About.com can help its users through the “need, know and accomplish” process of nearly any question by connecting users to more than 800 topic sites. Recently, About.com wanted a new approach to educating users on cycling and they turned to BikeSource for assistance in this project.

About.com spent 13 hours filming Denver BikeSource Store Managers as they walked viewers through the bike purchase, outlined alternative bike types, explained sizing of specific bike types and described techniques to get the most out of their cycling workouts.

To date, seven short films have been posted to About.com featuring University Hills Manager Bob Copeland. The videos currently featured are:

• How to Find the Right Hybrid Bike Size
• Five Moves to Enhance an Exercise Bike Workout
• How to Buy a Bike
• How to Find the Right Mountain Bike
• What is a Mountain Bike
• How to Size a Kid’s Bike
• How to Find the Right Road Bike Size

The videos range between a minute and two minutes, but provide great details and suggestions if you are looking to expand your cycling knowledge. Check them out at www.About.com.

When Specialized was founded the first product category the business focused on was tires. Since the company’s start in 1974, Specialized has continued to be a market leader in tire technology and innovations. Specialized is so confident in the excellence of their tires that EVERY tire is guaranteed to meet your expectations or you can return it!

Specialized features tubeless tires in many tire styles, providing riders with the benefit of rarely experiencing a blowout. In addition, tubeless tires add significantly less weight to your bike.

The Turbo Tubeless is designed for road riding. Eliminating tubes in road tires allows the tires to roll on less air pressure, which ultimately results in a more compliant ride.

The 2Bliss Ready is the mountain bike version of tubeless tires. Less tire pressure on a mountain bike allows for more contact between the ground and tread for greater traction.

Check out Specialized tubeless tires at your local BikeSource or online at: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqSCLander.jsp?scid=1008&menuItemId=16151.

Pedal Pushing: Body Geometry Shoes

To avoid injury and lengthen riding energy, Specialized’s Body Geometry shoes feature three technology advancements:

1. The Varus Wedge sits in the front of the shoe to compensate for natural foot tilt. The wedge creates better alignment and avoids foot collapse as well as inward knee movement.

2. “Hot foot,” numbness in the forefront of the foot, can be caused by extended pressure. The Metatarsal Button lifts and separates the front of the foot for greater comfort on long rides.

3. Many shoes provide latitudinal support, but Body Geometry designs also feature Longitudinal Arch Support. This extra support prevents foot collapse and maximizes pedaling power.

In addition to these advancements, carbon outsoles offer minimal weight on the foot. This lightweight technology eliminates foot fatigue allowing for a longer ride. Specialized also offers experience-specific designs, which provide the perfect shoe for different rides and terrains. For example, glass fibers in many Body Geometry shoes reflect road heat.

Check out Body Geometry shoes at your local BikeSource or online at: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqSelectSection.jsp?scid=1019&pscid=1009.

Now that the weather is warming up and you are taking more rides outdoors, it is time to brush up on basic bike maintenance so you don’t get stuck walking your bike. One of the best techniques to know is how to fix a flat tire. The first step to repairing a flat is to be equipped with the right tools before heading out on a ride. Make sure to carry a spare tube that fits your wheel, tire levers and a pump. Next follow these easy steps to change your tire:

1. Remove the wheel:

• Shift the chain into the highest gear (also known as the smallest cog)
• Turn wheel lever to upper position to move brakes (skip this step if you have disc brakes)
• Pull lever away from the bike and turn counter-clockwise to release wheel

2. Remove the tube:

• Release any extra air that that is in the tire
• Squeeze the tire inward to separate the tire from the rim
• Wedge the curved end of the tire lever between the rim and tire, running the lever around the tire until it is separated from the rim
• Pull the tube out from under the tire

3. Replace the tube:

• Pump a little air in the tube
• Place the valve steam of the tube through the hole in the rim
• Work tube all the way around into the tire to ensure that none of the tube sticks out between the tire and the rim
• Starting at the valve steam use your thumbs to move the tire up into the rim until the tire is evenly seated on the rim

4. Put the wheel back on:

• Making sure the wheel is between the top and bottom portion of the chain slip the wheel hub into the bike dropout
• Spin the quick release clockwise while holding both sides to tighten the wheel
• Fold the lever towards to frame

5. Pump up the tire:

• Unscrew the valve
• Lock pump onto the valve stream
• Match the tire pressure to the other tire

6. Reconnect brake:

• Hold down the brake cable lever (skip this step if you have disc brakes)

Interested in seeing this process to get a better understanding of fixing a flat? Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/user/specialized411#p/c/F743802EEFDFCA3F/0/uRfrVtYzpUQ

BikeSource has been serving Kansas City’s cycling needs for over 20 years. In order to continue to be your city’s cycling source, BikeSource has opened a second Kansas City location. Now in addition to the original Overland Park location, the shop at Ranch Mart shopping center is also open!

BikeSource’s new location continues to provide state-of-the-art service and offer Specialized Body Geometry gear, in addition to featuring over 21,000 square feet of bikes, clothing and accessories. The Ranch Mart location also holds the largest selection of women-specific cycling products in the country.

Come out and visit the new Ranch Mart shop located at Mission and W. 95^th.

Specialized Body Geometry technology uses state-of-the-art pressure mapping to ensure maximum comfort and mobility in all apparel. Padding variations match foam location, density and shape to ride length and terrain, allowing you to find the best comfort for your ride.

The PRO RBX provides thicker perforated padding so the foam molds to body shape in long distance riding. For shorter and more aggressive riding, the PRO SL has more flexible padding made of antibacterial fibers to absorb excessive sweating. The most versatile option is the Comp, which is breathable and stretchy for all over comfort no matter riding distance.

In addition to pressure relief, Body Geometry apparel is made of solar UPF 50 fabric. Overlapping fabric construction provides up to 2-3 times more sun protection than normal fabrics. UPF fabrics also provide moisture-managing control for extra comfort in warm riding conditions.

Check out Body Geometry apparel BikeSource or online at: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqSCLander.jsp?scid=1007&menuItemId=16150.