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You have questions. We have answers.
We know how complicated bicycles and riding can get so we have decided to answer a few questions you may have in this Frequently Asked Question section on the site.
Feel free to browse through this section and if you have any other questions you can fill out this form or contact us here at the shop.
Note: You may have to enable ActiveX Controls for your browser if the content does not display properly. Or you may click here for the full FAQ listing.
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General
Where to Ride
Skills
Bike Fit
Clothing
Components
Accessories
Gadgets
Maintenance
Suspension
Training
Nutrition
We here at New England Bicycle believe that the satisfaction of the customer is of the utmost importance.
Our sales staff will never pressure you into buying something just because it is in stock.
All bicycles sold come with a complimentary bike fitting to ensure maximum comfort.
When you need to buy parts and accessories for you new bike, we offer 15% off all parts and accessories at the time of your new bike purchase.
A free 60-day tune service is also available with the purchase of the new bike.
It is important to consider what items to bring with you while riding.
There is the possibility of having a mechanical failure such as a flat tire that can leave you on the side of the road.
Some basic items to bring with you include:
Rocks and roots can turn a nice flowy cross country trail into some technical terrain that can slow you down quick.
The key to staying on two wheels is to keep your momentum up while going over these obstacles.
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Trackstanding involves keeping the bike steady in place without putting your feet down.
This can be a handy skill to have both on and offroad.
This skill takes a lot of practice which can be done anywhere.
All new bicycles purchased at the shop also come with a free 2D Fit which is a $79.99 value.
While this service is not offered at all bike shops, we feel it is an aspect of buying a bicycle that should never be overlooked.
Click here to read more about bicycle fit.
Getting the proper size frame is the most important aspect of purchasing a new bike.
Figuring out what size frame you need is not always easy, however.
There are a few tricks to figuring it out but the best method is to come into the shop where our experienced eye can determine this for you.
The frame size will be different between all kinds of bikes like mountain, road, tri, bmx, etc.
Other components such as the stem, handlebars and seatpost can allow for some adjustability for that perfect fit but a frame size that is too small or large will make this very difficult.
After the proper frame size is chosen, it is time to get fit for the bike.
Many components come in different sizes and shape to accomodate all kinds of riders.
These include:
If you're looking for a way to get a performance and comfort boost out of your bike, you may want to consider clipless shoes and pedals.
These components allow you to use a stiff-soled cycling-specific shoe with a cleat attached to the bottom to clip into pedals.
This combination will give you a direct interface to the bike for power to be transferred.
It has been estimated that there is a 20% increase in power over platform pedals.
The shoes and pedals with the cleat will also allow for more adjustability in your bicycle fit to accomodate proper knee alignment and possible leg length discrepancies.
Flexibility is one thing that is often overlooked by many cyclists.
Increasing flexibility will allow you to be more comfortable on the bike while being able to get into a more aggressive position.
Some common aches and discomfort while on the bike can be decreased or eliminated by simply stretching.
A good read for all kinds of flexibility training is Stretching by Bob Anderson.
Just like any sport, there is gear specific to cycling that will increase comfort and be functional.
The cycling jersey is one example.
These shirts are made of a moisture wicking material to keep sweat away from the body.
Other features include zippers that can be 1/2, 3/4, or full zip, pockets on the rear for taking things with you, rubber grippers to keep the jersey from moving, etc.
Cycling jerseys will also have different fits, or cuts, depending on the use.
Someone looking for an aerodynamic advantage will want a cut that will keep the jersey tight against the body so that it does not flap in the breeze.
When trying on a jersey, it is important to note that the jersey will fit different between standing and being on the bike.
You want to ensure that the jersey is long enough when you are in a position similar to that on the bike so that it covers your shorts.
Shorts are an important part of the cycling wardrobe.
Cycling-specific shorts have features such as a chamois, lycra material, and sometimes protective padding as in the case of mountain bike shorts.
The chamois is the most important feature and wicks away moisture from the body to prevent chafing and rashes as well as keeping the rider cool.
The lycra keeps the muscles compressed which can aid in reducing fatigue.
The shorts are constructed of different-shaped panels which gives a more comfortable fit.
The tight fit of the shorts also helps in aerodynamic efficiency.
Bib shorts are shorts with straps that come over the shoulders to eliminate the waistband for more comfort.
Gloves serve the purpose of protecting your hands, providing grip on the handlebars, adding comfort with padding, and wiping sweat away.
Mountain bike riders will usually opt for full finger gloves for more protection and even carbon fiber knuckles to prevent serious injury.
Road riders will most often have half-finger gloves with a lot of venting to keep the hands free of sweat.
Most gloves will have padding in critical areas where pressure is the highest.
This feature can eliminate numbness by protecting the ulnar nerve that runs through the wrist and into the hand.
Gloves may also have terry cloth on the backside for wiping sweat off the face.
Shoes, whether they are clipless-compatible or not are the direct connection to the bike.
Clipless shoes use a cleat mounted to the bottom of the shoe to clip into the pedal itself.
This system offers the highest power transfer efficiency as well as the most adjustability for proper fit.
These shoes will have a highly stiff sole, vents for breathability and easily adjustable retension such as velcro, ratcheting systems and boas.
Sneakers that are designed for riding can feature soles that have a stickier rubber.
This will allow the rider to easily take their feet off the pedals but still offer plenty of grip.
These are advantageous for downhill/freeride, dirt jump/park, and trials riding.
