suspension design and a frame warranty.

The Custom Build Alternative

If you fall somewhere in the middle — you know exactly what parts you want and don’t want to compromise on a pre-built factory spec — a custom frame build is often the ideal path. Starting with a bare frame lets you choose every component based on your weight, riding style, and budget, so you’re not stuck replacing brand-new factory parts down the road. This is genuinely one of our favorite kinds of projects to work through with a rider, start to finish.

FAQ: Bike Upgrades and Value

What is the single most noticeable upgrade on a mountain bike? Tires and wheels. Swapping heavy stock tires for a high-quality compound tailored to local granite scree changes your traction and rolling resistance immediately.

Is it worth upgrading an entry-level mountain bike? It depends on the frame. If the frame uses modern standards (tapered headtube, Boost spacing, internal dropper routing), light upgrades are worth it. If it uses older standards, put that money toward your next bike.

Will upgrading my fork make climbing easier? Yes, if the new fork features a better climb switch or lock-out setting and weighs less than your stock coil fork. Better compression damping also keeps the front end from bobbing unnecessarily when you pedal out of the saddle.

How do I know if my frame uses modern standards? Look at your wheel attachments and headset. Through-axles, rather than thin quick-release skewers, and a wider, tapered fork crown are the two easiest visual signs of modern frame standards.

Making the right call between upgrading and replacing comes down to knowing what your frame is actually capable of handling, not just what parts catalog you happened to be scrolling through last night.

Thinking about upgrading your setup or building a custom ride from the ground up? Stop by Bicycle Experience on Tejon Street. Bring your bike in, tell us what trails you like to ride, and our mechanics will help you weigh the math on upgrades versus a new build. Carl will probably supervise the whole conversation from somewhere nearby. While you’re in, ask us about our full repair services too, and if winter’s got you thinking about more than just two wheels, we’ve got you covered on snowboard sales, rentals, and tuning.

📍1601 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80905

 📞 (719) 473-1015

 🕒 Mon-Fri 10 AM – 6 PM

Sat 10 AM -5 PM

Sun CLOSED

📸 @bicyclexperience

The post Mountain Bike Upgrades: When to Upgrade Components vs. Buying New appeared first on Bicycle Experience | Bikes | Snowboards | Gear.

Come by and let us take a look. Carl the Cat will probably beat you to the workbench — he’s got a habit of parking himself right next to whatever bike is up on the stand, like he’s personally inspecting the work. Consider him our unofficial quality control.

What Summer Riding Actually Does to Your Bike

A full Colorado Springs summer is rough on equipment in ways that aren’t always obvious. UV exposure at our altitude breaks down rubber and certain plastics faster than at sea level — grips, tires, and cable housings age quicker here than in a lot of other places. Heat cycles from hot pavement and cool mornings expand and contract the metal and grease in your bottom bracket and headset, speeding up wear you won’t notice until there’s play or grinding.

Then there’s the monsoon factor. Even light August storms wash grit into your drivetrain, and that grit acts like sandpaper on your chain, cassette, and derailleur pulleys every time you pedal through it. I’ve seen chains in August that look fine at a glance but are already stretched enough to start chewing through a cassette within another month. Not fun, and not cheap to fix once it gets that far.

The specific trails you ride matter too. Palmer Park’s sandy, decomposed granite surface is brutal on drivetrains once it gets wet — that grit works into every link of your chain and doesn’t fully rinse out on its own. Cheyenne Mountain’s rockier, more technical descents hammer suspension seals and brake pads on the longer downhill stretches. Log miles on Barr Trail toward Pikes Peak, and the elevation swings alone put your brakes and bearings through more heat cycling in one ride than a flat commute sees in a month. Different trails wear out different parts, which is exactly why a quick “it still shifts okay” glance isn’t the same as an actual inspection.

The Case for a Pre-Fall Tune-Up Specifically

Fall riding in Colorado Springs is genuinely some of the best riding of the year — cooler air, changing aspens up near the higher trailheads, fewer afternoon storms to dodge. But a bike that’s been quietly degrading all summer won’t perform the way you want it to once that good weather hits. A pre-fall tune-up in August means you’re not troubleshooting a shifting problem or a squealing brake on the first cool, perfect Saturday in October, right when you’d rather be out on Section 16 or looping the Chamberlain Trail with the light hitting the scrub oak just right.

Here’s what a proper August tune-up should cover, at minimum:

1. Drivetrain inspection and chain wear measurement — a stretched chain damages your cassette and chainrings if it’s not caught early.
2. Brake pad and rotor check — summer heat and grit wear pads down faster than people expect, especially on longer descents.
3. Cable and housing inspection — UV and heat exposure make housings brittle, which shows up as sluggish or inconsistent shifting.
4. Bearing check on hubs, bottom bracket, and headset — heat cycling and dust intrusion are the main culprits behind premature wear here.
5. Tire condition and tread check — UV cracking is common on tires that sat in direct sun all summer, even if tread looks fine.

Why Timing Matters More Than People Think

Shops in Colorado Springs, ours included, see a real spike in tune-up requests once the weather cools in September and October — everyone wants their bike ready at the same time. Booking in August means shorter wait times, and it means catching problems before they get worse, rather than after.

It also means you’re not stuck waiting on parts. A chain and cassette swap is a same-day job in August, but come mid-September, that same job can turn into a multi-day wait once parts need to be special ordered. Come in now, and you’ll probably have Carl’s approval and your bike back the same afternoon.

FAQ: Bike Maintenance in Colorado Springs

How often should I get a full tune-up if I ride year-round here? Twice a year works for most riders — once in spring after winter storage, once in late summer before fall’s high-mileage season.

Does Colorado’s altitude and sun really affect bike parts that much? Yes. UV intensity at 6,000+ feet is measurably higher than at sea level, and it accelerates wear on rubber, plastic, and cable housing specifically.

Can I check my chain myself before bringing it in? You can with a chain wear tool, but most riders don’t own one. A quick shop check takes just a few minutes and tells you definitively.

Is a tune-up worth it if my bike still shifts fine? Often, yes. Bearing wear, cable brittleness, and pad wear don’t always show up as shifting problems until they’re further along than you’d like.

Getting ahead of a tune-up in August means you ride into fall’s best weather on a bike that’s actually ready for it, instead of finding out what needs fixing halfway up a trail.

Ready to beat the fall rush? Bring your bike into Bicycle Experience this August for a full pre-season tune-up — and come say hi to Carl while you’re at it, he’ll probably be waiting by the door. Beyond tune-ups, we’re also your go-to for full repairs, custom builds if you’re thinking about something built exactly to your specs, and winter sports gear once the snow starts flying, including snowboard sales, rentals, and tuning.

📍1601 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80905

 📞 (719) 473-1015

 🕒 Mon-Fri 10 AM – 6 PM

Sat 10 AM – 5 PM

Sun CLOSED

📸 @bicyclexperience

The post Why August Is the Best Month to Get Your Bike Tuned Up Before Fall appeared first on Bicycle Experience | Bikes | Snowboards | Gear.

If you’re looking to get into cycling, but don’t know where to start, don’t worry! There are three broad categories of bicycles for you to choose from. Your decision is best when it’s informed by the type of cycling you’re going to use your bike for.

Keep reading to learn more about each type of bicycle.

1. Road Bicycle

Road bicycles are the type you see most regularly in cities and residential areas. These bikes are also called fitness bikes or city bikes.

These bicycles are designed for driving over concrete, asphalt, and other common city landscapes. They are lightweight and aerodynamic (built for speed). Because of this, they have thin tires and low handlebars.

Since most road bikes are designed for cities, they don’t have a lot of suspension. Suspension helps soften the blow of harsh terrains. However, some road bikes are tailored for specific purposes and environments other than cities.

Sportive bikes prioritize comfort, often with higher handlebars. Road racing bikes prioritize speed. There are other sub-categories of road bikes, like cyclocross, adventure, and touring bikes.

Remember, if you’re going to be cycling on the road, beware of cars and pedestrians.

2. Mountain Bicycle

Mountain bicycles are designed for the outdoors and off-road routes. There are loads of different sub-categories of this type of bicycle. Each sub-category has a specific type of terrain in mind.

Since off-road routes aren’t gentle, these bikes absorb a lot of impact. There are two suspension options. Hardtail suspension bikes have suspension on the front part of the bike, while full suspension bikes have it on both sides.

The tires of these bikes are thick and strong. They absorb impact for the rider, and they are thick enough to avoid punctures. They also have impressive tread, so they’re able to keep a grip on any surface.

To make sure you’ve got the perfect bicycle for your needs, check out our custom bike builds page.

3. Hybrid Bicycle

Technically, both of the previous types of bicycles could work in either setting. But when they’re so well designed for their environments, it means they’ll perform terribly in the other. Hybrid bicycles are a great middle option.

These bikes aren’t as fast or lightweight as road bikes. And they aren’t as well-equipped for off-road routes as mountain bikes. But this makes them the perfect bike for easy commuting.

They have the comfort of better suspension and higher handlebars like mountain bikes. They also have lighter weight and decent speed like road bikes.

Getting the Right Type of Bicycle for Your Needs

Now that you have a better understanding of their designs and functions, you can figure out what type of bicycle is right for you! Since bicycles aren’t a small investment, you want to make sure you’ve done your research before buying one.

Contact us to find the perfect bicycle for your needs!

The post What Type of Bicycle Is Right for me? appeared first on Bicycle Experience | Bikes | Snowboards | Gear.

Whether you’re a casual rider using your bike to get around, or an athlete with something top-of-the-line, maintenance is important. Bike maintenance can feel like a chore, so a lot of people don’t do it as often as they should. This can become a problem for them later on.

If you’ve got a bike, here are 5 easy ways can stay on top of your bicycle maintenance! Keep reading to learn more.

1. Inspect Your Bike Daily

Any time you take you’re about to take your bicycle out or you get back from a ride, give it a quick inspection. This is how you avoid missing small problems. Without daily inspections, small and easily fixable problems get missed and become big and expensive problems.

The most important things to do are a tire inspection and look out for rust. Tire pressure problems can indicate punctures, which lead to flat tires. A rusty chain or wheels are the most dangerous, so make sure you don’t see rust there.

If your bike is in need of repairs, check out our repairs service page.

2. Clean Your Bike Regularly

Keeping your bike clean is an important part of maintaining it. Buildups of dirt, grease, and grime all make the wear and tear on your bike happen faster.

To avoid this, wash your bike weekly with a bucket, a spray bottle, some soap, an old toothbrush, and a cloth. Do this every few weeks and after long rides. This will slow down the degradation of parts of your bike that get dirty quickly.

3. Keep Everything Tight

Always check that any nuts, bolts, and screws are tight. As you use your bike these can loosen. The outcome of loose fittings will vary depending on how loose they are.

Sometimes it might only be a minor problem. Other times, it can result in something not working properly, and be a risk to yourself or others.

4. Perform a Brake Test

Always ensure your brakes are working before you go out on your bike. Keep an eye on the brake pads, brakes, and pedals. You’ll want to make repairs if you notice anything looking worn or damaged.

5. Chain Safety

To keep the bike chain in a good condition, make sure you’re applying a chain lubricant regularly. This stops your bike from making a grinding and unpleasant noise when you ride it.

The best way to apply chain lubricant is with a firm brush. Make sure to wipe off any excess so it doesn’t create a buildup on your drive chain.

Performing Regular Bicycle Maintenance

If you want to keep your bicycle in the best condition, you’ve got to do regular bicycle maintenance. This keeps your bike from breaking, increases its resale value, and makes it easier to ride.

If you need some guidance on where to start with your bike maintenance or repair, don’t worry! Contact us – we’re happy to help.

The post 5 Reasons to Keep Up With Your Bicycle Maintenance appeared first on Bicycle Experience | Bikes | Snowboards | Gear.

Why is mountain biking so popular?

Mountain biking provides individuals with the opportunity to head outdoors, get some fresh air, improve mental health, and live a healthier lifestyle. As the summer months are upon us, however, it’s essential you know how to prepare for summer mountain biking. Mountain biking in extreme heat should be well-prepared.

Continue reading the guide below to learn how to do just that!

Plan Your Bike Route

Before you hop on your bike and take off, you need to start with a plan. Always check the weather for the entire day before choosing your route. You want to pay close attention to what times during the day will be the hottest and any heat advisory warnings that might be in place.

It’s best to plan to ride during the morning when it’s not as hot. Otherwise, choose bike routes that you can easily complete without worries of being stranded due to the heat.

Gradually Adjust to the Heat

Once summer begins, you should slowly adjust your body to the heat. To do this, start off with a short bike route and take your time getting through it. Reduce your current bike time by around 30-50%.

Over the weeks, you can gradually increase your route lengths, difficulties, and biking speeds. This will allow your body to adjust to the heat properly. However, you should still always pay close attention to how your body feels and signs of heat exhaustion and stroke.

Make Hydration a Priority

Hydration should be your number one priority when planning a mountain bike ride in the summer. During the heat of the summer, your body will sweat more and lose its water. To replace it, you want to make sure to not only stay hydrated throughout your entire ride but before and after as well.

Place cold water in a thermos that can keep it cold for the bike ride. Be sure to provide your body with enough fuel before as well. Eat a healthy meal before setting out and bring a couple of healthy snacks with you in your bag.

Wear the Right Clothing

Knowing what to wear mountain biking in summer is another crucial factor. You want to stay as cool as possible during your ride. When selecting your biking outfit, you should look for breathable clothing.

Any exposed skin should have sunscreen applied to it every 30 minutes. Light colors made with UV-resistant fabrics are also ideal.

Visit the Ultimate Mountain Biking Shop

The last step in planning the perfect mountain biking experience during the summer is to find your favorite bike rental and repair shop. At Bicycle Experience, we offer rentals, repairs, and custom-made mountain bikes in Colorado Springs.

If you’re looking to test out a mountain bike or have a custom-made design you want to bring to life, then stop by to see how we can help you. Learn more about our services here!

The post How to Prepare for Mountain Biking in the Summer Heat appeared first on Bicycle Experience | Bikes | Snowboards | Gear.