A common misnomer is that, as long as your helmet looks okay, then it is okay. Not true. Over time, the materials in your helmet will begin to break down. This includes the outer shell, the shock absorbing material in the shell as well as the strapping material. UV exposure, perspiration and body oils all contribute to this progressive decline. A good rule of thumb is to replace your helmet every 5 years. However, some manufacturers, like Bell and Giro, recommend that you replace your helmet every 3 years.
A common misnomer is that, as long as your helmet looks okay, then it is okay. Not true. Over time, the materials in your helmet will begin to break down. This includes the outer shell, the shock absorbing material in the shell as well as the strapping material. UV exposure, perspiration and body oils all contribute to this progressive decline. A good rule of thumb is to replace your helmet every 5 years. However, some manufacturers, like Bell and Giro, recommend that you replace your helmet every 3 years. Commuting with Panache
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
Triathlon Packing List
Tri’s are different than other competitions, in that you have a lot of different pieces of gear that are essential to your competition day. Should you forget anything on race day (e.g. helmet, running shoes), then you literally cannot race. All that time, preparation, money and emotional energy is wasted.
Miscellaneous:Bicycle Garage Indy stocks triathlon clothing and gear from Louis Garneau, Nathan and Fuel Belt, along with hundreds of other bike accessories Indianapolis. Available at both Bicycle Garage Indy-North and Bicycle Garage Indy-South in Greenwood.
Bicycle Garage Indy is the Official Bike Store Sponsor of the Tuxedo Brother's Go Girl (Women's Only) Triathlon, Saturday, August 28, 2010 at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis.
Rack Trunks: Great for Day Trip Essentials

There are a lot of bicyclists who can put their complete riding needs for a day in a couple of jersey pockets. I am not one of them. It is not that I am a totally fred rider. While a strong believer in self-sufficiency on the road, contrary to rumor, I can't quite overhaul a bike on the roadside. However, I am the family ride sherpa, responsible for sunscreen, food, spares, rain gear, our restaurant lock, and anything else that I was supposed to bring. And then there is a camera that comes on almost every ride ride. So I have a rack trunk on my touring bike and our tandem. Rack trunks are also great for 3-season and day-trip riders with space for jackets, vests, arm and leg warmers.
Obviously, a rack trunk needs a rack, and there are two types. Traditional 4-point racks from Blackburn or Bontrager, which require eyelets on your bike. Or seat post mounted racks like the Bontrager Seat Post Rack. Note that if your bike has a carbon fiber seat post, check with the manufactures specs before using a seat post rack.
Put A Smile On Your Favorite Cyclist

Dry County 1000-2007
Name: Alan Ladd
Bicycle: Trek 520
City: Indianapolis
State: IN
Alan: Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for Your Bicycle Story.
Bicycle Road Trip Tips
Loading 4 bikes and gear may appear challenging, so here are some tips from our many summers of practice. We are a typical family of four, and we sometimes leave town for a ride, or to explore a new locale. We started our family outings when our boys were infants, so we have LOTS of practice.
When loading bikes on the Big Horn, each bike alternates front to back, and it may take a couple of tryw to find the combination for your families bikes. The bike holders can slide (tip, a quick shot of Formula 409 or similar cleaner eases sliding them). We also run a security cable through all the wheels to secure the bikes onto the rack.
Finally comes your apres ride extras. Fresh clothing is nice, especially on hot days. A a cooler of of drinks is also a good idea. If showers aren't available, we throw in some baby wipes, for quick clean for the drive home.Bike To Work: Tips from Experience
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. National Bike To Work Week is May 17 to 21, part of May National Bike Month. On Friday, May 21, Bicycle Indiana and Bicycle Garage Indy host the Bike to Work Day Corporate Challenge, including organized group commutes converging on the Circle in Downtown Indianapolis.
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).
Be Prepared for Week End Rides
The weekend riding season is upon us! We check the calendar, get dressed, load up the car, drive to the start of the ride, unload the bikes, get ready to roll and then have that Doh! moment we we realize our helmet, bike shoes or sunglasses are still at home! I see this happen at almost every ride I attend, from local weekend CIBA rides to big out-of-town events like TOSRV or Hilly Hundred.The experienced staff at either Bicycle Garage Indy location, North, (Indianapolis in the Clearwater area) or South in Greenwood (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd.) can help you choose the right bike accessories Indianapolis for a trip around town or across the state.
My Bicycle Computer Museum
The original cyclometers were mechanical counters, belt or gear driven, and attached to the front hub. The basic designs were unchanged for almost 100 years. Then, in the mid `70, from a number of different companies, mechanical devices were replaced with electronics. Magnets mounted on the wheel (and crank arms, for cadence) were positioned to trigger a sensitive reed switch mounted on the bike. Simple integrated circuits counted the revolutions and calculated speed and distance.Commuting Gear Reviews
Well, technically my section of the blog is supposed to cover both touring and bike commuting Indianapolis. I obviously haven't done any coverage of commuting, so I thought I'd start with a couple pieces of gear that I like.
If you've read my posts regarding my tour last summer of the Great Allegheny Passage and C & O Towpath, you know I have a Trek 7.3 hybrid bike. I originally purchased this bike for commuting and have logged some pretty good miles on it doing exactly that. My ride from home to Butler (I'm a grad-student) is about 9 miles one way. I use a combination of surface streets, bike paths, and bike lanes to make the journey. All are paved. In reading one of my new favorite mags, Bicycle Times, I saw a handlebar that caught my attention. I did a little research, and found out it's the Jeff Jones "H-Bar." The original is titanium and retails for about $400, but Titec makes a licensed knock-off for about a quarter of that price.
Here's a picture of the Titec version on my 7.3:

As you can see, there are a variety of options for hand positions, and places to mount lotsa stuff. I have a NiteRider headlight on top of the bar, Blackburn Voyager 3.3 mounted underneath (I use it in flashing mode), Trek Beacon Bar End Lights, a bell, and of course shift/brake levers. Like most bars, it doesn't come with any tape or grips. Taking the lead from the Jeff Jones website, I installed black cork grips and black cork handlebar tape. It is super comfy. The width is great for rough roads, climbing, or cruising upright, but the extensions are great for getting a little aero (when I'm late for class!)
This bar is for a pretty niche market, so we don't keep them in stock, but we are happy to order it for you and can have it within a week's time. Labor to install a new handlebar and move all the stuff over is only about $30, but sometimes there is a need for new, longer cables depending on your old setup. That can run an additional $20.
I hope these tips help you in your commuting adventures. Stay safe out there folks...the drivers are not yet used to looking for us (are they ever?) Remember to stop in to BGI for more tips, service on your bike, or critical commuting gear such as lights, fenders, etc.
And always remember: A clean bike is a happy bike!
bc
(NiteRider, Bontrager and Blackburn are just three of the many brands of Bike Accessories Indianapolis found at Bicycle Garage Indy’s two locations, North (Clearwater area in Indianapolis) and South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood), editor)
BGI Spring Expo
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)
Great Cannondale Re-Spun Bike Jersey in Indianapolis!

Mountain biking in Indianapolis is just around the corner. The sun is starting to shine, the trails are starting to dry up and my Cannondale Mountain bike is ready to get muddy! Today I stopped in at the Bicycle Garage Indy Spring Bicycle Expo and picked up some fantastic gear. I am really excited about my new Re-spun Cannondale bike jersey. The coolest thing about this jersey is that it is made from discarded polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles or excess fabric scraps.
Name: Kaila Woodside
Bicycle: Cannondale
City: Indianapolis
State: Indiana
(Thanks Kaila from everyone at BGi. We hope you in enjoy your Cannondale Re-Spun jersey.)
Cold Weather Bicycle Gear - Tights

Typical for this middle range (and my personal favorite) are Pearl Izumi Slice Therma Fleece Tights. Thermal Fleece is a non-piling fleece bonded to stretch fabric, and will insulate when wet. The Slice tight feature an anatomic, 8 panel design and 8" ankle zippers. The Slice model does not include a chamois; you wear them over your cycling shorts. Cannondale's Midweight Chamois Bib Tights are worn without cycling shorts. They are made from Cannondale's 4-way-stretch Midweight Jersey Plus fabric for a custom fit and feel from the brushed fabric interior. 
For the below 35 degrees, you will need more wind protection. The Gore Vista Tight relies on Gore breathable Windstopper Soft Shell, a breathable, water resistant fabric that moves with your body. It is available with or without padding. Peal Izumi offers a tight with its own AmFIB windproof and waterproof fabric. From Sugoi, the Subzero Zap tights offer wind resistant fabric and 3M Reflective accents additional visibility.We welcome your comments on this or any post. If you have a topic you would like to learn more about, drop me an email at jhardcastle@bgindy.com.
Jay Hardcastle
Of Aglets and Other Bicycle Noises
The quiet of a bicycle is part of the attraction. Once away from the urban din of Indianapolis, we only expect the sounds of tires on pavement or trail, the mechanical buzz-purr of the chain, and our own exertion. But sometime there will be another noise, a tick, or click or rub. It may be continuous, only occur in certain gears, or have an infrequent mystery source. - Tire bulges (Both failing tires, and tires not seated correctly)
- Stones stuck in brake pads
- Rusted chain links
- Sand and tar on tires contacting the frame. (Don't laugh, a couple riding in Australia totaled a tandem frame with this one!)
- Out of true wheels hitting the frame
- Jackets and packs rubbing on the rear wheel through a rack
- Loose or broken spokes
- Small pieces of metal inside bicycle rims and frames
- Loose bottle cages and racks
- Springs in frame pumps
- Slipped front derailleur
- Those extra, unused, mounting bolts in some cycling shoes
- Air (Check tire for pressure, and check for tire damage from your last ride)
- Brakes (Levers don't touch the handlebar, pads adjusted to clear the rim)
- Chain (Lubed, with no visible rust)
- Quick Releases (Wheel mounted in frame correctly, and quick releases correctly set)
- Check (Make sure accessories bolted to your bike are snug)
Fenders For The All Season Rider
My first extended tour was 11 days and 900 miles, riding from Toledo, Ohio to St. Ignace, Michigan, and back. It rained 7 of those 11 days; not rain showers, but all day, record breaking, cats and dogs cloud burst rain. That was over 500 soaking wet miles. At the end of the trip, everything with bearings on my one year old bike needed to re-packed, and the headset and bottom bracket had to be replaced. Ever since I have never toured without fenders, and they stay year round on my touring/wet weather bike. I also keep fenders on the bike I ride for bicycle commuting in Indianapolis.
Splendor Full and Half Length Fenders. Partial length fenders are more common for mountain bikes, which must stop mud but still have wide clearance to prevent mud build up. If you don’t want a dedicated wet weather bike, clip on fenders like the
Planet Bike Freddy Fenders are available for road or mountain bikes, and can be installed and removed without tools. These are just a few of the brands and styles available at BGI.Along with protecting your bike from the elements, fenders are also part of your personal rain gear. Your feet and legs stay dryer, and your clothing and gear are protected from from road grit and grime. And if you are commuting, you co-workers will appreciate that!
Cables Are Key to Reliable Shifting
Every 3-4 years I have to tackle one of my more challenging bicycle repair tasks: replacing all the cables and housing on our tandem. Since our Santana tandem has 3 brakes (front and rear rim brakes and a rear hub brake), and bar end shifters, we have 5 cables under the front handle bar tape. The entire job requires 5 feet of gear housing, 10 feet of brake housing and 5 new cables. While I self maintain my bikes, you may want to just on the experienced bicycle mechanics in Indianapolis at BGI’s two locations.
Cable and housing have always been an important to shifting performance and reliability. On current drive trains, with 9,10 and 11 count cogs, smooth derailleur cable movement is more important that than ever.
For the ultimate in reliability and performance, many riders and bicycle mechanics like Gore Ride-on Cable System Kits, also available at BGI. ” Gore cables are possibly the best upgrade you can make on your shifting,” comments Mark Degunya, one of lead bicycle mechanics at BGI’s Greenwood store. “Every time I install a set, the customer has mentioned how much better it shifts. On my personal bike, I've been using the same cable set for 8 seasons and it still shifts perfectly.”
Cables seem insignificant, but a broken cable or bad shifting can ruin a weekend trip. If you can’t do it your self, it is worth having an experienced bicycle mechanic take a look and determine if your cables are due for replacement.
Keeping warm while keeping it light.

For years, experienced cyclists have relied on arm, knee, and leg warmers for cool weather riding in the spring and fall. Available in a variety of combinations fabric combinations of Lycra, Lycra & Fleece and wool, warmers for cycling are designed for wind protection and warmth while minimizing the restriction of movement and weight. Along with the elastic construction, some feature "gripper" fabric bands at the tops to keep them securely in place on the upper arm and thigh. Full-length (thigh to ankle) leg warmers may include a zipper for a snug fit over the ankle and easy removal over shoes. At Bicycle Garage Indy we feature arm, knee and leg warmers from Pearl Izumi and SmartWool.
For women, a new and popular to alternative to the traditional arm warmers is the Terry Thermal Bolero. The Bolero combines the coverage of arm warmers into single piece shoulder shrug. This is an especially nice piece for women who prefer sleeve-less jerseys.
A kit of arm and knee warmers, combined with a wind jacket or vest, gives any cyclist comfortable, lightweight options for spring and fall riding conditions. They are a great way expand both your riding wardrobe and riding season!
(Would you like to come into BGI for a cold weather clothing consultation? Contact BGI's Clothing Buyer, Kelly Crimmins, by email: kcrimmins@bgindy.com or by phone at 317-842-4140)
Bicycle Riding is not supposed to Hurt.
Far too many adults avoid riding a bicycle because they had a painful cycling experience in their lives. They have convinced themselves that cycling normally involves pain and that it's not for them. Their solution to cycling pain is to not ride at all or this............

The reality is that cycling should not be painful and the only sensations you should experience when you're done with your training ride or cycling event are fatigue and exhilaration. Short-term muscle soreness should be the result of the effort only, not a poorly adjusted bicycle. Getting the right cycling gear is only part of the equation - fitting your bike to you is the rest.
Starting with Serotta's Bicycle Fitting School in the late 1990s, the bicycle industry finally got around to recognizing the importance of good bicycle fit based on science. "Adjusting the bicycle to the rider" became the mantra for increasing customer comfort. Arguably the most advanced effort in promoting sound science in combination with bicycle fitting grew out of Serotta's efforts and later became SICI. Having a Certified Fitter on staff is becoming more important to bike stores everyday as more customers become aware of the benefits of a well fitted bicycle. Increased comfort and speed are the typical results of a good professional bike fitting.
If you spend hundreds of hours every year riding your bike around Indianapolis or elsewhere, it only makes sense to invest 2-3 hours to have your bicycle properly adjusted to your body and your pedaling style.
Here's a view of the Fitting Studio at BGI.

"Put your mettle to the pedals."
Shifting Gears program - "Every Kid Deserves a Bike"
Through Shifting Gears, BGI collects used bikes and bicycle parts in our Indianapolis and Greenwood stores on behalf of Volunteers of America of IN. Donated bikes and parts are taken to Indiana Department of Correction Pendleton facility where the bikes are refurbished or salvaged for parts for other bikes. Refurbished bikes are donated out to the community to organizations who serve people in need. It's a win-win-win situation for everyone. As you can imagine, the bikes we get in as donations sometimes need lots of work and need replacement parts, so BGI also collects donations of money to pay for new tubes, tires, chains and other bike parts. 
Since the program began in August 2006, more than 2000 bikes have been donated back out to the community, fulfilling the Shifting Gears mission: "Every Kid Deserves a Bike"
I don't often get the opportunity to participate in donations of bikes, but when I do it's really inspiring to see the smiles on the kid's faces as they receive their bikes.
Some of the lucky kids with bikes in Indianapolis because of Shifting Gears are pictured here and are now able to go on bike rides in Indianapolis.
Connie Szabo Schmucker
Advocacy Director
Bicycle Garage Indy