New Products - MKS and NITTO

At the very top - MKS just took the O out of NOS for the 80's BM-7 BMX Pedal; now re-manufactured in black or silver cages.

In the middle - Is Silver the new black? Well, if Nitto's new M172 SSB handlebar doesn't sway some with its classic looks coupled with modern 31.8 clamp, heat treated durability and semi-ergo drop, we don't know what will. Currently available in 40 and 42cm widths.

Last but not least - MKS added one more version of their popular Promenade pedal. You can buy the traditional version with 9/16" spindle, polished body and champagne cages; the EZY version in the same colorway and now the EZY is available in all black. The EZY's are great for travelers, folders or even saving some space during storage.

These are just a few of the new products in the last couple weeks. We are constantly adding new items to our 8000+ inventory almost every day, so if you're curious about more...check it out!

twentynineinches.com - Milwaukee Bicycle Company 29″er: First Impressions

Guitar Ted just put up another installment about our new Milwaukee Bicycle Co. 29er. Be sure and check it out!

ROWEROWA SZKOLA IS HERE!

Introducing ROWEROWA SZKOLA - (Thanks to all the folks who helped us out on the correction). Means "BICYCLE SCHOOL" in Polish in honor of the neighborhood. We are a full service center to empower you with everything you need to understand and command the maintenance and operation of your bicycle(s). With the deep deep talent pool we have here, just about every question you can muster can be answered. Additionally we provide consultation to help you use bicycles in conjunction with your current transportation choices or to help you make bicycling your primary choice. Many of us here are year round commuters and we know this city well. We will also be hosting evening Q&A's with local messengers to really help you get the perfect routes and advice.

We will be having these structured classes for up to 4 people Mon. through Wed. evenings from 6 to 8 pm usually. These classes are:

Wheel Building
Two consecutive Mondays. Please sign up for these classes at least two weeks in advance so we can order the parts you need to build your first wheel or wheel set. Learn the basics to building a traditional wheel - nothing crazy (right away anyways) 10% off parts and tools!

$60, 6pm to 8pm

These classes begin -
Nov. 7th & 14th
Dec. 5th & 12th
Jan. 2nd & 9th
Jan. 16th & 23rd

Basics
Two consecutive Tuesdays. Learn flat repair, bearing adjustment, intro to truing, brake adjustment, derailleur adjustment, and safety inspection and cleaning techniques. 10% off parts and tools.

$60, 6pm to 8pm

These classes begin -
Nov. 8th & 15th
Nov. 22nd & 29th
Dec. 6th & 13th
Jan. 3rd & 10th
Jan. 17th & 24th

Comprehensive
Four consecutive Wednesdays. Learn everything in the Basics class taken one (or alot of) steps further in that parts will be removed from the bikes for overhauling with instruction for proper tool use. This is the class for cleaning bearings, identifying wear and part replacement, and changing cables, etc. Keep your white linen jumpsuit at home. 10% off parts and tools.

$100, 6pm to 8pm

These classes begin -
Nov. 30th, Dec. 7th, 14th, and 21st
Jan. 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th
Feb. 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd

In addition to these scheduled and structured classes, we also offer the opportunity for one-on-one or small group classes during our open hours from 10 to 5 Mon. through Thurs. and 10 to 3 on Saturdays. Say you just want to learn derailleurs or want help with getting started commuting - just ask - we will be available to custom tailor instruction for you and or yours. These available hours will begin on Monday, Nov. 7th.

We LOVE doing this, and are excited to help you get as excited about cycling as we are. (Within limitation - some of us are truly nuts for bikes. But we can take you to crazy town if you like.)

The other reason we created this space is to provide a place for the cycling community to get together for events. Bike movies, club meetings, ride stops and starts and in-betweens, art events - you name it. Even local breweries have found our new space to be an excuse to enjoy their offerings and camaraderie (like we need an excuse) with special tastings, etc. If you have an event you would like to schedule, get in touch and we can help make it happen.

We are excited to announce that our first event/ Grand Opening will be the evening of FRIDAY NOVEMBER 18TH , 8pm with the launch of the newest issue of COG MAGAZINE. On display will be artwork from the creators of COG, delicious beer from STONEFLY BREWERY , and GOLDSPRINT ROLLER RACING for all comers to turn themselves inside out on. Time to let the trash talk fuel your legs to victory or mush against your favorite opponents and as of yet undiscovered new friends - sprints are truly a spectacle!

The best way to get ahold of us for scheduling classes and events is 414 384 2236, ext 1007. Or email me, at bikeschool@benscycle.com. Either way I can confirm your requests in a timely manner.

Hope to see you soon!

Freeload Racks – Your Platform for Adventure

Freeload is a company from New Zealand that has designed one of the most adaptable racks I have put my hands on. It uses a strong cam system to latch on to either the seat stay or fork (even suspension forks!). It's ingenious triangular adjustable system allows you to install the rack with ease as well as angle it how ever you please. There are essentially two models: one that works with panniers and one that doesn't. Check them out here.

This is one of those items that can help solve problems for any mechanic. On top of being light and seemingly strong, this rack was designed mainly for dual suspension bikes but can also work on road bikes that do not have rack mounts. I wouldn't install this on a carbon bike, but as always, consult your mechanic if this is a suitable option for your bike. It is also very easy to take on and off. As we see more cyclists dabble in adventure biking and dirt brevets, I think we will see more great products like this soon.

Milwaukee Bicycle Co. Reflective Patch - NEW!

HERE!

29 Inches .com : Out of the box

We sent over our new 29er to Guitar Ted @ twentynineinches.com for review and he's just put up a new post about the details...Check it out!

Midwest Open 2

The great Bike Polo Midwest Open descends on Milwaukee this weekend, info here!

John's Milwaukee Road/Cross

Nice build John! And yes, this build does have the option for cantilever studs. I have also seen bikes built up with Paul Racer M brakes without cantilever studs for more clearance. Regardless, this bike will ride great in the dirt!

3 Polo Shafts Reviewed

Take a look at this in-depth review from Gotta Be Gritty

Besides just wanting to say thanks for the great review; we'd just like to clarify a couple things you've mentioned about ordering from our site.
a)We've been working with the USPO to get a cheaper rate on longer/oddly shaped packages and we're finally getting somewhere. You'll see a decrease on shipping costs for polo shafts shortly.
b)Our free shipping starts at $75 dollars (lower 48); so if you can get some people together for an order, it only takes 2 sets of the 3 piece kits to get free shipping.
Thanks again and keep on swinging!

Rick Anderson's Bruiser 26

photo credit - Rick Anderson

As with the development of the original Bruiser; we wanted the riders to tell us what they needed, not the other way around. It's so important to get as much input as possible; but not just input, good input. As luck would have it, we had an opportunity to have another local rider with a lot of talent test out the new frame.
I've know Rick as long as I've known Antonyo and needless to say it wasn't too hard of a decision; always considering them the fixed duo of Milwaukee. With the pair of them on board with this project, you know this bike is going to be nothing short of incredible.

See the rest of his ride - here