Salsa Mukluk

Tom just got a new Salsa Mukluk, couldn't help but throw up some pictures.

These bikes are amazing!

Thanks for looking!
Merry Christmas!

Independent Fabrications

Winter is a great time to work on projects that don't get done when its warmer out. And here at the bike shop we work to fully embody this idea. Winter is a great time to work on making the store look better, build bikes for the coming year, and it is also a great time to work on building custom bikes for customers!
As I mentioned in my last post, we've been getting some really cool bikes in lately. The new Moots we just got in are the talk of the shop because they are a new (to us) company and not everyone is as familiar with them as they are with some of the other bikes we have go through the shop on a regular basis. That said, the excitement around the new Moots hasn't put a damper on another company that we have been working with for some time now, Independent Fabrications.

Independent Fabrications makes some truly amazing bikes. Every time we get the chance to work with them it is a rewarding experience. We recently placed an order for a customer on a Ti Deluxe, a Single Speed Titanium 29er mountain bike, we are eager to see this one as it promises to be a really amazing ride. Pictures of that ride on arrival!

Here are some pictures of some IF's we have in stock:

IF Steel Crown Jewel

Classic IF "box" logos.

IF's paint department can do just about anything you can think up!

SSR

Straight seat stays on the SSR.

Stainless Steel! Made from Reynolds 953

IF Head badge.

Moots

One of the best parts of working at a bike shop is getting to check out all the cool new bikes. Here at Williamson Bicycle Works we are lucky that we seem to sell a good number of pretty cool bikes.

The last few weeks have been particularly fun time around the shop, we have got in some really cool new bikes and frames in and have put a few more on order.

Last week we got our first shipment of Moots frames.

Vamoots 58cm road frame.

Moots frames come with a beautiful head badge

We also received a 55cm Psychlo X

All Moots are built to spec, we added rack and fender eyelets to our Psycho X.

Its hard to beat Moots when it comes to Ti, the quality of these frames is breath taking.

More pictures later...

Winter Riding Part 3

Selecting a bike for winter riding and getting it set-up appropriately (part 1 and 2 or Winter Riding) are important steps toward riding all year. However, I've left probably the most important part of riding in the winter, staying warm, for last. Selecting the correct clothes for riding in the cold can make or break riding through the winter. Dressing correctly will not only keep you warm it will also keep you comfortable and, when needed, safer.

Here at Williamson Bicycle Works we feel that the key to staying warm is layering. Using a good base layer and building from there will keep you warm and dry longer and will feel less bulky than a huge coat will.

Starting with a good base layer is key, One of our favorites is Sugoi's Wallaroo Merino Wool piece.

Another good one is Pearl Izumi's P.R.O. base layer.

Here is an example of layering, starting with our own custom Williamson Bicycle Works base layer (available in sleeveless and short sleeve), Pearl Izumi Elite Soft Shell Jacket and Sugoi Helium Vest. This would be a good set-up from the high 30s all the way to the mid 50s. As the temperatures rise the vest can be taken off and packed into a pocket, the Helium vest is very light weight and can be packed down very small making it perfect for layering.

For colder weather you need more layers and some more protection from the wind. Here we have Sugoi Wallaroo Merino Wool base layer Pearl Izumi Select Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey, and a Showers Pass Elite jacket. This set-up could, depending on how warm you want to be, take you down into the high teens.
Finding the correct bottoms to pair with the correct layers on top can be some-what easier. However careful selection is still key.
For commuting a pair of shell pants like Showers Pass Storm pants which are waterproof, offer good wind protection and can be worn over street clothes are perfect. For longer rides or commutes tights are a good choice, like the Pearl Elite bib tight. We carry different weights and styles of tights. We also stock a large selection of knee, leg and arm warms for layering or slightly warmer than freezing temps.

Many people say the most important thing to keep warm is your head! We can't agree more, so we stock a lot of different hats. Whether it's a balaclava, skull cap, cycling cap or winter hat that you are looking for, we have it!

And don't forget about your extremities! Keeping your hand and feet warm will make riding a lot more enjoyable! We carry gloves by Pearl Izumi, Mavic, Gore and Giro.

A good pair of shoe covers...
...and wool socks will help keep your feet nice and toasty!

Now your ready to ride all year long!