The weather outside is frightful

Well, maybe not frightful anymore, but it sure isn't good for road riding. With that in mind, we're pleased to announced expanded indoor trainer sessions through the rest of the winter.

Starting next week (December 14), the weekly schedule will be as follows:

Tuesday night - 7 p.m.-8:15 p.m.
Thursday night - 7 p.m.-8:15 p.m.
Saturday morning - 8:30 a.m.-9:45 a.m.

For each session, we'll have demo trainers available for rental at just $5. Demo trainers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can, of course bring your own trainer as well. It's best to arrive about 15 minutes early to get your bike set up and ready to go.

We'll do 60- to 80-minute workouts each time, so bring a couple of water bottles and a towel. It's going to get sweaty.

Feel free to call (402-884-1820) or email (bryan at trekomaha.com) if you have questions.

Pretty Sweet

Highgear Update - New Location & New Name

After 8 great years on Brentwood Drive, we feel its time for a change.

On February 1, 2010 Highgear Bicycle Store will relocate to a brand new location at 8410 South 73rd Plaza in the Hickory Hills Shopping Center, and the name will change to Trek Bicycle Store of Omaha.

Please help us spread the word. Check out more details and see a store rendering here [pdf]

Light it up!

Well folks, it had to happen sometime - the weather is going to be taking a turn for the worse soon. It's gonna be cold, it's probably going to be wet. We won't even mention snow.

But if you still want to get your workout in, Trek Omaha is the place. Starting this Saturday - December 5 - and continuing through the winter, we'll have indoor trainer classes.

Here's how it works:
8:30 a.m. start (9:45 a.m. finish)
Bring your trainer (we have five trainers available to rent for $5 per session)
Bring a towel (you're going to sweat)
Bring a bottle or two (again, you're going to sweat)

We'll pop in a Spinervals or Carmichael Training System DVD, climb aboard and get to it. Rental trainers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Don't be afraid to call or email (bryan at trekomaha.com) with questions. See you Saturday!

Giving thanks

Considering the state of the economy over the past 12-plus months, we've had a pretty solid year at the Trek Bicycle Store of Omaha. We were recently recognized as a top-25 dealer nationwide for both Trek and Gary Fisher bicycles.

Of course, we couldn't have done that without you, our customers. Thank you for helping us reach this level. We look forward to helping you with your cycling and fitness needs for years to come.

Holiday hours: We will be closed on Thursday, November 26, to celebrate Thanksgiving. We will open at 10 on Friday morning and have regular store hours throughout the holiday season.

New threads

It's getting on the holidays, which means fresh shipments of clothing and accessories. That includes Twin Six shirts (above) like the Jesus, Ride (men and women), Commuter, Speed Demon, Brew Pub and Heart. Twin Six shirts are $22 and going fast.

Also in stock now, Trek-Livestrong U23 jerseys (right). Worn by the Under-23 team sponsored by Trek and Livestrong, these jerseys are light, comfortable and look great. Jerseys are $80, while the matching socks are $15.99.

Stop in today to check them out!

Old School

Here's a blast from the past. It's Trek's new Belleville, an updated take on a classic design. It's a steel frame ready for city riding. As a bonus, it's part of Trek's push toward Earth-friendly construction. The tires are made of recycled rubber, as are the grips and saddle. In fact, the saddle can be disassembled and recycled.

See the wiring? The Belleville has a built in lighting system, along with racks in the front and back.

Here's the recyclable saddle. Clip the ties on the underside and the whole thing comes apart, ready to be tossed into the recycling bin.

There's also a women's version available. Click here for more information or stop in today to check it out. The Trek Belleville - $659.

So, you want to go fast?

We're getting new bits in on a pretty regular basis these days. This beauty came in earlier this afternoon and jumped out of the box pretty quickly.

It's a 2010 Trek Madone 6.5. It features SRAM's new and improved Force group, which is lighter than Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 -- and shifts faster, too.

Also included: Bontrager Aeolus 5.0 ACC carbon wheels. The bonus with these is the aluminum braking surface -- no special brake pads are needed if you switch from these wheels to a more traditional setup.

New for 2010, the 6 Series Madones are ready for Bontrager's integrated speed/cadence pod, the Node. No zip-ties are needed to deliver accurate, wireless readings. Also, all of the cables are routed internally for a clean, low-maintenance setup.

Finally, here are some numbers to think about: This bike weighs 15.08 pounds without pedals. Add a couple of carbon-fiber bottle cages and some lightweight pedals, and you still might not top 15.5 pounds.

The price: $5,170 for a bike built on the same frame Lance and Team Astana rode in this year's Tour de France.

Spin class headquarters

Spin class veterans know that when the daylight hours get short and the weather turns chilly, jumping into a spin class is a great way to stay fit.

At the Trek Store, we have women's Pearl Izumi shorts with a more streamlined, shorter fit than the standard road short -- they're perfect for spin class. Also check out our no-show socks and discounted technical-fiber T-shirts, along with short-sleeved and sleeveless jerseys.

The weather may not be cooperating, but we can help you stay fit and ready to ride!

Weekly Special: PI Shine Shoe Cover

Pearl Izumi's Shine shoe covers with integrated LED light system will keep you visable from behind when daylight hours are in short supply.

*Lighting circuitry can be easily removed for cleaning
*Flexible polymer lenses keep you spinning comfortably
*Warm 3mm Neoprene with microfleece lining
*Anatomic paneling for a precise fit
*Durable rubber sole with cleat and heel cutout
*Velcro closure
*Recommended for road shoes with external cleats

Sale Price
$45
regular price $59.99

Service/maintenance classes on tap

Starting in November, we'll offer free classes on do-it-yourself bike maintenance. Each Saturday-morning session will begin at 10 and last approximately one hour.

The schedule:

Nov. 7 - Ladies' flat-tire changing
Nov. 14 - Open flat-tire changing
Nov. 21 - Ladies' drivetrain
Nov. 28 - Open drivetrain
Dec. 5 - Open brakes
Dec. 12 - Open derailleur
Dec. 19 - Ladies' flat-tire changing

-- For flat-repair classes, bring your own front wheel, along with tire levers and a pump (if you have them).
-- Drivetrain classes will cover basic chain/cassette/chainring checking and cleaning.

Space is limited (6 to 7 per class), so pre-registration is required. Contact Jake (jake@trekomaha.com) to sign up.

Falling back

We've moved to our Fall/Winter hours. Starting immediately, they are as follows:

Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 4 p.m.

Hey, we're on Twitter

You knew that, right?

Of course you did. It's right here, by the way.

It'd be worth it to check that out from time to time. We have one-day, Twitter-only specials out there. So if you're in the market for new gear, better keep an eye out.

BCAR post ride feast.

Kent is making sure the coffee is still warm.

Happy Volunteers!

Happy Volunteers! It take a village to pull off and event like this. Congrats!!

The ride is getting ready to start.

Rumor confirmed!

Channel 6 even showed up for the ride.

Rumor has it cancer doesn't have a snow day.

We are ready to ride!

We are set up and ready to go!

The Ride must go on!

Trek Breast Cancer Awareness Ride

Time is drawing short to register for the third annual Trek Breast Cancer Awareness Ride. On October 10, cyclists across the country will ride to raise awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer.

Join us at 10 a.m. on the 10th at Rick's Boatyard Cafe near downtown Omaha (345 Riverfront Drive) for a scenic ride along the riverfront.

Registration information is available here. We're looking forward to seeing you on October 10.

No Beginners Ride this week

Hey folks,

Due to races, vacations and a lot of people in and out of town, we'll have to pull the plug on the Beginners Ride this week. You're always welcome to begin and and your rides at the store, of course, but we won't be leading one this week.

Thanks! Ride safe!

New arrivals

Tony the UPS guy dropped a few things off the other day. Of course, he does that every day, but not like this. Below you'll find a pair of 2010 Madone 5.2s. Pictures don't do either of them justice.

This beauty is a size 54 in matte white. It has a full Ultegra 6700 group, which was redesigned to take advantage of the new Dura-Ace technology. It includes Bontrager Race Lite wheels and is listed at $3,699.99.

This one is a 56 and also includes Race Lite wheels. It has an upgraded build kit called Dura-Ace Lite. The crank and derailleurs are Dura-Ace, but the shifters and brakes are Ultegra. Mechanically, the whole system is identical to a full Dura-Ace setup. But by subbing the shifters and brakes, costs are kept down a bit. The tag on this one says $4,299.99.

Keep an eye out for two more 2010 Madones. We have a 52cm WSD model in the works, along with a super pro-looking Madone 6.5.

Come check them out today at the nation's No. 1 Trek Project One dealer!

Help us fight breast cancer

Please join us for the annual Trek Women Breast Cancer Awareness Ride -- October 10 at 10 a.m.

This is the third annual ride aimed at raising awareness for breast cancer prevention, treatment and screening. Last year, the 25,000 riders who participated in Trek WSD rides raised more than $70,000 to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

For registration and ride information go here. We're looking forward to seeing you on October 10!

It will get cold eventually

Hey folks -- fall is on its way, sooner or later. The mornings will be cool and the evening chill will be creeping in. Stop in today to check out the new cool-weather clothing options from Bontrager and Pearl Izumi.

We have long-sleeved jerseys, as well as jackets, hats, gloves and more. Come early for the best selection.

The Progressive Sale!

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Last-minute needs?

It's that time of year again, Omaha. The Corporate Cycling Challenge is on Sunday, August 16. Do you have what you need?

We have plenty of tubes, patch kits, tire levers, multi-tools and energy gels. Need a new helmet? Gloves? Socks? We have it all.

With the CCC in mind, we will not be having a Beginners Ride on Saturday. Save your ride mojo for Sunday -- you're going to need it!

Bike of the Week

Autumn is all about mountain biking, and what better way to do than on a sweet new Gary Fisher Rig. This week only we've got a great deal on a 2008, 17.5" single speed mountain bike. The Fisher Rig is convertable to a geared bike and comes with a Fox F29 suspension fork and Avid disc brakes. Sale price ends Sunday, August 2nd.
$850
reg.$1429.99

New commuter maps are here!

Hey, you know about the commuter map online at ActivateOmaha.org, right? We have the hard copy -- lots of them -- right now. New, updated and full of information. Stop by and get one today!

What's new at Trek Omaha

Just in time to catch Tour Fever, we have a new Madone or two. The beauty above is a Madone 5.2 with a full Shimano Ultegra SL gruppo. Size 54, and $4,069.99.

We also have a Madone 5.2 in size 58, but it's red and built with a SRAM Rival gruppo. Same price -- $4,069.99. If you like the looks of these two but need a different size, check out Trek's Project One program. Fully customizable, fully awesome.

New stuff Tuesday

The FedEx guy dropped off some new helmets today -- Giro Ionos in black and white. Light and supremely ventilated, it's the helmet Lance and the boys (and a couple of our employees) wear. $225 -- pricey, yes, but nearly perfect.

The summer Trek Demo Tour is coming to Lake Manawa in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Sunday, June 21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both road and mountain models will be available. Click here for more details. Stop by the Trek/Highgear tent and say hi!

Also:

-- The 2010 Trek bikes are coming soon. Ask our sale associates for a sneak peak if you're in the market for a new ride.

-- Check out our Twitter feed here. Every so often, we post special deals on cool stuff. When things are posted there, they go fast. Check it out today!

-- The beginners ride is back on Saturday at 9 a.m. Designed for newcomers to cycling, the ride is a relaxed, no-drop affair that will stay on paved trails and streets. Bring a helmet and at least one water bottle. Without either, you'll be asked to stay in the parking lot. We leave at 9 -- sharp!

New stuff at the Trek Store

Haven't been into the store for a while? Come check out the new goods:

-- Keen Commuter Sandals for men or women. Compatible with SPD cleats, they're perfect for RAGBRAI, Taco Ride or almost anything else you have in mind. $115

-- Dumonde BioGreen lube. Plant-based and 100 percent biodegradable, BioGreen can handle your regular chain lubrication duties. $11.99 per bottle

-- Twitter. The Trek Store of Omaha is on Twitter. Check out our feed here for shop news, sales and inside info.

-- Beginners ride information: There will be no beginners ride this week. We'll be back on June 20 and 27, though.

Go Pro with Trek Omaha

If you've had your eyes on a new Madone road bike or Fuel EX mountain bike, the time to buy is now.

From now until June 30, qualifying models carry instant rebates from $300 to $1,000. Those models include the Fuel EX 7, EX 8 and EX 9, as well as the Madone line from the 5.2 to the 6.9. Women's Specific Design models are also included.

Note: Project One Madones are not eligible for the Pro Deal -- only stock builds can receive a discount. But that doesn't mean we can't order whichever bike you want. Stop in today and convert your dream into a reality.

Local Radio Talk Show Host Offers to Give Bicyclists a Voice

Requests Help from Cycling Community

KFAB radio talk show host Tom Becka has offered the Omaha area bicycle community an opportunity to appear on a full hour segment of his daily 4:00-7:00 show. Becka asks that for the air time, the bicycle community assist him in his drive to gather used or new winter coats in good condition. The spring Winter Coat Drive will provide needed clothing for Native Americans at South Dakota reservations, some of the most impoverished people in America. Coats will also be donated locally to the Open Door Mission.

Becka’s challenge—the cycling community must gather and deliver 100 used winter coats to him by next Friday, May 15.

Members of the cycling community will be able to express their thoughts on issues relevant to their concerns: commuting and the need for dedicated bike lanes on streets, trail expansion and related property acquisition and other cycling issues including safety and advocacy.

Becka, a long-time critic of some bicyclists practices, promises to be even-handed and give us a fair hearing.

The Omaha Pedalers Bicycle Club is leading the effort with assistance from Activate Omaha and area bicycle shops. To donate coats, drop them off at an area bicycle shop and the Omaha Pedalers will deliver them to KFAB studios before Becka’s show next Friday.

Drop off your new or old coats here at the shop.


For information:
Pete Lieben (402) 333-7206

Bike to Work Week is approaching!

Though every month is bike month for us at the Trek Store, May is special. The temperatures are into the 70s and the sun stays up longer.

May also includes National Bike To Work Week, from the 11th to the 15th. Help get the week started by joining us at the Mayor's Bike Ride on May 11.

Sponsored by Activate Omaha, the five-mile ride starts at 2702 S. 10th Street, goes past the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge downtown and then heads back. Registration is at 8 a.m., and the ride starts at 8:45.

Help us highlight the benefits of Going By Bike -- join us for the Mayor's Bike Ride, then keep riding the rest of the week. Once you start, it's hard to stop!

More details here (opens PDF).

Beginners ride -- Saturday

We're a go for the 9 a.m. beginners ride, leaving from the front of the store. It's likely going to be in the mid-to-upper 40s, so dress warm enough to be out for an hour.

Remember: bring a helmet and at least one water bottle. We roll at 9 sharp!

Save Money. Feel Good.

May brings National Bike-to-Work Week and we are celebrating all month with special discounts to help you participate. You can make a difference. Please ride to work. Help a friend ride too.

Visit our stores to find the store to find a huge selection of gear on sale. And visit www.trekbikes.com for a complete checklist of handy commuter items as well as useful facts to help you Go By Bike!

Why the Trek Store?

Because we have highly qualified, expert mechanics like Jake and Chris.

Take the next step: ride with us

Maybe you were inspired by the warm spring breeze. Or maybe one of your friends or relatives got you started.

Either way, we're glad to see new cyclists on the road. But we often hear, as a new bike heads out, "where do you ride?"

Omaha has a vast network of paved recreational trails, as well as great streets to ride throughout the city. But sometimes a tour guide helps.

To that end, we're happy to announce our new beginners ride. Starting this Saturday (May 2) and running every other week, the beginners ride will focus on fun and safety. We'll leave from the Trek Store and ride for 60 to 90 minutes.

This is a no-drop ride -- no riders will be left to fend for themselves while the group rolls on. Expect a casual pace, too -- less than 15 mph.

In addition to riding, once a month we'll take a look at routine bike maintenance issues: changing flats, lubricating a chain, adjusting brakes and more.

Here's the deal for this week:
-- Saturday, May 2
-- 9 a.m. (this is when the ride leaves, not when you arrive. Be ready to roll out at 9.)
-- One-hour ride, starting and ending at the Trek Store
-- The store will not be open, so come prepared to ride
-- Helmets are required
-- At least one water bottle is required

After the ride, feel free to hang out, ask questions or head out for more miles. It's going to be a great day!

If you have any questions, call the store at 402-884-1820 or email Bryan.

One for the kids

Hey kids -- don't miss the upcoming Kids Triathlon, sponsored by Hy-Vee and Hormel, on Sunday, April 26 at Common Ground Community Center in Omaha.

The race features three age categories each for boys and girls: 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14. Registration is $20 and is open online until April 23.

For more information, including race times, distances and multi-family member discounts, visit the race website at www.hormelhyveekidstri.com.

Before the race, stop into the Trek Store to make sure you and your bike are ready to race.

Good luck!

Closed for Easter

We'll be closed this Sunday in observance of Easter. We will open for business at our usuall time on Monday. Happy trails.

Go Bunny GO!

Shhh ... nature at work

To a cyclist, few things sound better than the steady, subtle hum of a well-cared-for chain meshing with chainrings and sprockets.

If your chain sounds more like a rusty hinge, chattering teeth or worse, it's definitely time for action. A smooth-running chain helps the rest of the drivetrain perform to the best of its ability as well.

Sometimes it's as simple as lubricating it (we'll show you how!), but sometimes it takes a little more. Either way, we can help keep your bike running like it did the day you rolled it out the door.

Don't be the rider who turns into an example for everybody else: "Hey, my bike may be noisy, but it's not as bad as ... "

Spring essentials

Springtime in the Midwest is wildly inconsistent, but every so often you catch a perfect day. It's 60-plus degrees when you start and it only gets better from there.

But since those days are sometimes few and far between, you'll need to stock up on a couple of spring clothing essentials.

First stop: Arm warmers

Any time you feel like you need something covering your arms, but don't necessarily want to go with a long-sleeved jersey or jacket, arm warmers are the way to go. They're quick to put on or take off, stow easily in a jersey pocket and can provide warmth down to the mid-30s.

If your ride is going to start in 40- or 50-degree weather, having a pair of arm warmers will make sure the first miles aren't pedaled with chattering teeth.

Second stop: Knee warmers

Consider knee warmers the cousin to arm warmers. If it's chilly enough for arm covering, it's probably chilly enough to cover your knees, too. When it's below 60 (for the duration of the ride), it's a good idea to keep your knees warm. After all, without happy knees, riding isn't a lot of fun.

Third stop: Lightweight vest

When riding the streets and trails of Omaha, we're surprised we don't see more people in vests. They're the perfect cool-weather layer. Just wind-resistant enough to keep your core warm, but light enough to stuff in a jersey pocket or seat bag. When you arrive at a water or fuel stop, throw the vest on to keep warm. And when you get going again, peel it off and put it back in your jersey pocket.

Though each rider has their own essentials, we feel these three are the keys to enjoying that wild spring weather. Cool to start, warmer in the middle, and -- maybe -- cool again at the end.

They're all packable, versatile and available now at the Trek Store. Stop in and check them out!

Ready to RIDE?

Though Mother Nature has been sending mixed signals the past few days, spring is upon us.

Soon, those 60- and 70-degree days of just a week ago will be commonplace. We at the Trek Store of Omaha can make sure you and your bike are ready to hit the streets, trails and paths.

Whether it's a quick tune-up for your bike, a new jersey or pair of shorts, or even an entirely new ride, we have everything you need to get the season started right.

Plus, Thursday through Monday (March 26-30) our annual Super Sale is back. Everything in the store is 10 percent off, and some items will be up to 70 percent off.

Sale items include: Saris Bones bike racks (both models $20 off), select Bontrager InForm RXL saddles ($30 off), Bontrager Hard Case tires ($10 off), Trek Interval helmets ($15) off -- and many more!

Plus, don't miss the Trek 7.1 FX -- on sale for $349.99 (regularly $459.99)!

Stop in today and get ready for spring. Sooner or later, Mother Nature will bring out the sunshine. Don't be left behind!

Custom Bikes

What is a custom bike? You often hear people talk about them. In the past a custom bike referred to ordering a bike from a small frame builder who would hand build your bike to your exacting specifications. This was needed because most high-end bikes were designed with the racer in mind. However with today's advancement in frame design and geometry, only the most finicky body types require a true custom frame.

Enter TREK's Project One program. P1 as it is known, allows the rider to choose a bike with their unique style of colors and components without the extra cost of a truely custom bike. Think of it as a semi-custom program. The combination of P1 with our tried and true professional bike fitting services and you're bound to find your perfect ride!

The unique part of Project One is you can do it from home. Surf the Project One website and design your dream bike. When you're finished, you can submit your design to the Trek Bicycle Store of Omaha. We will then schedule a time when you can come in and we'll help you fill in the fine details assuring that the bike comes with the proper width handlebar, handlebar stem reach and angle, crank length and proper seatpost setback. In less than 30 days your bike will arrive, perfectly set up for you!

To learn more about the Project One program or to schedule a TREK Madone bike fitting, please give us a call at (402)884-1820 or e-mail us.

Deal of the Month: Wool Jerseys

WOOL TRAINERS!!!

Stay warm after your ride or at the coffee shop with a merino wool full zip trainer from Bontrager, TREK and Fisher

$80 reg. $200

Employment Opportunities

The Trek Bicycle Store of Omaha is a fast growing Midwest bicycle retailer that is always looking for Customer Service Specialists. We offer competitive wages, benefits and a partnership atmosphere.

We are...

Progressive and cutting edge

Growth oriented and believe in offering opportunity to our employee’s

Fresh and exciting with the best atmosphere in Omaha

Riders. Riding bikes and enjoying them like a kid is what we are all about

Are you?

Passionate about cycling and the experience

Great with people

Ready to learn

Dedicated and take ownership in your work

Good PC Skills

Long term employment plans

Take advantage of this opportunity and contact us today.

E-mail bryan@trekomaha.com or apply in person at 7214 Jones St., Omaha, NE, 68114

Pearl Fall/Winter Clothing ON SALE!!!

Last Chance ONE WEEK ONLY!!!

All our Pearl Izumi Fall/Winter jerseys, jackets and vests are 30-50% off. These deals won't be around long, so hurry in and stock up for next winter.