Hello to all our customers, we hope you managed to make the most of all the lovely hot, dry riding this summer, and are still getting out in it now the dust has settled, and turned to mud. Never mind, embrace the changes, and only a week until the days get longer again, so on that optimistic note, here’s a quick round-up of what’s been keeping us busy in the shop this year…
In The Workshop
It’s been another busy year in the workshop, in fact a record year for the number of bikes we’ve fixed and serviced, so thank you to everyone that brought a bike in and kept Jamie and Nick (old Nick and new Nick) turning allen keys.
The workshop tutorials have been particularly popular, and we’ll be continuing to run them next year, so if you’d like a one-to-one session with Jamie or Nick in our workshop learning on your own bike how to keep it maintained and adjusted perfectly, then get yourself booked in. We also do workshop tutorial gift vouchers if you nearest and dearest are struggling for present ideas for you.
If you’ve missed the A-board outside the shop, we’re also offering a drop-in workshop now. So for quick emergency fixes, no need to book in, just drop your bike in and we’ll do our best to get you up and running again in the time it takes to grab a coffee or do a lap of Waitrose.
And lastly on workshop news, two questions we get asked a lot is if we’re happy to fit parts bought online and service bikes bought online – yes we are!
New Bikes
It’s been a busy year of new bikes from Trek, with lots of the bikes in their mountain bike range in particular getting a refresh. Both their 160mm travel full-suspension platforms got attention, with a brand new frame for the 27” wheel Remedy, and a more affordable aluminium frame option for the previously carbon-only 29” wheel Slash.
Electric bikes have also gained in popularity over the year, and both the Powerfly mountain bike range and Dual Sport+ hybrid range have had an overhaul, with the battery fully integrated into the frame for a much sleeker look.
We’re running demo bikes of all these new bikes, and many more besides, so if you’ve got a bit of time over Christmas then book yourself in for a demo ride and start choosing your new bike for the new year!
At the other end of the scale, their ever-popular Marlin entry-level hardtails got a new frame and update too, all with hydraulic disc brakes, with men’s and women’s versions both starting at £395.
But our favourite new bikes have to be the new kids’ Wahoo range. The focus is on lightweight and simplicity of use, with rigid forks, rim brakes, a single chainring, and six different colour options in each of the three sizes, these are kids’ bikes that are finally fast enough to keep up with Mum and Dad on!
And Finally
If you’re looking for or need to give some inspiration for present ideas, here’s a list from Epic Road Rides we really like, with number 20 being a particular standout.
Thanks again to all our customers this year, as always whether you bought a bike or a ball bearing, we know there are other shops to choose from, so we always appreciate you choosing to shop with us. Have a smashing Christmas, get some riding in between the mince pies, and we hope to see you again some time in 2019.
Dan, Jamie, Dean, Nick, Archie – The Head For The Hills Team