Gorham Bike Blog

We are now your Specialized Bicycle Source!

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Palese) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:53:00 +0000

Gorham Bike and Ski is proud to now be Portland, Maine's source for Specialized bikes and accessories. From carbon road and mountain bikes, to hybrid and kids bikes. Body Geometry shoes, gloves and saddles. Helmets, pumps and more. Specialized has it all. And so do we! Check in with us often online or visit our store to see the latest and greatest.

Just like Specialized, we want your riding to be as fun and exciting as possible. Swing by Gorham Bike and Ski in Portland, or Gorham Bike and Fitness in Saco, and we'll be happy to show you all the amazing products that Specialized is bringing to life to improve both their rides and yours!

We Have A Great Fall and Winter of Indoor Spin Sessions on Tap This Fall And Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Palese) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:06:00 +0000

Gorham Bike and Ski has a great Fall and Winter of spin classes on tap this year. We're expanding our offering to include more classes and accomodate more folks busy schedules. Whether you are brand new to cycling, or have been riding your years, our instructors will keep you motivated and having fun through the winter months all the while building your fitness and improving your performance. Click here for the details.

SPECIAL PURCHASE: 2009 Giant Trance X3

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Palese) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:46:00 +0000

Wanted to let everyone know about a great savings available for those in the market for a new mountain bike. We recently took advantage of a special purchase opportunity with Giant and got a full size run plus of 2009 Giant Trance X3 mountain bikes. And we're passing this deal on to you! While they last, the 2009 Trance X3 is on sale for over $280 off! These are brand-new, right-out-of-the-box bikes. Come in and get sized up. The best riding of the year is still ahead of us. See all the details on the Trance X3 here.

Gorham Bike and Ski in Portland & Saco Will Be Open on Labor Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Palese) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:09:00 +0000

Our Portland & Saco stores will be open on Labor Day, Monday September 7th, from 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. Come by and visit!

Endless Summer Clearance Sale this weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Palese) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:52:00 +0000

This weekend thru Monday is our Endless Summer Clearance Sale at Gorham Bike and Ski. We've gone all out and put everything, and we mean everything in the store, on sale 15-50% Off. With so much great riding left in the season, don't miss this opportunity to get a great deal on the bike or accessories you need. Check out an overview of the great deals here.

We Buy and Sell Used Bikes!

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Palese) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:24:00 +0000

Gorham Bike and Ski now buys and sells used bikes! Don't just let your old bike collect dust in the garage, shed or basement. Turn it into cash, or use it's value towards a new bike! See all the details here!

We want you to Be The Change

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Palese) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:16:00 +0000

Gorham Bike and Ski wants everyone to realize that a little change by each of us can make a big difference, and Be The Change. Riding a bike one day a week to work. Taking an old bike and fixing it up to use for short trips.

To help everyone do their part we are running a special through July 31st, 2009. It’s our Be The Change promotion. See the details here...

Closed Saturday, July 4th

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Palese) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:04:00 +0000

When you get a chance to spend more time with your family and friends, eat good food and have something cold to drink, you take it. So this Saturday, we're taking our opportunity.

The Portland and Saco stores will both be closed on Saturday, July 4th to observe the holiday. Portland will reopen on Sunday, the 5th at 10AM, and the Saco store on Monday, the 6th at 10AM. Have a great weekend!

We Now Offer 2-Week PowerTap Rental w/Training Plan and Review

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Palese) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:58:00 +0000

Have you wondered why training using a power meter, like a CycleOps PowerTap hub, is so popular? Have you wanted to try training using a power meter but didn't want to make the $1000+ dollar investment to get a PowerTap wheel or SRM cranks without being sure you’d like it? Well, now is your chance! See the details here...

GBS University: Back By Popular Demand

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Palese) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:53:00 +0000

In recent updates (and not so recent updates) to our website, a popular chunk of content was lost in the shuffle. Our "GBS University" content was hiding out in the bottom drawer of my desk. We'll I'm happy to report it has been restored to it's rightful place in the navigator of our website. Look under the "Events/Info/Fun Stuff" menu of the top-of-page navigator, and you'll see a link now to "GBS University". In there we teach new and seasoned riders alike a bunch of things bike. Have a look!

-Enjoy.

Giant Realeases 29er Mountain Bike! Available next week!

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Palese) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:29:00 +0000

Our outside Giant rep hinted at Giant's release of a 29er mountain rig on a recent visit. We knew that for the last couple years Giant had been avoiding an entry into the 29er world, wanting to make sure they got it right the first time. We'll as the article today on bikerumor.com reports, Giant has officially taken the plunge! By all reports, the bikes, two models, will be available to ship next week! So you could likely see bikes on the trails here soon (I know I'm eyeing one already). We'll post more details as we get them. But you can see some early details of the two models being release, here at bikerumor.com.

Photos from Portland Greendrinks Event - what a crowd

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Palese) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:24:00 +0000

It was standing room only at Gorham Bike and Ski on Tuesday for the Portland Green Drinks Event. Here are just a few photos. We didn't think we could fit this many people in here!

Portland Green Drinks Event, Tuesday, June 9th

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Palese) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:42:00 +0000

Born from the combined resources of Portland Trails and Gorham Bike & Ski, this event is sure to be a good time. Come network with environmentally-minded Portlanders, while enjoying locally brews of all varieties.

The event will be held Tuesday, June 9 from 5:30 - 8 PM at Gorham Bike & Ski's NEW LOCATION next to Local 188 right here on the peninsula at 693 Congress St. Be sure to ride your bike to celebrate the beautiful weather and take full advantage of the complimentary BIKE VALET SERVICE!!!

Portland Trails is a member-supported nonprofit organization that builds and maintains recreational trails in Greater Portland. The organization was founded in 1991 and recently reached its original goal of creating a 30-mile trail network. But they are not putting their bushwhackers away! They have a new goal of creating and maintaining a 50-mile network and they are busy collaborating on a diverse array of projects to make that goal a reality! Want to learn more or get involved? Visit them online at www.trails.org

SMCC Club Clothing Online Order Open

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Palese) — Fri, 29 May 2009 15:30:00 +0000

The club dues clothing order for Southern Maine Cycling Club is live on BikeReg.com. Ordering closes at midnight on Sunday, June 7th.

Follow this link to get started: http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?EventID=8765

Demo Trainers Available at a Great Price

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Palese) — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:45:00 +0000

Even though it's summer now, eventually, some day, way, way, way, in the future, it will be winter time again. I know you're saying "Stop it Dave. You're killin' me!". Well, I think I can make it up to you. We have 5 CycleOps Jet Fluid Pro trainers (more info...) for sale that we used for this past winter's Training With Power series. Each trainer was used for about 20 hours and in some cases, less! The regular retail price on the trainers is $400. We're selling these demos for just $309.99! They will be sold on a first come first served basis. We also have 4 trainer mats for putting on the floor under the trainer, for $30. If you are interested in getting a trainer or a mat, or have questions, contact Dave (699-5695), dave@gorhambike.com.

PRO Components are here!

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Palese) — Fri, 22 May 2009 20:07:00 +0000

Gorham Bike and Ski has a good selection of PRO road bars, stems and seatposts in stock right now. A huge chunk of the pro peloton in Europe has been using PRO parts for more than a few years now, and Mark Cavendish seems to generate the power using his Vibe 7s bar and stem combo. So you know they must be doing something right.

We have the Vibe 7s alloy bars and stems in white pictured above. As well as in carbon. I've ridden both the carbon and the alloy bars and stems. The carbon bars give a super plush ride, but weren't soft like other carbon bars I've ridden! The alloy bars offer the same bend and are a bit stiffer and almost as light. What I think is coolest about the Vibe bars is the bend. The drop reach is a little shallower than some other bars I have used and the bend transitioning off the tops is such that when I set my Dura Ace 7800 shifters in the conventional way with the lever tip aligned with the line of the drop extension I actually get a nice flat transition from the tops to my hoods, AND I can actually reach and use the shifter from the drops which I could never do effectively with any other bar I used previously. If you want to check them out with 7800 installed on them, let me know and I can make sure my bike is at the store (dave@gorhambike.com).

We also have a great selection of Ritchey WSC carbon and alloy stems, bars, and seatposts in stock in black, wet black, and wet white.

Come on in and check it all out!

SRAM S60 Wheels for Demo

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Palese) — Fri, 22 May 2009 19:27:00 +0000

You've probably seen the write-ups on the new SRAM wheels for '09 by now. We have a pair of S60, the medium depth profile model in for demo. If you want to see what all the buzz about deep profile wheels is all about, come in and we'll show you. You can take these for an hour test ride and we'll switch your cassette and off you go (Sorry, campy users. The demo wheels are Shimano/SRAM compatible only). The great thing about them is that they are super-durable wheels you can ride everyday without worrying about them due to the aluminum rim that is the base for the wheel build. Then the carbon profile is mated to the rim, much like the Zipp 404 clincher. There is a small weight penalty, but once the wheels are going they are just as efficient and effective as any other deep profile wheel.

So come on in and give them a go! If you have questions, email dave@gorhambike.com

Snow Riding

noreply@blogger.com (e-warren) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:04:00 +0000

Late afternoon sunlight arcs through the winter-dead trees turning long strips of the snow gold. The coarse grains crunch under the tires of my mountain bike as I start to pedal into the forest. I've just committed to lunacy. The trail, packed down by snowshoers, seems ridable, but I wonder if there is ice hiding just beneath. I don't have the studded tires I recommend so strongly to other winter riders. Am I committed enough to this sport to risk getting hurt for a little fix?
Cold, dry air brushes my face and stings the lobes of my ears as I take a few tentative pedal strokes testing the snow for traction. They slip a little, but I manage to make it up the first short climb. My heart and lungs, as lifeless as the trees that tower over me during this snow season awaken with a start. I feel the blood surge through my veins and soon all of my attention is focused on trying to find the trail as it swoops under leafless branches and around snow-covered rocks. I am going fast toward a sharp corner. I don't want to hit the brakes. My tires play a quick game of cat and mouse with traction as I drift through the corner. I pump the pedals harder toward the next turn. My mind empties of everything not needed to pilot my bicycle through the snow. Bills—gone. Work—gone. Assignments—gone.
I spend a blissful hour riding trails I used to know intimately, now only vaguely unrecognizable like old friends at a high school reunion. I skid my way down hills and wave at snowshoers. My fingers and toes get numb. But I don't crash. It doesn't matter if I do; I needed this. Far too soon, the sun sets and it's time to go back. I promise I'll be back riding the snow soon.

2009 Training With Power Series

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Palese) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:06:00 +0000

Have you wondered why training using a power meter, like a CycleOps PowerTap hub, is so popular?

Have you wanted to try training using a power meter but didn't want to make the $1000+ dollar investment to get a PowerTap wheel or SRM cranks without being sureyou'd like it?

Well, now is your chance! Gorham Bike and Ski is running a program this winter that is unlike anything you've seen.

When:
Monday and Wednesday evenings, 7:30-8:30 p.m., January 21st thru April 1st.
Twenty sessions! ONLY 10 SPOTS AVAILABLE! Registration Deadline is January, 11th!

What You Get:

CycleOps PowerTap SL 2.4 Wireless wheel, PowerTap CPU (computer head), heartrate strap, all cables and software for use during each session.
CycleOps Fluid2 indoor trainer, floor mat and wheel block for use at each session.
Online account on TrainingPeaks.com to view your workout data files, track your training from the program as well as all other training you do, and whole lot more.
Instruction and input from an experienced cycling coach who has trained numerous riders to National Championship podiums, top finishes at the Green Mountain Stage Race, and has helped many athletes across the country meet their cycling goals, all using power as their training tool.
The ability to make an educated decision about buying a power meter in the future.

Get All the Details Here!

the best time to be outside

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Palese) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:22:00 +0000

Without a doubt, today was a pretty great day to be out in the woods. As has become my SOP as of late, I ran over to Bradbury Mountain State Park to do some trail riding before work. The cool thing is that when I get there around 8:00am, I'm always the only one there, and have the woods all to myself. It's pretty serene.

There have been some jokes flying around the shop lately about my shift from 100% road riding to recently pretty much exclusively riding the 29'er in the woods. But when you have a day like today - Quiet. Mild temps. Fall colors. And trails that are in great shape and tons of fun to ride - where else could I rather be? Really? I took this pick with my point and shoot during my ride.

We talk about it a lot that the fall is the best time to ride in Maine. But today it hit home for me.

See ya out there!

Project Tandem

noreply@blogger.com (e-warren) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:17:00 +0000

I was lucky enough to spend the morning with Alan Winslow and Morrigan McCarthy of Project Tandem, shooting photos of them and talking to them about their upcoming 10,000 mile journey around the US. Both are professional photographers, so it provided an interesting experience to feel what it's like being on the other side of the lens. I suggested photographing them at Portland Breakwater Light (Bug Light) as an illustration of them at the start of a huge adventure. Project Tandem was conceived as a way to document rural Americans making positive environmental changes that often get overlooked by the media. They hope that by riding their bicycles up to the local diner they will break down some of the barriers and make way for real, open conversations. “Plus,” Morrigan said, “farmers won't let you camp in their field if you pull up in a car.”
Good luck!
Take a look at Project Tandem at:
http://www.projecttandem.org/

More from the Wall

noreply@blogger.com (e-warren) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:14:00 +0000

Nothing says,"I'm having fun," like rolling a big fat wall-ride.

LeeMX Wall-Ride

noreply@blogger.com (e-warren) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:58:00 +0000

If road biking is about speed,and mountain biking is about adventure, then BMX riding is about having fun. These photos were taken during a session with Gorham Bike mechanic Lee Lohrmann hitting an undisclosed wall downtown. This is the first of, hopefully, many sessions having fun, riding the streets.

Mountain Biking is ON!

noreply@blogger.com (e-warren) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:27:00 +0000

Tuesday before last was my first mountain bike ride of the season and I was lucky enough to get to spend it with the Rage on Portland (rageonportland.com) crew. The Cape Elisabeth ride handed me my singletrack fix and reminded me that riding to and from work in the snow and ice helps with bike handling skills, it doesn't do much for endurance. It also reminded me that mountain biking releases the soul into an ocean of bliss. Since riding with them, I've ridden a couple more times in the same area, including the ride I shot this image from my camera zip-tied to my helmet and run on the self-timer. If you love your camera equipment, don't ever try this (also, you look ridiculous to other trail users.)
Ride on!
Eric

"New" story published!

noreply@blogger.com (e-warren) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:03:00 +0000

Here's the link to my latest fiction story to be published. It's called "Stone Cold" and, while being far from my most recent work (and perhaps I've imporoved through practice since), is still fun to read in that semi-dark, how does someone think of this stuff(?) sort of way. It's about a bike messenger, but bikes play a minimal role in this one. The magazine is called "Tales of the Talisman" and the teaser gives a hint of what the story's about.
http://www.talesofthetalisman.com/
Enjoy,
--Eric