The 2nd Annual Historic Riverton Criterium (HRC) is on! All the action will be on Sunday, June 10th in beautiful Riverton, NJ. If you were there last year, you know how good it was. The stakes were high, the level of competition was even higher, and to be honest, we couldn’t have asked for a better day of racing. This year’s race will be even bigger with more racers, more sponsors, more prizes, more fun, more better!

If you want to mix it up  and try to make the podium, head over to the race registration page on BikeReg. All the pertinent info is there, but to sum it up, the first race will be the Cat 4s at 1:00pm, followed by a kids race, the Masters 35+, an older kids race, and finishing up the day with the CAT 1/2/3 race. Even if you don’t win, take comfort in knowing that proceeds from the race go to support the Riverton Free Library.

One of the great additions for the HRC 2012 will be the crew from SRAM Neutral Race Support. SRAM NRS will be there to aid the racers with top notch technical expertise and equipment, so if something goes wrong, the riders will have the best in the country helping to get them back in the race. The SRAM NRS crew is super nice, so even if you’re not racing, just stop by and say hi.

Another new feature the HRC 2012 will be the Specialized Test the Best demo truck. If you’re looking for your next bike and you want to see just how good a Specialized ride can be, bring your gear and ID and have some fun. Check out the Test the Best Road East page for more info or just put it in on your calendar.

If you just want a great excuse to get out of the city and enjoy the festivities, “like” the Historic Riverton Criterium on Facebook, then mark your calendar and get ready.

We’ll provide more updates and info as they come, but in the mean time, check out the links and stop by the shop.

We are happy to announce that we will begin to offer weekly repair and maintenance classes on Sunday mornings from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Beginning on June 17th you are invited to join Bicycle Therapy veterans Josh Robeson and Dawn Riddle for hands-on instruction.

The classes are broken up into four topic specific sessions covering everything from flat tire repair to chain installation and gear adjustment.

The first class is a “Roadside Repair” course intended to prepare you for small emergencies such as flat tires and chain derailment. The class costs $15 which includes a set of tire lever, a patch kit and an inner tube.

The second, third and fourth classes are for the more mechanically advanced cyclist, as well as those who have completed the roadside repair course. The topics covered are:

• Brakes – Cable lubrication, pad replacement, and brake adjustment.
• Derailleurs – Adjustment, trouble shooting, and lubrication.
• Chain and drive train – Removal, installation, and cleaning techniques.

These classes will be held on June 24th, July 1st, and July 8th and are offered only as a complete package. The fee is $45 for all three and includes a chain tool, master link pliers, lubricant, and cleaning solution.

Space in the classes is very limited so please call (215)735-7849 and register soon.

What’s better than a new bike? A free new bike.

We’re giving away a free bike on June 1st, and if you want a shot at it, all you have to do is sign up for our email list. If you’re already on the list, you’re already in the game, but if haven’t signed up for our emails yet, you should really do it. Like, now. More info and fine print after the jump.

Getting on the email list ensures that you’ll have the latest info about rides, repair classes, sales, events, and maintenance tips, and now it means you can win a free bike.

The sign-up thing is right over there, on the right-hand side of the page, so take ten seconds, sign up, and keep your fingers crossed.

And if you don’t win in June, just wait six months because on December 1st, we’ll be giving away another free bike. We just can’t say that enough times. Free. Bike.

A little fine print:

• If you win, you can pick any bike we carry worth up to $500.

• If you win and you’ve got your eye on a more expensive bike, you can use the prize as a $500 credit towards the cost of the bike you want, and then you pay the difference.

• If you win and you want a bike that’s less than $500, that’s great, but you don’t get the difference in cash or store credit.

• It’s local pick-up only, so if you win and you’re not ready, willing, or able to get it yourself, you’ll need to arrange for the bike to picked up in person by someone else.

• No sales tax will be added, but if you win, you’ll be responsible for any local or federal taxes for prizes.

If you’ve got any questions, email, call, or just stop by the shop.

If you live within the boundaries of Lombard, Moore, Broad, and the Schuylkill please take a moment to visit the bicycle registry site established by the 17th Police District and SOSNA (South of South Neighbor’s Association). By registering your bicycle it will be easier to track and recover if ever stolen.

Unfortunately bicycle theft is a major problem in Philadelphia. The Bicycle Registry is a pilot program and if readily adopted could spread throughout the city and greatly improve bicycle recovery rates. Spread the word to friends who live in the designated area, as the success of this program depends on the community’s participation.

The excellent Andrew Dalzell of SOSNA has worked directly with the 17th Police District, the Bicycle Coalition, and neighborhood businesses to launch the registry. While you can register now, the official kick-off will be this Saturday at the annual Plazapalooza street festival. From 1 pm to 2 pm officers from the 17th district will assign registration numbers and etch them on bicycles.

Bicycle Therapy is proud to help sponsor The Works, Vol. II: a ride/race held in the city and with all proceeds going to support Neighborhood Bike Works, one of our absolute favorite local non-profits.

If you’re not already familiar with Neighborhood Bike Works, you really should be. Here’s what they do:

“The Mission of Neighborhood Bike Works is to increase opportunities for urban youth in underserved neighborhoods in greater Philadelphia by offering educational, recreational, and career-building opportunities through bicycling; it also promotes cycling as a healthy, affordable, environment-friendly form of transportation.” 

How cool is that? From their after-school programs, to their summer camp, to their employment opportunities for young people, to their work in the cycling community and beyond, NBW is a great organization and they deserve our support. We might be a little biased – both Andy and Toby used to work there – but can you blame us?

Long story short, if you support cycling and kids, and you’re looking for a something fun to do on May 5th, check out the race, the ride, the after party, and support NBW in the process.

Paris-Roubaix, perhaps the most famous and most demanding one-day cycling race of the year, was this past weekend. If you’re a cycling fan, you probably spent your Sunday morning with your jaw on the floor, watching Tom Boonen just ride away from the field aboard his Specialized Roubaix and take his record-tying fourth win in the event.

It was a masterful performance, and to celebrate Tommeke’s big win, we’re putting all our 2012 Specialized Roubaix SL3 bikes on sale.* In addition to the 2012 SL3 bikes, we’ve still got two 2011 Specialized Roubaix SL2 Apex bikes on sale. If it’s in stock, it’s on sale. The list of available bikes is after the jump, so check it out, come see them in person, and find out why nothing is smoother is faster.

2012 Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL3** | MSRP $8000 | SALE $7200

Size(s) available: 54cm/Medium

** Please note: the spec for this bike differs from the info on the Specialized website. The bike we have in stock is has a set of 2012 Zipp 101 clinchers (black rims, spokes, hubs), black Specialized S-Wrap Roubaix bar tape, and a black Specialized Toupe Expert Body Geometry saddle. Essentially, it’s a little different and TOTALLY bad ass.  

2012 Specialized Roubaix SL3 Ui2 Compact | MSRP $5500 | SALE $5000

Size(s) available: 54cm/Medium, 56cm/Large

2012 Specialized Roubaix SL3 SRAM RED Compact | MSRP $5300 | SALE $4800

Size(s) available: 54cm/Medium, 56cm/Large

* Please note the following:

• Sale pricing on in-stock bikes only
• All final transactions must be done in person, in the shop
• Deposits up to 30% can be taken over the phone
• Deposits of at least 30% will hold the bike for up to 30 days
• All deposits are non-refundable, all sales are final

While the weather is getting warmer, it’s can still get pretty cold, and as all cyclist’s know well, a good pair of gloves can be the difference between a comfy ride and a cold, miserable ride.

We’re clearing out all our cold weather gloves, so if you need a new pair for those chilly morning rides or if you’re stocking up for next winter, come by and get a great deal some fantastic gloves. Check out models and pricing after the jump.

Tough enough to ride in the absolute worst conditions? The Sub Zero features a removable core layer for essential warmth and a waterproof outer shell for temperatures plummeting below 25°F/-5°C.

• Primaloft™ insulated backhand is super light and warm
• Bike-specific design isolates trigger finger for superior dexterity and increases warmth for others
• Fully waterproof outer Hipora™ shell provides protection in the harshest weather
• Windproof micro-fleece core liner can be worn separately in warmer weather
• High-grip palm material works even better in wet weather
• Reflective panel on back of hand and forefinger for enhanced winter riding safety

Even in cold rain or snow, these insulated and fully waterproof gloves will keep your digits warm in wind-chilled weather down to 32°F/0°C.

• Thinsulate™ backhand and palm for superior warmth
• Fully waterproof internal Hipora™ shell
• Slim-fit elastic cuff keeps wrists warm and comfortable
• Reflective construction for enhanced winter riding safety
• High-grip palm material reinforced with Clarino leather works well in wet weather
• Absorbent microfiber thumb surface for wiping away sweat

Change your music or make that critical phone call (NOT while riding of course!) without taking off your gloves—WireTap technology makes these gloves touchscreen-friendly. The Element is also completely windproof and features a Hydrophobic Ax Suede fit palm.

• Touch Screen compatible
• Body Geometry technology reduces hand numbness by relieving pressure on the sensitive ulnar nerve
• Hydrophobic Ax suede fit palm to increase stretch, comfort and water-resistant
• Gore® Windstopper upper
• Minimal internal finger seams for max comfort
• Slip-on cuff for minimal bulk, snug fit
• Highly visible reflective upper hand details

Combining a wind- and-rain-resistant upper with a soft shell palm for improved breathability, this glove provides comfortable protection for temps down to 45ºF/7ºC.

• Upper uses a wind/water-resistant membrane with a warm fleece inner to keep hands toasty and dry
• BG pad reduces hand numbness by relieving pressure on the sensitive ulnar nerve
• Brushed microfiber thumb brushes away sweat, plus it’s windproof for added protection
• Water/wind-resistant palm and silicone fingertips for solid grip on levers
• Slip-on cuff has extra length for warmer wrists
• High visibility reflective piping for safety at night

Sized specifically for women, the Deflect uses soft shell materials with a wind- and-rain-resistant upper for improved breathability, providing protection down to 45ºF/7ºC.

• Proportional sizing for women’s palm width and finger length
• Upper uses a wind/water-resistant membrane with a warm fleece inner to keep hands toasty and dry
• BG pad reduces hand numbness by relieving pressure on the sensitive ulnar nerve
• Absorbent microfiber thumb surface for wiping away sweat
• Water/wind-resistant palm and silicone fingertips for solid grip on levers
• Slip-on cuff has extra length for warmer wrists
• High visibility reflective piping for safety at night

Uber-cozy and fleece-lined, this BG glove is windproof and breathable for protection in dry conditions down to 50ºF/10ºC.

• Upper uses a wind-resistant membrane with a warm fleece inner to keep hands toasty and dry
• BG pad reduces hand numbness by relieving pressure on the sensitive ulnar nerve
• Reinforced Micromatrix synthetic leather palm is supple and durable
• Soft, absorbent Microwipe™ thumb for brushing away sweat
• Slip-on cuff has extra length for coverage
• Reflective printing for visibility at night

That’s right! The Specialized Globe Daily 1 – the perfect blend of simplicity, practicality, and style – is on sale at Bicycle Therapy. We’ve got the Step-Through model, in the gorgeous light blue, available in all sizes, and the classic black non-step-through is available in both medium and large.

If you’re looking for a lightweight, ready-to-bike bike that you can just throw your leg over and ride, look no further than the Daily 1. Oh, and you can save $50 too.

The Specialized S-Works Epic Carbon 29 XTR is such an amazing bike that it’s hard to describe, in large part because there’s nothing you can really compare it to. I mean really, name another full suspension 29er XC Race bike that weighs just over 20 lbs and has won multiple world championships. I dare you. They just don’t exist.

You know what else doesn’t exist? ANY 2012 S-Works Epics. Specialized just isn’t making any more, and we just got rid of the last one available. In the country. Until 2013. Yup. We know.

But don’t worry, we’ve got the Epic Comp 29 (1/3 the price of the S-Works) in stock, in your size. Check out more info after the jump.

The Comp is a mind-blowing bike in it’s own right, and you can use that extra $7K+ to, ya know, gas up the Jag or whatever. For more info on the most affordable head-exploding bike you can ride, our demo bike program, or anything else for that matter, just call, email, or stop by the shop.

We brought LOOK Cycles into the shop for the 2011 model year and the reception has been fantastic. There’s something almost indescribable about how good a LOOK bike feels that separates it from the pack. They’re smooth, light, lively, quick, and they just make you want to keep riding.

LOOK bikes not only ride really well, they look amazing too.  LOOK has been making carbon fiber frames longer than anyone, and their bikes really wear their innovations on their proverbial sleeve. The really cool thing is that even though the technological advances are easily readable, the bikes have a timelessness to them soon you know they’ll always look great.

The game remains the same for 2012. LOOK is sticking with their 2011 frame sets, but updating them with refined paint schemes and great components. We have a lot the 2012 models in the shop now, so check them out after the jump and stop by, call, or email for more info.

The 2012 LOOK 695 features the same great frame module (frame, fork, headset, set, seatpost, and crank) as 2011, but with the new Cofidis team colors and SRAM Red components. The 2012 695 is available for special order now.

The 2012 LOOK 586 UD (Uni-Directional carbon fiber) Ultegra will is stock now, in both Medium/53cm and Large/55cm.

The 2012 LOOK 566 Ultegra is the great frame as the 2011 566 but with a little better parts spec. The 2012 566 Ultegra is now available for special order.

The 2012 LOOK 566 105 is in stock now, available in Medium/53cm, Large/55cm, and X-Large/57cm. 

Well, it’s finally happened: all our 2011 bikes are sold. If you slept on the clearance sale, that’s a bummer, but if you’re still shopping for a new bike, we’ve got lots of 2012 bikes that are great values for money and we’ve got a few current model year bikes on sale too. Specifically, all our 2012 Specialized Roubaix SL3 and Globe Daily 1 bike are about 10% off. Long story short, come by anytime to check out our selection and we’re sure you’ll find the perfect bike.

It’s back! If you didn’t get a $5 Flat Fix Punch Card a few months ago, now is your chance. The cards will be on available through the end of March, so get yours now.

How does the punch card work? It’s simple. Buy the card for $25, get your card punched every time you get a flat fixed, and you save a bunch of money.

How much money? A flat fix costs $12 (i.e. $7 for the tube, $5 for labor), but the labor rate going up $1 on April 1st. So, if you use the punch card rather than paying for each flat individually, you automatically save up to $40.

Just so you know know, our flat fix rate is going up for a very, very good reason. Bicycle Therapy is now recycling every inner tube and tire we replace, so nothing ends up in a landfill. The extra dollar covers the costs associated with the proper, responsible disposal of your old tubes and tires.

Riding bikes, acting responsibly, and saving money. What’s not to like?

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, shoes are by far one the easiest, least expensive, and most effective way to improve your experience on the bike. Shoes that are comfy, stiff, and light will make you happier and faster. Period.

If you want an upgrade or you just need a new pair, come by and check out our sale on Shimano Cycling Shoes. Take over 50% off MSRP, which can mean savings up to $80! We’ve got super-comfy and stiff shoes and women specific fit shoes from $50 – $60 What more could you want? Hit “Read More” for models and pricing, or just come by the shop.

Shimano SH-R086 | MSRP $110 | SALE $60

“Full Featured Shoe Ideal For Club and Recreational Use”

• Upper/Enclosure: Micro-adjust buckle and dual asymmetrical straps
• Sole: Lightweight glass fiber reinforced-polyamide sole
• Cleat options: Shimano SPD (or any two bolt MTB cleat), Shimano SPD-SL, LOOK Keo/Delta, Speedplay (w/adaptor plate)

Shimano SH-R076, R077 | MSRP $100 | SALE $50

“All Around Sport”

• Upper/Enclosure: Triple asymmetrical straps eliminate pressure points
• Sole: Lightweight glass fiber reinforced-polyamide sole
• Cleat options: Shimano SPD (or any two bolt MTB cleat), Shimano SPD-SL, LOOK Keo/Delta, Speedplay (w/adaptor plate)

Women’s Road

Shimano SH-WR40 | MSRP $110 | SALE $60

“Full Featured Shoe Ideal For Club and Recreational Use”

• Upper/Enclosure: Women’s Specific Fit w/micro-adjust buckle and dual asymmetrical straps
• Sole: Lightweight glass fiber reinforced-polyamide sole
• Cleat options: Shimano SPD (or any two bolt MTB cleat), Shimano SPD-SL, LOOK Keo/Delta, Speedplay (w/adaptor plate)

Women’s MTB

Shimano SH-WM50 | MSRP $100 | SALE $50

Pop quiz! A good helmet:

A) Keeps you safe

B) Cools your head

C) Fits well

D) Looks great

E) All of the above

Pencils down. If you answered E) All of the above, you passed and you can go ride your bike. If you didn’t get the correct answer and/or you’re still reading in the hope of being better prepared next time, you should know a that a good helmets does A through D well. A great helmet does it all really well and does it at an affordable price. The Specialized Propero II is a really great helmet, but you don’t have to take our word for it.

BikeRadar.com just confirmed what we’ve known for a while now: The Specialized Propero II delivers level of performance and style that you’d expect from top-shelf lids like its big brother and Pro Tour favorite the Specialized S-WORKS Prevail, but at less than half the price. The Propero II, in addition to passing or exceeding all safety standards, features Specialized’s 4D cooling, ultra-adjustable retention and sizing systems, and styling so similar to the S-WORKS Prevail that you’ll fool your riding buddies for a long time. The best feature of the Propero II is that fact that even though it’s an incredible value for money, you’ll never be compromising performance and you’ll never regret your choice.

We’ve got the Specialized Propero II in stock in all sizes and colors, so stop by soon to get yours.

BikeRumor just published a really fantastic post in which they interview Dr. Roger Minkow (the inventor of the original Body Geometry saddles back in 1999) about the evolution of the Specialized Romin BG saddle. The Romin, in many ways, is the culmination of everything Dr. Minkow and Specialized have learned about building saddles that improve the rider’s experience.

Men’s Journal just recognized the 2012 Romin Evo in their annual “Gear of the Year” list, CyclingNews.com recently gave the Romin Pro a perfect 5 out of 5 star score, and all this just confirms what we’ve known since the original Romin debuted a few years ago: it’s revolutionary saddle that delivers unprecedented performance and comfort while maintaining blood flow and eliminating pressure better than any saddle before. We’ve got the Romin in stock in multiple versions and widths, so if you want to try the best BG saddle yet, stop by the shop for a test ride.

There’s really no other way to say it: Bicycle Therapy-Melitta Racing had a great weekend on the cyclocross course. Like, a really great weekend. Between Saturday and Sunday at the Long Island Super Cross Cup and Kutztown Cross, the team won six races, took two second place finishes, and multiple top-tens. Not too shabby.

Domination at the Long Island Super Cross Cup:

Linda Mattioni beat the women’s 3/4 field both days, and Nathalie Anderson finished twice in the top ten.

Mikey Green won the men’s 2/3/4 race on Sunday and Brendan McGrath took second place both days.

Meanwhile in Kutztown…

Gerry Adasavage, Dan Langlois, and Jack Drummond won the Men’s Elite, Masters 35+, and 3/4 race respectively.

For more info on the team, check out the blog, find them on Facebook, or just head to some local races.

2012 is shaping up to be quite the year for Specialized. The Venge was introduced on a Wednesday this past spring and was promptly ridden to victory at Milan-San Remo, the Amira got a complete redesign to make the best women’s race bike even better, and now we’ve got the 2012 Tarmac SL4.

The Tarmac has won the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, the Tour of Flanders, and hundreds of other races since it’s debut half a dozen years ago. It’s gone through a lot of changes since 2005, but the Tarmac has always distinguished itself has being the best combination of the most sought-after attributes. Specialized, as it so often does, distilled the description of the bike down to its essence: Nothing is Stiffer and Lighter.

The new 2012 Tarmac SL4 continues the tradition of innovation by increasing overall torsional stiffness, decreasing the total weight of the frameset, but the icing on the cake is that the engineers in California somehow managed to do all that while make the bike more vertically compliant, aka more comfortable.

If you’re into numbers and graphs, check out the info below. You can find a lighter bike, you can’t find a stiffer bike, and definitely can’t find a lighter and stiffer bike. Combine this winning combo with handling that’s second to none and comfort rarely seen on a competition bike, and you’ve got what might be the best road bike, ever. If you want to find out what this kind of performance feels like, stop by the shop for a test ride and/or spend a day one of our demo Tarmacs.

The 2012 bikes are coming in fast, so it’s only right that we have 2012 demo bikes. We have four models to choose from this year, so whether you’re looking for a new speed machine, an all-day endurance ride, or a fast off-road whip, we’ve got you covered. Check out the demo models and info after the jump and stop by when you’re ready to test the best.

The Bike: 2012 Jamis Xenith Pro Ui2

Why the future will never be the same: the Xenith Pro is a full carbon competition frame with Shimano Ultegra Di2 (Ui2) electronic shifting. That’s right. Careful not get it up to 88mph, or you just might meet your parents when they were in high school.

Sizes available: 54cm/MD

The Bike: 2012 Specialized Roubaix Elite Rival

Why you’ll never want to stop riding it: the Roubaix is a full carbon fiber endurance bike that’s fast enough to win its namesake race for three straight years yet smooth enough to make you want to ride it all day.

Sizes available: 52cm/SM | 54cm/MD | 56cm/LG | 58cm/XL

The Bike: 2012 Specialized Tarmac Elite Rival

Why it looks so good in yellow: the Tarmac is a full carbon fiber competition bike with a Tour de France winning pedigree, super-precise handling, and a comfortable ride rarely found in this class of bikes.

Sizes Available: 54cm/MD | 56cm/LG

The Bike: 2012 Specialized Crux Expert Force

Why you’ll need a 4th bike: the Crux is a no-holds-barred cyclocross competition bike. Its agile handling, lightweight E5 alloy frame, carbon fork with a tapered steerer tube, and top notch SRAM Force kit makes for the Crux a serious CX racer that’s seriously fun to ride. On the Crux, you can take on mud, grass, sand, roots, barriers, the run-up, and pavement with aplomb. You’ve already got commuter, road, and mountain bikes, but after you ride the Crux, you know you’ll need a cyclocross bike too.

Sizes available: 52cm/SM | 54cm/MD | 56cm/LG

The Bike: 2012 Specialized Epic Comp 29

Why you won’t be able to get a smile off your face: the Epic has created a new class of mountain bike. the full suspension XC competition-level 29er. It combines all the benefits of 29in wheels, full suspension, and Specialized’s legendary MTB geometry and handling. Long story short, this bike is insanely fun and fast.

Sizes available: MD | LG

Even though it’s October (!), it’s hard to believe that the cold, wet months are just around the bend. The weather is great and perfect riding, but it won’t be for long. We hate rain on your parade, but you know that soon enough there will be a morning too wet or an evening too dark to ride. That’s when you’ll look to your trainer and be glad you got a CycleOps at Bicycle Therapy.

Known for their smoothness and dependability, CycleOps Trainers are some of the few things people ask for by name. We’ve got three models in stock to suit all needs and budgets, along with all the essential accessories. All the models – Fluid2, Magneto, and Mag – come with the RealRides RaceDayTraining DVD to help focus your workouts. Whether you’re buying your first trainer or you’ve already got one, you probably need a Trainer Mat to keep things quiet and in place, a Climbing Riser Block to change things up, and/or a Bike Thong to keep the bike clean and your phone and remote close at hand. Check out our selection after the jump and stop in, call, or email for more info.

The ritual is familiar to all of us: bottles are full, tires checked, computer reset, and now to get the essentials into your jersey pockets. Tubes and tools can take the elements, snacks are prepackaged, dollar bills are tough, and photo IDs and credit cards are plastic,  but phones will perish if they get wet.

We never know when we’ll ride through a puddle or worse yet, get caught in a downpour. Usually a sandwich bag from the kitchen drawer will suffice, and it might get used for the next ride, but it’ll probably find its way into the trash.

Enter the JerseyBin: a resealable waterproof pouch designed to fit perfectly into your jersey pocket and so durable that you can use it for years of riding. They’re only $7 and they’re big enough to fit a smartphone in its case, an ID plus a card or two, and a few bills. Stop by shop, get yours, and save more than your phone.