The Cycle of Learning at Mathieu’s

The Cycle of Learning at Mathieu’s

Here’s a question for you: Can one be so knowledgeable about the workings of a bicycle that when out riding you find yourself over analyzing every odd-sounding creak instead of just enjoying the moment?

For me, and I believe the vast majority of cyclists, I haven’t reached that point yet. While I do pay attention to the “noises” emitted by my two-wheeled machines, for the most part, I just like turning the pedals and taking in the view. But having said that, it’s nice to understand the basics of taking care of your bicycle.

Mathieu’s Cycle & Fitness, the bike shop where I work — and learn — and who is a sponsor of my Pedal2Page cycling blog (pedal2page.com), conducted a clinic on Oct. 16 at its Farmingdale store to share maintenance tips and connect with cyclists in the community.

“I did the clinic because I like teaching people about bikes,” said Taylor Merk-Wynne, who spearheaded the event and was joined by David Houston, a colleague from Mathieu’s other shop in Oakland.

The two big takeaways for me from the evening were as follows:

— If you are located close to either of Mathieu’s two shops and need assistance buying or fixing a bike, you would be hard-pressed to find a more competent and friendly staff anywhere else. While I’m mostly familiar with the Farmingdale site’s Alan Cummingham and John Waller — two people who have “wrenched” on my bikes for years — seeing Taylor and David in action at the clinic was a remarkable experience. The saying “they’ve forgotten more than I’ll ever know” came to mind as I watched them dispense their knowledge in such a way that even I could understand it. David was diagnosing issues correctly before even examining a bike; a kind of “Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers” moment, indeed. Simply put, Taylor and David know their stuff.

— When it comes to looking after your bicycle, the most important thing to remember is to keep the drivetrain clean. As Taylor said, “It all starts and ends there.” The two mechanics emphasized the need to remove debris from a bike’s chain and how to properly lubricate it, in addition to discussing how well a bike performs when cassettes and bottom brackets don’t get ignored. All this helps to prolong the life of a bicycle and, ultimately, means less frequency when it comes to replacing parts.

While the turnout for the clinic was small, it was beneficial for those who came; affording individual attention on bikes by staff members. And it was a great opportunity for Mathieu’s Cycle & Fitness to build on its relationships with those who love riding their bicycles. That in itself made holding the clinic — and possibly future ones — worth all the effort.

In-Stock E-bikes 10% Off!

In-Stock E-bikes 10% Off!

E-Bike Sale!

Save 10% on In-Stock e-bikes...

 

2018 Specialized Turbo Vado

Get all of the pedal-assist features you desire at a price that lets you keep your daily cappuccino ritual with the Vado 2.0. Featuring many of the same characteristics as its more expensive siblings, albeit with a little less ‘roar’ to its motor, the Vado 2.0 is firmly rooted as the ultimate transportation tool for everything from grocery runs to commutes. Remember: Busy lives call for faster bikes.

  • The Vado frame features a lightweight alloy frame that that’s easy to get on and off of.
  • The Vado’s Specialized 1.2 motor is fully integrated with the frame, and it’s also been custom-tuned for city riding. It intuitively reacts to the force of your pedaling, so the harder you pedal, the more power it delivers. And with an internal belt drive design, it does this without added vibration for the smoothest and most silent ride possible.
  • We made the custom 460 Wh battery to be fully integrated with the frame, removable for easy charging, and lockable for added security. It communicates with the display and has multiple modes to maximize the overall efficiency and range.

The retail price of this bike is $2700 and we have one Men’s Large in White in-stock and we’re offering it @ 10% off for a savings of $270 so you can ride this beauty for $2430!

2020 Specialized Turbo Como

It’s cool to go fast, but it’s only fun if you’re comfortable. Sadly, speed and comfort rarely come together, but the Turbo Como 3.0 650b with a low-entry design is out to change that. With a comfortable geometry that makes getting on and off the bike and putting a foot down super easy, a sleek and stylish design, and our exclusive, award-winning technology, you’ll get an extra jolt of power that’ll make riding just as fun as it is functional.

  • The custom E5 Low-Entry aluminum frame on the Como cleanly houses the battery and motor. Pair this with our Ground Control Geometry, and you have a durable and lightweight bike that’ll keep you rolling in style.
  • The Turbo Como’s Specialized 1.2 E motor emphasizes efficiency and range. It’s also fully integrated with the frame, and has been custom-tuned for city riding. It intuitively reacts to the force of your pedaling, so the harder you pedal, the more power it delivers. And with an internal belt drive design, it does this without added vibration for the smoothest and most silent ride possible.
  • We made the custom 460 Wh battery to be fully integrated with the frame, removable for easy charging, and lockable for added security. It communicates with the display and has multiple modes to maximize the overall efficiency and range. For range estimates based upon a variety of variables, please refer to our Turbo Range Calculator.

We have two of these in the above color and frame design in Small. The Retail price is $2950 and were offering these in-stock bikes @ 10% off for a savings of $295 so you can have one of these for only $2655!

We Now Offer Snowshoes for the Entire Family

We Now Offer Snowshoes for the Entire Family

We’re excited to announce we have added snowshoes to our line up of products we stock in our stores. We have snowshoes for the entire family starting with kids shoes from MSR. For adult snowshoes we offer models from MSR, Crescent Moon, and Garneau.

The MSR model we are stocking is the EVO. These snowshoes offer modular flotation tails allowing for a smaller more maneuverable shoe for packed conditions and when conditions demand more flotation you can snap on the optional 6-inch tails.

The Crescent Moon Eva Foam snowshoe is the first and only snowshoe that doesn’t rely on the awkward pivoting-hinge mechanism to function, but instead uses a rocker shaped platform to promote a seamless heel-to-toe motion for walking, just like a normal hiking or running shoe. Recommended for first timers, outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, runners, and people who love to get out in the snow.

Our models from Garneau are the Massif & Blizzard. Both offer the convenience of a BOA binding system which is easy on and off and mitten friendly. The Blizzard offers a more aggressive crampon and a heel raiser which reduces calf fatigue while climbing.

Poles are an important accessory in most conditions when snowshoeing so we have a few pole options as well from MSR and Black Diamond.

Cool Video Article on Snow Biking In Central Maine

Cool Video Article on Snow Biking In Central Maine

Brian Alexander, Glenn Fenlason, and Jeff Clarke out riding their Snow Bikes in Central Maine. Cycling Outdoors and in the snow is alive and well.

Two of these guys are riding Pugsley Snow Bikes make by Surley. If you are interested in one for yourself, unfortunately, you will have to get in line. The company is sold out until sometime in March so you should be planning for late season snow riding or for next winter.

If you want to “get in line” come on in to our Oakland or Farmingdale stores and we will help you out.

Treadmills, Ellipticals, Upright and Recumbent Exercise Bikes.

Treadmills, Ellipticals, Upright and Recumbent Exercise Bikes.

 

Spirit XE195 Elliptical

Now that the sun is setting earlier and earlier all but the die hard riders who go out with their lights are severely limited as to when they can ride outside. With the shorter days comes cooler weather as well so what can you do to keep up your fitness for the long cold Maine Winter?

Set yourself up at home with a shiny new piece of Fitness Equipment or two from yours truly!

We have treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, WaterRowers, TRX, Exercise Balls, Yoga Mats ans more. Come on into either store and take a look. Heck, come in ready to try one out. We have models set-up and available for you to get on and see how they feel.

If you like it simple, no bells and whistles, we can do that! If you want all of the latest features and tons of different available options, we can do that too!

Why not come on in and get set-up for winter today?

Jr Dirt Riders debut at Titcomb

My team mate and Jr Dirt Rider leader Jamie Dexter posted yesterday about his jr team…

“I am so proud of our CMCC Junior Dirt Riders. They all competed and some for the first time in a Mtn Bike Race Today. Just a couple of months ago when we started our weekly rides many of them would not have ridden 50 yards of today’s course. I’m happy and proud to say they all completed the 5.9 mile course which is just Awesome!!! And one of them placed 2nd in his class (Aiden) Thank You Dave Richard ( CMCC p/b Mathieu’s Cycle) for ALL OF YOUR HELP & SUPPORT. Plus a special THANK YOU to all the parents as well.” “My heart swells with PRIDE Today”

I can’t think of better words! Jaimie was racing so he asked if I would ride behind the Jr Dirt Riders. Some of the parents also rode with us and it was a great experience! I rode with Sam and his mom. We raced, we laughed, we made some obstacles and walked some too. At the end of the day, our group of six racers all completed the course. We were very proud of their efforts. Every Thursday this group has worked on their skills, they have built friendships, encouraged one another, and last Sunday each one of them accomplished an individual goal, collectively they finished something together as a team! I can’t wait to race with them again!

The Jr Dirt Riders meet every Thursday at Quarry Road Recreation Area in Waterville from 6pm to 7pm. It is free and all are welcome to join.