Thursday, December 26, 2013

SRAM Road Hydraulic Brake Recall - STOP USE

UPDATE: SRAM Road Hydraulic Brake Recall – STOP USE IMMEDIATELY

On November 4th SRAM identified and announced a technical issue with respect to a narrow production range of its RED 22 and S-700 Hydraulic Road Brakes. At that time, it was described as a performance and safety concern with no reported failures in the field.
It has recently come to our attention that during last weekend’s Cyclocross racing in the US, in sub freezing temperatures, several failures were reported. In these conditions the master cylinder seals failed to hold pressure resulting in abrupt loss of brake power, and an inability to stop the bike. These failures are related to product that is outside the originally stated date code range and unrelated to the original failure mode. No injuries have been reported to date.

As a result of this new finding, SRAM requests that anyone who has a bike equipped with SRAM Hydraulic Disc or Hydraulic Rim Brakes stop using the bike immediately. All products shipped to date, and currently in the market or in inventory will be recalled.

Further, we are asking our Bike Brand customers, OE factories, Distributors and Dealers to cease all sales and shipments of SRAM RED 22 and S-700 Hydraulic Road Brakes. A total of approximately 19,000 brake systems have been shipped to date into the global market.
Quarantine efforts currently underway with Factories, Bike Brands, and Distributors will be broadened to include all Dealers with inventory on bikes, or as Aftermarket product. Additional information related to timing and replacement of product will be forthcoming.
As originally announced we have reported this issue to the US CPSC and will be cooperating with the agency to announce a Safety Recall. We will also be contacting and working closely with appropriate like agencies in Europe and globally.

SRAM engineering and manufacturing is committed to the highest Quality standards. On behalf of all employees at SRAM we apologize for the business disruption to our customers business and to the individuals who have placed their trust in our products.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Friday, December 20, 2013

Milwaukee Bicycle Co. Frames in Production













  Our painter has been very busy lately!  Head over to Ben's Cycle to start your own Milwaukee Bicycle Co. build.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Friday, December 13, 2013

New Product In Stock: HED Belgium Road Rim 700c






















  The rim that changed the wheel industry is now in stock and available for single purchase or use it with our custom wheel builder.  Head over to our site and start building a new set wheels!

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

New Publication: 101 Things to do in Milwaukee Parks - Barbara Ali



  Looking for something to do in Milwaukee's parks?  Pick up a copy of Barbara's new book featuring 101 things to do in one of our many parks.  One of the activities listed in Washington Park is bike polo!  Also, a great holiday gift idea.

Friday, November 22, 2013

New Product: Schwalbe Marathon Winter 208 Studs 700x35


http://www.benscycle.com/images/Product/large/schwalbe-marathon-winter-hs396-208-studs-700x35-4640.jpg
  The Schwalbe Marathon Winter is our newest addition to our studded tire selection.  This is an excellent choice if you're looking for a low rolling resistant studded tire while still able to grip the snow and ice enough to stay rubber side down.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Chequamegon Fat Tracks Cover - Features: Heidi Beck

  Women's single speed champion, Heidi Beck,  is featured on the current issue of Fat Tracks while riding her Milwaukee Bicycle Co. 29er and rockin' the kit too!  Congratulations Heidi!

  Stop on by the shop to pick up a copy for yourself.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Ben's Cycle Launches New Website!

  We're all very excited at Ben's Cycle for the launching of our brand new website, and we know you will be too!  The above picture is a cropped screen shot of the new homepage to give you a sneak peak.  Below you will find important information for our existing and future customers.
  We are kindly asking everyone to please use the "feedback" pop-out on the right side if you come across any missing/incorrect photos, incorrect/missing information or anything else you may see that needs our attention.
Tip: We may provide hidden perks for customers providing vital information!

Existing Customers:
  • As a security measure you will be prompted to change your password on initial log-in.
  • Old orders will not be available to view after launch date, but we will have access to old and orders in process or in production.  You can also log-in prior to the launch date and print pas orders you may want.
  • Please be sure to double check your billing and shipping addresses to ensure they are correct.
New Site Features:
  • Guest Checkout
  • Power Filtering
  • Intelligent Search
  • Smart Bicycle & Wheel Builder
  • Faster & More Efficient Shopping
  • Design for Mobile Site 
  • New Website 15% off Coupon for new and existing customers(except Milwaukee Bicycle Co. bikes and frames)
  • Free Shipping on First Order; even if you shopped with us before as this is valid for everyone!

We're also offering free shipping on international first orders too! 

Friday, November 8, 2013

New Products in Stock: Spacecraft Scout Mask Beanies

  Stay warm while still being undercover with Spacecraft's Scout Mask, which are offered in a wide variety of colorways.  Click HERE to view our entire Spacecraft hat selection.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

New Products in Stock: Pace Reversible Wool Caps


  Keep your dome warm and dry with a wool cap this fall.  See all of our wool caps that we stock here!

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

ATTN: SRAM Road Hydraulic Brake Recall

.
If you are affected by this recall please stop riding the brakes and contact your local dealer.

Below is Sram's Press Release. 

SRAM Road Hydraulic Brake Recall:
SRAM has identified a technical issue with respect to a narrow production range of its RED 22 and S-700 Road Hydraulic road brakes. This is a performance and safety concern. There are no reported failures in the field.
We began proactive quarantine efforts with factories, bike brands and distributors last week. We have reported this issue to the US CPSC and will be cooperating with the agency to announce a safety recall in the near future. We are also working with European consumer administrations.
The affected serial numbers range from 36T30993767 to 42T39407156. This represents 3,553 brakes produced. Based on our investigative and quarantine efforts with our customers, we expect that there are fewer than 500 brakes worldwide in the affected range that are at Dealers or have been purchased by consumers.
The serial number can be found on the brake caliper (rim or disc) and on the outside of the box containing the product. SRAM will issue another notice when the CPSC approved recall launches.
As always, we appreciate your business, and apologize for the disruption.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Thursday, October 31, 2013

New Products in Stock: Brooks C17 Cambium Saddles

   The long awaited Brooks C17 Cambium saddles have arrived and they are very impressive to say the least.  Stop by the shop to see for yourself or visit our online store and see our entire C17 Cambium selection here.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Now in Stock: 45NRTH Fasterkatt and Wolvhammer SPD Winter Boots

  Get prepared for winter commuting by keeping your feet warm with 45NRTH's SPD winter cycling boots.  We now have in stock a full size run in both the Wolvhammer and the Fasterkatt models. 

  

  They are listed on our website, but they are for local purchase and pickup only.  Stop on down and try a pair on for yourself, and don't catch the "black toe" this season!

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Bike School: Mechanic Classes are Starting!

https://www.benscycle.com/p-4657-fallwinter-classes-per-hour.aspx
  Have you ever wanted to learn how to work on your own bicycle?  Then, sign up today for a one-on-one instruction by our experienced mechanic.  Send an email to bikeschool@benscycle.com to inquire and sign-up.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Wisconsin Cycling - Endure: Ballet in the Mud

  Our good friends Peter DiAntoni and Dave Schlabowske, also Darren Hauck and Jeffery Phelps, have created a book highlighting the brutal elements of cyclocross racing and the determination that is required of racers in the sport; specifically in Wisconsin.
  They will be showcasing their work in a photo exhibition at Hanson Dodge Creative here in Milwaukee from November 7th - February 28th 2014.



Friday, October 25, 2013

World Hardcourt Bike Polo Champs: The Beavers

Photo Credit:  321polo.net

  Congratulations to our very own Beavers!  
  
  321polo couldn't have said it any better than this.  "What do you get when you mix bike polo, the teamwork of 1992 Dream Team, the shooting accuracy of an early 2000s Tiger Woods, and the synchronicity of migrating Canadian geese? You get Joey Halvorsen, Eric Kremin, and Brian Dillman in the manifestation known as The Beavers."-321polo.net

Thursday, October 24, 2013

New Products in Stock: Chrome Merino Cobra Full Zip Hoodies

  Get prepared for fall riding and cover yourself with a layer of Merino wool by Chrome.  If you don't have any Merino wool in your cycling wardrobe, than your missing out!  Merino wool is one of the best materials for softness, absorbency and breath-ability.  

We're now stocking a variety of Chrome jackets and hoodies.  Check them out at our online store!  

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Elle Anderson's Specialized Crux

Elle Anderson has been ripping up the U.S. cross scene this fall, including two wins at the Trek Cup in Watertown, WI. She's been riding the new Specialized Crux.

I've been riding the Crux this fall, and while I haven't won any races (yet), this bike is the best cross bike I've ever ridden. It's so stiff and burly, and I feel perfectly balanced on the bike. I've been able to take corners tighter and more confidently than ever before.

Here's the cyclingnews.com review:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/pro-bike-elle-andersons-specialized-crux-pro-race


Ben's Cycle BIKETOBERFEST SALE!



Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Ben's Cycle & Milwaukee Bicycle Co. Water Bottles in Stock with a New Color!

New Color!
   We just received a new color water bottle along with a re-stock of the existing bottles we've already carried.  Click over to our online store to keep yourself hydrated!
Back in Stock!
Back in Stock!
  If you haven't tried a Purist water bottle, then you should!  Click here to learn why these bottles are so nice.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Movie Monday: 10 Year Old That's Faster than You

  His name is Seth Sherlock and he probably has more gusto on the trails than you do.  Take a few minutes at the end of your day and watch this kid rip lines like he's on a race track!

Friday, October 11, 2013

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Indiegogo Campaign: RYB Denim Specificaly for Women

  Support Chandel and RYB Denim to help them supply women with cycling specific clothing.  See the Milwaukee Bicycle Co. Polo Guard on her bike?!  Head over to their indiegogo page here.

Sale Items! Foes Street Rods Handlebars


 
    All our Foes Street Rods modular handlebars are 20% off until they are gone!  You can mix and match different colored components to achieve your desired combination.  They're available in a variety of colors; black, gold, green, red, silver, orange and blue.  Head over to our online store to start building your own custom handlebar.


Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Monday, October 7, 2013

Thursday, September 26, 2013

New Product in Stock: Lightweight FSA Polycarbonate Headset Spacers

FSA Polycarbonate Headset Spacers
  Polycarbonate material, lighter than alloy or carbon. Unique translucent appearance adds a color accent to any bike.  Head to our online store and slide a few of these on your steer tube.                                   Weight: 1 gram(5mm spacer)
 


Tuesday, September 24, 2013

New Products in Stock: North St. Bags - Convertible Pannier Backpack and More!

Woodward Convertible Pannier Backpack
  You can run this bag on your bicycle mounted rack or on your back!  See a review from Bicycle Times here.
Salmon Roll Top Tube Protector/Tool Pouch
  This is not your ordinary top tube protector, because it doubles as a tool pouch too!
Roll-top Hip Pouch
  A waterproof hip pouch large enough to carry most of your essential gear from A to B.
Handlebar Pouch
  We've carried North St. Bags in the past, but the above products are new to our stock.  Check the rest of the new North St. Bag products we currently have here!



Monday, September 23, 2013

Movie Monday: Trial Trails - Chris Akrigg

  If you haven't seen Chris Akrigg's latest video, than be sure to click the play button now!  3:34!

Friday, September 20, 2013

Bike Polo: DZR Deputs the Marco Black Bike Polo Shoe at Interbike

  The Marco Black has everything a polo player wants in a shoe; stiff fiberglass shank, plastic heel cup, strategically placed padding to prevent injury and cooling vents.  Keep a lookout for these shoes to arrive at Ben's Cycle!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Cyclocross Sale!

The first races of the 2013-14 cyclocross season are finished, and Ben's Cycles is ready to meet all of your cross needs for the rest of the season and beyond.

1. We are running a 25 percent sale on all cross products, including bikes, tires, wheels, and clothing in current stock!

2. We stock Specialized and Focus cross bikes, including bikes equipped with disc brakes. Plus we can order bikes and get them quickly. We even have a few pre-ridden Focus bikes!

3. We have a pretty big stock of cross tubulars! Challenge, Clement, and Vittoria!

4. We have cross wheels or 29er wheels ready for your cross ride.

5. We can build wheels exactly to your specs. If you want disc wheels, clinchers, we can build up wheels with pretty much whatever parts you choose.

6. Tubulars a little light on glue? Haven't reglued them for a few years? Bring them into the shop, and we'll glue your tubulars just right for cross racing!

7. We have a $40 offer for cleaning, re-lubing, and maintaining your cross bike after a muddy, dirty weekend. Bring it in on Monday, we'll wash it, re-lube everything, remove the bottom bracket and re-lube that as well, even adjust your brakes.

Ben's recently built up a carbon Specialized disc Crux for me. We had several sets of wheels built with Shimano hubs, Avid discs, and Velocity rims for a lot less than buying them somewhere else! Come see my rigs and wheels at the Trek CXC races this weekend in Waterloo and see some great pro and amateur cross at the Trek factory.


New Products in Stock: Cateye Lights & Computers

  The Cateye Volt 300 is USB rechargable, 300 lumens and can mounted to the handlebar or helmet.  For $60.00 this light is one of the most competitively priced head lights for how bright it is.  Head over to this link to view our entire headlight selection.
CC-MC200W Micro Wireless
  The most unique feature of this computer is you can select the functions that matter to you most and keep them on the display at the same time.  It also has all the typical features you want in a cycling computer.  Head to our online store to view more!




Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Ben's Cycle offers Custom Wheelbuilds

  Here at Ben's Cycle we offer a very unique perk to our customers, when you buy the hub(s), spokes and rim(s) there are no labor charges for building the wheel(s).  That's right, no labor charge!  Our wheels are professionally hand built to the customer's specifications, and we offer a wide array of hubs and rims to suite any type of riding.  There's no need to settle for a machine built wheel with low grade spokes, so roll over to our online store and start building!




Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Recent Build: Milwaukee Bicycle Co. 1x9 Commuter Bicycle

  This commuter beauty was just build as a display model for our show room floor and is setup as a geared 1x9 with canilever brakes, front porteur rack, full fenders, brooks saddle and comfortable hand position bars.  This bike is a commuters dream!  Stop by the shop to test ride or discuss your own custom build.  

Head over to our Flickr page to view more builds or head to our online store and start building your own bike.

Monday, September 16, 2013

New Products In Stock: Mission Workshop - Indian Summer Kits

  We've got the new Mission Workshop Indian summer kits in stock with all the variations available; Crews, Henley's and the Stahl shorts.  These new MWS products as always are of the highest quality and are Made in USA with a lifetime warranty.  Come visit us in the shop to see in person or you can order online at benscycle.com.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Cyclocross Bike Cleaning and Tune-Up

It's fall, and that means it's cyclocross season!

The Wisconsin Cycling Association's season has begun. The second race of the series, in Lake Geneva, was a cold, wet, and muddy race!

So Ben's is offering a special deal for cross racers throughout the fall: Bring in your cross bike (hopefully you've removed the big mud chunks!). We'll clean it, lube it, remove the bottom bracket to clean and re-lube, adjust brakes and gears and get it back to you in two days.

All of this for $40!

The worst thing you can do to your cross bike is let it sit muddy and neglected after a hard race. You cleaned up and showered: your bike should get the same treatment.

Spending $40 to get your bike cleaned and lubed is a lot cheaper than replacing parts when the dirt and grit build up in the drivetrain and any moving parts.

Call the shop for details!

Friday, September 13, 2013

Sneak Peak: Lighter Weight V2 King's Crown Mallet Attachment

  The crown dropped from 5.0g to 1.5g!  You will see a 10mm slot for an open ended wrench for the v2 crown, while still keeping it knurled.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

New Product: Philcentric Outboard Bottom Bracket

   Do you want a single speed, but don't have horizontal dropouts, an eccentric bottom bracket shell or an eccentric rear hub?  If you answered no to any of those questions, than look no further!  These eccentric outboard bottom bracket cups are just what you're looking for, and they're Made in USA just as all Phil Wood products.  Head over to our online store and see our entire Phil Wood bottom bracket selection here.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Ride a Single Speed

Over the last few years, biking to work and for leisure has become an important lifestyle for many people in Milwaukee and Madison, Wis...