Ready For Spring

Updated service counter

At Europa Cycles, we have been doing some "Spring Cleaning" and sprucing up for the coming season. Many of the things we have done are behind the scenes changes. Things like how we store bicycles, how we track things, and more, which you, the customer, won't really notice other than perhaps we will be more efficient and be getting things done faster than before.
 Other things are very noticeable, like our new Service Counter. We have moved it to be separated from the retail sales counter to make busier times less chaotic for the customers. Service and repairs will now not be in the way of your checking out and getting out there to ride!

We also updated our service packages to better reflect our customer's needs. We sat down and took stock of how many repairs were basic, just check overs, or more serious repairs. Data and experiences over the last decade were considered. The old packages we offered weren't very flexible in terms of "add ons", and some were antiquated, based on tradition which has been rendered obsolete.

So what we came up with is more flexible, reflective of today's rider's needs, and in many cases, will actually ring up to be less money than they would have with the old packages we offered. We're dedicated to doing a better job up front, when we check in bikes, and we feel that will also raise the bar for our service department versus the competition. We're pretty proud and stoked to offer this new system to you in our Service Department, and we look forward to seeing you and your bicycles very soon.

Clothing: We're revamping the entire clothing department, and we are clearing out all of the old stuff. (Yes- bargains on all current inventory!) In turn, we are changing displays and we will be offering two new clothing lines very soon that will be exclusive to the area.

We're pretty stoked about the new lines and how they will enhance your cycling, help you gain higher performance, and look better on your bicycle. Who doesn't like to look better? Yeah........you know you do! So, stay tuned for announcements of the new lines and be prepared to check out the new stuff coming in this Spring for all your Summer cycling needs.

We also just received delivery of all our new Burley trailers for 2014. Burley has always been the premier child trailer brand and commands the highest resale prices aftermarket. But the newest Burley trailers are even better than their predecessors. More features, easier to fold and unfold, and better safety for your little ones are all things that not only separate Burley from the competition, but have made 2014 Burley trailers their best ever.

We've got four models to choose from and also the Burley Travoy commuter/urban cargo unit, which is a trick little two wheeled cart you can take off the bike and right into your office or shopping store. (Even Waterloo's Mayor has one!) We also carry the Nomad, Burley's cargo trailer made to haul a variety of stuff, or use it to haul your baggage on your next tour. Perhaps carry that stereo and "adult beverage cooler" on that cross state ride at the end of July? Yes!

We've also stocked up on tools, accessories, and supplies you'll want to be checking out to help make your 2014 cycling experiences the best ones ever. One of the cool little gizmos we have now is the PRO mechanic stand which is portable and comes with its own carrying bag so you can easily tote this on vacation, to events, or just to use as your stand at home to keep your bicycle happy.

We've been busy to get ready to be busy helping you. We believe 2014 will be the best year for you to visit Europa Cycles ever. We are ready and waiting to get your bicycles serviced, and to supply you with anything you might be needing to get off on the right foot this cycling season. Stop in and see all the 2014 Raleigh, Trek, and Salsa bicycles plus the Sun recumbents and trikes. And have a cup of coffee on us while you are there. See ya soon......

Spring Into Action

Time to get out and ride!

If you haven't been working too hard, you've likely noticed a marked decrease in snow coverage, warmer temps, and longer days.

That's right folks, its Springtime in Iowa!

You'll likely want to take a look at that bicycle. here's a few tips on what you need to do to get out and enjoy the riding season more quickly.

• Air up: Those tires haven't been touched in a while, right? Better air them up to proper riding pressure. Look on the tire sidewall for a psi rating for the tire. Then determine whether or not you have a Schrader Valve or Presta Valve type tube, and grab your pump. (What? You do not own a floor pump? We've got em at the shop.) Get that tire aired up. 
• Check that chain: Rub a finger on the chain. Feel dry? It needs lubrication. Lube your chain and wipe off the excess. Let the bike stand over night to allow the lube to work its way into the chain, then ride. 
• If your bike was working properly when you stored it last, it likely will be fine for spring, (as long as it hasn't been sitting longer than a year), so the top two steps should be all you need to take care of. 
• If your bike has been sitting awhile, it would be best to drop it off at the shop and have us do a Standard Tune Up, which will take care of anything necessary to make sure your bicycle is safe and ready to ride. (Any additional parts necessary would be extra with labor added as well)
• Nicer bikes that need attention may require an Advanced Tune Up which does all of the above but gets you a wipe down so your rig looks a bit nicer as well. (Extra dirt, stains, and oxidation will not be removed, or may require an additional fee to take care of)
• The finest bikes need extra care. At this level, you may want to look at a Performance Tune Up. We measure the wear on the drivetrain, and really clean the drivetrain to make sure your 10 speed system works at its best possible level. (If parts are worn, we will advise you and extra parts may be necessary to insure top performance. There is an upcharge in these cases.)

A Special Note On Overhauls: If your bicycle is older than 1995, you might benefit from an overhaul. After this time period, parts became increasingly less serviceable/adjustable. This integration and modular design has increasingly made the traditional overhaul obsolete. Since this is the case, we no longer offer a straight overhaul package. See Europa Cycle and Ski's mechanics for a free estimate as to what your bicycle may require. Modern, late model bikes usually benefit thoroughly from the above described packages and do not benefit at all from "overhauls" since we can not often do anything but remove and replace components.

Okay, that's a run down of our services and what you can do to get ready for a season of fun on your bicycle.

Let's Ride!