Howdy!

The Bike Tech team is excited about these hints of Spring weather. We’ve been working through some overdue projects around the shop, repairing bikes for many of you and we eve spent a little time reorganizing the showroom.

Speaking of – your butt gave us a call last week – it wants you to get out and ride your bike! But before you roll out, ask yourself: Are my tires/tubes good? Do I have fresh sealant? When was my last tune-up? And hey, what’s actually in my saddlebag? If you’re still carrying those GU Chews from last summer… maybe it’s time for a refresh.

Whether you need new gear, a tune up, or just a little bike talk, we’re here to help. Let’s get you set up for the best riding season yet!

And for all you mountain bikers out there, here’s a quick PSA: Now is the perfect time to have your suspension serviced! Regular maintenance keeps your ride buttery smooth and protects your investment. Plus, nothing beats hitting the trails with a bike that feels as good as new. Schedule an appointment and we’ll take care of the rest.

In other news, we’re celebrating 10 years of Bike Walk Macon this year. There are many ways to celebrate — come hang out at the new Streets for All Fest March 6th-8th (more on that below) and/or consider supporting Bike Walk Macon’s mission as a 10 for 10 member (hint – first few people that join get a FREE pair of goodr glasses donated by us!). It’s also exciting to share that the work they have been doing helped Macon earn a designation from The League of American Bicyclists as a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community. This is the first time Macon has been recognized at this level and we hope to continue these improvements in the coming years. Well done and thank you, Bike Walk Macon!

If you don’t already, please follow us on Instagram and Strava and join us for Crank to Coffee each Saturday. We are here for you and hope to see you on the trail or at the shop soon. Thanks for being rad and supporting your local bike shop!

– Bobby, Lou, Jeff & Rod

Ride with us on Saturdays!

Crank to Coffee
When: Saturday @ 8:00am (wheels down @ 8:15am)
Route: 10+ miles at Party Pace (avg. 10-11 mph)
Start/End: Bike Tech, Downtown Macon, GA
Notes: Bring your bike (in good working condition), helmet, bright rear light and $ for coffee/bagels

*Only thing that cancels the ride is rain or ice on the roads*

goodr sunglasses are great for biking because they have glare-reducing, polarized lenses and grip coating for no-slip no-bounce performance. These shades are for all types of cyclists! Whether you do group rides in full 2014 Team Sky kits, rock a power meter plus heart rate monitor plus cadence sensor, Nair every inch of your body to gain a few watts or just ride your bike. You ride you.

goodr glasses have an amazing price point as well – $25 to $45!

Big congratulations to Bike Walk Macon on celebrating 10 incredible years of advocacy and impact in our community! Their dedication to creating safer, more accessible streets has transformed the way we bike and walk in Macon-Bibb County. To mark this milestone, they’re launching the inaugural Streets for All Festival—a weekend-long celebration of biking and walking that you won’t want to miss! This exciting event will feature a mix of rides, walks, and gatherings, offering the perfect opportunity to explore local people-friendly spaces, connect with the community, and honor Bike Walk Macon’s amazing legacy. Let’s come together to celebrate the progress they’ve made and look forward to even brighter, bikeable, and walkable streets in the future!

Spring Tune-Up: Don’t Forget to Check Your Saddlebag!

Spring is almost here, which means it’s time to dust off your bike, air up your tires, and hit the road or trails. But before you roll out, there’s one thing many riders overlook—their saddlebag (or bike storage)!

A well-stocked (and cleaned-out) saddlebag can be the difference between a smooth ride and an unexpected walk home. If you haven’t looked inside yours since last season, now’s the perfect time to check, refresh, and restock your gear.

Step 1: Empty It Out & Clean It Up

Start fresh by dumping everything out. You might find:
✅ Crumpled wrappers from last season’s snacks
✅ Rusty or used tools
✅ A CO2 cartridge that may or may not be full
✅ A spare tube that’s older than you’d like to admit

Give the bag itself a wipe-down and check the zippers, seams, and straps for wear. If it’s falling apart, it might be time for an upgrade.

Step 2: Take Inventory & Restock Essentials

Once your bag is clean, make sure you have the essentials for basic repairs and emergencies. Here’s what we recommend carrying:

Flat Fix & Tire Care:

🛞 Spare tube (check for dry rot or cracks around the valve)
🛞 Tire levers
🛞 Mini pump or CO2 inflator (with extra CO2 cartridges)
🛞 Patch kit

Tools & Adjustments:

🔧 Multi-tool with hex keys, screwdriver, and chain breaker
🔧 Quick link for your chain (make sure it matches your drivetrain)

Emergency & Safety:

⚡ Small first aid kit (bandages, wipes, ibuprofen)
⚡ ID and a bit of cash (for unexpected needs)
⚡ Compact emergency light or reflective strip

Bonus Items (If You Have Space):

🍫 A snack (we like GU Chews & Jelly Belly Sport Beans)
🔋 A small battery pack for your phone or bike computer

Step 3: Double-Check and Pack Smart

When putting everything back, pack efficiently. Keep small items in ziplock bags or pouches to prevent rattling. Make sure your pump or inflator is accessible for quick fixes.

What else do you like to carry with you? Reply here and we’ll share in upcoming social posts. If you’re missing anything, swing by the shop—we’ll help you get ready to ride!

What’s stored in your garage these days? Be honest—do you have an older, bike shop-quality ride just gathering dust in the corner? Maybe a sweet road bike you haven’t ridden since you ‘upgraded’ or that mountain bike from your glory days that deserves a second shot at life? Well, we’ve got good news! At Bike Tech, we love helping great bikes find new homes. If you’ve got something quality you’re not using, bring it by! Whether you’re looking to sell it or trade it in toward something shiny and new, we’re here to help. And hey, if you’re on the hunt for a solid used bike, check out what we’ve got in stock—it changes all the time. Let’s make sure those bikes see some action instead of collecting cobwebs!

Suspend the Rider – Specialized Diverge STR Explained

Learn how the front and rear Future Shock suspend the rider, not the bike. This video explores how STR solutions have evolved and culminates in the development of the Diverge STR, our most capable gravel bike. The Diverge STR proves once again that smoother is faster.

Buy online and ship to Bike Tech or reach out if you have questions and want to discuss the perfect Stumpjumper for you.

Mountain Bike/Trail Running Trail – The Pig Trail – 8.4 miles, 525 +/- elevation

Info from OMBA: The first 2.5 miles of the Pig are classic rooty east coast singletrack that goes up and down a ridge. This section has some great flow, a few small little drops, log overs, and lots of switchbacks. The next four miles of trail are in an area that was logged a few years ago, and this section has a different feel and character. There’s not as many short/steep climbs, less roots, and lots of fast sweeping corners. The trail varies from hard packed clay to loose sandy/gravel mix on top of hardpack. The last few miles are mostly back up on the ridge.

Trailhead Access: 4730 N Mumford Rd; Macon, GA