It's getting on that time, isn't it?

It may be hot now, but the cool fall weather is coming sooner than you think. And if you've been thinking of getting into cyclocross, we have the gear for you. From bikes to shoes to tires, we have you covered. Swing in today and talk to Omaha's 'cross experts.

Meet Neko

Pavement or dirt? Path or street? Why choose only one? This is the new Trek Neko SL — a women's specific bike that can handle (almost) anything that gets in its way.

Think of it as half mountain bike, half hybrid. The 700c (road diameter) wheels will keep you moving on pavement, but the front fork (which can lock), hydraulic disc brakes and wider tires (with knobby edges) let you tackle non-paved surfaces, too.

Here's the perfect use: Keystone Trail and Wabash Trace. Lock the fork on the Keystone and unlock it on the Wabash, where the surface is a little bit rougher. Either way, Neko can handle it.

There are three Neko models to choose from — we have the 2012 Neko S and the Neko SL in stock right now.

Like everything else in the store, they're covered by our 30-day price-match guarantee. We'll match a lower in-town price at the time of the sale, but also up to 30 days afterward, too. Shop with confidence!

What's new?

Hi there. It's been a while since we showed you the best and brightest and shiniest and most awesome stuff. So here it is:

We've added Kuat racks, including the flagship NV (click here for more details). The locking, rocking, awesome tray system includes a built-in workstand and folds flat against the back of your vehicle. Kuat is based in Springfield, Mo., and run by people just like you (and us!) - we love to be on the bike.

If you're looking for something to put on that Kuat rack, check out our selection of Trek Madone road bikes. We have not only the ultra-popular 5 Series bikes in stock, but also a 6 Series SSL (equipped with a SRAM Force) drivetrain but also a 6 Series bike equipped with Shimano's electronic-shifting Di2 Dura-Ace system. Both were built with Trek's Project One program, which allows you to select your frame, paint job, componentry, wheels, tires, bar tape and more.

Need to update your closets, ladies? We have Castelli's Perla collection in stock and ready to rock! Sleeved and sleeveless jerseys in black, white or purple, and matching shorts in black or white. Mix 'em, match 'em, whatever. Just get out and ride!

And ...

Though the Tour de France - and our traditional summer sale - are still a few weeks off, you can start saving right now. Select Trek aluminum road bikes are $100 off our everyday low prices, and select carbon road bikes are $200 off!

As always, you'll be protected by our 30-day price-match guarantee: If you find a lower price in town on any in-stock item, we'll refund the difference!

Viva Italia!

Each summer, the Tour de France gets all of the love - it's the biggest race on the calendar. But the real star of the cycling season is the Giro d'Italia - the tour of Italy.

It's our favorite race of the season, and we want to share it with you. Join us for Italian Night on May 13 starting at 6 p.m. (and ending ... eh, whenever we're out of chianti). We'll watch the day's Giro stage and check out apparel and shoes from Capo, Castelli and Sidi - our three Italian brands. Representatives from Sidi and Capo will be on hand for product demonstrations, too!

Here's what to expect:

• 15% off any product from the Italian brands (including special orders)
• 10% off everything else in the store
  
• A free pair of Capo socks (up to $20 value) when you buy a full Capo "kit" (matching jersey and shorts)
• Free food and drink, including salted Italian meats from Boccalone (courtesy of Capo)
• Prizes, giveaways and more
  

Questions? Comments? Drop us a line - bryan at trekomaha.com

Now in stock: T-shirts (lots of them)

People have been asking for T-shirts for some time now, and after much delay (we were busy!), here they are. Four designs, a zillion different colors, plenty of sizes. Stop in and check 'em out!

Leah's 6 Series Madone

If you thought Wes' Madone had a quick turnaround, this one seems almost too good to be true: 5 business days. We ordered it late last Saturday afternoon (as in last weekend) and it arrived on Thursday morning.

It's Trek's US-made Madone 6 Series frame, and Leah outfitted it via Project One with a SRAM Force build kit, Bontrager RXL wheels and a Bontrager RXL Blade carbon handlebar. It's light, fast and gorgeous. Look for it out on the road — it will be blasting past you on the left.

Wes' 6 Series Madone SSL

Ever wondered how fast you can have a custom-ordered Madone in your hot little hands?

How about this: 10 days. From start to finish (ordering to arrival), this 2011 Madone 6 Series SSL (with SRAM Red drivetrain) took 10 days through Trek's Project One program.

The frame and componentry are identical to those ridden by Team RadioShack. Everything else on the bike was ordered to Wes' exact specifications - saddle size and color, handlebar width, bar tape, cable color, tires and more.

Why wait months - or even weeks - for a pro-level bike when you can have one in 10 days? If you're thinking about a new ride, stop in and talk to our Madone experts about building your dream bike.

Incoming!

Spring has sprung, this week's weather notwithstanding. And with that, we have plenty of new goods upon which to feast your eyes. Check it:

The Trek Bicycle Store is Omaha's exclusive home for Sidi shoes. We have the Genius Carbon Pro for men and women (front, white) and the Dominator 5 MTB shoe for men. All are priced at $250 and are ready to roll. In addition we have wide sizes in the Dominator 5 and can order any model from the Sidi catalog. Come check out one of the iconic brands of cycling!

Cycling shoe? High heel? Why not both. The Pearl Izumi Cycliste Femme shirt is $25.

We've loved Oakley sunglasses for a long time, but their new gloves are pretty rad, too. We have two styles in stock, along with jerseys and shorts for men and women.

All good rides start here: Mad Alchemy chamois creme keeps the tender bits happy and keeps chafing and discomfort to a minimum.

Coming soon

Later this week, when a big box arrives from Italy, Trek Bicycle Stores of Omaha will be your exclusive local home for Sidi shoes. We'll have the Genius 5 Pro and the Dominator 5 in stock to start.

You want the best? We'll have the best.

Spring is coming (really)

Starting today (Monday, March 7), we're back to summer hours. Considering the snow coming down at this hour, that's kind of funny. But we're open earlier and staying open later to help get you on the road ... whenever the road is clear again.

Sales, helmets and other assorted things

First things first: We will match any local competitor's price on any in-stock item, even if they're having a warehouse clearance sale this weekend, and even if they have 2011 bikes for 7% off. As long as we have it, we'll match it. And that deal is good for up to 30 days after your purchase. Just ask - it's no problem.

Now ... on to the new stuff.

We're happy to announce the addition of Lazer helmets to our product line. Born in Belgium, Lazer helmets are found on the heads of not only the world's best cyclists, but on those who are looking for premium fit, premium quality and a price that won't make you wince.

The helmets below are in stock right now in a number of different sizes and colors.

Lazer Genesis: Professional-level quality and fit. Light and comfortable, the Genesis is a low-profile lid with comfort that lasts all day. $175

Lazer O2: The same great fit and finish as the Genesis, but with a smaller price tag. This is easily the best $100 helmet we've ever tried.

Lazer One City: Looking for function and fit, as well as style? The One City has you covered. We have three styles in stock in both size options. $45

Finally, for those who want to go really, really fast ...

Lazer Tardiz. See those dimples? Yep, like a golf ball - or a Zipp carbon wheelset. The Tardiz takes clock-toppling speed and cranks it up with better fit and more ventilation. $200

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Here's another Announcement (yeah, capital A and everything): We are now renting bikes. If you've ever wondered how the Trek Madone 5.2 rides, now is your chance. Our fleet is made up entirely of Madones, including men's and women's models. Click the link for more information!

Hungry? (or need a helmet?)

Ever been caught out in who knows where with no backup calories in your pocket? It's uncomfortable to say the least and dangerous at worst.

We can help. We've just added a number of new items to our nutrition stockpile, including Pro Bar (for pre- or post-ride fueling) and new flavors of our go-to snacks: Clif Shot Bloks and Honey Stinger energy gels.

While you're in, be sure to check out the clearance table, which is loaded with GU Energy Chomps, FRS products, Clif Bars, Accelerade drink mix, Accel Gel and more. All clearance nutrition is buy one, get one free!

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If you have all the fuel you need, be sure to check out our sale helmets. Bell and Giro helmets are 30% off, including the Tour-proven Volt and Ionos models. Trek Interval helmets are on sale for $50 (originally $65) and Trek Vapor helmets are now $30 (originally $45). Colors and sizes are limited, so if you need a new lid, you'd better get on it!

Team night is January 28!

Hey Omaha! Midwest Cycling Community team night is fast approaching. This year's event will be held on Friday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Trek Bicycle Store in Papillion. Food and drink will be provided. Everybody is welcome, from renewing members to those who want a riding group to call their own.

Here is what's on tap:

• Membership renewal
• New coupon books
• Pre-ordering of team apparel (road and triathlon)
• Information about weekly rides, including the new Monday-night women's-only ride
• Information about the Women Who Tri club
• Fun, food and probably some entertaining stories
  

Questions? Call either store and we'll help fill in the details. See you soon!

Need shoes? Of course you do.

Whether it's spin class, road or mountain riding - or just taking a cruise down the Keystone Trail - cycling shoes and clipless pedals make everything more efficient.

If you've been thinking about making the switch or upgrading your setup, now's the time. We have 20 different models on sale right now. Sizes are somewhat limited, but if you're looking for a pair a shoes, chances are we have some for you.

Heads up! (Holiday hours)

Still have a fistful of Christmas money to blow? Spend quick, because, we'll be closing at 3 p.m. on New Year's Eve.

We'll reopen at noon on January 2 and have regular hours after that. Happy holidays!

Winter hours have begun

The sun is gone, never to return (until spring). So until then, we're back to winter hours. Check the sidebar to the right for the skinny.

And in the meantime, come check out our winter gear. We have warm bits from Pearl Izumi, Castelli, Capo, Jett and more. And trainers! We have lots of trainers from CycleOps. And with the Food Bank promotion (the post below) you can get 20% off all in-stock trainers. Sweet!

See, winter hours aren't so bad, are they?

What's new?

Raise your hand if you actually like energy bars -- as in, you like the way they taste? We're not big fans, either, but they're a means to an end. You need energy, they have it.

But there's a new energy source in the store: the Stinger Waffle by Honey Stinger. Inspired by the syrup-layered version found in Europe, the Stinger Waffle has two thin layers of waffle-cone like crunch around a thin layer of honey. It tastes every bit as awesome as it sounds.

We also have new Castelli women's thermal jerseys. They're perfect for these chilly mornings, and comfy enough to wear all day.

We have thermal jerseys for the dirt, too. Jett tweaked its summer lineup with a fleecy upgrade for the cold-weather months. The knickers to the right are designed to go under a Jett baggy short. From mid-thigh down, it's all fleece. There's a pad included, too. Nice!

Here's probably one of the best wind jackets we've seen. It's from Castelli, it's almost entirely made of Wind Stopper material and it has some sweet features like front and back vents, a flip-up, fleecy collar and Velcro on the sleeve cuffs for a nice, tight fit. Want to keep the wind off? This is the jacket.

Are you ready?

At this point last year, snow had fallen in Omaha. And then it got cold. And then it snowed ... a LOT. Even the most hardy cyclists found themselves on the trainer more than they'd prefer.

If you're looking to avoid frozen (or even chilly) digits, and if spending 30 minutes getting dressed for a ride isn't appealing to you, stop in and check out our selection of indoor trainers and accessories.

We stock CycleOps trainers and rollers (made in Madison, Wisc.) at a number of price points. It starts with the Mag trainer at $180 and goes up to the Super Magneto Pro at $400. We have something for everybody, from those looking for a short daily spin to those training for the 2011 racing season.

Want to see how it works? Stop in and we'll show you.

Oakley is here!

You asked for it, we got 'em. Known worldwide for perfect optics and cutting-edge style, Oakley is the choice of cyclists both professional and amateur. We have plenty to pick from - men and women - including special-edition Livestrong and Breast Cancer Awareness models. They all come with cases and most come with extra lenses.

And in slightly less exciting news, we've added a demo bike to the floor. This is a 2010 Madone 6 Series (the same frame Team Radio Shack rode in the Tour), outfitted with SRAM Force, a carbon handlebar and Bontrager Aeolus 5.0 ACC wheels. It's a 58cm frame. The Node 1 computer and DuoTrap integrated speed/cadence sensor are included!

Original retail: $5,950. Yours for $4,000.

Winter is coming (it's true)

Yup, it's going to get cold. It's inescapable. And you're going to have to bundle up, right? You might as well look good doing it.

We have wool jerseys for men and women. Both are 50-50 wool-and-acrylic blends. They're fully washable, soft and comfortable. Oh, and fully awesome, too.


Wool-blend caps, too? Absolutely -- and in three colors, too!

These may seem like unassuming tights and bibshorts, but trust us -- there's way more to it than that. The top piece is a full-length thermal bib tight that includes Castelli's top-end Progretto X2 pad (it's the same one Cervelo Test Team had in its bibshorts). The bottom piece is a thermal bibshort. You know those days where it's too warm for tights but too chilly for standard shorts? Wear these. You'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

We're getting a bit ahead of ourselves with the fleece and wool bits, aren't we? You're probably right. Check out the long-sleeved Prologo jersey. It's the same material and cut as the summer version, just with long sleeves. Perfect for those 50-degree mornings.

All of this stuff (and more, like wool socks, gloves, vests and jackets) is in stock right this second. Come check it out before you find yourself shivering through your morning ride.