Tire Inflation

As 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.

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.

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!

In other news, Panzer remains unaffected by these price increases and continues to burn rubber accordingly...

Bike Shop Baby

Aaron 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.


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.


P.S. Big thanks to Allison for providing the Pashley for P's first ride and big photo shoot!

More Boom Less Zoom

Admittedly, our personal favorite rides are those off the beaten path -- over the rocks and washes and through the weeds, bumping and booming along. The BOOM BOOM is just more our style. Lucky for us, there is a fantastic bicycling opportunity only a few blocks away -- in Dead Horse Ranch State Park. 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!

(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!)

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.

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 always be fun, and you're never too "adult" for a spin around the dirt track or manuevering through a few urban obstacles.

Welcome to Main Street, Cottonwood

Our 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 we are alive and well! Although it's long overdue for an update, the shop celebrated its first anniversary on July 4th of this year, and we are now looking forward to our first bike shop baby 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.

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!

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).

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!

The Perfect Gift

This year, I bought Aaron the perfect gift for his birthday.


If you're like me, you're looking at the picture wondering ... what is new? Well, it's the Chris King DreadSet Head Set. 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!

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 set was, let alone what the head tube 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.

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.

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.

Redline 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 ...

The Torker U-District

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.

Redline Monocog 29-er

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.

Redline D440

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.

The Redline Metro 9

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.

Voodoo Wazoo

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!

Voodoo Captain Balljack

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.

Volume Sledgehammer

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.


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.

Free Advice

We 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!

In the City of Prescott, the only municipal ordinance applicable to bicycles prohibits riding and parking on sidewalks. (Realistically, this applies only in the central business district, but consider yourself informed.)

The State of Arizona, however, devotes Article 11 of Title 28, Arizona Revised Statutes, to the operation of bicycles. For example, did you know . . .

• 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.
• It's illegal for a person to ride a bicycle sitting anywhere than on a permanently-attached seat.
• You cannot attach your bicycle to any motor vehicle for a quick boost.
• A bicycle must have brakes that will cause it to skid on dry, clean pavement.
  
• You cannot ride more than two abreast.
• Carrying articles (or your doggy) is prohibited where it keeps you from being able to put both hands on the handlebars.
• 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.
• Horns and bells are okay (and fun!); sirens and whistles are not.

Helmets, although not required in the State of Arizona, are obviously encouraged.

Also note that the Town of Prescott Valley 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."

The Town of Chino Valley adds no additional regulations to the operation of bicycles -- but keep your sexually-oriented businesses at least 1000 feet away from any bicycle path.

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.