PEORIA'S ORIGINAL OUTDOOR STORE. SINCE 1971.

Tip #1 - DECIDE HOW YOU WANT TO RIDE
There's a bike for virtually any situation you can imagine. So, think about whether you like paved roads, gravel bike paths, or steep, wooded, rocky trails. In family outings, organized events, citizen races or informal- but competitive rides with friends. We'll discuss the different types of bikes inside this brochure.

Tip #2 - CHOOSE A GOOD FRAME
Traditionally the frame is the most important part of any bike, and all frames are certainly not equal. You pay for light weight, strength, and durability, and design. Most frames are made of steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber. Steel is rugged, aluminum tends to be a little lighter weight and more efficient, and carbon is lightweight, efficient, & rides very comfortably. Carbon fiber is however, more expensive and can be somewhat fragile.

Tip #3 - CHECK THE SPECS
In order of importance, it's wheels, suspension, components, and intangibles like color and brand. The harder you ride, the more you'll want to put into each area. If your initial budget doesn't fit your riding style, you may find that brown-bagging it for the next 1 or 2 months will enable you to have a lot more fun riding over the next 5 or 10 years.

Tip #4 - GET THE RIGHT FIT
For starters, straddle the bike to check "standover height". You should be able to lift the bike 1 to 3 inches before it stops. Then adjust the seat height so that the balls of your feet just reach the ground when seated. This will get you real close. There can be a lot more to it, so we'll be happy to spend time getting you dialed in for comfort and efficiency.

Tip #5 - TAKE A TEST RIDE
Pay attention to the bike's fit. You'll ride better and have more fun if you're relaxed & comfortable. Check out the brakes and the shifters. Ride up a hill, ride over some bumps and try to duplicate the type of riding you'll do. Finally, mention your likes and dislikes to your sales assistant so they can help to better match your bike to your expectations.

Tip #6 - CHECK OUT ACCESSORIES YOU'LL NEED
Helmets are an obvious (or should be) necessity. Bike shorts, water bottles & cages, and gloves will help make your ride more comfortable. Floor pump, patch kit, and chain lube will save you downtime and expense in the long run.

Tip #7 - SHOP AT A SPECIALTY SHOP
• You'll get the RIGHT BIKE • You'll get excellent QUALITY • You'll get great RIDEABILITY • You'll get SERVICEABILITY • You'll get great VALUE
When you shop at Bushwhacker, you'll see bikes from under $300 to over $3000. Each bike is designed for a different type of rider and riding style. We'll help make sure you get the most appropriate bike for you - one you'll enjoy riding for a long time.

We carry bikes from Trek, Giant, Gary Fisher, Cervelo, Ellsworth, and Surly, all very highly regarded brands. All use high grade materials, high quality components, and have superb construction techniques and warranties.

Each of our bikes is professionally assembled to exacting standards by our own mechanics. There is no added charge for this, and it means that when you get on one of our bikes, it works, period. We'll make sure your new bike stays adjusted properly too. We provide a free 30 day tune-up, free adjustments for a year, and a 20% discount on labor as long as you own your bike.

Unlike many bikes that cost a little less, parts are also serviceable. If you break something or wear it out, you don't have to get rid of the whole bike. All this adds up to the best possible value for the investment you make in your equipment.

MAXIMIZE YOUR FUN & PERFORMANCE WITH THE RIGHT ACCESSORIES
Lots of people talk about the 7 essentials to keep you and your bike safe, comfortable, and efficient, so here they are:
• Helmet - Don't leave home without it.
• Bike Shorts - They make riding a whole lot more comfortable.
• Water Bottle & Cage - Don't go thirsty.
• Flat Pack - Includes tube, tire levers, patch kit and pump because tires do go flat.
• Bike Gloves - Your hands are pretty sensitive.
• Floor Pump - Proper tire pressure is crucial for a good ride and flat protection.
• Bike Lube - Keep your chain from rusting and your gears working smoothly.

Here are a few more helpful accessories that you may want to put on your Christmas list:
Bike Locks • Car Racks • Shoes & Pedals • Tools • Seat Packs • Lighting Systems • Cycling Computers • Cycling Clothing • Child Carriers • Fenders

KEEP YOUR BIKE RUNNING SMOOTHLY
Bushwhacker offers the following services to help you keep your bike in great working order.

REPAIR CLINICS - How to change a flat and how to clean & lube your bike along with many other helpful hints. Periodically during summer. Call for details.

FREE 30 DAY CHECK - Bring your new bike back to us after 30 days (about 15 actual riding days) so we can make sure it's in tip top working order.

FREE ADJUSTMENTS FOR A YEAR - We'll make minor adjustments on your bike for 1 year after purchase.

20% OFF SERVICE FOR LIFE-You'll get discounted service as long as you own your new bike.

MOUNTAIN BIKES
As one individual put it, the best thing about a mountain bike is that you can ride it anywhere. Tires are wider for better traction off-road, and the frame, brakes, and components tend to be heavier duty to withstand more rugged use.

Mountain bikes can generally be classified into 5 basic groups as follows:

Recreational - The typical recreational mountain bike has a heavier steel or aluminum frame and doesn't have wheels or components designed for long-term off-road abuse. Preferred by riders who like the look and feel of a mountain bike, but don't intend to do much serious off-road riding. Budget: $300-$500

Cross-Country Hardtail - Called hardtails because they have suspension in the front fork only, their lighter frames, medium-travel front suspension and off-road quality wheels and components make them the lightest, nimblest and best climbing class of mountain bikes. The choice of riders who prefer hardtail speed to full suspension comfort. Budget: $500-$2000

Cross-Country Full Suspension - With shock absorbers on both the front and rear, these bikes give a plusher ride than their hardtail cousins. Current styles are much more efficient and much lighter weight than older models - ideal for riders seeking comfort with their speed. Budget $1500 & up

All Mountain/Downhill - Long travel refers to the amount of suspension, not to the distance of your trip. These bikes generally have upwards of 6" (compared to 3" or 4") of cushion, and if you care more about getting big air than you care about your body, this type of bike may be for you. With the extra weight, uphills get pretty tough, but hey, that's not what it's all about is it? Budget: $2000 & up

29er's - 29er refers to a 29" diameter wheel instead of a 26". They roll over obstacles faster, smoother, & easier, and hold momentum through loose terrain, but tend to be a little less maneuverable in tight trails. 29er's are gaining in popularity and are an excellent alternative for the Midwest. Budget $900 and up

Regarding Women's Specific Frames
Traditionally, women's bikes had a downsloping top tube, and that was it. Now, it's called a "step-through" frame, and it's for anyone who might have difficulty swinging a leg over a standard frame.

For the more performance oriented woman however, manufacturers (Fisher with its "Genesister" models, and Trek with their WSD or Women's Specific Design models) have addressed the fact that a woman's skeletal system is biomechanically different from a man's. Shorter brake levers (easier for small hands), narrower handlebars (easier turning for narrow shoulders), plusher seats (more cush for the tush), and slightly different frame geometry are some of the key comfort features.

ROAD BIKES
With very lightweight, aerodynamic frames, narrow, high pressure tires, and big gears, road bikes are the ultimate in efficiency. Road bikes start around $599, and though the dividing line becomes somewhat fuzzy, they're generallycategorized in one of four ways:

Performance - These are the bikes for club riders, centuries, racing, or just for people who like a sports car feel in a bicycle. The extended riding position engages more of the rider's large muscle groups to optimize strength and endurance. Drop handlebars offer a variety of riding positions. You'll probably want to spend some time with us getting the best fit to optimize comfort and efficiency.

Fitness - A more relaxed version of a performance road bike. They're characterized by straight handlebars, a more relaxed body position, and slightly wider tires. Think of them as a sport sedan and just as much fun.

Touring/Commuting - These bikes are built rugged, often of steel, to carry racks, panniers, and heavier loads long distances over less than perfect roads. Longer wheelbases for stability, wider tires, and more relaxed rider positions make these bikes very comfortable, although heavier than their performance road cousins.

Triathlon - These bikes are made specifically for time trials and triathlons where drafting is illegal and aerodynamics are crucial. These speed machines are not just a road bike with aerobars, but are engineered to allow the rider to tip (not scrunch) forward for better aerodynamics while maintaining back comfort and some degree of proper handling. Proper fit is a necessity.

Steel vs. Aluminum vs. Carbon - While opinions vary on this topic, generally, aluminum is very stiff, responsive, and lightweight, while steel gives a very smooth, silky ride. Carbon gives the best of both worlds at a somewhat higher price. You may want to take an extended test ride on different types and check the difference out for yourself.

CITY & BIKE PATH
These bikes will give you a substantially more upright and comfortable riding position. You can decided what ratio of comfort vs. performance you prefer.

Cruiser - Yup, the single speed, coaster brake, balloon tires of the good old days are back. Wide, sweptback handlebars too. Preferred by those who like life simple, slow, and retro. Budget: $299-$500

Comfort - With wide tires and beefy frames, these look a lot like a mountain bike, but the more upright seating position, wide comfortable saddles, and suspension seatposts turn your ride into a glide. Budget: $299-$600

Hybrid - Just as their name suggests, these bikes are a cross between a road bike and mountain bike. Hybrid tires are taller (27.55" vs. 26") and narrower (1.5" vs. 2") than a mountain bike's so they're more efficient and easier to peddle than a mountain bike. But the tires are still wider than a road bike's, so they get better traction on gravel paths than road bikes do. Because of this, the hybrid is a favorite for commuting, fitness, or just plain fun. Many have suspension forks and seat posts for extra comfort. Higher performance hybrids can make wonderful long distance touring bikes. Budget: $299-$1100

COMPONENTS
These days, all components groups work well, so why spend more for a bike with more expensive components? Because they're lighter, more durable, and retain their precision and adjustments longer. Here's the ranking of some of the most popular Shimano & SRAM mountain and road bike component groups from least to most expensive:

Road Bike Groups

Shimano Sora, Tiagra, 105, Ultegra, Dura-ace, Di2.
SRAM Rival, Force, Red.

Mountain Bike Groups

Shimano Altus, Acera, Alivio, Deore, SLX, XT, XTR.
SRAM 3.0, X.4, X.5, X.7, X.9, X.0, XX.

BMX
Even BMX (Bicycle Motocross) bikes have evolved into 3 different categories. Before you buy one as a present for your son (or daughter?) you probably want to know what kind of riding he or she is doing.

Dirtjumper - BMX Jump/Dirt bikes are designed to soar through the air with the greatest of ease - and survive landings. Features include extra heavy-duty frames, wheels, and components. The aspiring astronaut's bike of choice.

Freestyle - Built to be strong, balanced, and responsive, freestyle BMX bikes are designed to do things most people don't think a bike can do. Aside from heavy-duty frame and wheel construction, freestyle features include pegs on the front and rear wheels and rotors that allow the handlebars to spin without tangling brake cables.

Racing - BMX racing bikes are the pedal-powered offshoots of motocross motorcycles and are built for fast, tough performance on dirty, muddy, bumpy, and jump-filled BMX race courses. Featuring heavy-duty frames and wheels, single gears and hand brakes.

KIDS
Youth bikes include everything from training- wheeled beginner bikes to junior versions of mountain and BMX bikes. Made in 12", 16", 20", and 24" wheel sizes, a well constructed kid's bike will serve its young rider faithfully and durably - and then do it again through several hand-me-downs. For young ones just starting to ride a 2-wheeler, consider the Trek 'Float', a unique bike with removable pedals to get the feel of coasting on 2 wheels.

We hope this little guide has been informative and helpful to you. Now, come on in for a test ride, and take the next step toward a lifetime of fun.
HAPPY RIDING!!