New cyclists often have similar stories that spring from their experiences on bicycles. Recounting the details of fun, memorable rides often elicits eager, youthful smiles as adventurers describe the various joys associated with riding bikes. For me, one theme recurs more than others, especially with new cyclists, or those who’ve returned to it after years or … Continue reading Scene from the Wheelway – Part I
Working in a bike shop you see a lot of bikes, but each year it seems like there are a few models that stand out. Maybe it's a cool paint scheme, a new wheel or tire size, a killer group of components, or outstanding value. Here are a few bikes we have in the store … Continue reading Hottest Bikes In The Shop
Electric bikes, commonly known as e-bikes, are a popular new category that is attracting a lot of attention from riders looking to make cycling easier. These bikes have an electric motor that assists the rider but (most) still require pedaling. The assisted pedaling puts them in a grey area between motorized and non-motorized vehicles. This … Continue reading E-Bike Trail Access Explained
One of the benefits of winter's slower pace is the opportunity to reflect and implement changes. Last fall we spent time dreaming of ways we could improve the shop with the goal of taking customer experience and efficiency to the next level. The result was a major remodel and reorganization of the back of the … Continue reading Winter Remodel “The Wall”
APRIL FOOLS! IT'S ON SUNDAY MARCH 31 SATURDAY APRIL 20 THIS YEAR! You'll get some activity in before the real April Fools Day this year, which is a Monday this year. It is ABSOLUTELY FREE! This event costs you $0. However, please register in advance so we know how many treats to get. It's not super … Continue reading 31 Reasons to Attend The 2019 Latitude 45 April Fools Ride
Riding bicycles is one of the purest forms of enjoyment. If you're like me, you have fond memories of riding as a child, and hopefully as an adult too. However, many people, in adulthood, give up on riding merely because they can't seem to feel comfortable on bikes. This is especially true for road bikes, … Continue reading The Importance of Getting a Bike Fit
What is the right piece of equipment for your home gym? At Latitude 45 we have helped hundreds of customers make this decision. Choosing between a treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike, or bike trainer can be a hard decision. All of them will give you a great cardio workout but there can be some significant cost … Continue reading How to Pick a Piece of Fitness Equipment
Road cycling can be an intimidating sport to enter due to its complex gear, unspoken rules, competitive culture and the fear of being "dropped". However, getting started doesn't have have to be a stressful experience. Here are some helpful tips and information to break it down! "Complex" Gear A quality bike shop has expert staff … Continue reading Hitting the Road
If you've been a member of a riding group, you know there is always "that guy". If you don't know what I'm talking about you may be "that guy", in which case you should read this article carefully. Below is our list of group ride "do nots" to help make sure you stay on your … Continue reading Don’t be “That Guy” in your riding group
In Northern Michigan, we are blessed with some absolutely stunning glacially formed landscapes (but not as stunning as the cover image). Over the past hundred years or so, we've also had some beautiful roads built over some of those rather large or steep hills. Here's a list of them in no particular order! 1. Arbor … Continue reading Northern Michigan’s Killer Climbs
Life at the 45 