tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90286517856679806942024-03-05T03:44:09.806-08:00Sultana Cycles☼ Bicycle Shop -
Cottonwood ☼ ArizonaAaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028651785667980694.post-27652591612412649802012-07-27T21:21:00.001-07:002012-07-27T21:42:53.808-07:00Kona Raijin: A True American BeautyAlthough Aaron's current favorite bike weighs in over 58 pounds of <a href="http://surlybikes.com/bikes/big_dummy" target="_blank">Surly Big Dummy</a> cargo-and-baby-carrying delight, we at Sultana Cycles have just fallen in love with our newest acquisition: the Kona Raijin -- a beautiful titanium hardtail frame, weighing under 4 pounds.<br />
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<b>What is it?</b> A titanium hardtail 29er frame that maximizes the inherent virtues of titanium with geometry ideally suited for a fast, efficient, and simple ride. The Raijin features a press-fit BB30 bottom bracket shell and sliding dropouts. The curved downtube combines with the natural properties of titanium to balance the need for both stiffness and compliancy, creating a smooth and FUN off-road ride without complicated and sometimes problematic suspension features. The finish is raw and industrial with a laser-engraved Kona logo.<br />
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<b>Why we love it?</b> First, the Raijin is gorgeous, in both appearance and design. Second, it's handmade in the US of A -- almost unheard of in the bicycle world these days. And third, it's completely customizable -- the Raijin features an interchangeable dropout for geared or singlespeed setup, which allows you to build it however you want. Pick your favorite parts or bling it out in the season's hottest colors (admittedly, we don't know what those are, but we're big fans of orange.) You'll feel like you're floating across the trail from your elevated 29-inch perch.</div>
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18" frame in stock now, $1900 out the door. Feel free to stop by or call us at (928) 649-3822 for more information on this American-made beauty.</div>Aaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028651785667980694.post-30940482526286694642011-08-06T11:17:00.000-07:002011-08-06T12:13:12.859-07:00Kona Honky Tonk: Sexy & Sassy Retro RideNorthern Arizona has boundless opportunities for riding asphalt as well as dirt, and our pick for hitting the road is the <a href="http://www.konaworld.co/bike.cfm?content=honkytonk">Kona Honky Tonk</a>.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637810786520302082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_ES8t2tURofJem2kr9lyJJXBgDBaFFE1Ia-_rkpRw6MPLvh5sv52rCTlvQBOeesVWqnPdRQtIKnJuP3JVO2ThArt13kLzW-hXOCUxxnNw8UJUUt7Agf1BclLkjXWv3myBuc4jkNqS14O/s400/honkytonk.jpg" /> <strong>What is it?</strong> A work-horse, no-nonsense road ride with a custom-butted chromoly steal frame and Kona Retro Road fork -- a combination that creates a stable but nimble ride. The Honky Tonk features Shimano Sora nine-speed gearing with matching STI shifters and upgraded Alex rims with machined sidewalls for more effective braking. A generous bar with nice square shape, sloping top-tube design, and well-padded saddle make this one of the most comfortable road bikes around, and 5 centimeters of headset spacers allow further tweaking for your riding style. The clean lines remind us of the bikes of yore, with a subtle 21st century makeover.<br /><br /><strong>Why we love it? </strong>Here at Sultana Cycles, we don't believe you have to count grams or coat yourself in head-to-toe spandex to feel the need for speed. (In fact, I once rode 65 miles round trip from Flagstaff to Mormon Lake on an early-90s steel rigid bike with a crack in the frame. In flip-flops.) The Honky Tonk is a thoroughly modern machine with a sweet disposition. It fits our philosophy and makes for a smooth, simple ride for all abilities, versatile enough for commuting and coffee house cruising on the days you aren't hitting the pavement.<br /><br /><br /><p>And of course, we can't get enough of that sassy Retro Red finish -- sure to lift your spirits as you grind up that last hill or drag yourself out for a spin pre-coffee -- and simple, vintage Kona label graphics.</p><br /><p>The Honky Tonk is on the floor at Sultana Cycles and priced out-the-door at $950.</p>Aaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028651785667980694.post-23781705048084840522011-07-02T11:55:00.001-07:002011-07-02T12:41:13.865-07:00Kona Hei Hei 29er SE: Not the Short BusIt's August in the Verde Valley and here at Sultana Cycles, we're crossing our fingers for the monsoon -- and soon. 10 days over 100 degrees makes it difficult to enjoy a leisurely roll through the park. However, rains and cooler weather will be here before you know it, and we have some exciting new inventory, professionally assembled and ready for your admiration.<br /><br />Today's pick is special ed like you've never seen before: the <a href="http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=hei_hei_2-9_se"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Special Edition Orange Kona Hei Hei 29er</span></a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeuEsPvyerHNN4MC0Pm2ms1uNpjSSpB-PGVOW93Yb7GC9sFFpCK9SBWbHeYWk53lcaY36Psz0UTOJTHi1GKHCWcwhJywOy9fEg5q0HkzBFLS-d1NTRf34ABkwcJFhl5KZOvJzauLNtc33/s1600/hei_hei_2-9_se.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeuEsPvyerHNN4MC0Pm2ms1uNpjSSpB-PGVOW93Yb7GC9sFFpCK9SBWbHeYWk53lcaY36Psz0UTOJTHi1GKHCWcwhJywOy9fEg5q0HkzBFLS-d1NTRf34ABkwcJFhl5KZOvJzauLNtc33/s400/hei_hei_2-9_se.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624830751401628018" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What is it?</span> A special edition dual suspension mountain bike with four inches of travel front and rear and big, beautiful 29-inch Easton wheels. Hei Hei means "race" in Hawaiian and this bike will roll . . . over rocks, logs, roadkill (and maybe even your riding buddy) without a pause. The Hei Hei features Kona's <strong style="font-weight: normal;">4-Bar linkage</strong> that's more pedal efficient, a fairly light-weight but heavy duty RockShox fork, Sram 3x10 drive train Avid Elixir hydraulic disk breaks, and sweet refinements like <strong style="font-weight: normal;">more standover room, setback seat post</strong>, and tapered head tube.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Why we love it?</span> With the ability to climb like a goat and descend like an avalanche without chattering your teeth, its an affordable full suspension bike that makes pretty much every trail accessible and comfortable to novice and experienced rider.<br /><br />Plus, as diehard Clemson Tigers fans (some by marriage or birth than by choice), you can't beat that sassy orange and white color combo!<br /><br />Available at Sultana Cycles and priced below MSRP -- tax-included at $2850. Stop by and take it for a ride. We guarantee you won't even notice the heat.Aaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028651785667980694.post-16062392892507777172011-02-26T10:12:00.000-08:002011-02-26T13:56:21.939-08:00Tire InflationAs appears to be the way of the world, bicycle prices are going up up up, starting this month, concurrent with what has been described as "unimaginable increases" in steel, nickel, copper, zinc, etc.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Leading the way on the price increase is rubber -- which means that not just bikes, but the price of tubes and tires has risen almost 10% over the last year, with an additional projected increase of 20% on the wholesale price over the next 18 months.</div><br /><div>I could digress into a discussion of economics and supply relative to demand and inflation and the real interest rate and globalization, but I don't think that's what anyone checked in for. Here at Sultana Cycles, we're stocking up on these items, hoping to continue to offer the best prices on them for as long as possible. Along the same vein, if you're a frequent flatter or plan on putting more miles on your bike than ever this year (to combat those corresponding "unimaginable increases" in gas prices . . .) consider heading in to purchase your replacement tires or grab a few extra tubes now!</div><br /><div>In other news, Panzer remains unaffected by these price increases and continues to burn rubber accordingly...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578101916311871090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbvkStGJK0DTjDXcq6a1xEYtLKLYb1cRhvjZ_ueqcdh_XASvgpYGuomMIp9YDFvuzNimBftWrqAcYb6-QgDbaT64Yk73o57ILKhGeq3-uPvWj4u9yvkBt3Hrt9uqyRJoz7jAQZdI0Ue1k/s320/Pdrives.jpg" /></div>Aaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028651785667980694.post-41633527860544036922010-11-13T14:23:00.000-08:002010-11-13T14:45:33.993-08:00Bike Shop BabyAaron and I are proud to announce the birth of our first baby! Our son, Panzer Martin Ruda, was born October 28, 2010 at 4:55 a.m. -- a beautiful time of day for a bike ride, or to be awake in general, and pushing a human being out of your hoo-ha. He weighed in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 20 1/2 inches long. He's long and skinny and definitely inherited his daddy's legs.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539166892037304034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUv6WKGd_pH6levFjorilRdDHG9XcpVQW3srAS4n42FS-oxUguo4ECx5utDXu7gMbARKwpTOA_ME8zxyIx0_qvZlo1_THKgUcYuT_vjrMU8Pj6boY55NET6v976YRMWx2RDbHfITpz6SSv/s400/CIMG2550.JPG" /><br />Sultana Cycles is back on its regular schedule, despite our new sleep-deprived state. Feel free to stop by and welcome Panzer to the world -- we are frequent visitors. Also, I am working hard to fatten him up so he's big enough that Aaron can wear him to work :) He'll be changing tubes before we know it. But for now, we will just enjoy.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539165618556984146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TENA8encDH7YLyVyA7xIAYu09ncX_JtMZuSxoudrfP4t8kuriRt9hTIXWuVpozb5Z9BnN0fI_kWDTAht5rJFbmdKpb-Fr4Wwwp0jSQqXjOUbUBxLevwCUgLUAUuXVEi7QcY40cl3YApJ/s400/CIMG2560.JPG" /><br />P.S. Big thanks to Allison for providing the Pashley for P's first ride and big photo shoot!Aaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028651785667980694.post-23520023580303947632010-10-17T16:40:00.000-07:002010-10-24T17:05:13.714-07:00More Boom Less ZoomAdmittedly, our personal favorite rides are those off the beaten path -- over the rocks and washes and through the weeds, bumping and booming along. The <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34r45d_4KbUIkiU5oFPrCmB97eFYmKjV24ZspeUZCgfLOHbjmXh9SFZf3OuMY3Pt6FWhAFw7T152JY5q08vubn-e4raYseszzKCkmXR_oTTL9hSJeoYGBwDepRoT23nqCszNp2_Hrmm1E/s1600/dead+horse.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 115px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 115px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531762006157664242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34r45d_4KbUIkiU5oFPrCmB97eFYmKjV24ZspeUZCgfLOHbjmXh9SFZf3OuMY3Pt6FWhAFw7T152JY5q08vubn-e4raYseszzKCkmXR_oTTL9hSJeoYGBwDepRoT23nqCszNp2_Hrmm1E/s200/dead+horse.jpg" /></a>BOOM BOOM is just more our style. Lucky for us, there is a fantastic bicycling opportunity only a few blocks away -- in <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UcaRaiJbwHXj870GawrZe0gbF4hd1DPOgRnoarWoCWhV_6yDcKNyPJFbDTVfxmSTUybs_naB4gqsmGhKOoUC3nPOBW9w7Rg0po5yFoxrRLM0NGonp1-M1js5-ufS8UrRdaO0p2bUBzEP/s1600/icon_biking.gif"></a><a href="http://www.pr.state.az.us/parks/DEHO/index.html">Dead Horse Ranch State Park</a>. The park covers more than 400 acres and is home to a variety of trails, suitable for riders of all ages and abilities. Most notable is the Thumper loop -- a 7 1/2 mile up, down and all around mish-mash of varying terrain: rolling singletrack, uphill grinds and quick (scary?) downhills. Plus, the park boasts a six-mile stretch of the Verde River and three fishing lagoons -- perfect scenery for a little rest or picnic. Aaron promised me a picture on his last ride, but no luck for now, so you'll just have to go and check it out yourself!<br /><br />(I do use the term "us" liberally, as I was kaboshed from my bicycle in month 6 of pregnancy because I apparently was too top-heavy and imbalanced to perch precariously on the top of my 29er :( BUT I will be back in the saddle, literally, as soon as I recover from baby Ruda's debut -- and just in time for the best riding weather of the year here in Cottonwood!)<br /><br />The road riding is also very attractive in the Verde Valley, with dedicated bike lanes, more courteous neighbors, and the lure of nearby Jerome and Sedona on opposites ends of 89A, and we look forward to exploring the open road a little more. Obviously, Aaron's top-notch service extends to all types of bicycles, but we look forward to any comments and suggestions regarding how we can better serve the Verde Valley roadies! ZOOM ZOOM.<br /><br />And for those of you who still get your BOOM BOOM on the pavement, stop by and check out our BMX parts and accessories and big-kid BMX/dirt-jumping bikes. At Sultana Cycles, we believe riding should <u>always</u> be fun, and you're never too "adult" for a spin around the dirt track or manuevering through a few urban obstacles.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531764938442233330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ADqanc93j812nAM8ynvgElz7pC_Kt9wwQ6JlaRXEP2-ffraUGp3Eb5hCd9HnKXuPx38oO51hoS_igHt_bRi7kOrOFo4Sw1gJ8p6iO2k417MR7mpP70McioI2Jc8AKmdIYS_l6S5KcyrF/s320/boom+in+the+box.JPG" />Aaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028651785667980694.post-11805773708948697612010-10-15T12:14:00.000-07:002010-10-15T13:32:21.387-07:00Welcome to Main Street, CottonwoodOur biggest apologies to all our loyal customers who have wandered through the Whiskey Row Alley in the past two weeks and been devastated by the apparent loss of Sultana Cycles -- please rest assured <span style="font-weight: bold;">we are alive and well</span>! Although it's long overdue for an update, the shop celebrated its <span style="font-weight: bold;">first anniversary</span> on July 4th of this year, and we are now looking forward to our first <span style="font-weight: bold;">bike shop baby</span> with official due date of October 21st. In an attempt to get all three of us -- Aaron, Kelley and baby Ruda -- in the same city, Sultana Cycles relocated to Main Street, Cottonwood.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyg9jq5I8vHt7mvsT2DAwg-ZYv8qcuoPCq3Ti_xo4wM7NoSa6KO8rPWVN79DZ4lXsc0-z-JxHq73LeGGqEQ3uaaZm3dfKl_WyiCWpDMq1daMbkGjtodrC8G3-UNp12RpfmEWWizfS4HY0t/s1600/sultana+opening.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyg9jq5I8vHt7mvsT2DAwg-ZYv8qcuoPCq3Ti_xo4wM7NoSa6KO8rPWVN79DZ4lXsc0-z-JxHq73LeGGqEQ3uaaZm3dfKl_WyiCWpDMq1daMbkGjtodrC8G3-UNp12RpfmEWWizfS4HY0t/s400/sultana+opening.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528370087399006178" border="0" /></a>The shop is now located at 470 South Main Street, Suite B, in beautiful Cottonwood, Arizona and had its official opening on October 1st. Thank you to everyone who came out and cracked open a New Belgium brew to christen the new shop!<br /><br />Although we'll miss our neighbors and regulars in Prescott, we are excited about our new spot! We have a little bit more space, a little bit more sunshine, and a much better view -- but still the same goal of providing quality parts and service to our customers. Aaron has given up his prejudice against tire liners in light of the thorny Verde Valley terrain. I have given up my lunch hour to put in bike shop duties (which for me is mostly smiling and looking pretty, albeit a little bit bigger than before).<br /><br />Give us a call at (928) 649-3822 or stop by to see our new digs... and our new collection of Kona bicycles (with more to come in the 2011 line!) ... and in a few weeks to welcome baby Ruda!Aaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028651785667980694.post-78730460111567556322009-12-18T17:25:00.000-08:002009-12-19T11:51:12.046-08:00The Perfect GiftThis year, I bought Aaron the perfect gift for his birthday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFmO0qe79KT0ent2Ft5MBQfN8USi_0c4VlWSSzFNeTzxcbsEF1SgJBTJ01LvrrOMbEZf8tOqNEO5kxVutqCBhgCl6JuTv3293AVrC1lmNMfMG87k1a-kPE0p_UrFfGufR7UK55V6zHZ-E/s1600-h/CIMG2479.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFmO0qe79KT0ent2Ft5MBQfN8USi_0c4VlWSSzFNeTzxcbsEF1SgJBTJ01LvrrOMbEZf8tOqNEO5kxVutqCBhgCl6JuTv3293AVrC1lmNMfMG87k1a-kPE0p_UrFfGufR7UK55V6zHZ-E/s320/CIMG2479.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417035575773475106" border="0" /></a><br />If you're like me, you're looking at the picture wondering ... what is new? Well, it's the <a href="http://chrisking.com/headsets">Chris King DreadSet Head Set</a>. Perfect for the rastafarian/peace-loving hippie/blingin' BMX rider on your list -- and also available in 10 other colors, or any combination thereof, with over 6,000 choices (to complement your lime green chain or pay homage to your home team). Aaron has been lusting after it for years. Literally. Even as a silly girl, I was pretty impressed at the (expensive) shiny red-green-and-yellow contents of the small box. And that wasn't even counting my herculean efforts!<br /><br />Boys are amazing at two things that I will never understand or comprehend: sports statistics and vehicle specifications. If I wanted to buy Aaron a bike part, and was able to consult with the expert at Sultana Cycles about it, in 5 minutes I would know exactly what I needed in the correct size, most durable material, hippest color, best model year, most reliable manufacturer, etc. in my price range and scheduled to arrive in the fastest possible time. That would, however, ruin the surprise ... so when I called Chris King to place my order -- based solely on the color -- I got my own surprise. I didn't even know what a head <span style="font-style: italic;">set </span>was, let alone what the head <span style="font-style: italic;">tube </span>is, the size of the head tube (to the closest 1/8th of an inch -- foreclosing any possibility of accurate independent measurement), or whether it is threaded or unthreaded. Also, some bikes have an integrated headset that can't be replaced with Chris King bling! Sheesh. I searched the internet. I complained to my assistant. I called strangers with my questions. I researched the cost of return shipping. I poked around Aaron's bike and kept my ears open.<br /><br />After much effort and reconnaissance, I can now identify the unthreaded 1-1/8th-inch head tube on the Bontrager. I got it right and Aaron loved it.<br /><br />As Christmas approaches, I know I will never get him a better gift, ever, in the next 50+ years of blissful marriage. But ... in the bike world, I guess Chris King is forever.Aaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028651785667980694.post-79794930452804535422009-10-17T08:17:00.000-07:002009-10-17T09:20:23.859-07:00Redline and Voodoo and Kona -- Oh My!Although we love to fine-tune your old bikes, if you're in the market for something shiny and new in 4130 chromoly steel, come by and check out what we have in stock ...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Torker U-District</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIgzqEk0Q5ygmUxteyGqKj3vouU86vSJ9hN7iG7oMn60axcLjq5ZjkfLsBmUUGxkWb-nUd9zIZVw0nx_QzhPn9N3Qz45ypbdpix-NUNAXRIj5EA4VAOzwnmfMCcUDvFaekRwIGJwOy8fR/s1600-h/udistrict-md.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIgzqEk0Q5ygmUxteyGqKj3vouU86vSJ9hN7iG7oMn60axcLjq5ZjkfLsBmUUGxkWb-nUd9zIZVw0nx_QzhPn9N3Qz45ypbdpix-NUNAXRIj5EA4VAOzwnmfMCcUDvFaekRwIGJwOy8fR/s320/udistrict-md.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393588553203069746" border="0" /></a>This single-speed is simple and clean in flat black finish. Plus, it's equipped with a 16-tooth freewheel and track-lock ring, so it easily converts into a fixed gear bike with the right sprocket. Great quality value-priced -- only $350 out the door.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Redline Monocog 29-er<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbBk_yNtZLvjbF5s0hsoiWZM9LdgbVqiWGFpts_gaPN8iGr-R17rX_5DLNyA1bXzf6mqDSEFixwZuVpNq-k9xKFhwDzRg2WU_1kgXOs93oQM8t3zu0H7RWNnogUA3X2PKrS4DgSZhocOL/s1600-h/redline_monocog29_09_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbBk_yNtZLvjbF5s0hsoiWZM9LdgbVqiWGFpts_gaPN8iGr-R17rX_5DLNyA1bXzf6mqDSEFixwZuVpNq-k9xKFhwDzRg2WU_1kgXOs93oQM8t3zu0H7RWNnogUA3X2PKrS4DgSZhocOL/s320/redline_monocog29_09_m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393591476371316130" border="0" /></a>Another simple single-speed bike -- and with 29-inch wheels, it will roll up and over anything. Perfect all-purpose ride. $550 out the door.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Redline D440</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZudaJ8uhqB45tFAThojYzl8pKh1Sq0IPDoi3ZqPgWMCbHLAIbsCeJ-0NVRoNV9I1rBDG6KOkJ2vBEbAS27lY8UXP6zwChAVwpEHbIQdROdI-Utl7saSWuL4PThaKjqprC_-FptyL6izT/s1600-h/Redline_D440_blk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZudaJ8uhqB45tFAThojYzl8pKh1Sq0IPDoi3ZqPgWMCbHLAIbsCeJ-0NVRoNV9I1rBDG6KOkJ2vBEbAS27lY8UXP6zwChAVwpEHbIQdROdI-Utl7saSWuL4PThaKjqprC_-FptyL6izT/s320/Redline_D440_blk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393591899067826290" border="0" /></a>This 8-speed 29-er has a double-butted chromoly frame. Aaron takes his own D440 out for coffee before heading up and down the local mountains. Classic look in shiny black. $650 out the door.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Redline Metro 9</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWb0Ns15FUxvxnVCyIVtNLYKdRUndBsQz6ci3p8xIjf1vg7RZikTfpFTN9PvZR70xfUET6lP8YZWG7Q7sZwX_sh09AIVeQbjkkQ2gn76VsGNwzwLWOzMpIuy2a6xKXb7tnS1uMoWxa7pas/s1600-h/Redline_Metro_9_Blue.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWb0Ns15FUxvxnVCyIVtNLYKdRUndBsQz6ci3p8xIjf1vg7RZikTfpFTN9PvZR70xfUET6lP8YZWG7Q7sZwX_sh09AIVeQbjkkQ2gn76VsGNwzwLWOzMpIuy2a6xKXb7tnS1uMoWxa7pas/s320/Redline_Metro_9_Blue.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393591232048459330" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Our favorite commuter bike -- it really moves! This quick 9-speed beauty was made to ride in heels and comes pre-equipped with fenders to keep road grime from splashing up the back of your suit. Looks great with a white oak rack on the back for your briefcase or groceries. Only $680.<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Voodoo Wazoo</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UmRyqrzTCBksO10PS0TQvTXbsbjbd58_kilj-_NgoShij4AdTCjDfQnnnhBw2ciAZhF4F1VcGcSp5wwzxI4UWI_Y-eKlA20oOfj4pGLC-rUBVtO9P_WGAbuMif1swXrysFjmNxYDYONe/s1600-h/voodoo_wazoo07.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UmRyqrzTCBksO10PS0TQvTXbsbjbd58_kilj-_NgoShij4AdTCjDfQnnnhBw2ciAZhF4F1VcGcSp5wwzxI4UWI_Y-eKlA20oOfj4pGLC-rUBVtO9P_WGAbuMif1swXrysFjmNxYDYONe/s320/voodoo_wazoo07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393594663005899010" border="0" /></a>Our cyclo-cross bike -- the 18-speed drivetrain has an FSA Omega crank, Tiagra shifters and derailleurs, plus a full Ritchey Pro cockpit. Great commuter or road bike in bright shiny bottle blue -- now priced $300 below MSRP!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Voodoo Captain Balljack</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggalwyQZ_PR9iBumVIwq0WSDcpcy5djWGMDcAOPAO3OLTf68BD-aqOKNWlO3Lr3Xh_uRv6PaiTJf5QHdgN4bb6CM6lU4xbvg-KKhc8fnvM0TpaZCewhc_X77c7DWkiT-cAcffewvEBkMGi/s1600-h/Voodoo+Capt+Balljack.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggalwyQZ_PR9iBumVIwq0WSDcpcy5djWGMDcAOPAO3OLTf68BD-aqOKNWlO3Lr3Xh_uRv6PaiTJf5QHdgN4bb6CM6lU4xbvg-KKhc8fnvM0TpaZCewhc_X77c7DWkiT-cAcffewvEBkMGi/s320/Voodoo+Capt+Balljack.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393595386108479970" border="0" /></a>Aaron's baby (after his lovely wife), the Captain Balljack rides like a dream. A BMX-inspired single-speed for adults has a big comfy seat and wide handlebars for cruising town. You'll feel like you're in grade school again except for the chic paint job. $550 out the door.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Volume Sledgehammer</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEr6-GDuneQVYoG4RS7nNaGGBPNdJ-shSNAvwJ5BGWIxzOiuX4bwxVWTh-1070pwrbM-6VyOKK8vseXxEX4JJy3njxZYfMUwEpKljQ5A2Z2qC-IAgePnPGa912feKzowsZ7U7PQXmzRm3/s1600-h/sledge-blue-whole.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEr6-GDuneQVYoG4RS7nNaGGBPNdJ-shSNAvwJ5BGWIxzOiuX4bwxVWTh-1070pwrbM-6VyOKK8vseXxEX4JJy3njxZYfMUwEpKljQ5A2Z2qC-IAgePnPGa912feKzowsZ7U7PQXmzRm3/s320/sledge-blue-whole.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393589760664255858" border="0" /></a>Another dream for cruising town, this is the last Sledgehammer to leave the Volume warehouse -- and there won't be any more next year. A sweet alternative to a froo-froo beach cruiser for $600.<br /><br /><br />Sultana Cycles is an Authorized Dealer for Redline, Voodoo and Kona cycles -- and can special order anything for mountaineering, road-riding, commuting, or just tooling around. Stop by for a test ride, or talk to Aaron about how much bike you need or want -- he has an uncanny knack for finding a perfect fit.Aaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028651785667980694.post-33065136865225396112009-09-26T13:13:00.000-07:002009-09-26T14:10:09.365-07:00Free AdviceWe often get customers inquiring into the safety and hardware requirements for bicycles in the Prescott area. Sultana Cycles wants you to have a fun, safe ride without any unnecessary police contact, so here's your lesson in the area's bicycle laws!<br /><br />In the City of Prescott,<a href="http://www.cityofprescott.net/_d/title09.pdf"> the only municipal ordinance applicable to bicycles</a> prohibits riding and parking on sidewalks. (Realistically, this applies only in the central business district, but consider yourself informed.)<br /><br />The State of Arizona, however, devotes <a href="http://www.azleg.gov/ArizonaRevisedStatutes.asp?Title=28">Article 11 of Title 28, Arizona Revised Statutes</a>, to the operation of bicycles. For example, did you know . . .<br /><ul><li>A person riding a bicycle on the roadway or shoulder has all the rights and duties of a motor vehicle being operated in these areas -- so you have a right to a three-foot buffer zone when being passed, but must give hand signals when turning and abide by traffic signals.</li><li>It's illegal for a person to ride a bicycle sitting anywhere than on a permanently-attached seat.</li><li>You cannot attach your bicycle to any motor vehicle for a quick boost.</li><li>A bicycle must have brakes that will cause it to skid on dry, clean pavement.<br /></li><li>You cannot ride more than two abreast.</li><li>Carrying articles (or your doggy) is prohibited where it keeps you from being able to put both hands on the handlebars.</li><li>A bicycle used at nighttime must have a white lamp in front, visible from a distance of at least 500 feet, and a red reflector on the rear, visible from a distance of at least 50 feet.</li><li>Horns and bells are okay (and fun!); sirens and whistles are not.</li></ul>Helmets, although not required in the State of Arizona, are obviously encouraged.<br /><br />Also note that <a href="http://www.pvaz.net/Index.aspx?page=274">the Town of Prescott Valley </a>requires that all bicycles ridden within town limits be marked with an identification number -- for the bargain price of $1.75 -- to be affixed by the Police Department at "regularly scheduled times." Failure to do so could result in a warning ticket and a summons to appear in Bicycle Court. Per code, they actually have an judicial officer with the title "Bicycle Magistrate." <br /><br />The Town of Chino Valley adds no additional regulations to the operation of bicycles -- but <a href="http://www.chinoaz.net/clerk/towncode/chapter115.shtml">keep your sexually-oriented businesses at least 1000 feet away from any bicycle path</a>.<br /><br />We hope you take this information and ride with it! (Although I am now tempted by the thought of adding a siren to my bicycle . . . ) Questions about your area? Just ask. As you know, advice -- and air -- are always free at Sultana Cycles.Aaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028651785667980694.post-56739216333786500222009-09-05T14:04:00.000-07:002009-09-12T14:47:01.248-07:00Making NoiseSultana Cycles now carries Volume and Demolition BMX parts and accessories!<br /><br />Volume is a small, rider-owned company that produces high quality frames, forks, bars and bikes for street and dirt BMX riding. Its subsidiary, Demolition Parts, makes cranks, wheels, grips, stems, pedals, pretty much everything you need for your bike. All parts are designed and tested on the west coast, in <st1:place><st1:city>Buena Park</st1:city>, <st1:state>California</st1:state></st1:place>.<br /><br />There isn't much else to say -- these unique and colorful parts will add some fun to your ride. What does Aaron say? "Sweet."<br /><br />My personal favorite is the black-and-white JAILBIRD seat.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqlymcxM7IFHUHfOO0nmoGsYwOA-QV6rvYLM-s12TC_2yYlmxxLSv4qEzNf0Bt0mtEbi5Tw9UcOlkr4tvXLo_u3NJcI1uAN5j2p9H7IzkJsVrtXe17n3Jr49HrHUth8kan55FuH0HnDaY/s1600-h/vjailbird.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqlymcxM7IFHUHfOO0nmoGsYwOA-QV6rvYLM-s12TC_2yYlmxxLSv4qEzNf0Bt0mtEbi5Tw9UcOlkr4tvXLo_u3NJcI1uAN5j2p9H7IzkJsVrtXe17n3Jr49HrHUth8kan55FuH0HnDaY/s200/vjailbird.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380699973420322802" border="0" /></a> Using its patented Pivotal Technology, Volume has done away with the heavy rails and bulky hardware of traditional seats. The total weight of the seat and post is just over a pound -- the result of eliminating those ugly, heavy guts of the traditional seat. One quick turn of the bolt (easily accessible through a patch on the top of the seat) and you're adjusted, no hardware required.<br /><br />And for all the big kids out there, we've got the BMX bike for you: the last Volume Sledgehammer to roll out of the warehouse for 2009. A simple and larger version, the 26" BMX cruiser made specifically for adults to tool around on. Unfortunately, no 2010 model is expected, but per its latest review: "Like a fine single malt, there's not enough O's in smoooooth!" Come by for a test ride or call us @ (928) 445-5919 for more information.Aaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028651785667980694.post-51949024518332882642009-08-28T19:26:00.001-07:002009-08-28T21:53:15.543-07:00Late BloomerWhen I was about six years old, and my sister was about seven years old, my sister got a bicycle. She subsequently proceeded to crash it in the driveway, busting and bloodying herself up on the gravel. Being an observant baby sister, I'm pretty sure I didn't ride a bike a single time in the next fifteen years.<br /><br />Then, when I was in law school, my mom invited me to spend the weekend vacationing with her and a friend on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. I agreed to let her rent me a bicycle. I refer to this time fondly as The Time I Learned How To Ride A Bicycle. At age 23. A late bloomer. There were sidewalks everywhere and we went everywhere on our bikes -- shopping, dinner, cocktails, etc. -- and I crashed into a lot of curbs, trees, blades of grass, etc. I even found a little lost dog to put in my basket! (Thankfully his owner returned before I had a chance to crash again.)<br /><br />That's when I realized that nothing really compares to wind in your hair, a frosty beverage in your belly and a silly little dog yipping away in your basket.<br /><br />However, learning to ride a bike in your 20s -- or 50s -- is a lot different than learning to ride a bike in your single digits. You don't have that same fearlessness or resiliency that you had at 9. I met a woman last weekend at Sultana who was also just learning to ride and was asking me for tips. I'll be the first to confess my mechanical ability at the bike shop is limited to a lever-like action in pushing the broom around -- that's what Aaron is for. But this is something I can handle. So, for all you beginners out there, here's my expert advice:<br /><ol><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Ride your bike to happy hour. </span>It's not a coincidence that this is the first on the list. Don't close down the bar, but a margarita or two will help in the fearlessness AND resiliency realms for the cruise home. Plus, with all that exercise you're getting, you deserve a bubblegum vodka treat!</li><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Pick a destination. </span>It's easier to get and stay moving if you have a reasonable goal. Like having a cup of coffee or paying your electric bill or riding to the square for the Wednesday night cloggers.<br /></li><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Wear a helmet.</span> Full-face if necessary. And elbow pads. And one of those plastic face masks like Richard Hamilton of the Detroit Pistons. Whatever you need to feel safe.<br /></li><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Take advantage of the early morning. </span>Prescott is a sleepy, sleepy weekend town. By 9AM downtown can be hustle and bustle, but 7AM on Sunday, the road/bicycle lane/dirt path/sidewalk is essentially yours. </li><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Fall down. </span>Contrary to my beliefs as a six-year-old (and admittedly, I was a sissy six-year-old), crashing is really not that big a deal. But you don't realize that until you do it a couple times. Once you realize that crashing isn't so bad -- just some skinned knees and potential embarrassment, depending on your audience -- you open the door to even more fun on your bike. For example, the last time I crashed was because I slammed on my brakes and then looked back to see my "awesome skidmarks." Whoops.</li><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Breathe. </span>If you get frustrated with wobbling or tired of concentrating on the little white line, just stop. You don't have to prove anything to anyone. You're supposed to be having fun, remember? There's bound to be a clean patch of sidewalk to park your behind on while you take a chill pill. Or, if you're like me, to call your mom crying until you get over yourself.<br /></li></ol>I'd be interested to see how anyone fairs on my advice . . . but moral of the story: It's never too late to start having fun. Good luck!Aaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028651785667980694.post-51914046625737102712009-08-12T18:28:00.000-07:002009-08-12T19:03:13.293-07:00Slime TimeO<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTNGnV7mtd5F2YK_rlUtDDVkPQN122097rWJX8KYxH_46EHigsmQ1JMVyu50qA406i-XMtQW_ebRk4STu3UH1ha6nPUAneYS05yVJ_rmXuKM9chRum_YYUjEO_SgyODWNwrWNAHHoc8kX/s1600-h/ocotillo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTNGnV7mtd5F2YK_rlUtDDVkPQN122097rWJX8KYxH_46EHigsmQ1JMVyu50qA406i-XMtQW_ebRk4STu3UH1ha6nPUAneYS05yVJ_rmXuKM9chRum_YYUjEO_SgyODWNwrWNAHHoc8kX/s200/ocotillo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369255541137037906" border="0" /></a>ne of the first things I learned about Arizona is to be wary of the vegetation. Apparently the "blade" defense mechanism is the only one that has materialized out west, because even fluffy-looking plants can get you if you rub up on them the wrong way. For example, the ocotillo in bloom has a false sense of security about it. Lesson learned.<br /><br />This can be rough on other sensitive areas as well -- like your bicycle tubes. This past spring, Aaron and I spent 3/4 of our weekend bike rides either (1) racing as fast as we could back to the house as soon as we heard the telltale hissing, trying to beat the clock before the air ran out or (2) sitting on the side of the road waiting for his dad to come rescue us and our deflated tires. The culprit: goat head thorns, <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/643725/goathead_thorn_last_but_not_least_of.html">last but not least of the evil plants</a>. <br /><br />Aaron dutifully patched our tubes each time, and we continued to operate on the mantra of just-one-more-time. However, Sunday we rode out several miles to Willow Lake in the beautiful weather, and no sooner had we turned onto the dirt path, Aaron started picking thorns out of his tire. Racing (uphill) back to town to beat the hissing . . . I decided THIS was the last time.<br /><br />Turns out, it took ten minutes and less than $10 to squish some <a href="http://www.flatattack.com/index.htm">Flat Attack</a> into the tubes. Flat Attack is the original tire sealant -- born the same year as me -- and seals any holes in your tube as fast as you can roll over a prickly-pear. Plus it's non-toxic and a very attractive shade of booger green! And it's probably the only slimey substance on earth with it's own <a href="http://www.flatattack.com/environment.htm">mascot</a>. You can also get pre-filled slime tubes if your bike has presta valves. <br /><br />Don't fall for the just-one-more-hole trick! Make your life easier and protect against flats with thorn-resistant tubes and/or some slimey green filler. No more flat tires, no more patch kits, no more telltale hissing ruining your morning commute or afternoon joyride.Aaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028651785667980694.post-40910821421794408002009-08-03T18:10:00.000-07:002009-08-03T18:55:41.402-07:00So ... What IS A Tune-Up Anyway?Here is everything I know about tuning up a bicycle: You need to do it sometimes. And there's lube involved. The end.<br /><br />So this weekend I went ahead and asked: What IS a tune-up anyway?<br /><br />"A tune-up is the way I feel about you, except I do it to your bike," Aaron says while rubbing my leg. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnmKCGPEHdYsl3KsX74crpnYvOvcMkFRBYdfpdC8J2pV785s68SvfSije5BHbBST8wcGrB3WD116FAzutb7vj-kWpj7hMA_vItdxcEv8qk20uu4EMNohhxPRVv5s95xqzStjYj-D9IzJF/s1600-h/CIMG2105.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnmKCGPEHdYsl3KsX74crpnYvOvcMkFRBYdfpdC8J2pV785s68SvfSije5BHbBST8wcGrB3WD116FAzutb7vj-kWpj7hMA_vItdxcEv8qk20uu4EMNohhxPRVv5s95xqzStjYj-D9IzJF/s200/CIMG2105.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365920879375413682" border="0" /></a>"It's a heart with a T and two wheels coming out of it." (See explanatory illustration, right.) So a tune-up is basically TLC for your bike, which jiggles around, loosens up, and loses its smooth-like-butter qualities when you burn rubber all over town. Or bounce it down a mountain and drag it through the dusty desert. Or leave it out on the back porch as a pack-rat habitat.<br /><br />At Sultana Cycles, a tune-up includes lubing up your cables and housing and chain . . . and derailleur pivots . . . and limit screws . . . and anything else that can handle a little <a href="http://www.pedros.com/go.htm">Pedro's GO!</a> (our environmentally-friendly, biodegradable, canola-oil based lube -- for sale and available on request!). We will also make sure your hubs, derailleurs, cables, brakes, headset, and bottom bracket are installed correctly and adjusted to avoid any strange rubbings, squeakings, clackings, etc. A detailed inspection ensures all parts are secure and installed appropriately -- so you're not flung unexpectedly face-first into the pavement when your wheel falls off because the quick release is not installed properly. Tires are properly inflated. Chrome is polished. Bolts are tightened. The seat is faced forward again. You ride away happy. A heart with a T and two wheels on the side.<br /><br />Tune-ups are like Valentine's Day -- maybe you only buy your bike fancy chocolates once a year, but you can still show it love year-round by practicing frequent chain lubrication and proper tire inflation. Tune-ups run about $60 plus parts, but you can get $10 off Aaron's hard labor if you mention this ad! Trust me, it's more fun to ride your bike when it works good.Aaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028651785667980694.post-38225760508620063432009-07-12T14:37:00.001-07:002009-07-12T15:06:05.803-07:00The RavX DrinkerXSultana Cycles encourages people to ride their bicycles . . . well, everywhere. Prescott is super-bike-friendly, and there's no reason not to rely on your bike for your commute to work, to pick up those few things you overlooked on your last trip to the supermarket, or to get some fresh air en route to happy hour on Whiskey Row. That's why we were happy to discover the RavX DrinkerX. No longer are you limited to beverages in plastic bottles!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFovIc7Jot0Kq0OFgFu41SIJuiDADRgw2SnS5BnMKpfb5xozLrZIGGp_Hi4g7xjY4vhBCA2fmAYYQ3wMkd1CsKMOHZJ_6TxQaxoMfh9aGGndO_DTDMPASWeiGpzdxEcXYjKk3tWZywaAfh/s1600-h/CIMG2069.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFovIc7Jot0Kq0OFgFu41SIJuiDADRgw2SnS5BnMKpfb5xozLrZIGGp_Hi4g7xjY4vhBCA2fmAYYQ3wMkd1CsKMOHZJ_6TxQaxoMfh9aGGndO_DTDMPASWeiGpzdxEcXYjKk3tWZywaAfh/s320/CIMG2069.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357697807583264146" border="0" /></a>The RavX DrinkerX is essentially a koozie that attaches to your handlebars. It removes easily with a quick-release bracket and has an integrated belt buckle clip. It fits most cans, cups and bottles, and features a draw-string closure to hold your beverage securely in place. With the RavX DrinkerX, there's no need to interrupt your ritualistic morning stop at Bucky's Bean Bag for a steamy cup of coffee . . . and no reason to pass by The Liquor Barn on Goodwin on your way home.Aaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028651785667980694.post-26121134191188623442009-07-05T13:31:00.000-07:002009-07-12T14:36:28.919-07:00The ShopkeeperWe recently invited some passersby into the bike shop to check out our spot and enjoy a beverage while seated on an overturned 5-gallon bucket. "I can't sit down," Aaron says with a grin. "I have to stand back here and lean on the counter, because I'm the shopkeeper."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNP1b5mlArne89CqSfWKExsZnYPz4Yy2vhlvVpALh2T103m9G7rdvC5lN9hHaC8lht-9BjdQLcL91SZ-mWcXGcByJ2PUuAjK1Mw92PxLeVTio7anJNYGOzH5z52ewULfwvj8Lh64DcHSoD/s1600-h/CIMG2061.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNP1b5mlArne89CqSfWKExsZnYPz4Yy2vhlvVpALh2T103m9G7rdvC5lN9hHaC8lht-9BjdQLcL91SZ-mWcXGcByJ2PUuAjK1Mw92PxLeVTio7anJNYGOzH5z52ewULfwvj8Lh64DcHSoD/s320/CIMG2061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357688887897718866" border="0" /></a> Interestingly, upon the announcement of the opening of Sultana Cycles, I was directed to <a href="http://outside.away.com/outside/culture/200906/bike-mechanics.html">this article</a> on Outside Online. As it succinctly notes in the title: <span style="font-style: italic;">Angry bike mechanics are going extinct. And that sucks.<br /></span><br />Aaron hates this article. "It sounds like a bike snob who wrote that crap," he says. This makes me laugh. Aaron is super-knowledgeable about bicycles and more than willing to propagate both the facts and his opinions. (If there's one thing I've picked up from my bike mechanic husband, it's that disc brakes suck -- especially the ones on my 29-er that have to be re-adjusted every time i gain or lose a pound.) However, he manages to get that across, fairly convincingly, without being angry or looking down his nose. It appears the angry bike mechanic was actually the Dr. Frankenstein who created the Frankenstein's monster* that is the snobbish author.<br /><br />"Riding a bicycle is supposed to be fun," Aaron continues. "It's more fun to ride a bike that works because it's simple, good quality, and greased up on a regular basis. But it's not about what or where or who you ride with." This is the attitude you will get at Sultana Cycles -- more like a lecture from my dad, who will happily tell you how to do something "the right way," follow up with the but-do-what-you-want-because-I-know-you're-going-to-do-it-anyway remark, laugh, and go about his business. He even attempts to mute the eventual "I told you so" during the repeat lecture after I've done what I wanted to do anyway.<br /><br />The bottom line: there's a happy medium between pandering and snobbery. We want your bike to be fun <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> functional. We want you to ask questions and be an informed consumer. And if you still want the clown-bike, we'll build it and send you happily on your way.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">*Note the distinction, as the green monster reanimated from dead flesh with screws in his neck is so often mislabeled. Frankenstein is the mad scientist. The monster, tragically, remains nameless.</span>Aaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028651785667980694.post-85212403090639497692009-07-01T19:39:00.000-07:002009-07-01T20:39:21.208-07:00Redline Metro 9: The Hip Urban CommuterSultana Cycles is almost ready for the soft opening in just two days. The shipments came in all on the same day and we came close to drowning in cardboard, newspaper, plastic wrap, and styrofoam peanuts. However, after a busy weekend of Windex, price tags, and a lot of coffee, it's starting to look like a real shop! Aaron put together Sultana Cycles' first bike last week: The Redline Metro 9.<br /><br />The Metro 9 is a 9-speed commuter bike with a double-butted 4130 cromoly steel frame and straight-leg 4130 cromoly steel fork with eyelets for easy rack installation. The Sram X-5 shifters control an X-5 rear derailleur over a wide range 11-28 cassette. The durable Alex G-200 Aero Rim wheel set is sturdy and reliable for urban commuting. Can you tell I am reading from the brochure? I am confident that someone out there is reading this who understands what a sweet bike the Metro 9 really is.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAgdoQbTFspfj30Rjyh2jXrZWZPYkvUkzb_uWjZNE0DVrdbLxQw_8IyNKt7emQgerglUzjdvEns6WaJjcRDRyg2uSK0jO1OetYlUrnQZJX67zC2ovKnGzP00oxC_FpG5pnZij2I72K-HI/s1600-h/CIMG2038.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAgdoQbTFspfj30Rjyh2jXrZWZPYkvUkzb_uWjZNE0DVrdbLxQw_8IyNKt7emQgerglUzjdvEns6WaJjcRDRyg2uSK0jO1OetYlUrnQZJX67zC2ovKnGzP00oxC_FpG5pnZij2I72K-HI/s320/CIMG2038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353689053584745170" border="0" /></a>Here, Aaron adjusts the front brake on the almost-complete masterpiece. (Thankfully I arrived with a clean t-shirt for my husband, who managed to spray green gook all over the bike shop trying to get Flat Attack through the Presta valves -- a messy but useful task in Arizona, where even the most unassuming plants will stick you, and your tubes.)<br /><br />I took it for a spin around the parking garage and was ready to ride off into the sunset. The bike MOVES -- super smooth and with almost no effort. Aaron and I both added it to our wish list.<br /><br />This particular Metro 9 only stayed with us a short time before we made our first bicycle sale -- Jim Ledbetter of The Ledbetter Law Firm in Cottonwood (aka My Boss) made the first purchase of a Redline Metro 9 three days before the doors opened!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9Nwl_ChlbKMmMa5zSDNnqnribg6_0u9cBuP68vSASYnxAxVH3OhxAaLbVWN6rTcKdXgLbDIjzafqB_r-FPuVARBKVrHQz80fmEzRmKnGgdR4jeb8NQnLcQ6m4kGScrL3C5DOYI2IS8yK/s1600-h/CIMG2052.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9Nwl_ChlbKMmMa5zSDNnqnribg6_0u9cBuP68vSASYnxAxVH3OhxAaLbVWN6rTcKdXgLbDIjzafqB_r-FPuVARBKVrHQz80fmEzRmKnGgdR4jeb8NQnLcQ6m4kGScrL3C5DOYI2IS8yK/s320/CIMG2052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353687225410732850" border="0" /></a>Naturally, Jim's son Grant was on hand to make fun of his dad on his new bicycle. "That's a road bike," he says, a very distinct and recognizable my-dad-is-a-geek look on his face. "No," Jim retorts, "it's a hip urban commuter bike." (I think he may have stuck his tongue out at Grant and wiggled his hands by his ears too.)<br /><br />And the crowd of attorneys and legal staff murmured in agreement, as Jim was clearly the picture of hipness. And this bike was clearly suited for someone in a pin-stripe suit with alligator wingtips in the toe clips. Plus, it's a chic shade of conservative navy blue with just a hint of sparkle and the fenders will ensure that Jim never arrives to work with road-spray on his back.Aaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028651785667980694.post-30477893134478760122009-06-21T22:49:00.000-07:002009-06-21T23:05:00.330-07:00Time Is A-Tickin'I logged into the website today and the handy-dandy counter reminded me that there are only 12 days left until the doors of Sultana Cycles officially open for business. Egad! So much to do in less than 2 weeks, but we have been working hard. Aaron has been dutifully poring over the catalogs non-stop for the last week trying to develop an inventory. I haven't been quizzing him, but I bet that if he doesn't order exactly what you need, he will certainly know what's available to special order inside out and backwards.<br /><br />I, on the other hand, have been brushing up on my old-skool-paint skillz (and actually found the spray-painter-function truly useful for the first time in my life) and, with one vital flash of inspiration on my ride over Mingus Mountain on Friday, developed a couple of initial logos for us to work with. This has also taken an immense amount of time but has been an interesting learning experience on how we view the world. It's amazing how divergent our imaginations go, even when we think we've agreed on a concept.<br /><br />This week: The first order of bikes, parts and accessories goes in! We decide on a logo for the business cards. And we tackle signage -- sure to be riddled with its own challenges on the outside of a historic building.Aaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028651785667980694.post-10827086808195337722009-06-14T15:31:00.000-07:002009-06-14T23:28:50.730-07:00What's Behind Door #1?So far, a gorgeous display case, the neon bud light sign, and a single well-loved (and untouchable) Bontrager are all that adorn the future home of Sultana Cycles. But out the door has gone a lot of dust, grime, burnt out light bulbs, and empty beer bottles...<br /><br />Aaron and I have spent countless hours already cleaning, arranging, chasing down furniture, rearranging, brainstorming, rearranging, debating the merits of slat wall versus grid wall, rearranging ... you get the picture. Hopefully, most of the annoying things are done -- like dealing with the lease, the Department of Revenue, the City of Prescott, the bank, the phone company, etc. So now the fun can begin -- combing through hundreds of pages of bike-parts-magazines to develop an inventory of bicycles and parts! Luckily, Aaron has tons of experience as a bicyclist and mechanic and has kept up to date with the value and functionality of various bicycle parts. I, on the other hand, am useful only for an expert opinion on what is the shiniest.<br /><br />Want to come by and watch the transformation? We are conveniently located off South Montezuma behind the Arts Prescott Gallery, or follow the neon beacon of the Whiskey Row Alley sign, just opposite the parking garage. Door #1 will be open when we are.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNRWHhyphenhyphenqRzHhGhQaLJn9HFcLhaZxm74XalUakmBJ2G-4ILuPkzL1fDyX7uRk7eDWLOcyRKfMawRvmBivXvpqLdYK9EUqMFxKfg_BXlebQSBltL0ZRy7QR12IeoGD-nJSDBvj6bicRT1g5/s1600-h/CIMG1996.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNRWHhyphenhyphenqRzHhGhQaLJn9HFcLhaZxm74XalUakmBJ2G-4ILuPkzL1fDyX7uRk7eDWLOcyRKfMawRvmBivXvpqLdYK9EUqMFxKfg_BXlebQSBltL0ZRy7QR12IeoGD-nJSDBvj6bicRT1g5/s400/CIMG1996.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347435410701642466" border="0" /></a>Aaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9028651785667980694.post-72411336914694719682009-06-07T22:46:00.001-07:002009-06-07T23:39:27.713-07:00Coming Soon -- July 2009 !!Sultana Cycles, a retail and service bicycle shop, will open July 2009 -- as the first business located in the alley behind historic Whiskey Row in Prescott, Arizona.<br /><br />Although a small business in a small-town alley may seem mundane to some, this shop is a ten-year dream in the making for my husband, Aaron Ruda. Aaron grew up on bicycles in the Prescott area and has worked as a bicycle mechanic at various shops in Northern Arizona for the past 10 years. I dug a school photo out of a box in his parents' garage recently -- a gap-toothed ten-year-old with a BMX t-shirt on.<br /><br />I'll happily note that Aaron has 10 bicycles in the garage, some of which I am not allowed to touch. Road bikes, mountain bikes, BMX bikes ... even a little vintage turquoise deal he's been saving for a someday-daughter. He has years worth of adventures and scars.<br /><br />In contrast, I learned how to ride a bicycle at the age of 23 while on vacation with my mother. She laughed at my many crashes, but I was happy so long as I had a basket with a toy dog in the front. After crashing Aaron's numerous times, I finally have a single bicycle to call my own -- a shiny blue 29-er -- and am comfortable enough on it to start jumping (small) curbs.<br /><br />Despite our varied backgrounds, Aaron and I both believe that riding a bicycle should be fun. Yes, it's a piece of machinery that gets you to point B a little bit faster than walking and with a little less GHGs than driving. Yes, it's a tool to get you over the mountain or through the bowls and props to impress the skatepark girls. Yes, it has a function, just like your toothbrush, your salad-shooter, and that piece of rubber you keep in the kitchen drawer for opening jars. But at the end of the ride, get off your bicycle smiling. This is what we hope to share with you.Aaron and Kelley Rudahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075655419411718677noreply@blogger.com2