Giant 2020 Product Launch: Defy Advanced Pro 1

Day two of the Giant Link I (Peter) decided to ride some of the Road lineup from Giant. I’ve raced and ridden road bikes for 15 years, so I have a lot of experience in the segment. The bike I checked out was the Defy Advanced Pro 1. 

This bike checks all the boxes: full carbon integrated Frame and fork. Carbon tubeless wheels. SRAM Etap AXS transmission. Check to all the above. Heading out of the demo area, my riding partner Kyle and I decide to rip the decent of Cottonwood canyon. It’s a steep, curvy descent with a perfect road surface, exactly what you would wish for in evaluating a new bike. I was immediately at home, hanging off it like Valentino Rossi in the corners. Quick but stable handling along with 32mm tires combined to make an impressive descending machine. As we approached the bottom of the canyon we had to slow for traffic that was bottle necking due to an avalanche the preceding weekend. SRAM brakes and wide tires were fantastic for stopping confidence. 

Next, we turned around to finish our ride with a 6ish mile climb back up to the resort. I was impressed with the efficiency of the frame which felt great both in and out of the saddle. The AXS transmission was flawless with a super wide range for the steep parts but nice, even jumps for the changing gradients of the canyon. If you like climbing, these AXS parts should be on your upgrade list. I’m very excited to take this bike out tomorrow for the Giant Factory throw down in the morning.

Giant 2020 Product Launch: New E-Bikes

The 2020 Giant E-Bike collection offers any rider the ability to explore further and faster than they ever thought possible. With models ranging from the Road-E to the full suspension Trance-E you can feel right at home riding with friends who may just be a bit faster or more seasoned on the bike. The smooth transition when the Yamaha motor kicks in does not make you feel uncomfortable with the torque the bike can offer, yet also allows the rider to keep a steady and comfortable pace when riding. The battery life on these bikes is quite amazing as well, offering 35-70 miles per charge! 

I can say from experience that riding the Road-E model from Giant allowed me to enjoy riding up the steep highway pass from Snowbird to Alta in a way that I never thought possible, and I was able to enjoy the view of the mountains without the heavy breathing from altitude adjustment and steep inclines. I would recommend an E-Bike to any rider looking to get out and enjoy a day on the bike!

Giant and Liv's current e-bike offerings range from bikes that are for cruising bike trails to road bikes that can go the distance on country roads to their full suspension bike line up for epic singletrack trails.  Stop in and see what your options are.

RASDak: What to Bring (a mechanics perspective)

We are less than a month away from the 7th Annual RASDak bike ride across South Dakota.  This is also the 7th time that Spoke-n-Sport will be loading up our Sprinter Van with gear to serve the cyclists that are pedaling across the state.  

The full list is below.  I wanted to highlight a few things.

Don't Bring Everything On the Ride
It's true, you don't need to bring everything on RASDak.  Every year we see people riding across the state with a bag on their bike full of gear.  Locks, clothing, extra parts and alternate pairs of sunglasses.  Keep it simple.  You won't need to lock your bike.  Don't bring a full tube of sunscreen.  Bring travel sizes or divide up a bigger tube into smaller sizes.  All that extra weight from gear will make it harder to get up those hills.  All that weight from a larger rack and bag will make those hills seem never ending.  Keep your gear on your bike.  A backpack will be uncomfortable on those longer days.  Remember, there will be support out on the road.

Plan Your Day
Check the weather before you leave in the morning.  There are days that it's definitely going to rain.  There are days it's definitely NOT going to rain.  Pack accordingly.  Give yourself an option of a light pack-able wind breaker or a rain coat.  Leave the rest with your luggage.  Pack the gear ON your bike. Don't tie it around your waist.  Around your waist could lead to it being caught by your rear wheel and causing an accident.

Spare Parts
Cyclists are pretty great and usually willing to share a tube or two along the way if needed.  Just bring the essential parts for the day and not ALL your tubes and tires.  A tube, patch kit, tire levers, and a pump.  Keep your spare tire with your luggage.  Keep those other extra parts with your luggage as well.  If you're running disc brakes, bring an extra set just in case there's a long wet day.  Better yet, if you start the week with fresh pads and tires, the odds of you needing those the week of are GREATLY reduced.  Even better yet....get your bike looked at BEFORE RASDak.  90% of the repairs we do are preventable.

Every Night
When you're done riding for the day, don't just park your bike.  Check it over.  Check the tires for cuts or holes and weird wear marks.  Make sure your chain is clean and lubed (always wipe off excess lube).  Check your brake pads and make sure they are wearing evenly.  Take a small loop around the camping area and listen for knocks or squeaks.  This can make or break your next day of riding.

Ask a Mechanic
Not everyone has a bike store in their hometown but if you do, be sure to ask this question.

• I am doing a week like bike ride.  What parts should I replace now so that my week is a success?

It only takes one broken part to ruin a week of cycling fun.

Here's a list of things you should think about packing to take with.

• Bike
• Helmet
• If it’s over 3 years old, think about upgrading to something newer and more comfortable.
• Sunglasses
• Cycling sunglasses sit further up on your nose so that you don’t have to bend your neck as much to see through them.
• Gloves
• Make sure they fit and you grabbed yours and not one of yours and one of your teenagers gloves.
• Cycling Clothing
• Fresh shorts for every day.
• Rain gear

• Hydration Pack or Bottles
• One for water
• One for mixed drink (sports drink!)
• On Bike Bag (Underseat or even a small frame bag)
• Tube
• Make sure it’s not the tube that has a hole in it from your last ride.
• Make sure it’s the right size.
• Tire Levers
• Wrap one of your levers with duct tape or electrical tape for emergencies
• Patch Kit
• Make sure the glue hasn’t dried up.
• CO2 or Pump
• Or attach a pump elsewhere on the bike
• Multi-Tool
• Make sure it has the right sizes of allen / torx bits.
• A multi tool with a chain tool is a good choice.
• Zip-Loc bag.
• In case it rains it is nice to have a bag to put your phone and or wallet in.  
• Nutrition
• Map / Cue Cards
• Mobile Phone
• Lip Balm
• Sun Screen
• Bike Cleaning
• Rags
• Chain Lube (small bottle)
• Day Time Bike Lights
• White Blinky on the front
• Red Blinky on the Rear
• Extra Batteries or cable to charge with
• Lock
• Never know where you will want to bike to at the end of the day.
• Something light but effective
• Keep with your luggage.  Don’t bring on the ride.
• Bike Computer
• If it is a wireless computer you should change your batteries every year.
• Bring a spare battery if keeping your mileage is important.
• Bike Parts
• Tire
• Tube
• Disc Brake Pads (so many kinds of brake pads and we can't stock them all)

shared with permission from All Kids Bike

Sioux Falls bicycle business Spoke-N-Sport sells custom printed buffs to raise money for the All Kids Bike Campaign.

Creating something that will build lasting value and potentially change the lives of children for the better was the drive behind Sioux Falls Spoke-N-Sport owner, Chad Pickard’s goal to raise funds needed to bring the All Kids Bike movement to Cleveland Elementary School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Riding a bike is a rite of passage all children should be able to experience

“People all over are willing to contribute to a good “feel good” cause.  I don’t think that’s anything new.  Look at all the money raised via GoFundme.org.  It alone is responsible for receiving over 140 million dollars a month.  People have money and they are willing to part with it.” Pickard explained to us when he decided to create the fundraiser to help kindergarten kids learn how to ride a bike in PE class.

“In the past, we’ve used our New Year’s Day Bike Ride as a fundraiser for different things.  Several years in a row the money we raised went to a bike repair program for those in need of transportation.  We’d raise about $1500 a year.  Not a lot but it was something.  This year we were going to use the money for snow grooming equipment for fat bikes, but when you stopped by the store it only made sense to invest in a local school, as that would have a greater return for the local bike scene.  The decision was easy.  Before either the snow grooming equipment or the Strider program was an option, we had already stumbled on a manufacturer that could do a full custom buff for roughly 50 cents per piece.  Our sweet Spoke-N-Sport toques were already a good seller, how could a sweet looking buff fail us?”

Spoke-N-Sport ordered the custom printed buffs and over 30 were already sold before they could even un-box them.

“Out of the 300 we ordered we’ve sold about 250 @ $10 each.  That’s a total of $2500 and our investment in the buffs was roughly $150 plus some shipping.” Chad went on to say how the fundraiser was a win-win for Spoke-N-Sport, between the media interest in the story and the number of people out wearing the buffs with the Spoke-N-Sport logo and colors.

 “People are getting something for giving something.  Even if it’s something small, it’s still something for giving.”  Pickard believed the buffs would have more of an impact than just a straight donation via Go Fund Me and is rather pleased with how it all turned out.

Now every child at Cleveland Elementary School in Sioux Falls, SD will have the ability to learn how to ride a bike. The fundraiser raised enough money to fully fund the Kindergarten PE Program which equips schools with everything teachers need to teach children how to ride bikes, including teacher training and certification, a structured 8-lesson curriculum, a fleet of 22 Strider® 14x Balance Bikes, 22 Pedal Conversion Kits, 22 fully-adjustable helmets, and a five-year support plan. Through the Kindergarten PE Program, every child will enjoy the mental and physical benefits of riding a bike, as well as the fun, freedom, and mobility it provides.

When the Strider Balance Bikes arrived at the Spoke-N-Sport store staff enjoyed building the bikes together and getting them ready to deliver to the school.  

“I am excited that the community is willing to step in and help bring Strider Bikes into the school. I wish everyone could see the joy the kids will have when they see the bikes or when they learn to ride that bike. That happiness hopefully will become contagious for everyone in the family and we can get more people biking in our great community.”  -Gretchen Johnson Cleveland PE Teacher

Not only do the bikes provide a plethora of health benefits—from increasing brainpower to improving cardiovascular health in the children—but this is also great for the environment and convenient for parents to engage their children in outdoor activities.

Join the movement, become a fan today with just your signature!

RIDE IT. RACE IT. DON’T WORRY ABOUT IT: GIANT's GOT YOU COVERED.

We all like to buy new gear.  We all like the feel of new technology that rolls faster, jumps higher, carves those turns quicker.  We also don't want to break our new gear.  

Now you don't have to worry when you buy your new Giant Gear!  Listen to what Carl Decker has to say!

Giant Composite Confidence | Giant Bicycles United States

Here's the details:

Giant is so confident in their composite technology, if any composite frame or component is structurally damaged while you’re riding in the first two years after you bought it, Giant will repair it or replace it free of charge.

Crash your new frame in the final turn of the local crit? Don’t worry about it! You’re covered. Case a landing and crack your rim? Whoa, way to charge. You’re covered. Handlebars? Same deal. Seatposts? Yep.

Giant is backing our products in a way no other company is willing to. Giant is confident in what it makes. They want you to be too. It’s that simple.

Now, this only goes for product you bought in the U.S. at an authorized Giant dealer, and it only covers damage done while riding, so don’t go driving into your garage with your bike on top of your car. That’s on you.

There are other details you need to know about our Composite Confidence support plan, but our goal is to make it as simple possible, so you can get pedaling again.

Learn More

Swimming Tips for Triathlon Class

Some tips from week 1’s class:

Have your hand enter the water directly in front of the shoulder (rather than in front of the head)

Fingertips should point toward the bottom of the pool and elbows should be high to engage the whole forearm in the pull.

Breath with one goggle partially still in the water

Rather than thinking of pulling your arm through the water, think about setting up the catch part of your stroke and pulling your body past your “stationary” arm.

Sample workouts:

This is just to give you some ideas, these distances, rest amounts, and number of repetitions is open to change, make sure to vary and adjust your workouts!

Sprint Triathlon Sample workouts

Total Workout Length 1000 yards

200-300 warm up, mix up strokes and keep it long and easy

4x50 build (start easy and finish fast) w/ 30” rest between

8x50 at race pace (what you think you can hold for a 500) with 10-40” rest (Start with what is necessary for you to maintain your pace and as you get into better shape try to decrease the amount of rest between reps)

100 very easy cool down

Work out 2:

Total Workout Length 1200 yards

200-300 warm up, mix up strokes and keep it long and easy

4x50 desc (#1 easy get faster til #4) w/ 10-30” rest between

6x100 even #’s fast, odd #’s recovery, 30” rest between

100 very easy cool down


Work out 3:

Total Workout Length 1200 yards

200-300 warm up, mix up strokes and keep it long and easy

4x50 build w/ 10-30” rest between

8x75 hold a slightly slower than race pace speed for the first 4, then try to race pace on the second half of the set, 10-20” rest between

100 very easy cool down

Longer Triathlon Swim Sample Workouts (Olympic, Half-Ironman, etc)


Total Workout Length 1500-2300 yards

300-500 warm up, mix up strokes and keep it long and easy

4x50/100 build (start slow finish fast each rep) w/ 10-30” rest between

8-12x100 try to hold the same pace each rep and take just enough rest so you can maintain that pace (try to get faster/decrease rest as you get into shape)

200 very easy cool down


Workout 2:

Total Workout Length 2200-2600 yards

300-500 warm up, mix up strokes and keep it long and easy

4x50/100 build (start slow finish fast each rep) w/ 10-30” rest between

3x500 Option 1: #1 at 75% Race pace effort, #2 90%, #3 100%, rest 1’-2’ between

Another Option: Try to hold the same pace for all 3 (solid aerobic effort but not race pace) with 30-120” rest between

200 very easy cool down

Custom Built Surly Karate Monkey

Custom Build

Imagine standing out in front of your garage.  For some reason you have your garage door opener in your hand.  It's sunny, you feel the warmth on your skin.  The birds are chirping and you hear kids laughing.  You gently press the button on your garage opener and you wait.  It feels like years for the garage door to open but you know it's worth it.  You fight with your instincts to rush in.  You don't.  You continue to wait for the sun to explode the colors of your bike........and....there it is!  Your bike is magically standing upright in the middle of your garage with sparkles bouncing off the frame.  Yes......it is your favorite bike.  The bike you dream about in the colors you love.  We can build that bike for you.

We built someone's favorite bike today.....

Surly Karate Monkey

There is a lot to be said for simplicity.  No suspension, no front derailleur.....no color.  Ok maybe a little color on the tires but black and white can be just as vivid as a rainbow in the right setting.  The pictures don't do it justice.  

Frame:  Surly Karate Monkey 4130
Drivetrain:  Sram NX

Brakes:  Sram Level

Handlebar: Raceface Chester

Stem: Raceface Chester

Headset:  Cane Creek 40

Pedals:  Raceface Chester

Saddle:  Brooks Cambium C17

Seatpost:  Raceface Chester

Tires:  Maxxis Holy Rollers

Wheels:  Sun Ringle Duroc 45