We checked in with a few Front Range shops to hear what’s happening this season. 

What’s the hot new technology this season?

Tim Troha, main man, Colorado Multisport: Compression clothing—tights, socks, tights. Think Under Armour but better quality and more specific. It's great for recovery, reduces soreness, etc. Compression wear from Skins, Beaker Concepts VasoSocks, and 2XU are brands that people can't get enough of.

Ron Kiefel, president, Wheat Ridge Cyclery: Lots of carbon. Yeti has a new AS-R full-carbon frame. Specialized revamped their Stumpjumper FSR mountain bikes. Trek developed a new MTB suspension platform with the Fuel EX series. Pivot is a new MTB manufacturer with a great design. We’re also seeing some cool computers like the Cateye EV2 and the Garmin GPS units.

Roger Matherly, co-owner, Adrenaline Tri-Sport: We currently only sell tri bikes. Triathlon geometry bicycles in all price ranges have always been good sellers but this year they are really standing on their own. The Felt B2, B2 Pro and DA full-carbon bikes have aero tubing, the Bayonet fork, and a rear brake that is tucked behind the bottom bracket. The B2 versions are in high demand because they offer the aerodynamic advantages of the high-end DA without the high-end price tag. Felt bikes are also in high demand due to the success of top triathletes riding them such as Andy Potts, Tim DeBoom, Michellie Jones, Becky Gibbs Lavelle, Emma Snowsill and Craig Walton.

Triathlon keeps growing. Has this been translating to more tri-specific bike sales?

Troha: We’re seeing a huge demand for tri bikes, because people are slowly learning the advantages for training and racing—comfort and speed! Folks used to think that tri bikes were hard to handle and not comfortable, but that's changing.  Manufacturers have gotten better at making them more approachable. Much of the demand in tri bikes is also being driven by the growth in the sport of triathlon generally, but especially in this area. 

Kiefel: We like to help entry-level riders get into the tri market and feel that a road bike is a great starting point for the sport. Plus a road bike is more versatile for riding in Colorado. In the mountains a road bike climbs better and is generally safer descending. A tri bike is great for speed on flat to rolling terrain but not as comfortable on the longer mass participation events.

Matherly: There is a significant growing demand for tri bikes because of the sport’s growth and the trend towards manufacturers offering tri bikes that come equipped with all the aero equipment at affordable prices.

What sorts of general trends are you seeing?

Troha: The general trend is toward value. People are spending more cautiously but still spending. They want bang for the buck. Comfort is always number one, whether you’re an elite athlete or just beginning.

Kiefel: Customers are exploring the option of commuting by bicycle.

Matherly: People are seeing the advantage of a “tri’ specific geometry frame and consequently demand for the ‘tri” geometry frame is high. That said, the general trend seems to be not necessarily the bikes themselves, but the proper fit.

If someone wants to upgrade his bike but not necessarily buy a new bike, what are some things that you could suggest?

Troha: A lot of people with any kind of bike could benefit from a basic bike fitting. We offer one for $150 (our basic two-hour appointment) that can make leaps and bounds in terms of comfort and performance with only a minimal investment.  Before anyone spends thousands on a new bike, they should start with a fit.

Kiefel: A 3D Bike Fit is always a great way to ensure comfort and efficiency on your current bike. Wheel sets are an awesome upgrade for both road and mountain bikes. New tires are a great way to enhance the ride and safety of a current bike, too.

Matherly: Aero bars and aero wheels have the most significant performance impact. Clip-on aero bars can cost below $80.

What sorts of things does your shop do to attract more customers/make shopping fun?

Troha: First, we staff our store with real triathletes who are out there, day to day, with our clients. We feel that is the best way to connect with and understand what our clients want and need.  Second, we try to be eminently approachable. There is no stupid question, no attitude and no intimidation for first-timers. Third, take care of our employees and create a place where we would want to work. If the employees are happy, the customers are happy. 

Matt Boyer, marketing director, Wheat Ridge Cyclery: We bring in our vendors to help answer questions, have giveaways and of course discount product. We also put on in-store events. Our two most successful non-sales events are our Pro Night Event, where we bring in pro cyclists to tell their stories, our vendors set up booths and we provide food and drink, and our Women’s Night Out event, where we have a fashion show, serve wine and cheese and bring in inspiring women cyclists to speak.

Matherly: We have an awesome coffee shop—Winot Coffee—right next door. We also host clinics, runs and rides from our store, schedule special shopping times for ladies and teams/clubs, and have a small play area for young children.

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Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved.