Conseiller/ domestiques

Here are a few tips to make your indoor training season a success.

1. Handlebar tape : It may seem innocuous, and some types absorb perspiration while others don't at all. In both cases, whether through the tape or via runoff, mineral salts will sooner or later end up on your handlebars and gear levers. These could be damaged by the salts and break during road use if the handlebar tape isn't replaced regularly. If you ride frequently, we therefore suggest replacing your handlebar tape every season, whether it appears to be in good condition or not.
2. The headset : This is the part located between the fork and the bicycle frame, allowing the fork to pivot within the frame. The headset contains two bearings and other moving parts that allow for adjustment. These bearings, in addition to being exposed to the elements thrown up into the fork by the front wheel, are also subjected to perspiration, especially when riding indoors. Since there is no breeze inside, the sweat from your forehead will eventually reach these two bearings. Replacing one of these bearings can require a number of different steps, especially with today's integrated cockpits, and can be very expensive.
3. The chain : This is very often the forgotten component of indoor training. Indeed, cyclists often forget to lubricate it when using a stationary bike, but it desperately needs it. Secondly, on a stationary bike, cyclists very rarely freewheel, and therefore the chain will wear out much faster for every kilometer covered.
4. The cassette : We're talking about the cassette on the trainer, and this is mainly for those who follow training programs on various platforms like Zwift , Rouvy , or Wahoo X. During these workouts, the app dictates the resistance level to the trainer without you having to change gears, and that's precisely the problem. Always using the same gear will cause it to wear out very quickly. Our advice: use a different gear for each new workout; this way, your cassette will last much longer.
5. Gear adjustment : First, it's important to understand that in the vast majority of cases, the cassette on your trainer won't be in the exact same position as the one on your bike wheel. To eliminate operational problems that could lead to premature wear of certain components, eliminate unpleasant noises, and prevent chain derailment, please bring your bike and trainer to us so we can perfectly adjust your gears directly on your trainer.

Gravel biking has managed to pique your curiosity or even convert you to this fun and ever-growing activity.  One of the hot topics of the moment, with the season ending and the days getting shorter, is the maintenance of your bike with almost entirely gravel use.  Many of our customers have experience with road cycling, and even though the two bikes look similar at first glance, their maintenance differs greatly. When was your last tune-up?  Does your bike have hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes? What is the difference?  Let's look at the various components of a gravel bike and the best practices for keeping them in good condition. 

To begin

The first component requiring special attention is perhaps the most important: your brakes. They are an essential element to keep in good condition because it concerns your safety. The new standard in gravel bikes is to have disc brakes.  You will mainly have 4 different items to maintain. The first part to wear out and require replacement will be your brake pads. These often need replacing several times a season, depending on your usage and the conditions in which you ride. Next, your wiring, if you have mechanical brakes, or the brake fluid, if your bike has hydraulic brakes. We recommend replacing your brake cables annually to maintain smooth braking. This way, you won't have to use extra force when you brake.  Furthermore, a brake service is a good way to maintain their proper functioning. When it comes to hydraulic brakes, manufacturers agree that annual servicing is the best way to keep your equipment in optimal condition for a long time. This service will include, among other things, cleaning the calipers (and discs and pads if applicable), lubricating the pistons, replacing the fluid, and adjusting the brakes. In both cases, the lifespan of your equipment will depend on your use and maintenance. The last item to check in the case of a disc brake is the disc itself. These are generally good for a few seasons.  Their thickness will be measured during your fine-tuning. Obviously, occasionally a record can become cloudy. In most cases, technicians are able to straighten it.  If they become icy, normally sandblasting them will solve the problem.

The next point concerns your bike's drivetrain, and more specifically the chain. The chain installed on a gravel bike will behave more like the one on a mountain bike than the one found on a road bike.  Because it is more exposed to the elements and dirt, it will wear out more quickly.  It is therefore essential to clean and lubricate your chain regularly, and certainly more frequently than on your road bike. In fact, a good habit to adopt would be to do this after every ride. Another positive point is that you will extend the life of your rollers, cassette and chainrings in addition to maintaining quality gear changes throughout the season.  Furthermore, given that steep climbs often force us to pedal at a very low cadence, the torque applied to the chain will reduce its lifespan.  That being said, don't be surprised if your chain needs to be replaced well before reaching 2500km. Simply replacing your chain when it has reached 75% wear will cost you much less than having to replace the chainrings or cassette at shorter intervals.

Let's continue with the bottom bracket and headset bearings.  They bear the brunt of your pedaling, but also of the elements. The projection of sand and dust, as well as hiking in the rain or passing through mud, make them much more vulnerable to premature wear. Although nowadays the majority of headset and bottom bracket bearings are sealed and require no maintenance per se, they are still not completely water and sandproof. Therefore, we recommend having them cleaned and greased on a regular basis, 2 to 3 times per season. This way, your gravel bike will remain quiet and you will ensure the durability of your bearings. Be aware that the most frequent creaking noises occur when there is too much dirt buildup between the bearings and their bearing surface.

What to do about your tires

Now let's talk about your gravel tires. These tires keep you in control, give you confidence, and provide comfort. It is therefore highly recommended to check them regularly to ensure a smooth ride. For cyclists who haven't yet switched to tubeless and still use inner tubes, simply check the wear and overall condition of your tires. If they are in good condition, without too many cuts and you still have all the grip necessary for your exploits, there is no need to worry. However, if you're using a tubeless setup, the sealant may stop working after a few months. It's therefore wise to replace the sealant every 3-4 months. Indeed, it dries out over time and therefore needs to be replaced. This will ensure the system's reliability. We will discuss the advantages of Tubeless technology in another article, stay tuned for more information. 

After gravel tires, it's the wheels of your gravel bike that take a beating. They also take a beating! As you now know, gravel roads can sometimes be very rough and they pose a challenge for your wheels. Adjusting spoke tensions and aligning them periodically remains the best way to keep them in good condition. Nowadays, most wheels come equipped with sealed bearings. Although very little maintenance is required on the majority of them, when play is present, it is imperative to have them checked and replace the faulty bearing(s) if necessary. 

Let's finish with your frame. As it is the key component of your bike, it is imperative to take care of its maintenance. It bears the brunt of your outings, whether from thrown stones or the movement of your freestanding bags. Furthermore, even its own wiring, often too long, can cause abrasion in places.  A good way to prevent deterioration of the finish or scratches in your paintwork would be to apply a protective film to the frame and fork. You'll see that the investment is worth it. Another important point: remove, clean, grease and reinstall your seat post regularly. Cracking noises are often present in this area due to an accumulation of dirt. Furthermore, as vibrations are an integral part of all good gravel bike rides, check the bolts periodically to ensure that everything is still securely fastened.

To conclude

In conclusion, as with all types of bikes, the key to success in maintaining your gravel bike is certainly regularity. When you hear a noise or feel a drop in performance from one of the components or your bike in general, don't wait and go to the workshop quickly to have it checked. Please note that assessments are always free. Furthermore, the months of October to December are most certainly the best time to have your bicycles serviced. We have the parts in stock and all the time necessary to make your frame shine for another season. 

Feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment for your tune-up.

YAN PERREAULT

Gravel bike expert at Studio Cycle Maglia Rosa

Here are 6 excellent reasons to take up gravel biking right away!

1. We breathe clean air.

Of course, most gravel roads in Quebec are located in rural areas, at least an hour's drive from the city. Many of them are former logging roads or country lanes, while others were built specifically for tourism development. That said, on a gravel bike, you're almost guaranteed to find yourself in the woods or in the middle of a field.

Parlee Chebacco

Photo credit: Justin Knotzke

2. We divide the number of cars by one thousand.

Indeed, being more remote, most gravel roads in Quebec see far less traffic than paved roads. Furthermore, you'll improve the air quality you breathe and enjoy greater peace and quiet and increased safety, at least with regard to accidents involving road vehicles.

Photo credit: Justin Knotzke

3. We enjoyed breathtaking scenery.

On a gravel or adventure bike, you ride a little slower; the focus is more on the journey than the destination. Moreover, the scenery is there to enhance the experience, as the lush nature of the lakes, rivers, and mountains invites contemplation. And for nature lovers like you, the chance to appreciate the grandeur and tranquility of these places only amplifies the feeling of well-being experienced during the ride.

Photo credit: Enve Composites

4. We are fortunate to appreciate extraordinary flora and fauna.

Indeed, our close proximity to nature, the absence of cars and therefore noise, often leads to extraordinary encounters with the local wildlife. Of course, you must always respect their habitat and never feed them. Furthermore, your bicycle can easily become the most efficient and least expensive way to enjoy your photo safari!

Enve G23 Gravel Wheels

Photo credit: Enve Composites

5. We drive on roads in better condition than our asphalt roads.

Indeed, many gravel roads or forest paths are very well maintained and with a suitable bike, adequate tire pressure and good positioning, you will not finish your rides in worse shape than after a good 100km of road, head down in the handlebars.

Photo credit: Justin Knotzke

6. You become a better cyclist.

For many, gravel biking is a great way to improve. Wondering why? The answer is simple: a loose surface like gravel or dirt demands superior riding technique. You'll need to maintain good traction on climbs, have a better feel for the bike's behavior in corners, and increase your mobility on rougher sections. Furthermore, riding with 38c tires at 40psi on a gravel road requires significantly more effort than riding with 25c or 28c tires at 90psi on a paved road for a similar distance. This will also increase your ability to sustain a higher level of effort for longer.

Photo credit: Enve Composites

So… When do we set off on our adventure?

We often encounter cyclists on social media and blogs asking the community: what is the best saddle? The real question should rather be: what is the best saddle for me? Fortunately, there is a huge selection of saddles on the market and each of them has technical features that can suit different cyclist body types.

So, where do you start to choose the right saddle? We will try to answer this question while shedding some light on the subject.

Adjusting the saddle height of a bicycle

3 POINTS OF CONTACT

For an urban, road or mountain cyclist, when the ideal saddle height is reached, the knee angle is around 30˚.
Let's start with the fact that there are three points of contact on a bicycle: the saddle, the pedals and shoes, and the cockpit. That said, the saddle is the cyclist's first point of contact with their bike, and even the slightest change in its position will influence the position of the joints relative to the pedals, as well as the cockpit layout. Choosing the right saddle is therefore the first step towards optimal bike fit.
We can define the function of the saddle as follows: to provide optimal comfort to the cyclist by offering adequate support at the ischial tuberosities, promoting high pedaling efficiency and minimizing pressure on the perineum, thereby promoting good blood circulation to the genital organs.

In fact, several factors will influence the choice of saddle:

1. First, your sex (1) , indeed, given the different shape of the pelvis of men and women, manufacturers offer comfortable saddles for both women and men – this is often a good starting point.
2. Next comes the practical aspect (2) . It goes without saying that a mountain biker will choose a different saddle than a road cyclist or triathlete, for example. There will be a tendency to opt for a saddle with a little more padding in the mountains than on the road.
3. The aggressiveness (3) of the position and the flexibility (4) of the cyclist are both factors that should not be overlooked. Indeed, the more aggressive the position, the more your pelvis will rotate forward, which will have the effect of sitting on a narrower part of your ischial tuberosities.
4. Finally, the width (5) of your sit bones should be taken into consideration and can serve as a reference. However, it would be wrong to believe that this measurement alone will allow you to choose your saddle correctly, much like the inseam measurement when discussing bicycle size – these are good starting points to consider among a set of equally important factors.

The positioning of the levers affects the pressure points felt on the saddle.

Signs of wear in a particular area of ​​the saddle could indicate, for example, that it is crooked or that there is a misalignment of the cyclist's knee trajectory.

What you need to understand is that your saddle, while still aesthetically pleasing, will tend to sag over time, which can cause pain because you'll no longer be supported in the right places. A saddle has a lifespan of approximately 400 hours, though this varies depending on the cyclist's weight and the type of cycling. For the average cyclist, this could represent 3 to 5 seasons.
Your cycling shorts , too, will lose their density and muscle support over time. If you only have two or three pairs of cycling shorts, you may well be using them more than once a week and therefore need to replace them every two or three seasons.

A little tip: for your next purchase, opt for bib shorts – they often have a higher-quality chamois, and the bib straps help keep it securely in place, providing real protection where you need it most. A good product to add to your collection is chamois cream ; it will improve your comfort during rides and soothe any irritated or chafed areas.

Let's talk practical matters

We regularly see customers who try two, three, or even four or five saddles before finding the right one. Don't settle for the status quo, as the process can be lengthy but incredibly rewarding once you find the perfect saddle. That said, whenever you try a new saddle, the most important thing is to have it fitted for you. You can't just remove your saddle and install another one and expect to be successful. Even as a saddle fit expert, I don't adjust my own saddles. Since they all have different lengths, widths, and profiles, every time it's changed, the saddle height, angle, and setback must be readjusted. We also suggest always trying out and making adjustments in your most comfortable cycling shorts; this will give you the best possible chance of success.

To simplify the process, you can book time with a consultant and use the fitting room to optimize your saddle trials. Choosing the right bicycle saddle is crucial to the quality of your riding position, and at Cycle Studio Maglia Rosa , we dedicate ample time to ensure you select and adjust the saddle correctly. You'll have the opportunity to try several saddles, confident that each one will be properly fitted and perfectly suited to your riding style.

In addition to a large selection of models in store, Studio Cycle Maglia Rosa has the expertise to guide you towards comfort.

Book a saddle fitting session with a positioning expert here .

Available saddle manufacturers:

• Fi'zi:k for men
• Fi'zi:k for women
• Prologo
• Selle Italia
• SMP

Images courtesy of bikefit.com , our supplier of positioning gear.

In this article, we will demystify a new category of bicycle that is increasingly present in catalogues and in the Quebec cycling landscape.

If you plan to travel here or elsewhere; leave for the day, for a few weeks, or even a few months; go to work by bike, this new feature will undoubtedly appeal to you.

Whether you prefer asphalt, gravel, or even lichen; whether you want to ride fast sometimes but also take it easy at other times, or you simply want to stop wondering and discover a bike that would allow you to go in all directions, whatever your mood or need at the moment.

This Swiss Army knife of pedals – which would allow you to climb the forest roads of northern Quebec, travel the west coast from Vancouver to San Diego with your equipment or simply do a 100 km ride with friends in the Joliette area – exists!

Semantics

It is sometimes called an "adventure bike," sometimes a "gravel bike," others refer to it as a "light touring bike," but the result remains the same: a bike whose only limits will be those you set for yourself!

Why bother?

The demands of road cyclists have shifted in recent years, with the majority now viewing the sport as a recreational activity – their priority is enjoyment. As we know, comfort is an integral part of that enjoyment, unless one has masochistic tendencies (which we respect), hence the growing popularity of endurance road cycling.

Then the term versatility appeared: people wanting to be able to ride both on the road and off the beaten track, with the same bike.

Budget and materials?

Depending on your budget, you can get an adventure bike in most known materials, whether it be steel or titanium , aluminum or even carbon.
Maglia Rosa offers 4 options in this area: Cannondale Slate – GT Grade – Norco Search – Felt V

Yes, it's now possible to get a high-performance adventure bike with disc brakes that weighs less than 20 pounds! That's a far cry from the heavy triple-chainring touring bikes made several years ago!

What are the differences compared to a road bike?

Defying all conventions governing the style and design of road bikes, the adventure bike offers possibilities that no other bike has been able to offer until now.

Technically, this type of bike shares the geometry of an endurance road bike, with a slightly more upright cockpit, longer chainstays to increase comfort, and a relatively low center of gravity to increase stability.

Also, the traditional rim brake system is being replaced by the disc brake inherited from mountain biking.

For two reasons: the first is physical – a tire wider than 28mm would not fit in a traditional brake caliper; the second is environmental – the increased dust in off-road riding would accelerate the wear of the brake pads and rim.

Since the disc is less sensitive to these elements, it is ideal in these conditions and also offers powerful braking with very high modulation.

This modification also offers the possibility of installing wider tires, from 28mm to 40mm, smooth or semi-knurled, which allows a higher air volume, thus making it possible to ride on irregular surfaces without suffering excessively.

Finally, the overall robustness of the bike is calculated to meet the specific constraints of off-road riding: more robust wheels, tear-resistant casings for the tires and a frame more resistant to impacts.

It's like cyclocross but with slick tires?

Not quite. The geometry of a cyclocross bike is generally much more aggressive and wouldn't usually allow for pain-free long-distance riding. While some do use them for that purpose, the emergence of adventure bikes makes them much better suited to long distances.
Confusion ?

Accessories, light touring?

As for gear, forget heavy and cumbersome luggage racks; now companies like Arkel , which manufactures its bags right here in Quebec, or Apidura , offer lightweight and durable self-supporting bags, so you can bring all the necessary equipment for multi-day trips without excessively weighing down your bike.

So, if you have plans for a two-wheeled trip or want to go on an adventure this summer, come see us for advice, a bike and/or the best equipment on the market to make your journey a success.

Finally, remember that the journey is always more important than the destination!

The advantages and disadvantages?

The most appreciated aspect of this discipline is the contact with nature and the absence of traffic, a real breath of fresh air, plus the variety in the courses is easier to obtain.

However, finding water or supply points is less easy, so plan accordingly. Access for emergency services in case of an accident can also be difficult, so extreme caution is advised.

Where to do it?

It is a discipline in its early stages, the network of trails is still to be discovered, word of mouth is essential to find your next weekend destination, searches on Strava or RidewithGPS can also help you, or there is always the option of trying blindly with google maps.

There are more and more events with a high percentage of gravel roads, with conditions that put the human body to the test.
Here is a mini list, some of them are very far away, however the first on the list is local and very well known.
100 B7 – Battenkill – Rasputista – Dirty 40 – Grinduro

1. Bring your bike to your workshop during the winter, you won't have to wait for it when the nice weather returns.

In Quebec, cycling is a seasonal sport for most cyclists, which is why bike shops are busiest from March to July. Take advantage of the winter months to bring your bike in and avoid the spring rush. You can even use the opportunity to discuss with the technicians the various components that could be improved to enhance your cycling experience.

2. Have your positioning checked and start the year off on the right foot.

Proper positioning is a major factor in the success of your season because it will help prevent injuries, ensure your comfort, and optimize your performance. Your flexibility level may have changed during the winter depending on your level of physical activity or other sports you may have participated in. Furthermore, your goals and experience may be different from those of the previous year.
You can now reserve your place .

3. Set yourself achievable and motivating goals.

Like everything in life, set yourself measurable and achievable goals, but also realistic ones, without neglecting your abilities. Indeed, our bodies are capable of great things if we stay motivated and keep our focus on the goals we set for ourselves! For example, having traveled 5,000 km from March to September or traveling from Montreal to Quebec City in less than 8 hours…

4. Start the season in the heat with a training or development camp.

Cycling 500 or 600 kilometers in a week in a southern country in March or April is a fantastic way to kick off your cycling season with a bang. Several destinations like Cuba, Florida, or Arizona are available at competitive prices, and you can be almost guaranteed good weather!
Examples: Pop Tours or Ekilib cycling trips

5. Vary your sports and training methods during the winter.

A great way to stay motivated to get back on your bike in the spring is to vary the sports you practice during the winter. Take advantage of the winter to try yoga, snowshoeing, and/or cross-country skiing—three sports that will contribute to the success of your next cycling season. You can also treat yourself to spinning classes and gym workouts to develop specific physical characteristics relevant to cycling.