Chain Reaction Bicycles

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NEW BLOGS TO KEEP YOU UPDATED ON SALES & EVENTS!

AFTER SALE SERVICE SECOND TO NONE. WE MAKE CYCLING FUN!

LAST-SECOND DEALS SENT STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! We were the first with a comprehensive and frequently-updated website. It's about time we invade your phone. Click on the link and we'll give you instructions for getting the latest updates on special sale items the instant they happen. Closeouts, one-of-a-kinds, bikes below cost, who knows what you might get? If you've got unlimited text messaging, this is for you! You can also receive a text anytime we've added something to the almost-daily diary. If you don't want to bother with the link and know what this is all about, just send a text message to 40404 with follow @cdreals for our specials, or follow @crbikes for diary updates.

NEW INTERACTIVE FORMAT FOR OUR ALMOST-DAILY DIARY! After more than 10 years of creating and updating the almost-daily diary in a web-page format, which takes forever to load, is difficult to update and didn't allow for comments by readers, we've finally upgraded to a WordPress "Blog" format. What an improvement! Why didn't I do this earlier? Probably because I had this going before "blogs" became the thing, and I didn't want it to be just another "blog." But check it out, it really is better. And it will allow other topical blogs as well, including one from Becky, our apparel & Project One coordinator in Redwood City, and, coming soon, something from Steve in Los Altos.

WHY HAVEN'T YOU RIDDEN ON "THE OTHER SIDE" YET?

It continues to surprise me that I see so many cyclists on the bay side of our hills, and so few on the ocean (or "other") side. People are missing so much! Such as? You can start with less traffic, cleaner air, incredible views & milder temperatures.

How many of our customers have climbed the east side of Old LaHonda (from Portola Valley up to Skyline) and never ridden the three miles down the other side? That's one of the most-beautiful stretches of road anywhere in the world, especially the top section where it winds through the Redwoods. Or where it opens up to a magnificent view of the Ocean as it hugs the face of the cliff.

You don't have to be superman to experience the "other" side. The 3 miles down the west side of Old LaHonda and subsequent 3 miles back to Skyline via 84 add little extra effort. From that humble beginning, you can stretch your legs a bit and head out all the way to the coast, and eventually tackle the Woodside/Pescadero/San Gregorio/Tunitas loop. --Mike--

USA-MADE BICYCLE SALE!Every single 2010 & earlier USA-made TREK bicycle is on sale at Chain Reaction! Save $50, $100, $500, up to $3500. While they last, limited to stock on hand, no mail orders or layaways.

Road bikes & Mountain Bikes, including 6-Series Madones. Even a 2010 Madone 6.9 decked out with electronic shifting DuraAce (DI2) and Carbon wheels is over $1000 off. Complete list here!

TREK Unveiled the SPEED CONCEPT bikes to the media on May 22nd. On June 9th, Janez Brajkovic proved it was the fastest bike in the world, winning the Criterium du Dauphine time trial, beating Alberto Contador by over a minute in an event where mere seconds count! Remember, this was the event that Contador chose to check out his own new time trial bike (not a TREK), with Cyclingnews posting this comment during the race-

"14:52 BST Contador, the last man off, has said he's just here to test his new bike, but that's a smoke screen. He'll want to send out a message that he's on form." TREK product engineers heard that "message" loud & clear- Alberto Contador may be the world's fastest cyclist, but TREK has the world's fastest bike!

The SPEED CONCEPT is going to be the bike to beat this year, and for years to come. TREK, a company primarily known for great road & mountain bikes, is going to be the most-sought-after time trial & Triathlon bike on the planet! And yes, if you hurry, you may find one of the new bikes at Chain Reaction Bicycles. We received two of the 9-series machines, waiting for someone who would like to literally buy some speed!

ULTIMATE BIKES & GREAT PRICES AT CHAIN REACTION!

Upgrade to 6-series frame without breaking the bank? Done!
Ultegra instead of DuraAce to save $$$? Done!
Special paint job with hundreds of options? Done!
Lighter wheels for climbing? Done!
Aluminum stem as light as carbon for less $$$? Done!

Buy what YOU want, not what you don't, and you could save hundreds, even thousands of dollars. And you'll get your customized bike in as little as two weeks!* Your bike, your way, with a little help from our experts, who will guide you through the process, including a FitKit fitting. And how good are these bikes?
"We'd have to say Trek knocked this one out of the park." Full-length review in Cyclingnews.com
"I didn't go to anyone else for bikes" Johan Bruyneel, Team Director
"Trek was an integral part of my success. The new Madone has all the elements I look for in a high-performance bike; it's light, stiff, and looks awesome. Most importantly, I know I can trust its reliability." Levi Leipheimer, Multiple-time winner Tour of California, 3rd place, 2007 Tour de France
*Due to high demand, deliveries are currently running between 4-12 weeks, so order soon!

Learn about sales, upcoming events, clinics and more

BIKE FRIDAY Commute & Travel bikes at Chain Reaction!
This may be one of our better-kept secrets- we have been selling USA-made Bike Friday folding bikes for over a year!
From the inexpensive Model T at $1099 (shown below, ready-to-ride and folded) to custom Pocket Rockets that rival the performance and price of the very best "normal" road bikes, we can get you going.
The Pocket Rocket Kevin's holding in the picture folds up into a standard suitcase to avoid high airline fees and make for easy packing and carrying, on planes, trains or in cars. July 4th was its "proof of concept" ride, a 67 mile trip out to the coast and back, via West Alpine, to make sure it will be ready for a trip up the Tourmalet in France in a couple of weeks. It passed the test!
I've been riding one the past month or so as well, but I didn't need the convincing Kevin (who's 17) did. It's not carbon fiber and it's got funny wheels is how he saw it. But he's a believer now! --Mike--

This website has over 2,000 photos, most taken from various rides we've done & reviewed. But I keep coming back to this one as my all-time favorite.

It shows perhaps the most important things that we, as cyclists, can do. Passing the torch to a new generation, showing others that cycling is a timeless, wonderful thing.

Ultimately, I hope it's what Chain Reaction will be known for. --Mike--

We've also got email lists for sales, Tour de France & travel info & road bike rides. And your email address will never be sold nor given to anyone else.

09/17/07- SHE FINALLY DID IT. Maybe 3 or 4 years after threatening to ride up Old LaHonda, my daughter Becky, whom some of you have met in our Redwood City store, made it up the hill with her friend (and fellow co-worker) Emily. It might not have been the fastest trip up the hill, and certainly not the easiest, but they got there. I told Becky to plan on two hours for the ride (hot-shot cyclists can do it in just over 15 minutes) and to stop every half-mile or so, the idea being to make it manageable. And 2 hours is just about how long it did take them, after which they did the lunch-at-Alice's ritual that I used to do with Kevin (Becky's younger brother).
Some credit goes to Emily (on the left in the photo), her very good friend who was encouraging her all the way. Emily's been a bit more active in outdoor activities than Becky, but perhaps that's about to change. I don't expect to see Becky climbing Haleakala any time soon, but hey, it's a great start!

Why Buy Your Next Bike from Chain Reaction? We thought you'd never ask! From our expertise in helping you select the right bike, get it properly fit, a dedication to your bike that goes on for years... a whole lot of things.
Cruising this website will give you a good idea of what we're about and how we treat our customers, but better yet, come into one of our stores, talk with our staff and maybe take a bike or two out for a test ride.

One thing's certain. You'll discover that we really like bikes.

Finally bikes built just for women, with shorter top tubes, women-friendly saddles & ride positioning, ultralight aluminum frames a more! Road & Mountain Bikes! Great prices, too.

If you're 5'10" or shorter, chances are you've never had a bike that really fit well. No more!
And now, the wait is over for the ultimate women's bike- completely-redesigned Madone, available in 3 models now starting at $1799.99 ($200 less than from 2010!). Many other great women's road bikes starting at just $629.99.

Remember your first time up Old LaHonda? October 9th 2006 we decided to throw something pretty tough at Kevin- Old LaHonda Road. Probably the prettiest and least-traveled (by cars) route to the top of the Skyline (above Woodside), a twisty, tree-covered 3.75-mile climb of around 1100ft or so. (More)

What's missing is You!
Your TREK Project One Madone, first on the beach in Maui, and later that same day at 10,023' atop Haleakala. Every ride is an adventure with a TREK Madone!
Now, two years later, I still have great memories of that ride.

Read all about climbing Haleakala (and how not to make a wrong turn and add an extra 1700', ouch!).

Tour of the TREK factory! Shown here is a framebuilder in TREKs Waterloo, WI facility, in a photo taken by your faithful webmaster.
And we've got a "factory tour" page on-line. We even have one of our photo-heavy ride descriptions of a typical noon ride in the area. Not shown is their new, 160-acre private mountain biking park with 5 miles of singletrack to test their latest creations.

Check out our Gateway to France, with many articles & photos about cycling in France, viewing the Tour de France and more!

We've also got a page on touring companies doing trips to the TDF!

Also practical stuff like where to get money exchanged at the best rates, and taking the Eurostar between Paris & London.

WHAT'S AN "UGLY" BIKE RIDE?
12/16/07- THE UGLY BIKE RIDE is taking on appearances of becoming a regular Sunday afternoon tradition. I rode the normal Tuesday/ Thursday morning loop essentially backward, going down the west side of Old LaHonda, back up 84 to Skyline, and then that dreaded piece of road heading north on Skyline towards Kings Mtn (the very same road that is so fun in the opposite direction). View the ride map on-line.

Sonora Pass web pages- a Chain Reaction exclusive!

Top-10 Reasons NOT to buy a TREK! (Satire)
Killer squirrels go after cyclists! Now with expanded coverage, including stories submitted by YOU! The latest includes Killer Chickens, Chipmunks, Deer, Ducks & Cougars.
Every Tuesday & Thursday morning at 7:45am, join us for a quick ride up King's Mountain Road in Woodside!
Mid-life crisis for bike shop owner results in bizarre behavior.

WE COULD SHOW YOU MORE PHOTOS OF LANCE ARMSTRONG FROM THE TOUR DE FRANCE, but this one, with Australia's Stuart O'Grady being tended to by the medical car during a stage in the Tour de France a few years ago, hits home. Because Chain Reaction, along with many other better shops, are part of a support team that wants to make sure you have every chance possible to really enjoy cycling. (More)

Chain Reaction sponsors "Soda Stop" at Sequoia Century During the Sequoia Century every June, Sal Contreras (in the middle of the photo) staffs our "secret" refreshment station, dealing with 400 pounds of ice and 600 (600??? That's so yesterday; for 2010 we distributed 900!) cans of Coke, Pepsi, Mtn Dew, Sierra Mist... you get the picture, the stuff you really wanted after a long, hard climb, when watered-down lemonade just doesn't do it for you.
This was Sal's 5th year handling the "soda stop" chores for us, and we're very appreciative of his efforts (as were a whole lot of thirsty riders!).

The Sequoia Century is the area's premiere organized ride, typically held the first Sunday in June. Details at their website www.WesternWheelers.org.

Road Bike Rides! This website is known for them, from our extremely challenging Sonora Pass ride to the easy-going Bicycle Sundays on Canada Road. Check here for an overview of the many road rides on our website! Mountain Bike & Family Rides! We've got Arastradero Preserve and Waterdog Lake, both offering beginning to intermediate challenges, and Bayfront Park, Waddell Creek and Bicycle Sundays for great family outings!

TREK- The largest manufacturer of high-quality Road, Mountain & Hybrid bikes in the world…most made in the USA! TREKs are widely regarded as being the best engineered bikes anywhere, and their designs, instead of being trendy, are timeless and functional. As a result, they hold their value better than any other bike line we know of, which is an obvious indication of their desirability!
Gary Fisher- From the man many say helped invent the mountain bike come many unique & innovative designs. Very cool stuff, truly different from the rest.

Bontrager- A great line of components, from cutting-edge carbon wheels to the most-durable high-quality stems, handlebars & cranks on the market.

Please note that we cannot sell bikes through the "mail" or Internet due to a combination of various aspects of our dealer agreements and the fact that bikes really should be purchased locally to ensure proper fitting and follow-up servicing.

Apparel- We offer a tremendous selection of apparel for men & women. Pearl Izumi, Sugoi, Primalwear, Bontrager, TREK, Shebeest, Hind, Castelli & more. Great prices, too!

Accessories- One-stop shopping is a reality at Chain Reaction. We have a larger selection of locks, pumps, tools, lubes, cassettes, tires & wheels than just about anyplace else.

Service- Our expert staff knows what's what, and won't try and bluff their way through if they don't. It's easy enough with an experienced staff like ours to find an answer to just about any question!

Road bikes- [Editors note- this piece was first written in 1996, before road bikes became "popular." A bit of a joke to us, since they always were big at Chain Reaction!] Yes, road bikes. While most other shops have very few, 50%+ of the bikes Chain Reaction sells are road bikes. This puts us in very elite company, which, to us, seems very strange. We live in an exceptional area for road bikes! No matter where you live in the bay area, chances are high that a 20-minute bike ride will get you away from the city and into the country. Unfortunately, one of the things that's always held back road bikes has been a snobbish attitude among employees at those shops that do sell road bikes. This is really unfortunate. We've gone to great lengths to make road bikes as accessible as possible, and fit each and every one to the individual using the New England Cycling Academy's Fit-Kit. People who never believed they could be comfortable on a road bike are frequently amazed at how easily they can survive that first metric century!

Prices- There's no reason to go anyplace other than Chain Reaction! We work hard to try and ensure the best pricing possible for our customers, as well as keeping things in stock. One of the big inside jokes in the bike industry is that it's easy to advertise a really low price on something if you never have it in stock; we won't do that. In fact, we sell merchandise to the employees of a national chain just down the street (but we won't name names!).

Directions & Hours We're Open
1451 El Camino Redwood City, CA 94063 (650) 366-7130
2310 Homestead (Foothill Crossing), Los Altos, CA 94024 (408) 735-8735
www.ChainReaction.com & www.ChainReactionBicycles.com Email to Mike in Redwood City or Steve in Los Altos Content, including text & images, may not be republished without permission Web Author: Mike Jacoubowsky , Chain Reaction Bicycles Not responsible for typos etc, but please let us know about them!
Chain Reaction sells bicycles & accessories from Trek, Gary Fisher, BikeFriday,Shimano, Pearl Izumi, Continental, Descente,
Sidi, Giro, Blackburn, Speedplay, Oakley, Saris, NiteRider, Bontrager, Torelli, Look, DeFeet, Rock N Roll, Hammer, Cytomax,
Powerbar, Fox, Clif Bar, CamelBak, Chris King, Profile Design, Craft, X-Lab and many more!