Bicycle Sale Indianapolis

If you are going to commute, do it with a flare.  Arriving for his shift at Bicycle Garage Indy North, Victor rides a fixed gear Masi track bike , finished with clear coat over bare steel.  "Riding the fixed gear is just great for your cycling form." says Victor.  To top it off, he has the new Catlike Whisper Plus helmet, (just in stock at BGi).  "Coolest and lightest helmet I have ever owned.  You don't know it is there."

Name: Victor Suarez (Sales Staff, Bicycle Garage Indy North)
Bicycle: Masi Track Frame
City: Indianapolis
State: IN

So, here's what it looked like at oh-dark-thirty on Saturday morning…

Bicycle Garage Indy wants you to know about Trek's Dream Bigger contest, starting July 16 and running through the end of the Tour De France on July 25th.  Just visit Trek's Web site (www.trekbikes.com) and follow the Dream Bigger links.  One bike winner will be picked every day by Trek, and hundreds other prizes will be awarded.

You will also find all Trek Bikes on sale during the BGi Big Summer Bicycle Sale going on now though July 25th.  We also have hundreds of essentials on sale, our new bike buyer discounts on helmets, and our $75 Value Intro fit included with every bicycle, or credit toward any of our selection of bicycle fitting services.  

Visit Bicycle Garage Indy’s two locations, North (in the Clearwater area in Indianapolis) and South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood).

If you are riding the Bloomington Bicycle Club's RAIN ride this Saturday, Bicycle Garage Indy has a special offer to help you celebrate your accomplishment.  Just bring in your 2010 Finisher Medal by July 25th, and Bicycle Garage Indy will take 30% off the regular price any one bicycle accessory or clothing item.  

We already have lots of items at 15% off for our BGi BiG Summer Bicycle Sale, so you are bound to save on everything you pick-up!  And every bicycle from Trek, Cannondale and Giant are also on sale now through July 25th.

You can bring your RAIN medal in to either of our two locations, Bicycle Garage Indy North (in the Clearwater area in Indianapolis) and Bicycle Garage Indy South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood) open Monday thru Saturday 10 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday's Noon to 5 PM.

What weather will the 2011 RAIN Jersey portray?  Share a picture and story of you 2010 RAIN ride for chance to win a $54.99 Gift Card from Bicycle Garage Indy.

The latest Bicycle Garage Indy email newsletter is out and available here, and includes links to the BGi BiG Summer Bicycle Sale.

Other Highlight include our upcoming BGi Tri Night, a NITE Ride wrap-up and more.

Sign up on-line here to receive the latest information on sales, store classes, Indiana Bicycle Advocacy News, and Bicycle Garage Indy Sponsored events.  Or ask to sign-up the next time you visit either of Bicycle Garage Indy’s two locations, North (Clearwater area in Indianapolis) or South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood).

Wow, Giant did me right. I had a frame failure on my old bike, and I got to upgrade to the new Trance Advanced fercheep. It's a 4" travel full-suspension mountain bike that feels like it has bottomless travel, but climbs like a road bike. Giant's Maestro suspension flat-out "works." It keeps the rear wheel planted over climbing obstacles, and doesn't need a fancy shock to overcome pedal-induced bob. I added Ergon grips and my favorite saddle (WTB Laser V), and I'm good for flat'n fast Town Run, or rock-strewn Brown County State Park. Love it!!!

Name: Mark Finney (Sales Staff at Bicycle Garage Indy North)
Bicycle: '08 Giant Trance Advanced
City: Indianapolis
State: IN


Mark:  Thanks for Your Bicycle Story. Bicycle Garage Indy features the Giant Advanced Trance as part of a full line of off-road Giant Bikes Indianapolis.

All Cannondale bikes at Bicycle Garage Indy are on sale now through May 23, 2010.  You can find the details for this special offer in our latest email newsletter, linked here.

The Discover Cannondale Event details are:

The Discover Cannondale Sales Event takes place at both Bicycle Garage Indy locations, BGI North, (Indianapolis, E 82nd St. in the Clearwater area) or BGI South (Greenwood, just west of I-65 on County Line Rd).

Here are a collection of tips based on my 10+ years with a 3 mile, one-way, commute, and 4 years of a 16-18 mile one-way commute. 
Bicycle Garage Indy has accessories and advice for Bike Commuters Indianapolis at our two Indianapolis locations: Bicycle Garage Indy North (Indianapolis in the Clearwater area) and Bicycle Garage Indy South (Greenwood, just west of I-65 on County Line Road).

Bicycle Garage Indy was involved with getting Andy Clarke, president of League of American Bicyclists, to Indianapolis for a celebration/photo op with Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard to celebrate Indianapolis' designation as a Bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community.  BGI was also recognized at the celebration on Thursday, April 22, 2010 as a Gold level Bicycle Friendly Business.

After the celebration, I took Andy Clarke on a tour of Indianapolis, highlighting what's been accomplished and what we hope to acheive in the near future. He was duly impressed. Andy had been sent the feedback Indianapolis has been given last fall when we received the Bronze designation and as he listened to Mayor Ballard tout the most recent accomplishments, he realized we has already accomplished much on the "to-do" list we had been given.

The next morning Andy led the bike train for St. Thomas Aquinas Walk/Bike to School with Your Grandparent event. I participated in the bike ride and got the opportunity to meet Rep. Andre Carson, Mayor Ballard, and USDOT Secretary Ray LaHood. It was a whirlwind 24 hours.

Here are some links of media coverage of the event:

LAB's blog about the 4/22 event
http://www.bikeleague.org/blog/2010/04/indianapolis-bicycling-and-ray-lahood/

LAB's blog on the Bike to School event:
http://www.bikeleague.org/blog/2010/04/big-names-at-indianapolis-safe-routes-to-school-event/

USDOT Sec. LaHood's blog
http://fastlane.dot.gov/2010/04/grandparents-day-safe-routes-to-school-mash-up.html

NUVO item
http://www.nuvo.net/NewsBlog/archives/2010/04/23/indianapolis-a-bicycle-friendly-city

Courier-Journal - Louisville, KY
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100423/NEWS02/4240304/-1/EXTRAS05/Obama+official+walks+kids+to+Indianapolis+school

IndyStar
http://www.indystar.com/article/20100423/NEWS04/4230374/Obama-official-walks-kids-to-Northside-school

USDOT policy article/backlash
http://www.theindychannel.com/automotive/23144733/detail.html

St. Thomas Aquinas website - photos
http://www.staindy.org/school/section.php?page=3-84

another Indy website coverage
http://www.indy.com/posts/obama-official-walks-kids-to-northside-school

And in our own blogs:
http://blog.bgindy.com/blog/bicycle-garage-indy/0/0/bicycle-friendly-city-event-in-downtown-indianapolis

Connie Szabo Schmucker
Advocacy Director
Bicycle Garage Indy / BGI Fitness
Indianapolis & Greenwood, IN
cschmucker@bgindy.com
www.bgindy.com

On April 22, 2010, Mayor Greg Ballard accepted Indianapolis's Bicycle Friendly City - Bronze designation from League of American Bicyclists, presented by League Executive Director Andy Clarke.  The event took place on the City Market Plaza in downtown Indianapolis.

 A few weeks ago I posted on the efforts that INDoT has made to keep the Monon Trail open during work on I-465.  With warm weather fast approaching, and trail use ramping up, it was another good thing to see the trail open this afternoon, a weekday.   And while I stopped to today for picture and to offer a friendly thanks to a pair of workmen on the scene, I was able to get an update on the work that remains.

If I understood the workmen correctly, it turns out that they will not be replacing the bridges over the Monon Trail; the foundations in place will support pre-formed concrete tubes over the trail.  I-465 will then run over fill put in place over the tubes and the bridges removed.  I have been unable to find any artists rendering, but the final result will be pretty neat!  Hopefully, this means Indianapolis bicycle commuters and other trail users should see a favorite route restored to full availability very soon, and with few future detours and closings.

I stopped by the BGI Spring Bike Expo on Sunday and was amazed at the success of the event! There were several tents filled full of great deals on bikes, complimentary brownies and popcorn, a bike ride testing area and a shuttle that took me from the store to the tent sale! Although I didn't test ride a bike, I enjoyed watching this father and son have a blast riding around on their tandem bike. I asked if I could take a picture to capture how much fun they were having and the father replied, "Of course! We are definitely going to get this bike!"

Name: Heather Benfield
Bicycle: Giant Halfwheeler 1 Aluminum
City: Indianapolis
State: IN

(Heather:  We are glad you stopped in!  Please come back when you are ready for you you own Giant Bikes Indianapolis from BGi.  The BGi Staff)

Hey everyone, just wanted to pass along a novice's take-away from the Annual Spring Bicycle tent sale --- amazing fun and even better information for this novice. The atmosphere, like all the BGI staffers I spoke to, was so welcoming and non-intimidating as I browsed around, asked lots of questions and learned so much as I ponder which is best for me. Took my little 4-legged friend "Lucky" and we met Rocco and his wonderful family who were bike shopping with Dad. The stunt riding show was amazing. This guy's launch started off of the Redbull trailer, as high as the Yakima sign. Too fast for me! Anyway, just wanted to take a moment to let everyone know that if you're even considering buying a bike --- no matter what your skill level --- you need to talk to the folks here. Way cool, way knowledgeable and way nice. Thanks everyone --- I'll be bike!!!

Name: Maureen
City: Indianapolis
State: IN

(Maureen:  Chris Clark and Jeff Lenosky, sponsored in part by Giant Bicycle, put on an amazing show. We will look forward to helping you on your next visit.  The BGi Staff)

My sister is training for the Team in Training Steelhead Triathlon coming up this summer, so we stopped by BGI this Sat. for a bento box. She ended up finding so much stuff she liked, she walked away with 3 new riding outfits. Somehow I got roped into buying the bento box for her, but everything was 15% off (plus we received lots of friendly smiles from the staff) so it was worth it! Thanks BGI for the great service and deals!

Name: Ali Sales Roach
Bicycle:
City: Indianapolis
State: IN

(Ali:  We are glad you found all the Bicycle Clothing Indianapolis your sister was looking!  The BGi Staff)

Great success! I stopped by BGI to check out the Annual Spring Bicycle Expo and walked (or rode) away with a Giant Dash. I test rode a couple of models but knew I had found my match with the Dash...many thanks to Ben and all of his superior bike wisdom! I'm definitely looking forward to getting involved in road race cycling and triathlons in Indianapolis this spring.

Name: Kelly Simon
Bicycle: Giant Dash
City: Carmel
State: IN

(Thanks Kelly, enjoy your new ride!  The BGi Staff)

BGI put on an awesome bicycle sale in Indianapolis this weekend. I came to buy a bike and was drawn in by the show that was happening in the parking lot outside of the main tent. The show I caught featured a pro who was jumping (on his bike) across a 5 ft. wide area on his bike. This picture doesn't do it justice but it awesome in person. Make sure you have the right training and right bike gear before trying this at home! 

Name: Kelly Simon
City: Indianapolis
State: IN

 (Thanks Kelly, we are glad you enjoyed the Jeff Lenosky/Chris Clark Trials Stunt Ride, sponsored by BGi and Giant Bicycle Indianapolis)

This Friday thru Sunday, March 19th, 20th & 21st, Bicycle Garage Indy will hold the 27th annual BGI Spring Bicycle Expo.  The Expo takes place at both BGI Locations: BGI North on 82nd Street in the  Clearwater area, and BGI South, just west of I-65 on County Line Road in Greenwood. Our North Store will feature an 18,000 sq. ft. tent with 1,000 ready to ride bikes, all on sale.  Also at North, bicycle car racks will be on sale from 20% to 30% off, with Free Installation.  Full Details are at www.bgindy.com/for/expo.

Every product category at Bicycle Garage Indy will be on sale:  Helmets (20%) Bicycle Clothing and Shoes (15% to 50% off), all accessories (15% off) and all Fitness Equipment (10% off).  Cannondale, Giant and Trek Bikes Indianapolis will all be on sale during the BGI Spring Bicycle Expo.

It's been a long cold lonely winter, as they say, little darlings.  Spin class (excuse me, Mr Copyright, that's "Indoor Cycling" to those who haven't bought into the franchise) is fine, but after a while it starts to suck the brain out of my head. 

Last week's warmth was a wonderful relief after too many weeks of snow.  Now mind you, I like snow better than slush and ice, but enough's enough! When I was riding sportbikes, "PMS" meant Parked Motorcycle Syndrome.  It was that time of year when everyone got a little grumpy, and argued about which oil or tires were best.  The same thing happens in the cycling community, but I'm not sure what it's called.

Well, to co-opt another famous line: Free at last, free at last, thank god I'm free at last!!  We got out on our mountain bikes for the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association's "Thirsty Thursday Urban Ride Downtown" in the past few weeks, and I even got a few miles on the road bike last week, as well. Wow, does it feel good to have the wind in my face again. 

Judging by the number of people in Bicycle Garage Indy's store on the side in Castleton (and our Greenwood store, to, I assume), I'm not the only one. People are more upbeat, and are talking about plans for rides big and small. 

I discovered a new favorite pair of cool-weather gloves (see my previous blog) , and am re-discovering my cool (not COLD!) weather riding gear.  ...And I'm jonesing for some new tires and maybe some wheels. 

BGI's big Spring Expo Bicycle Sale is this weekend, and I'm surprisingly excited! The prospect of long days in the saddle is a bit daunting, but the energy of being surrounded by excited cyclists is contageous. We have over a thousand bikes, and will be putting up our biggest tent ever (150% as big as the store!).  It's so big that we're going to use the parking lot back by the movie theater (immediately to the West  of our store, due North from the light at 82nd & Dean Rd.).  ALL the bikes will be in the tent, and everything else-- cycling shoes, jerseys, bib shorts, bike helmets, bicycle tools... whatever you need(!) will be in the store.  We're even going to have trolleys to shuttle folks back and forth!

We're going to be closed on Thursday to prepare, and we'll be going full bore from then through the weekend.  See ya there!