Finding the Best Road Bike for You

• Location: Ride Studio Cafe in Lexington, MA

• Event Type: Seminar

• Date & Time: Wednesday, February 26 at 7:00pm

• Price: No charge

• RSVP: Required for seating and food. RSVP early, this event will sell out

Finding the Best Road Bike for You

You’ve been riding your current bike for at least a few years. You’ve had “good enough” bikes all of your life. Now it’s time to get the bike you never want to replace.

There is a lot of new bike technology on the market, and too many decisions to make when looking for a bike. You’re looking around at various bike shops and searching online. You need to choose a shop to work with, choose the brand of bike, and from there you need to sort through what components you want, whether the bike will have rim or disc brakes, even what color.

We’re hosting this seminar to help you sort through the myriad decisions and know what questions to ask. We are giving you a 50-point checklist to help you compare brands and keep track of what you have learned about each bike you’re considering.

What do you want out of a road bike? What qualities are important to you? This presentation assumes your needs and desires are different from the person sitting next to you, and this will be equally useful to each of you.

This is your opportunity to become familiar with the terminology of current parts and allow you to ask the questions you’re otherwise too embarrassed to ask when shopping for a bike. You’ll be knowledgeable enough to feel good walking into any bike shop and asking good questions of the sales staff.

You will also know what questions to ask and to know what is important to you to get the information you need to make the best purchasing decision to buy your new bike!

Buying a bike should be fun, but it’s also easy to get overwhelmed. We distill all of the information into logical categories.

This seminar takes you through how to recognize what is important to you in your next bike. There are questions for you to ask yourself first, before starting your shopping. Then we discuss how you can make sure you get these qualities in your new bike, while not overlooking small things you might not think are important now, but may become important to you in the future.

Topics To Be Covered:

• Questions to ask when looking at a new bike - you get a checklist to take home with you

• Can your new road bike be used as a gravel bike? What are the trade-offs?

• Which parts of the bike may be proprietary and how to get a “future-proof” bike

• When the price of a bike isn’t really the final bike of the bike

• What bike manufacturers don’t want you to know

• What bike shops don’t want you to know

• Shifting systems available

• Comparison and explanation of electronic shifting systems, pros and cons

• Disc brakes versus rim brakes and the benefits of each

• Cable-actuated versus hydraulic brakes and the benefits of each

• Gearing options - there are a lot more than you realize

• Wheel options. Hand-built versus pre-built wheels.

• Wheel and tire systems: one can’t be chosen without considering the other

• The differences between a bike that comes in a box versus bikes that are built up from a frame from scratch

• Why you don’t want to ride what the pro racers ride

• How a “free” warranty replacement can cost you hundreds of dollars

• What is included when you buy a bike. A bike purchase is much more than buying a bike.

• Parts and frame compatibilities to be aware of

• How your new bike can be used as a travel bike

If you are starting your bike shopping prior to this seminar, please get in touch with us by emailing bikes@ridestudiocafe.com. We don’t want you missing out on any information if your schedule doesn’t allow you to attend this seminar for whatever reason. We have information to send along and are glad to provide you materials which we’ll share with attendees in advance, as well.

RSVP Now to Save Your Seat

Last Minute Information: We will email all who have registered with any last-minute changes. 

Questions?  Email connect@ridestudiocafe.com. 

Tour of Seven Cycles - January 20, 2020

• Location: Seven Cycles, 125 Walnut Street, Watertown, MA

• Event Type: Tour

• Date & Time: Monday, January 20 at 11:00 am

• Reason for Tour: See how Seven Cycles builds great, custom bikes efficiently, yet perfectly, for each rider

• Price: Free, RSVP Required

Description:  

Seven Cycles is located very near here in Watertown. Seven Cycles is a company full of bike building professionals. This is the place where custom bikes come to life and many new innovations in bike building have been developed over the years.

Seven has been making the finest bikes for over 22 years and their experience shines as they work. Many Seven Cycles designers, machinists, and welders have been in the bike building world for over 30 years.

Seven’s factory is manufacturing at its best: handcrafted bikes are very carefully and perfectly built one at a time. The short lead times show efficiency, and a well-run business full of highly-skilled people who are passionate about what they do.

Please register no later than 24-hours in advance of the tour. An email will be sent to you with details and directions the day prior to the tour.

Children are welcome to join if they are able to wear safety glasses for the duration.

Everyone will need to wear safety glasses and be wearing close-toed shoes.

We hope you join us!

Last Minute Information: We will email all attendees with last-minute information if anything changes from what we have published here. Please be sure to RSVP below! 

Questions? Please include them in the RSVP form below or email connect@rideheadquarters.com and we'll get back to you. 

 

 

 

Please RSVP Now to attend this very interesting and in-depth tour of Seven Cycles!

How to Ride in Winter and Enjoy it - Clinic

• Location: Ride Headquarters in Sherborn, MA

• Event Type: Clinic

• Date & Time: Wednesday, 13 November 2019, 6:00-9:00pm - Presentation begins at 7pm

• Reason for Clinic: Learn to ride in winter - and how to enjoy it

• Price: Free RSVP Required, RSVP Here

Description: If you've ever thought about trying to ride in the winter, you should join us the Charles River Wheelers and RHQ for our Winter Riding clinic on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 from 7-9pm at Ride Headquarters in Sherborn. 

Details: We’ll have experienced cold weather cyclists sharing everything you need to know about equipment, clothing, hydration and more.  Many pro tips will be shared that you haven’t heard before.

There is no charge, but registration is required. Refreshments and food will be served by the Charles River Wheelers for all starting at 6pm. Maybe this will be just what you need to get you out on the road this winter.

RSVP & Further Details

Check out our growing List of Winter Resources!

Last Minute Information: We will email all who have enrolled with any last-minute changes. 

Questions?  Email connect@rideheadquarters.com. 

Conservation Connections Night with Sherborn Forest and Trail Association

• Location: Ride Headquarters in Sherborn, MA

• Event Type: Clinic

• Date & Time: Friday, 1 February 2019

• Reason for Clinic: Learn what to do to prepare for a long ride and how to enjoy it all day!

• Price: Free RSVP Required, RSVP Here

Description: You’ve got your bike and you’ve been enjoying club rides and happily spinning out 30 or 40 miles on a Saturday afternoon. But, how far can you really go? You’ve heard about centuries and grave ride events and you’re anxious to participate in at least one this upcoming season. Or maybe you want to participate in a week-long bike vacation to a very cool place. Join the Charles River Wheelers and RHQ for our Looking Forward to an Endurance Ride workshop on Sunday, February 10, 2019 from 3:00 - 5:00pm at Ride Headquarters in Sherborn. Arrive at 2:30pm for refreshments!

Details: What we’ll focus on are the little things to make your ride so much more enjoyable and fun. What do you need to think about on the few days before the ride? Should you do any special maintenance on your bike? How much to eat and drink on the day of the event? What should you wear and carry with you? How do you deal with inclement weather? Are frequent stops the right way to go? Is it ok to stop and take pictures? Is this a race? Should you try to grab on to a paceline?

Registration in advance is required to attend. Find out complete information on the Registration Page. 

We thank Charles River Wheelers for bringing all of the food and beverages for all to enjoy during this afternoon session!

Last Minute Information: We will email all who have enrolled with any last-minute changes. 

Questions?  Email connect@rideheadquarters.com. 

Demystifying Tires: A Hands-On Experience

• Location: Ride Studio Cafe in Lexington, MA

• Event Type: Clinic

• Date & Time: Saturday, 16 March 2019, 5:00pm

• Reason for Clinic: Learn about Tires, Flat Fixing, Air Pressure, Much More

• Price: $20 Registration Required

Fixing a flat on a group ride. Photo by Ted M.

Description: Ride Studio Cafe is proud to invite you to a clinic at 5:00pm on Saturday, 16 March 2019, covering one of our most popular topics - bicycle tires, flats, how to avoid them and how to fix them when they happen!

In this clinic, we will be covering the following tire topics:

• Flat repairs - feel comfortable no matter the situation

• Tire sizes and performance benefits

• Air volume - performance potential and pitfalls

• Tubes vs. tubeless - benefits and drawbacks of both

• Rim and tire interfaces and materials

• Tools you need for roadside repairs on your bike

Due to the nature of the material covered in this clinic, we ask that you bring your personal bicycle for reference. As it is a hands-on clinic, we are limiting the size of the clinic to 10 people, and there is a $20 registration fee.

Registration in advance is required to attend, register below.

Last Minute Information: We will email all who have enrolled with any last-minute changes. 

Questions?  Email service@ridestudiocafe.com. 

Paris-Brest-Paris with Charles River Wheelers

• Location: NEAR Ride Studio Cafe at
  LEXINGTON DEPOT
  13 Depot Square
  Lexington , MA

• Event Type: Presentation

• Date & Time: Wednesday, 27 February 2019, 7pm

• Reason: Come learn about the oldest organized bicycle event!

• Price: Free RSVP Required, RSVP Here

Description: Socializing from 7 PM; Light Refreshments will be served. Presentations followed by Q&A, 7:30-9 PM.

The iconic 750 mile Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) ride runs from Paris westward to the Atlantic and back. CRW members will illustrate and describe their PBP experiences.

PBP is the world's oldest organized bicycling event, first run in 1891. It is above all a test of endurance, not open to professional racers . Riders are allowed 90 hours to finish and may eat and sleep at control points along the route.

Expect an entertaining evening as our hometown heroes tell their stories. Did you know that CRW member Harriet Fell was among the first group of Americans to complete Paris-Brest-Paris? Melinda Lyon was the first female finisher in a PBP -- twice? Two CRW members completed it on fixed gear and two others on a tandem?

But also, PBP will run again in 2019. Might you be interested in PBP? Here's your chance to find out more.

Ride Studio Cafe has worked with several PBP riders to design their ideal bike for this endurance event. Read more about the designing the perfect Paris-Brest-Paris Bike here.

This event is free and open to all. Registration is required. Please click HERE to RSVP.

Tour of Seven Cycles - October 14, 2019

• Location: Seven Cycles, 125 Walnut Street, Watertown, MA

• Event Type: Tour

• Date & Time: Monday, October 14 at 10:30 am

• Reason for Tour: See how Seven Cycles builds great, custom bikes efficiently, yet perfectly, for each rider

• Price: Free, RSVP Required

Description:  

Seven Cycles is located just down the street from us in Watertown. Seven is a company full of bike building professionals. This is the place where custom bikes come to life and many new innovations in bike building have been developed over the years.

Seven has been making the finest bikes for over 22 years and their experience shines as they work. Many Seven Cycles designers, machinists, and welders have been in the bike building world for over 30 year.

Seven’s factory is manufacturing at its best: handcrafted bikes are very carefully and perfectly built one at a time, yet the short lead times show efficiency, and a well-run business full of highly-skilled people who are passionate about what they do.

Please register no later than 24-hours in advance of the tour. An email will be sent to you with details and directions the day prior to the tour.

Children are welcome to join if they are able to wear safety glasses for the duration.

Everyone will need to wear safety glasses and be wearing close-toed shoes.

We hope you join us!

Last Minute Information: We will email all attendees with last-minute information if anything changes from what we have published here. Please be sure to RSVP below! 

Questions? Please include them in the RSVP form below or email connect@rideheadquarters.com and we'll get back to you. 

 

 

 

Please RSVP Now to attend this very interesting and in-depth tour of Seven Cycles!

Looking Forward to an Endurance or Gravel Ride

• Location: Ride Headquarters in Sherborn, MA

• Event Type: Clinic

• Date & Time: Sunday, 10 February 2019, Refreshments 2:30pm, Event: 3:00-5:00pm

• Reason for Clinic: Learn what to do to prepare for a long ride and how to enjoy it all day!

• Price: Free RSVP Required, RSVP Here

Description: You’ve got your bike and you’ve been enjoying club rides and happily spinning out 30 or 40 miles on a Saturday afternoon. But, how far can you really go? You’ve heard about centuries and grave ride events and you’re anxious to participate in at least one this upcoming season. Or maybe you want to participate in a week-long bike vacation to a very cool place. Join the Charles River Wheelers and RHQ for our Looking Forward to an Endurance Ride workshop on Sunday, February 10, 2019 from 3:00 - 5:00pm at Ride Headquarters in Sherborn. Arrive at 2:30pm for refreshments!

Details: What we’ll focus on are the little things to make your ride so much more enjoyable and fun. What do you need to think about on the few days before the ride? Should you do any special maintenance on your bike? How much to eat and drink on the day of the event? What should you wear and carry with you? How do you deal with inclement weather? Are frequent stops the right way to go? Is it ok to stop and take pictures? Is this a race? Should you try to grab on to a paceline?

Registration in advance is required to attend. Find out complete information on the Registration Page. 

We thank Charles River Wheelers for bringing all of the food and beverages for all to enjoy during this afternoon session!

Last Minute Information: We will email all who have enrolled with any last-minute changes. 

Questions?  Email connect@rideheadquarters.com. 

Winter Riding 101 with Charles River Wheelers

• Location: Ride Headquarters in Sherborn, MA

• Event Type: Clinic

• Date & Time: Sunday, 6 January 2019, 3:00-5:00pm

• Reason for Clinic: Learn to ride in Winter with Charles River Wheelers

• Price: Free RSVP Required, RSVP Here

Description: I know it's cold and many of you have cleaned your bikes and put them away for the season. But....if you've ever thought about trying to ride in the winter, you should join us the Charles River Wheelers and RHQ for our Winter Riding 101 workshop on Sunday, January 6, 2019 from 3:00 - 5:00 at Ride Headquarters in Sherborn. 

Details: We’ll have experienced cold weather cyclists sharing everything you need to know about equipment, clothing, hydration and more.  Cost is free and registration is required. Refreshments will be served and maybe this will be just what you need to get you out on the road this winter. Plus, we're expecting the Patriots to have a bye week and really, what else do you have to do?

The Charles River Wheelers will also be running a Women's Only Flat Tire Repair workshop on Sunday, March 17, 2019 from 3:00 - 5:00. Visit here for more details.

Registration in advance is required to attend. Find out complete information on the Registration Page. 

Last Minute Information: We will email all who have enrolled with any last-minute changes. 

Questions?  Email connect@rideheadquarters.com.