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“Hey Bike Guy, what’s the deal with clipless pedals?

This is a common point of confusion. The principle here is that it is more efficient to have your feet fixed to the pedals so that you may issue force to the cranks while pulling up as well as pushing down. Originally, pedals were mounted with “clips and straps”--you’ve likely seen these on the indoor cycling (stationary) bikes at your health club. In order to be efficient, the straps have to be very secure. Historical side effects of this system included numb toes (from tight straps), frustration/inconvenience related to bending down to loosen the straps, and sometimes injury from falling. “Clipless” pedals have a funny and ironic name since they really do “clip”. The system simply involves some sort of spring activated clip on a pedal that holds a metal or plastic “cleat” that is mounted to the bottom of your cycling shoe. To release your foot from the grip of the pedal, you simply swing your heal laterally (out board).

There are two categories of clipless pedals and shoes: road and mountain. The road pedals have a large platform designed for ultimate power transfer and mountain pedal systems utilize smaller cleats that are capable of fitting into the recessed areas of mountain bike shoes, which come with tread for more traction when you’re off your bike.

“What about Spinning (registered trade mark) shoes?”
Any mountain bike shoe, because the treads protect the cleat from hitting the ground, are suitable for use at your health club. Most clubs don’t allow exposed cleats--they’re slippery and might wreck wood floors. The indoor cycles almost always are equipped with the SPD (Shimano Pedal Device) pedals.

Kiddles offers both road and mountain pedals, shoes, and cleats. We’re always happy to discuss the systems and which one is right for you!

Have a Tryptophantastic Thanksgiving!

After you and yours are tranquilized by Turkey (Istanbul, pictured here), satiated with socialization, and fed-up with football, swing over to Market
Square and see us at Kiddles. Nothing celebrates the traditions of gift-giving like the gift of a bicycle: Fun, Fitness, and Function.

Ride, Fold, Repeat. . .

I am thoroughly enthralled with folding bikes and Dahon, by far, is the best option out there. The Bike Guy Stable now contains three Dahons, that have afforded me the luxury of leaving the car in the driveway for days at a time. The commute from Racine to Lake Forest travels through beautifully paved and tree-canopied roads, deer-trodden bike paths and "I am bicyclist,hear me roar" bike lanes. After a ride of 8-9 miles, depending on route, the bike is folded, bagged and brought onto the Metra along with my cup of coffee purchased for one dollar from Ray, the forever polite, Sandwich Stop Cafe proprietor. The train ride often involves a light nap, maybe a quick read, but never angst-ridden, finger-flipping driving.

On weekdays I exit the train at Lake Bluff and ride the last two miles to Kiddles. On Saturdays, I either ride the whole 30 miles, or exit the train earlier yet, at North Chicago.

You may read all the technical data on Dahon Bikes at their web site and who knows, technical data will likely show up on this blog. But for now, we are focused on the prospect of you getting the Dahon Religion and ending your worship of the petrol-burning beast. Like any life change, you will go through contemplation that argues for and against the New Way. One of the many reasons you will buy your bike at Kiddles is the "counseling" you receive--more on my former life as a Mental Health Therapist at a later date.

Dahon has graciously allowed us to purchase certain frame sets for the purpose of creating "Designer Dahons". Most of these bikes have been fixed gear, or single speed bikes, like the one pictured above. They are incredibly light and the 20" versions feature the larger, 451 sized, wheels. I brought my little Dahon Mu fixed gear on a 109 mile ride last year and enjoyed some gritty 21-26mph pace line action. A viable bike? I should think so.

Hey Parents, Grandparents, and other "Santa's Helpers"!

Santa’s bicycle workshop is already humming at Kiddles and we have already sold bikes that will be given for the holidays! We will “hide” your purchase in Kiddle’s “Santa’s Storage Spot” and use a secret coding system so prying eyes won’t notice. If you like, we can even arrange delivery!

Kiddles will make your season more Fun, Fit, and Functional with your gift of a bicycle.
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Season/Schmeason! Ride your bike all year

As the saying goes, there is no bad weather just bad gear. Winter in the Chicagoland area graces us with weeks of temps that are sub-freezing (see bikewinter.org). With the right clothing, you’ll be riding in 20 degree or colder temperatures and laughing bravely when the mercury is in the 30’s.

Yeah, you’ve heard of layering before, but are you wearing the right stuff?
Your cycling body is the engine of your machine as well as the furnace that keeps you warm. Your clothing must do an effective job of retaining heat and eliminating moisture. Three different types of garments is all you need. Wear them in varying combinations to work toward ultimate comfort in all conditions.

Base Layer: Under Armour is effective at wicking the moisture away from your body. Choose a similar product and pick a snug fit to optimize the fabric’s moisture movement technology.

Mid Layer: A micro fleece, or soft shell fabric works here. Choose a piece that has a higher collar and a “half zip” to use when you heat up. The idea here is to create a thermal layer that keeps you warm. The mid-layer will accept the moisture from your base-layer and wick it away to be evaporated.

Shell: Most folks look at a shell and wonder how the heck they will stay warm in something that is so light--something that reminds them of a Sring jacket. A good shell will block wind, retain heat, vent/breath moisture, and in some cases, block rain.

Cotton Kills! Cotton does an excellent job of retaining sweat and inviting hypothermia--not good. Need a natural fabric? Choose wool, it is the original technical fabric and happens to be the only material that still keeps you warm when it is wet.

Bring your extremities into the extreme. It is really tough to recommend specific hand and foot gear, as folks tolerances vary widely. Here are some products that work:

Hands: buy a pair of light “glove liners” made of a wicking fabric. Look for a pair that has gripper material on the palm so you may ride safely with this pair alone. Then choose a winter cycling glove that can be worn with or without your liners, depending on the temperature. The “lobster claw” type uses the buddy system to allow your fingers to be paired off and warm.

Feet: use a thin base layer sock with a wool hiking sock over it. Make sure that you loosen your shoes, or buy new ones that allow for the extra sock material. Shoes that are too tight do not allow air layering and thus make your feet freeze. Booties made of neoprene fit over your shoes, but allow your cleats to stick through. They block wind and cold. A less extreme version comes in the form of toe covers. Fleece-lined neoprene socks are needed for the coldest days.

Hand and foot warmer packets may be inserted accordingly--some folks say these help tons on sub zero days!