Gran Fondo Suggests

We are excited about the variety of choices that we can offer in a beginner bike at Gran Fondo Cycles for 2012.

Many people do not realize that putting that expensive carbon frame into a trainer could invalidate their own manufacturers' warranty. Let us help you avoid this pitfall!

Let us put something sturdy, durable and quiet under you for those inside hours on the trainer.

At Gran Fondo Cycles we are always excited to bring the latest and greatest to our customers. Last week we got in our first of the electronic Ultegra equipped bikes to hit our floor; it stayed with us for 1/2 day before it left for its new home. Thank goodness, we have others on the floor and in transit...

Last year when we were aimlessly riding around in the middle of nowhere, we found a real jewel of a place, Marcy Jo's Mealhouse. Put this on your list of epic rides for 2011!

Ultra cyclists love titanium and titanium lovers love Moots!

Gran Fondo Cycles specializes in custom bikes for the rider who wants to create their dream ride. A lot of the custom bikes we are doing these days are in titanium, made by Moots or Lynskey.

You might be expecting us to answer the "Why Buy a Bike?" question with some mention of health or fitness, but NO, that's not what it's all about.

We have a lot to offer every cyclist. We love bikes! We love people who love bikes! Want a few more particulars? Check out Lynn walking you through a little of what we do.

A day doesn't pass at Gran Fondo that several customers fail to consult with us about what to eat for maximum performance on those great endurance rides. Sometimes our answer surprises people...

One of the most frequent questions that we are asked at Gran Fondo Cycles is whether we will do a bike fit for a bike that was not purchased from our store. The good news is that Yes - we will be glad to help you out with a bike fit if you are in need.

We've set the dates for our annual winter riding camp. It is hard to believe that Gran Fondo has been traveling to Florida for ten years now. Mark your calendar, and let this be the jumpstart to your spring training...

Even a seasoned veteran can use a little refresher about the wonders of layering to stay warm as temperatures begin to drop. Not only can dressing in layers keep you really comfy as a day warms up, you can also save a lot of money by getting the most from your existing gear and not having to buy a lot of heavy pieces you may never fully utilize. Check out this little article by our resident pro, Katharine Carroll, to give you some advice on "weathering the storm".

With custom wheels you can achieve all the benefits of todays machine built wheels with reduced costs and added benefits. They provide a more hassle-free wheel without rider weight limits and all the proprietary parts that can lead to long repair times.

"Because the sun is shining..." When I find this answer to the "Why do you ride your bike so much?" question received with a quizzical stare, I sometimes add, "No, really I am training for my next vacation." I highly recommend choosing the ultimate cycling vacation and then fine-tuning your rides to prepare for your big event. Lynn and I recently used a tour of Tuscany with Breaking Away Bicycle Tours as our spring "training" goal.

This year was the 7th Annual Gran Fondo Winter Riding Camp. Over 200 miles of sunny flat riding - just the ticket to start another great year on the bike. Most everyone completed a century on Saturday, in preparation for their 5 course meal at our favorite Italian restaurant in Central Florida, Little Italy.

A lot of customers who are visiting a variety of bike shops in their pursuit of the perfect bike ask us questions similar to “What size bike equates to a Large?” or “If you measured me as a 57, is that the same as a Large?” Well, there’s no short answer here.

One of the number one questions we answer on a daily basis is "Do I really need a custom bike?" We love this question because it gives us a chance to do what we do best - help a buyer find the bike that is perfect for them!

Visitors to Nashville often call to ask about great routes in our area. We love to point visitors to Bicycling Middle Tennessee: A Guide to Scenic Bicycle Rides in Nashville's Countryside (Paperback) by Glen Wanner and Ann Richards. These two local cyclists have done a wonderful job of capturing some of Nashville's great rides in this book. We keep a stock in the store, but out of town visitors might want to order a copy through amazon.com or their local bookseller prior to visiting.

O.K., so riding 100 miles in under 4 hours is not enough of a challenge for you - try doing it on a tandem... Read Jeff B.'s stoker's report from the Sunrise century in Clarksville, TN.

Looking for a great ride? Check the HBC website. There's a ride most every weekend for riders at a variety of levels.