News

2014 Giant Invite 2. $1150.

One of our new models this year is the Giant Invite 2, a women's specific bike that works well for a lot of different types of terrain. The Invite is great for someone looking for a bike that can handle the commute just as well as the weekend trail or road ride. The editors at Bicycle Times Magazine saw fit to write a great review of the bike, and we'd like to share that with you. I apologize for the low quality of the image, but here is their wonderful review:

Time for another version of one of our favorite events: The Bold Italic's Central Market Microhood! We took part in one of these events two years ago, and it is back again in full force. You don't want to miss this one.

Check out full event details here.

We are now stocking Dahon folding bikes here at Huckleberry. Dahon, "the ride you can hide," is what a proper folding bike is all about. You can hide it in your closet. You can hide it under your pillow. You can hide it under your perm.

I definitely miss the 80s.

Back in the day, these bikes looked like miniature versions of the Eiffel Tower. Today, Dahons are lighter aluminum bikes that are simple to fold and fun to ride. The prices on these babies aren't bad either.

The good 'ole days. Looks like GI Joe designed their logo.

Dahon makes a ton of different models, so we've picked out a handful of models that we think make sense for the sordid streets of San Francisco. Here is a sampling:

Vitesse D7. $799.

Mu P8. $749.

Speed p8. $699.

Curve D3. $699.

Time for our annual spring sale -- The Spring Fling! Starting Wednesday April 23, we are going to make it a bit easier for you to fall in love with a new bike from Huckleberry Bicycles by putting every bike on sale. That means Cannondale, Giant, Pinarello, Handsome, Surly, Salsa, Masi, Felt, and many more are all on sale. If we don't have the bike you want in stock, we'll order if for you with the same discount. Boom. But that's not all. Everything else is on sale too! Brooks bags and saddles, Chrome bags and apparel, Ortlieb panniers, Giro New Road apparel, pumps, locks, lights, helmets, shoes from Sidi and Giro. OMG. All bikes in stock are on sale from 10% to 30% off. If we don't have the bike you want on the sales floor, we'll order if for you with the same discount!!! Helmets are 25% off. Backpacks, bags, and panniers are 20% off. All apparel is 20% to 40% off. Check out these sweet special sticky deals:

This beautiful Merckx EMX-1 with Shimano 105 was $2700 now $1995!

This Pinarello Rokh with Shimano Ultegra was $3750 now $3195!

Brooks Land's End Pannier was $180 now $108!

I was thinking the other day that we sure do seem to sell a lot of bikes to women. Women's road bikes especially. I wondered, "why?" Do we sell so many women's road bikes because we have Fabio running the cash register? [caption id="attachment_4272" align="alignleft" width="600"] "Do you have any Questions?"[/caption] Is it like that weird movie with Mel Gibson? You know, the one where he can hear what women are thinking. Is it because we always have some hot jams playing on the Hi Fi? Is it because our favorite color is purple? It occurred to me that we do have a pretty great selection of women's road bikes. Huckleberry Bicycles has great bikes for women (and men too--don't worry dudes, this blog post is for the ladies, but we totally have you covered too). From $800 on up. Really the sky is the limit, so don't be shy if you want something really nice. It's not just the road bikes either. We also have great touring, city, and hybrid bikes for women. I've listed just a few of the options below. If I actually listed all of the women's road bikes we stock, you might not ever get to the end of this blog post. Cannondale Supersix Evo Women's The Cannondale Supersix Evo Women's series is a fine example. We stock two models currently, the Supersix Evo Women's 4 with Shimano Ultegra, and the Supersix Evo Women's 6 with Shimano 105. These women's performance road bikes are fast and furious. And they ride super smooth. The Supersix Evo just has really well-balanced ride quality and performance characteristics. It's what the pros on Cannondale's pro cycling team race on. [caption id="attachment_4294" align="alignleft" width="600"] The Supersix Evo Women's. White is the new white.[/caption] Cannondale Synapse Carbon Women's.. Crush meets plush. Cannondale took all the great performance and ride quality features of their stage racing bike and combinded them with some new ideas to create the ultimate classics bike. The new Synapse is an amazingly smooth bike with excellent performance. The geometry is a little more comfy and stable than the Supersix Evo. Right now we have the Cannondale Synapse Women's Carbon 5 with Shimano 105. This model was voted road bike of the year by Cycling Plus a British cycling mag. Watch the video. [caption id="attachment_4280" align="alignleft" width="600"] The Cannondale Synapse Women's Carbon 105 comes in a nice Grandaddy Purps colorway[/caption] Synapse alloy women's. The more affordable aluminum version of the Synapse got all the same updates to geometry and ride quality. So if you're not looking to break the bank-- or you're just getting your first road bike-- we can get you set up with a smooth-riding women's road bike. [caption id="attachment_4281" align="alignleft" width="600"] The Synapse Alloy women's 5 has Shimano 105 parts, and is only $1350. And it looks pretty hot in those jeans.[/caption] That's a lot of options from Cannondale. Really, our great selection of Cannondale's women's road bikes is just one of the things that makes Huckleberry the smoothest Cannondale Dealer ever. Liv/Giant Avail. Giant makes some amazing women's road bikes. As the worlds largest bike manufacturer, Giant has dedicated so much energy to making bikes for women. They've even started a women's brand, Liv. Liv is run by a woman, and they design and manufacture some of the best fitting and riding women's bikes. The Avail is their women's road platform, and we stock several models. The Liv/Giant Avail is so good. It's good enough for Marianne Vos to go out and win pretty much every bike race and break every record out there. If it's good enough for all that, then well you know it must be pretty good. And it's another reason why our smoothness knows no bounds. We're on our way to becoming the smoothest Giant dealer in the Universe. [caption id="attachment_4291" align="alignleft" width="600"] Marianne Vos. She's the best, and she rides a Giant.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4319" align="alignleft" width="600"] Giant Avail Composite. Another great women's road bike we stock at Huckleberry.[/caption] All City A couple of models from All City, the Mr. Pink and the Spacehorse, are pretty popular with our female customers We've covered these bikes in another post. Click Here to read all about it. Really, they're just great bikes because they fit a lot of our customers' needs--women and men alike. [caption id="attachment_4236" align="alignleft" width="600"] The Mr. Pink. It's bluetiful.[/caption] It's all about you... Women come in all shapes and sizes and tastes. So really, all the bikes we stock are good candidates for a lady out doing some bike shopping. We have friendly customer service and a warm atmosphere to shop in. No attitude--we're Huckleberries! So if you're thinking about looking for a new bike, come on down to Huckleberry town. We're your Huckleberry. [caption id="attachment_4276" align="alignleft" width="600"] TLC knows you don't want no scrubs, so do we.[/caption]

We've always had Surly bikes on the floor. Long Haul Truckers and Cross Checks are no-brainer, awesome bikes at an awesome price. But we've also sold a few Trolls, Ogres, Pacers, and Big Dummies as well. The whole lineup of Surly bikes is just spot-on and has been for a long time. This year we've stocked up on the regulars again. But, in addition to the Cross Checks and Truckers, we grabbed a couple of Surly's new Disc Truckers as well. It's just a Long Haul Trucker with disc brakes (duh) and it looks like this: If you are wondering why Surly now makes a disc-brake version of the Trucker, the disc brakes essentially provide better stopping power when your bike is loaded and/or in wet conditions. There are a couple of different kinds of disc-brakes out there and Surly chose the higher-end Avid BB7 setup. Yes! At $1500, it is a bit more than the standard Trucker, but worth every penny. Between the Surlies, the Salsa Vaya, the Salsa Fargo, and the All-City Space Horse, we have a ridiculous selection of touring bikes. And while we've been all stoked out on the new All-City bikes, I don't want to forget the classic, tried-and-true touring bikes that Surly makes. I mean, check out the Greg and Matty on their Long Haul Truckers in Vietnam:

Just two dudes looking for a Bud Light Lime.

If you thinking about getting off the grid for a bit, going bike camping, and generally treating yourself to the best that life has to offer -- get on a Surly. We have a bunch of them at the shop for you to throw a leg over. And, of course, we have all the trimmings for your tour as well -- Ortlieb panniers, front/rear racks, Brooks saddles, and more.

People are always asking us when we're going to have a sale. Well Huckleberries, the answer is now. May 9th-May 13th. That's 5 days of killer deals people! Here's the scoop: All Apparel is 10-40% off. All Bags are 20% off. All Shoes are 30% off. All Helmets and Gloves are 20% off. All Locks are 20% off. Select Bikes 10-40% 0ff! Why? It's BIKE TO WORK MONTH People!!!! That's right, it's time to get out of your car and into your dreams goddammit! Time to get off of the bus and into the fresh, foggy San Francisco breeze. Don't forget to wear a flower in your hair. Time to make good on all those well-intentioned New Year's Resolutions you so conveniently forgot. We want to help you achieve enlightenment. Really we do. Maslow was right. [caption id="attachment_2883" align="alignleft" width="600"] [/caption] You can't worry about happiness until you have food and shelter covered. If you're hungry right now then just heat up a Hot Pocket and keep reading. If you're outside, then find a post office or a library or something. Ok so now that you have your more basic needs met, why not get to the top of the pyramid? Why not take a ride to self-actualization. In order to take this ride, you are going to need a bike, some comfy pants, a sensible bag, and some shoes. Huckleberry Bicycles has the best selection in the Universe. Let's start at the bottom and work our way to transcendence. Physiological Needs Riding a bike to work is a heck of a lot easier in the right clothing. Like this Levi's Commuter Parka and 511 Commuter Jeans at 20% 0ff. [caption id="attachment_2896" align="alignleft" width="600"] Levi's Commuter Parka and 511 Jeans. 20% off[/caption] Oh wow! You can use the money saved to buy some food and shelter. Sweet, we're moving on up. Safety and Security No problem folks, Helmets and Gloves are all 20% off, so we've got your safety down pat. As for security, we've got a great selection of Locks and they're all 20% off too!! Check and check. Aren't you feeling better already? [caption id="attachment_2900" align="alignleft" width="600"] safe, secure, and headed for enlightenment[/caption] Love and Belongingness Needs Needless to say, we Huckleberries appreciate your business. When you come into the shop, we do our best to make you feel right at home. Stop on by and play a game of Tetris while you wait for a repair. If you're looking to fit in everywhere you go, try some of the great SPD-compatible sneakers we have in stock. DZR and Chrome make some great footwear that looks stylish both on and off the bike. All shoes are 30% off!! [caption id="attachment_2894" align="alignleft" width="600"] DZR Nero, available in mens and ladies sizes. 30% off.[/caption] Self Esteem Needs Chances are you're already feeling a lot better about yourself. Heck, you should. You've come a long way, baby. Now it's time to express your individuality with the right choice of luggage. Huckleberry Bicycles has the best selection of cycling bags in the known universe. No joke. Whether you're looking for bags for your bike or your person, we have it all. Brooks England, Ortlieb, Mission Workshop, Chrome, Swift Industries, Koki, and so on. People will look at your bag and know that you care about yourself. [caption id="attachment_2895" align="alignleft" width="600"] The Brooks Pickwick rucksack will meet your Self Esteem Needs. [/caption] Self Actualization You did it! You can now realize your inner potential on this 2012 Civia Twin City 7-speed. On Sale for $650 (was $850). [caption id="attachment_2909" align="alignleft" width="600"] welded on rack will never come loose, leaving you with the headspace to ponder [/caption] Or you can try this Civia Prospect, on sale for $950 (was $1200). [caption id="attachment_2910" align="alignleft" width="600"] The Prospect is good for a long commute or a weekend tour to the Zen Center.[/caption] We have a whole list of closeout bikes for you to choose from, and an overall great selection of bikes. So come on down to Huckleberry Town and we'll get you on the path to enlightenment. [caption id="attachment_2905" align="alignleft" width="600"] achieve total consciousness[/caption]

What: A Party with beer and a food truck--Curry Up Now! Where: Huckleberry Bicycles When: Friday, May 3, 2013. Party starts at 7:00, but there will be a short group ride from the shop at 5:30 if you can make it! How: Pour the beer in your mouth and swallow. Why: Because Giro is launching a really cool line of clothing for cycling that doesn't result in plum smuggling. See you there!

We have been rocking Milk Music's 2010 EP Beyond Living for some time now.  The six song set, replete with driving rhythms, fuzzed out guitar and wailed vocals, is the perfect afternoon pick me up at the shop. The sound is in your face, but still has that laid back slacker vibe. The music oozes fun and youth.  Some critics claimed that the band was biting off a bit too much from the sound of the 90's Pacific Northwest scene via  mid 80's SST Records. It is fair to point out that Milk Music has obvious influences (the band is lovingly referred to in the shop as Husker Jr or Dinosaur Du), however the music contains a sense of vitality and urgency that a band simply going through the motions cannot capture. On the surface, Milk Music's newest record (and first full length), Cruise Your Illusion, sounds like a band continuing on in the slacker tradition. It's hard for people to take you too seriously if you aren't serious to begin with, right? With this in mind, I was floored on first listen to the album. Adding a fourth member to the group, Milk Music decided not to continue on the well worn path of Wipers influenced rock, but to branch out, challenge themselves and, most importantly, challenge the listener. It is refreshing to hear a band forge ahead, unconcerned with their past and what people expect in the future. Where Beyond Living showed a band set on cruise control, Cruise Your Illusion does not settle into one tempo. You have the driving motorik of "No, Nothing, My Shelter,"  juxtaposed with album closer "The Final Scene,"  which slows down to a lazy country twang. After listening to Beyond Living for so long, who would have expected to hear Milk Music write something like "Dogchild"? The 4 minute song begins with a clean arrpegiated riff, with wailed vocal upfront and whistling behind it. The sound is reminiscent of stargazing in big sky country. This feeling is emphasized during the final 3 minutes of the song when multiple guitar tracks noodle (not pejorative ) along the fretboard as one would while in deep contemplation. This is not to say Milk Music decided to completely slow and settle down. "I've Got a Wild Feeling" and "Runaway" are examples of driving Beyond Living-like gems. Can we return to "No, Nothing, My Shelter"? My favorite song on the new album perfectly encapsulates the maturation from the Beyond Living EP. The driving rhythm section still leads the attack, but instead of simply adding thick guitar over the growling bass, the band decides to use the guitar as texture. Ubiquitous throughout the entire track, the guitar swirls above the fray. It is a brilliant use of rock instrumentation in a non-rock method. This is not a simple rock band just looking for sunshine and waves (as much as they would like you to believe), but a group of serious musicians with a wide musical vocabulary.   [embed width="640"height="420"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ruDWueKvfk[/embed]   Hopefully the link above is enough motivation for you to go out and buy this record. Word on the street is that Aquarius Records here in SF has both the CD and vinyl editions in stock. The vinyl version was self-released by the band and was recorded on a 4 track 1/2 inch tape. Just in case you haven't already run out to pick this record up, enjoy an oldie from the Beyond Living EP below.   [embed width="640"height="420"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1190Cq3PHvQ[/embed]      

We just got our first shipment of All-City bikes -- yet another bike brand from Minnesota, the most hipster state in the Union. It is hard to believe, I know, but the cornerstones of hipsterdom are abundantly present in the land-o-lakes: epic beards, epic Pabst sessions, epic ironic tshirts, and of course epic bikes. And because I went to the most hipster college, I know hipster when I see it.

Minnesota: Most Hipster State

Somewhere between the bear and the beard the magic happens, and in the words of Arthur Lee, "I believe in magic. Why? Because it is so quick." Hence our picks from the All-City lineup: the Space Horse (magic) and the Mr. Pink (quick). Also known as the blue bike and the red bike.  

Space Horse (aka "the blue bike") $1450

The Space Horse is our replacement for the discontinued Salsa Casseroll. Like the Casseroll, the Space Horse is a light-touring bike; hence, it works perfectly well as a commuter rig. As you can see, also like the Casseroll, it's blue. The All-City Web site sums it up best:

It can handle front and rear racks, fenders, and has clearance for 42c tires. It also has our new custom semi horizontal dropouts which allow it to be set up geared or single. The geometry of the frameset itself, is a mix of traditional road and touring geo's giving the bike agile head tube and seat tube numbers, a relatively short rear end, but with a lower than roadbike bottom bracket for increased stability while loaded. The tubeset was chosen with 30lbs rear and 20lbs front max loads in mind.

So there ya go. Those of you with 30lb rears and 20lb fronts are set with a Space Horse. You can get the full build specs here.

Mr. Pink (aka "the red bike") $1895

The Mr. Pink isn't really a replacement for us at all, it's more like an upgrade. We've always had a bunch of steel road bikes, like the Masi Gran Criterium or the Felt F4130, but the Mr. Pink has something that those bikes lack -- proper fender-ability! It also has clearance, therefore, for fatter tires, which means a comfier ride. And to top it off, strong, lightweight Columbus Zona tubing and a press-fit 30 bottom bracket. Very cool.

The Pink was influenced by our love of classic steel race bikes, our years spent paging though the old Bridgestone catalogs, and our dedication to exploiting new technology and advancements where ever applicable. Geometry wise, it's a no holds barred go fast machine, but we've made a few tweaks to the typical road race equation that allow it to be so much more than just a nice weather show pony.

Its got clearance for 32s (28s w fenders) since some of us love mixed terrain rides and streets only seem to be getting worse, hidden fender mounts, an ED coat for rust prevention, internal top tube cable routing, a Press Fit 30 bottom bracket and Columbus Zona tubing.

The Press Fit 30 BB allows for a stiffer pedaling platform and overall lighter build than a standard English shell, plus it has the advantage of being backwards compatible with most tradtional cranksets. Not to mention that it sprints like hell. The Columbus Zona tubing choice was another easy one, as weight is important to a bike of this style, and after a lifetime of drooling over SLX framesets we understand that theres magic in those Italian tubes.

What does it all boil down to? The Mr. Pink is a fast steel bike that you can go on long weekend rides on, but it is also a versatile bike that would handle equally well as a sporty daily commuter. It has a nice set of specs with a lot of Shimano 105 parts represented. For the full build specs, head over to All-City here. A little postscript here -- come in and test ride one of these fast because we've already sold about a third of them!

Will Ferrell wears a trucker jacket. Ryan Gosling wears a trucker jacket. Jake Gyullenhall, Drake, Jay-Z, Robert Pattinson, that guy from "Game of Thrones," Lane's man-crush (Adam Levine).
If you haven't seen it yet, we have a full line-up of Levi's

Their new pants remind me of something out of caddyshack -- but you don't get a free bowl of soup with these pants.