FAQ

BASIC BIKE BUYING

What bike is right for me?
Whether you are a mountain biker, a roadie or a commuter, we′ve got a bike that fits your sense of fun. Road bikes, mountain bikes, cruisers and hybrids are tools as different as screwdrivers and sewing machines. To make sure you don′t try to hang a picture with a jackhammer, ask yourself a few questions:
-Will I be riding strictly for pleasure or might I do errands and commuting?
-Will I be riding off-road or on?
-How long do I want my rides to last?
-How often will I ride my bike?
-How much am I willing to spend?

Your personal sense of fun will guide your answers. Our staff has been trained to take your answers and direct you to the perfect bike for you.

How do I pick the right size?
Wearing your jeans six sizes too big might the fashion in some circles, but a bicycle sized that way isn’t too useful. So when we say bicycles should fit like clothing, we′re thinking tailors and hems. At Cynergy Cycles, we select a bike to fit the rider, rather than asking the rider to adapt to the bicycle. A properly sized bicycle will offer more comfort and greater efficiency to the rider, allowing you to go further with less effort, or faster at the same effort. We have several staff members who have extensive training in how to size a bicycle to the rider. Private fitting sessions typically take 1-2 hours and must be scheduled in advance. Our staff can schedule an appointment for you.

Do I need the weird clothes to ride?
We admit it, the first time we saw ourselves in cycling clothing we all thought, “What a dork!” The good news is that cycling clothing is to cycling comfort what first class is to air travel. Cycling shorts put the pad against your body to insulate you from the firm saddle and the chafing that could occur from sliding around on the saddle. Other cycling apparel draws moisture away from your body like a sponge on a wet counter. Cycling shoes support your feet with a stiff sole to give each pedal stroke more power. When you combine cycling shoes with clipless pedals you get acceleration and control you thought only cheetas had.

Is a helmet really necessary?
In a word, yes. In the unlikely event of a fall, a good helmet can mean the difference between a touch of soreness and a trip to the hospital. Additionally, today′s helmets look sharp and can channel more hot air over your head in an hour than a politician puts out in a stump speech. Put another way, you’ll be cooler, and cooler.

What is there other than racing?
Not to put too fine a point on it, a lot, actually. Racing can be a fun way to find out just how much you like to suffer, but there are many other forms of cycling as much, if not more enjoyable. Fun rides, charity rides and centuries are the perfect excuse to see the world around you without being enclosed by glass. These rides offer rest stops with food and drinks to keep you going, marked scenic courses to show you the beauty of a new locale and the opportunity to meet other like-minded folks. Organized rides can range in length from 20 miles up to 200.

What’s the purpose of a club?
Clubs offer cyclists instant friends with the same interest. Think of it as a fraternity or sorority, but without the hazing. Travel with them to events, share training tips and get the lowdown on the newest equipment. Clubs also offer resources for coaching, teammates to work with at races and important motivation for mornings when nothing beats the bed. Ask any of our staff about the Cynergy Cycles Club.

How do I start racing?
If the local training rides just aren’t hard enough anymore, it may be time to try your hand at racing. Going fast, leaning through tight corners, diving for finish lines, races are the ultimate way to explore your fitness and test your competitive spirit. To learn more about how to take up racing, visit the web site for the sport’s governing body here in the U.S., USA Cycling: www.usacycling.org.