Cyclists Gear up for Road Construction Season

A new season is upon Minnesota: road contruction. This year, with traffic snarled due to I-35 construction, local bike retailers expect to see an increase in customers looking to outfit their bikes for commuting.

Pat Sorenson, owner of Penn Cycle, is ready for the influx in two-wheeled commuters. “Last summer’s gas prices got more people on their bikes,” he said. “We expect that this year’s major road construction – combined with concerns about the economy – will generate even more interest in biking to work.”

To help its customers navigate around the spring and summer construction, Penn Cycle is giving its customers free maps that show quicker routes in and out of downtown. Sorenson also expects to see an uptick in maintenance checks as people get ready to ride again.

“It’s important to have bikes serviced after being stored away for the winter,” Sorenson said. “Everything from tires, rims and spokes to bearings and pedals should be checked to ensure a safe ride.”

Gearing Up

In addition to having bikes in proper working order, the right gear can make the cycling commute much more enjoyable. Penn Cycle recommends the following products that allow for a safer, smoother ride.

• A new line of bags, called Detour Bags, feature a rubber bottom, allowing the bags to stand up. Great for biking to work or for trips to the store.
• For the early morning or late evening commuter, nothing’s more important than lighting. Two new     products – the Blackburn Flea Lights and NiteRider MiNewt Commuter Light – are rechargable,     super bright and high quality. In fact, the Blackburn Flea Lights can be fully recharged from seemingly old batteries around the house.
• For confident riding in all conditions, the Bontrager Hardcase Tires feature all the grip a rider needs as well as triple puncture protection, so commuters can spend more time riding and less time on         the side of the road.

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