Buying a Bike - The Pedaler Process

Harry Dennis

The cycling industry is awash with incredible deals on great quality bikes. There is also a huge second hand market flooded with proper weapons.  It truly is a buyers market with access to deals and bikes across a range of platforms.

You can walk in to any concept store and buy a top of the line bike often for heavily discounted prices. They come out of a factory, already half assembled, with the same bar, stem, tyres, saddles, cranks. While you get a whole lot of bike for your buck, the client has very little control over the types of the components included or the sizes of these elements. You save money by buying a bike built for a generalised geometry driven by industry standards. 

Harry Dennis

At 'The Pedaler', we understand the appeal of this and we appreciate it provides certain fiscal and quality related benefits.  The quality of bikes available through this network has never been better and there are some super shops selling some beautiful rigs.

Nick Woods

However, we believe an alternative process should be available to the client.  When buying a bike through 'The Pedaler', you are in control of the entire process. Everything from the choice of tubes through to the frame colour is a decision to be made by the client. We also work closely with the best bike fitters in Queensland to ensure that all the parts of the bike are perfectly suited to you and your riding style.

Harry Dennis

We are aware that we are not always able to compete based purely on price point for some components given the discounting afforded the larger chains and their strong relationships with certain companies.  With that in mind, we are openly transparent regarding the build cost break down and strive to get you the exact bike you want.  This may mean sourcing rare components or items to help make your bike unique.  We strive to get you the bike you want at a fair and reasonable price.  Every build we complete is unique and every client gets the same care and attention along the way.  

Once your bike is ready, we encourage you to take it for a test ride alongside our Pedaler / Cobra9 Elite Squad. Take the opportunity to get a few tips and enjoy a brew with some of Queensland's best and most promising road cyclists.

Every build we complete is unique and every client gets the same care and attention along the way.

Nathan White

The trio of bike brands we carry, Ridley, Colnago and Johnson, are all companies we have 100% faith in. They are very different, and yet similar at the same time. All brands create aesthetically beautiful bikes and back that up with a high level of performance. Ridley allows us the freedom to choose custom paint and designs, and incorporate the full group set into the builds to make the price point remarkably competitive.

Colnago is one of the oldest and most well known brands on the market with a place in the industry untouched by other contemporary players. 

Johnson is one of the newest and most exciting brands to emerge in the boutique space and comes locally from the Sunshine state.

All brands create aesthetically beautiful bikes and back that up with a high level of performance.

I am excited about building dream machines for our clients.  Every dream machine starts as an idea.  A concept that needs finessing.  Have a chat to us at 'The Pedaler' and experience the comprehensive and personalised approach that we are well known for.

Cyclebro

Words - Josh P.

FLEXIBILITY? Why stretching is not enough.

I have been stretching for years and I still can't touch my toes.

I stretch to help my recovery between workouts.

I stretch lots but I don't notice much improvement.

I stretch but the changes I make don't last.

Does this sound like you?

Stretching addresses tension in the muscle-tendon unit by lengthening short and tight muscles. There are several different factors that can affect joint range of motion and hinder performance.

• Short and tight muscles

• Myofascial trigger points

• Soft tissue restriction

• Joint capsule restriction

• Motor control problems

• Joint range of motion dysfunction

• Neural dynamic issues

These can be complex issues that require identification and analysis by a Health Professional. However, there are two areas that I regularly teach patients to deal with at home:

1. Soft tissue restrictions

2. Joint capsule restrictions

       Soft tissue restrictions can be treated with a form of myofascial release; foam rolling, massage, dry needling, acupuncture or cupping. These modalities all have their pro's and con's but in different ways, they all alter the state of muscles and fascia. They reduce muscular tension and an improve the ability for fascia to slide and glide.

       Joint capsule restrictions require a different piece of equipment.  Power bands.  Joints are just like any structure in the human body.  They require regular use to ensure ongoing quality function. The tissue structures around joints can tighten and become less flexible if not taken to end range of motion regularly. The power band is used to distract the joint apart efficiently. 

Drop in today and have a chat to David about how to improve your performance with a more effective method than stretching alone.

Note: Banded mobilisations should not be attempted by anyone with hypermobile joints or significant ligamentous laxity.  If you are unsure of whether you should roll on a certain spot on your body check with a health practitioner or strength and conditioning coach.

David Gruhl

B. Hth Sc (Pod). Hons

Latest Collaboration between Attaquer and The Athletic // 'Bande de Filles'

Bande de Filles

In a time of routine collaborations between brands across the cycling, it's refreshing to see a unique female orientated concept emerge under the steam of Attaquer and The Athletic. Bande de Filles, which translates to 'girl gang' or 'girl band', is the brain child of Julie Krasniak and the lads from Attaquer.  The designs developed in conjunction with designer Rachel Peck finesse the thin line between sportswoman, role model and brand ambassador.  See the full article from The Athletic here or the down low from Attaquer here.

The outsome is a range of products that look very cool and are a perfect fit for all the brands involved.  The female only kit looks subtle but striking.  The colour palate also blends nicely across the range of products.  In an industry saturated with countless male orientated kits, this collaboration marks a subtle deviation towards the female aesthetic.  It does this without falling victim to the pure woman's specific approach that ostracises the many with cliched patterns and colour palates.  With so many guys asking if this kit will be released in a male cut, you could argue the tables have been neatly turned.

In an industry saturated with countless male orientated kits, this collaboration marks a subtle deviation towards the female aesthetic.

As an official stockist of both Attaquer and The Athletic, The Pedaler will be carrying a selection from the range including bidons, socks and women's specific kit.  The socks and bidons landed today and look the business.  As soon as the kit arrives in store, we'll let you know.  Drop by and have a browse.

Nathan White

Benefits of being a 'Pedaler' Patient.

If you're lucky enough to be one of our special podiatry/orthotic clients and your feet reside at our 'macabre' storage facility, then you're set for life.  All of our orthotic customers are able to organise a second set of orthotics for no out of pocket expense if they have applicable health insurance.  

Simply make a time to see us and we can ensure that we have your prescription and needs met, then we can fabricate and get your new orthotics out to you within a few days.  This may be a set of walking, running or cycling orthotics.  

This may be a set of walking, running or cycling orthotics

If you're unsure regarding your entitlements, contact your Private Health Fund today and make sure you are getting the most from your coverage.

Call us for more details.  If you aren't an existing client of ours, then rest assured, once you are part of The Pedaler family, you too will be entitled to the same generous treatment.

The Pedaler Cares.  Your LBS and LPP (Local Podiatry Practice).

Wheels aren't Wheels and the thirst for G2I - Johnson Bikes Part 2.

Cont. from Part 1.

NW: So then Featherlight Wheels came along?

BJ: Yeah yeah.  It was just an offside to the Johnson bikes.  The wheel market had become quite flooded, and I guess last year, it was a case of continue to do it and do it well or don't do it all.

NW: Because there was an earlier incarnation of Featherlight Wheels which has since been usurped?

BJ:  Yeah for sure.  We were just using basic moulds and that kind of thing.  Now as part of the learning process with Johnson Bikes, and applying the ideas and technology that has come through from building and manufacturing carbon fibre bikes we have brought the same quality into the wheelsets.  I was contacted by a small exclusive factory over there, and have been working with them for the past 12 months. What we are doing with our wheels now, I am very proud of.

Now as part of the learning process with Johnson Bikes, and applying the ideas and technology that has come through from building and manufacturing carbon fibre bikes we have brought the same quality into the wheelsets

NW: I know the components are incredibly high quality. The Sapim CX Ray spokes are top shelf. The T11 White Industry hubs, everyone knows they are incredible.  They roll beautifully and are very stiff.  I've been riding these wheels now for the last 6 to 8 weeks and they are amazing wheels.  There is no two ways about it.  They just roll fast.  You've described the 280 degree resin you use in the rims to me previously but to your average punter who hasn't got the same level of wheel knowledge as yourself, what does this mean and how is this different to other carbon wheels?

BJ: We have a 280 degree patented resin which we use throughout the entirety of the rim.   A lot of wheel manufactures will build there wheels in parts or sections and you will see cuts or joins in the surface where they glue it all together.  So they are using different glues and resins which can make the ride quality a little dull and can create weaknesses within the rim as well.

We've done all ours in EPS moulding which is one piece monocoque moulding and we use the same high quality resin through the entirety of the whole rim.  So it is all one piece rather then gluing a few pieces together.  There is no differentiation between the braking surface and the deeper section of the rim because we are using that higher quality fibre throughout the entirety of the rim.

We've done all ours in EPS moulding which is one piece monocoque moulding and we use the same high quality resin through the entirety of the whole rim.

NW:  The torsional stiffness of the wheels are incredible especially when you get out of the saddle.  Is that down to the design of the rim shape or from the use of the patented carbon fibre?

BJ: Yeah it's a few things.  The rim shape incorporated features like which tyres you are using on your bike blending that into the aerodynamics.  That and the carbon fibre that we are using, which is all being manufactured 'in house' adds to the stiffness of the whole rim.  Absolutely.

NW: You have a couple of new frames now, so starting with just the Esquire initially then what came along next?

BJ: The Cavalier came along next.  I wanted something a little stiffer in the rear end.  Something to sprint on. I was working with Benny Kersten (Australian Track Sprinter and Road racer) a lot during that time.  The Esquire is a great bike but someone like Ben who can put out 1800 Watts...

NW:  Just like The Pedaler's Josh (Prete)?

BJ: Yeah, (laughs) just like Josh. Yeah, I got a lot of feedback from Ben. He wanted a stiffer bike for the sprinters.  We use the same angles and geometry as the Esquire but we have stiffened that whole rear end by creating almost like a triple triangle.  We also use more carbon fibre in the rear end which makes it a racier stiffer bike.  The down tube is semi aero and the bike generally feels a bit stiffer so it's a racier version of the Esquire but it lacks the vertical compliance of the Esquire.

We also use more carbon fibre in the rear end which makes it a racier stiffer bike.

NW:  Then along came the Riddler?

BJ: The Riddler came along again while Benny K was here we had our first version of the Riddler which we tried to set up as a road bike as we saw the whole aero movement coming.  Obvously all the angles were incorrect and we couldnt set it up as a road bike.  So from that, came the Riddler road bike.

NW: Which looks pretty incredible doesn't it.  I mean, damm it is a good looking bike.

BJ:  Yeah, you compare the two, the road bike and the time trial bike, it just feels like a downsized version of that.  We use all the same traditional angles so it handles very traditionally, but yeah, very quick in a straight line.

NW: So, now you have this stable of bikes and a couple of wheelsets, and also a disc version of the Esquire which has just come out to rave reviews, what comes next? Consolidation?

BJ: Yeah it's good now, we've got retailers like you (The Pedaler) selling them and it is getting a lot more exposure.  The more people riding them mean they are being noticed a lot more.  I have been growing the whole business organically up till now and hopefully with more people riding them the word gets outs that they're great bikes.  Things like the article in Bicycling Australia was awesome because it's one thing me telling you they're fantastic. I'm always going to tell you they are fantastic, but to get the credibility of an independent review like that saying they're great bikes as well was fantastic.

NW:  I guess the big question everyone wants to know is, when do you think you are going to come back and win Grafton to Inverell mate? (2nd in 2013 to Jack Anderson)

BJ: (laughs)  When is it May? (Laughs).

NW: Yeah mate.  12 months away. (Laughs)

BJ: We'll see.  I know these guys at The Pedaler are always hounding me to do it.  I'd like to race again so never say never. The comeback could be on.

NW:  I know that loss to Jack Anderson still burns pretty deep mate (laughs).

BJ: Yeah it burns deep (laughs). I can never sleep at night before Grafton to Inverell rolls around.  It still haunts me.

NW:  And locally, I guess you see an expansion of the iconic Noosa Bike Shop as well?

BJ: Absolutely.  There is a great culture in Noosa for cycling.  There is a big government and council push to make Noosa a real sports hub of Queensland.  I think the Noosa bike Shop has the potential to be a big part of that.  So moving forward we want to create a nice culture here for cycling and I think the Noosa Bike Shop can play a big part in that.

NW:  Cheers mate

BJ: No worries.  Sorry I'm a bit shit at interviews.  

NW: You go OK mate.

Battle on the Border is getting close. Be sure to give your race rig the 'once over'.

With the annual stage race Battle on the Border less then 2 weeks away, now is the time to ensure your machine is ready to roll.  There is nothing worse than training for an event only to be let down by your equipment.  Here is a list of the crucial points worth checking.

1. Tyre Wear - Check your tyres thoroughly for any cuts, or signs of degradation. Degradation usually shows itself by the tread of the tyre starting to crack. 

2. Chain Wear - A stretched chain means gear slip, you don't want this. If you are running Campagnolo, and have a vernier at your disposal, it is quite easy to check your chain for wear. Count out 6 links and measure the length of the chain, if it is over 132.6mm your chain is worn. A new campag chain will measure 132.2mm.  If you do not have a specific chain checker for Shimano and Sram chains, a simple way to check wear is to shift the chain into the big ring on the front and the lowest gear on the back (ie 25 or 28t). When the chain is in this position, attempt to lift the chain off the front chain ring. There should be no give in the chain in this position.  If there is it would suggest that your chain is worn out. (Again, if you run Campy, then be sure to have it fixed and race ready before you head to remote race locations as the likelihood of finding spare parts is poor).

3. Cassette and chain ring wear - If you have a worn chain, you may also have worn out your cassette and chain rings. The teeth on your cassette and chain rings should look slightly squared off on the top, if you notice that they are starting to look like sharks teeth then they are worn out. On the cassette an easy way to do this is look at the middle gears, and compare this to the 11 or 12 tooth cog, typically most people will be riding in the middle of their cassette for the majority of their rides, so these are the cogs that will show wear first.

4. Cable wear - Deterioration of cables is the unseen destroyer on race day. If you are running a mechanical groupset, a fraying cable can creep up on you and suddenly snap when it is under load. It would be a good idea to completely remove your cables and check for any kinks, or frayed sections. If you have internal cables make sure you pull a sleeve through from the exit point to the entry point near the lever before removing the cables, otherwise you may spend more time than necessary trying to reroute your cables. Also be sure that your cables are not crossed inside the frame. It is amazing how easily this can happen.  It is not always obvious when cabling a bike, but the shifting will turn very bad, very quickly if you accidentally do this. When pulling cables through a frame, make sure to check that they don't pull on each other before tensioning them to the derailleur. 

5. Brake pad wear - This is an easy one, as most brake pads have wear indicators. Make sure you have enough meat on your brake pads, and of course if you are swapping to carbon wheels chuck in your carbon specific brake pads. 

6. Bartape - This is purely aesthetic, but getting to the start line with crisp new bar tape always makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. 

Words by: Joshua Prete
                  Wurkshop Manager

When should I consider Nail Surgery?

This topic is straight from the Podiatry side of The Pedaler, tackling what many people suffer from due to bad luck or bad management.  

One important tip - do not look at google images.  The techniques, outcomes and interventions are not relevant to today's contemporary techniques.

If you suffer from recalcitrant pain around the nail fold and occasional infections, then the possibility of having a permanent solution should be considered.  Unfortunately, many suffer from a prolonged and extensive infection before seeking assistance due to the ironic concern of experiencing a painful solution.

Typically, surgery for a persistent ingrown nail is quite simple and relatively pain free.  The anaesthetic block around the digit is the only uncomfortable component and when good technique is applied, the injection is usually quite tolerable. 

The procedure usually takes around 15-20 minutes in total with minimal management required post procedure.

Once emphatic anaesthesia is achieved, the removal of a portion of the problematic nail and then subsequent chemical cauterization of the nail bed can be undertaken with no discomfort at all.  The procedure usually takes around 15-20 minutes in total with minimal management required post procedure.  We usually will apply the first dressing then let you loose with your own wound management.  

Common myths surrounding the procedure 

1.  I'll loose my entire nail  

Not true.  In many cases the post procedure nail looks almost normal.  If more extensive revision is required, your Podiatrist will discuss this with you.

2. It will hurt.

Not true.  Once anaesthesia is achieved, the procedure is pain free.  Even the post nerve block sensation is quite tolerable with minimal pain management required.

3.  It will grow back.

Not true.  Good technique and chemical cauterizing ensures no regrowth.

4.  I need to go to hospital to have it done.

Not true.  We manage nail surgery at our rooms in a comfortable, time and cost effective manner.

So if you suffering from this scourge, give us a call and we will run through the process with you.  We have been operating on clients for 16 years from the ages of 8 to 80.  Don't panic, it can be fixed, once and for all.

Speedplay in Pink for the Giro

Sometimes it's the little things that count.  These Magnolia Rosa Pedals from Speedplay are just the right amount of pink to rock all season long.