The technology behind E-bikes has made leaps and bounds over the last handful of years. Changing what it means to ride an E-bike, who rides them, and why.
As we've seen a few accidents roll through our doors; ranging from slight nudges to broken arms(!!), we just want to throw out a few cautionary reminders for riding in the rain.
1. Number one is always; just SLOW DOWN. Whether you're on a bike, in a car, etc. everything is more slick and dangerous. From manhole sewer covers, to the set of brakes you have on the bike, to the painted lines on the road. The scary things get way scarier. Remember that something we take for granted everyday, friction, isn't on our side in the rain. Take easy and slow turns, your tires will not grip the pavement so try not to lean in the turns. 
Stay alert and give yourself time to react. Ride defensively.
2. Wear bright colors and use lights when it's overcast and/or rainy; not just when it's dark out. Anything to make yourself more visible; add a reflective vest, get a brightly-colored or highly-reflective rain jacket like the Sugoi Zap Jacket. Black, grey and even white are not very visible. Drivers aren't really known for looking out in the first place, but now their windows are covered in water, possibly condensation from the wet occupants, it's just plain difficult to see something that is the same, dark, greyscale-color as everything else. And it's a California law that drivers should be using their lights when it's overcast; it is more safe for us, as cyclists, to do the same.
2b. Accessorize; Get a helmet with a brim or a cover. Or clear/yellow glasses so the spray stays out of your eyes. Get anti-fog treatments for the lenses if you wear prescriptions; a drop of dish soap in the corner of your glasses can actually prevent them from fogging up if you don't have the time or money to get specific anti-fog; like the Chums Anti-fog Kit. Make sure you can see the obstacles before they get in your way. Add fenders to prevent the road splash from getting in your face; see our Fender article for styles and tips.
3. It's universally understood that the vast majority of people don't like being or getting wet. That's no exception for the people who aren't you. Be ready for drivers to stop right at their destinations to drop people off rather than pulling over where it's safe in a driveway and the like. Also be ready for a thrown open car door and a person dashing for cover. Here are the Lyft and Uber "report a problem" websites.
4. Stay on streets that have bike lanes specifically; the wider and less traffic-y the streets the better. Take a different route, one that might have less traffic or more space for you to react. Ones that might have less obstacles for you to avoid.
5. If you've been in an accident; take the time to get all the information and assess your situation. Whether it's raining or not, take the time to get all the pertinent information and take pictures. Of the person, of the bike, of the car, of the situation. Get yourself and your bike checked out; by a doctor and bike shop mechanic respectively(other other way round might not be the most helpful). Check out this article by the SFBC on what to do when you've been involved in an accident.
Here is another article by the SFBC on Riding in the rain and you'll see some of the same advice. Safe Riding!
Join us at Huckleberry Berkeley for a very special Bike Fit Clinic with Steve Moses.
The relatively small amount of money spent on a bicycle fitting is often the most well spent of all.
Join Steve Moses for this clinic in which he will discuss the big ideas – what are the elements of bike fit? Why is it important? What are some of the pitfalls and limitations?
10(ish) things to consider about Bike Fit.
A proper fitting will provide the proper ballance of comfort and power.
Outside of performing our bike fits and managing Huckleberry Berkeley, Steve teaches the Alexander Technique and Functional Movement Integration. His clients range from desk dwellers concerned with posture, movers (athletes, dancers, yogis) looking to do what they do better, those in the midst of surgical recovery (hip/knee/shoulder), and one of the most common being those who have exhausted traditional approaches to pain management (tendonitis, low back, scoliosis, RSI, etc). For the past 8 years he has combined his unique background in the AT and FMI with bike fit – this allows Steve to approach a traditionally bio-mechanical process from an integrated perspective.
Attendees will receive a 20% discount on their next fitting.
~ Beer will be provided ~
Details: Thursday 1/19, 7pm at Huckleberry Bicycles Berkeley
2424 Telegraph Avenue
“(Steve) is very knowledgeable about the way the body moves… he’s not focused too tightly on a single metric, but the entire body positioning as a whole. This really does show in how the bike feels after the fit. I feel more comfortable and more in control, which is huge. It’s also been a blessing for my back.â€
—Sean C
“I did the rookie move of getting a bike fit the day before a big race, but Steve’s adjustments were right on and my entire body adapted to it quickly and naturally, leading to a great performance at my race. I trust him to make adjustments on my bike that will make me faster and move better. I love riding my bike even more because it fits, thanks to Steve.â€
—JAC
“I’m a below-knee amputee and use a prosthesis.  I ride a bike just like anyone with two legs, but with some unique biomechanics that have made it tiring and painful to do long rides… Steve spent an hour adjusting my cycling shoes and my bike to fit me better.  He was awesome and it worked:  I'm riding faster, more comfortably and getting more power from both legs. I'm grateful for the time and expertise.â€
—Steve K.
“I had been experiencing full right leg/foot numbness and knee pain on bike rides over 10mi.  After doing some research. I decided to schedule a professional fitting with Steve.  As a woman entering a bike shop, I often brace myself to be either ignored or mansplained.  Steve was extremely friendly, helpful, welcoming, and respectful.  After spending an hour+ making adjustments, I feel much more comfortable on my bike and more excited than ever to ride.  Well worth the time and money.â€
—Emily T.
“After a few hundred miles on my new bike, it was time for a few fit adjustments. I came to the shop and Steve worked patiently with me to figure out what was going on and which adjustments should be made. His guidance and expertise has been invaluable. I have a greater awareness of how my body and bike work together, and really owe it all to him for being so comfortable on my bike day in and day out.
—Madeline F.
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And why you should watch the Classics rather than the Tour de France.
The Five Monuments: The 5 biggest of the Classics races on the UCI (the governing body of professional cycling) World Tour calendar. The Classics are one-day races that for the most part take place earlier in the Pro Cycling season. Most are in March and April before we get into the Grand Tours such as the Giro di Italia and the Tour de France. These races are long, brutal days in the saddle, won by those racers we call “strong menâ€. As opposed to the emaciated climbers who tend to win the Grand Tours, the Monuments are typically won by the powerful racers that can put the pedal to the metal all day long. These are the true tests of power. Proving a riders ability to lay it all on the line for one single day. Winning any one of these 5 is often the crowning achievement of a racers entire career. Winning one of the Monument is the difference between no one knowing your name and historic fame.
In a sport dripping with history and tradition, five of these Classics have cauterized themselves into the annals of cycling.
Milan - San Remo - March 18, 2017 - the longest single day race of the season at 291 km.Â
The Tour of Flanders - April 2, 2017 - One of the two major cobbled classics along with the Paris - Roubaix. Named so after the many long stretches of cobbled roads the riders must endure.Â
Paris-Roubaix - April 9, 2017 - The “Hell of the Northâ€, also known for it’s cobbles or pave. Perhaps the most grueling of the Monuments.Â
Liège-Bastogne-Liège  - April 23, 2017 - Won five times by the legendary Eddy Merckx, this race is considered one of the most arduous one-day cycling events in the world because of its length and demanding course.Â
Il Lombardia - September 30 - Considered to be the oldest (though it isn’t) and most prestigious of the monuments.
While the Grand Tours are weeks long competitions, drawn out and exhausting, the Classics and in particular the Five Monuments are single day battles. Packed with drama, excitement, blood shed, and tears. In the end only one man reigns victorious and he leaves the rest, battered and wheezing, in his wake.
Though these races pack the pubs of Europe like the Super Bowl does here in the U.S., coverage on this side of the pond is almost non-existent. Most of us don’t have a Eurovision subscription, so the best resource to find live streaming coverage of these and most any pro level road race is steephilltv.com.
Most of the Classics are also accompanied by a womens race that parallels the mens race in intensity. Though never covered as well, Steephill should be able to lead you in the right direction for viewing the women’s races as well. One day equal coverage will be achieved.
We always have a few models from last year kicking about the stores and they are all nicely discounted. Here is the current list:
Cannondale:
2017 CAAD12 Women's 105 50cm and 52cm
2017 CAAD12 105 56cm
2017 CAAD12 Ultegra 6800 48cm
2017 Slate Ultegra Small
2016 Supersix EVO Women's 48
Salsa:
Marrakesh Drop Bar Black/Gold
Ever wonder if you could ride 50 miles in a day?
Do you ride all the time, and want to get your friends into it?
Need a chill, social ride to balance things out?
Well, we've got Two Tickets to Paradise! Every month, on the last Saturday. We meet at Huckleberry SF at 8 and roll around 8:30. And some folks meet us at the Golden Gate Bridge on the way out. Click here for details about our next ride.
Our Courageous 2Tix Ride Leader, Michael Seretan, put together a little ride report.
It should give you an idea what these rides are like. It's a great opportunity to tackle your first big ride, or give something back to the cycling community by supporting the Newbs. Good fun, no drops, and big smiles!
#2tix2paradise
Had a great ride today and there was 30+ riders by the time we hit Sausalito!
Done munching donuts and about to head out.
Paradise Drive. Many people got PR’s but I am always the caboose.
Party in the back!
This is Adrien, my #1 success story. She bought a bike in January and Zack told her about this ride. She didn’t think she could ride 50 miles but I stuck with her and encouraged her. I think she has joined us 4 times now. She even entered a sprint triathlon and wants to do longer rides! Yay!
This is my pal Larry Hall in all black. He has been on every single edition of 2tix. He raced at a pretty high level and likes to support new riders.
Heading home towards Sausalito.
michael
The summer may be over, but it is feeling good out there Huckleberries. This is one of our favorite times to go riding. The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, the clocks have not quite fallen back yet, and the cross season is in high gear. Now is the time of the year to get that bike -- on sale!
It is time for our Fall Sale!
Bikes start at 10% off, with closeouts on a few bikes up to 20% off. We have new Cannondale road bikes (and some 2017 closeouts), a smattering of new Salsa bikes are starting to trickle in, Masi adventure bikes are hitting the shelves, and we still have two Shinolas that gotta go! If you've been thinking about that e-bike and want the best on the block, Stromer will be 10% off. We will also have discounts on remaining All-City, Foundry, Handsome, and Surly bikes!
As always we have a lot of cool soft goods on the floor that will also be on sale. Come check out the Barbour X Brompton collaboration and our selection of pants by Osloh Jeans. Our own Huckleberry shop kits and t-shirts will be 15% off. And all remaining Search & State apparel is 40% off.
Shoes will be 25% off!
Select POC and GIRO helmets will be heavily discounted!
And last, but not least, Vaughn from Parker Dusseau will be having a moving sale starting at 4:00pm on the first day of the sale, November 2nd. He will be there with some amazing deals on his incredible line of apparel. And he will be handing out some beers!
Check out some of these crazy deals on bikes:
2017 Cannondale CAAD12 Ultegra: 54cm and 56cm. Normally $2200, now $1849.
2017 Cannondale CAAD12 105 Disc: 54cm and 56cm. Normally $1950, now $1649.
2017 Cannondale CAAD12 105: 54cm and 56cm. Normally $1550, now $1339.
2017 Cannondale EVO Sram Red Disc: all sizes remaining! Normally $3800, now $3000.
2017 Cannondale EVO Hi-Mod Disc Ultegra: all sizes remaining! Normally $4200, now $3299.
2018 Cannondales all 10% off!
Shinola Bixby 3-speeds, normally $2000, now $1650.
Masi Randonneurs, Giramondos, and Strada vitas are all 10$ off!
Surly, Salsa, and All-City are all at least 10% off!
Stromers are 10% off!
We will also be doing discounts on all of our apparel: Search & State, Huckleberry jerseys and tees, De Marchi heritage jerseys, and so much more.
Give us a call, send us an e-mail or just come on down to Huckleberry town!
Spend your Easter Sunday in SF with Huckleberry & Brompton.
Exploring the City and hunting for clues by bike.
It's the Urban Challenge  a two wheeled scavenger hunt!
Bring a team of 2-4, your bikes (any type will do), and a phone on which to use our handy app by Goose Chase to guide you around the city in pursuit of clues and challenges. This is not a race, it's a challenge that anyone can do but few will win. And there are great prizes to be had from the likes of Ortlieb Bags and us, Huckleberry Bicycles.
Starting at our shop, Huckleberry Bicycles in SF each team will download an app that will give clues and guide you through the city. Points are gained by following clues and completing challenges. Everyone finishes up at a local spot that offers beer and food for the handing out of awards good ol' fashion camaraderie.
Commuters welcome, families welcome, racers welcome (though there are no points for speed), anyone with a bicycle is going to have a blast on this adventure! We will even have a limited number of Brompton bikes, the classiest folding bike in the world, to loan out for this event at no charge. Just let us know if you want one. $20 entry fee, and probably the most well spent $20 of your 2017 to date.
Find more details on our Events Calendar
Or just go for it and RSVP Here!
Technically Spring started on the 20th this year, but nobody really knows that. So we are kicking off Spring on the 22nd, with our annual Spring Sale: March 22nd thru March 31st. Now some of you guys might be thinking, wait a minute, didn't you guys have a spring sale last spring? Yes, and this time, it is exactly the same as the last spring sale, but it comes in a bigger pill!
Here are the details:
This sale is primarily an in-store sale at our SF and Berkeley locations. But stay tuned for an online discount code that will be coming during our sale...
Bikes:
Closeout models 20 - 30% off.
2018 models will be 10% off (even if we have to order it, which we probably will!) And just a reminder, we stock Cannondale, Salsa, Surly, Masi, Stromer, Faraday, Handsome, All-City, and Bromptons. Unfortunately, we can't discount new Bromptons, but we do have a demo or two that is on sale.
Shoes:
Giro Shoes are 40% off. DZR shoes are 25% off.
Bags:
Ortlieb bags are 25% off. All other bags are 20% off -- Mission Workshop, North Street, Swift Industries, and more!
Clothing:
Search & State is 60% off. Barbour x Brompton limited edition jackets and bags are 30% off. Our closeout rack of will be 60% off during the sale. We have shorts, rain jackets, jerseys, and more on the closeout rack.
Helmets:
Giro Helmets are 40% off. Remaining 2017 model POC helmets are 60% off. Bern Helmets are 20% off
There will be more discounts to be had as well
