Whats up, friends?!?
It’s been busy around the shop. We’re grateful to all who came out a few weekends ago to support Bike Walk Macon’s 10th anniversary and visit with our friend, Tony from Specialized, who had five demo bikes on-site. Specialized has an incredible lineup of bikes for every rider. From the tiny beginner to the most advanced, they’ve got you covered. Plus, right now for a very limited time, many of their bikes (and accessories) are on sale! You can order online and ship to Bike Tech – and when you do that, we honor our Free Annual Tune Ups! Questions? Let us know…
Lots of new stuff is rolling into the shop each week. We just had a new batch of Bike Tech hats and water bottles hit the shelf and have a small shipment of Topeak Air Tag holders set to arrive in the next day or two. Why? Well Bobby had two bikes stolen out of hir garage last week, so he wants to experiment with Apple Air Tags (product review coming soon). Side note – if you see a cool older Cannondale Scalpel (blue w/ flames) or a State Bicycle Klunker (Grateful Dead edition) hit a pawn shop or Facebook Marketplace, let us know.
And for all you mountain bikers out there, here’s a quick reminder: 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.
If you don’t already, consider following 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. 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*
We’re excited to share that Bike Tech launched the Bicycle Free Box this month! This community-driven project provides a dedicated space for cyclists to donate and pick up gently used bike gear—everything from pedals and saddles to tubes and tools. It’s all about giving new life to pre-loved equipment and helping fellow riders keep rolling.
We loved bringing this project to life, teaming up with local creatives Jake Grisamore (GrisWorks), who built the box, and Bo Walker (@bometheus), who painted the signage with the rules for sharing. This one is special to Elizabeth and Bobby, inspired by the free gear swaps we discovered on our travels in Colorado. Now, we’re thrilled to bring that same spirit of generosity and cycling camaraderie to Macon!
Stop by the shop to check it out and help spread the love for bikes and community.
How it works: Clean out your parts bin! What do you have that you don’t need but still has life left in it? Drop off extra tubes, saddles, pedals, wheels, or any bike gear that could help someone else. Need a part? Take what you need, free of charge!
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!
Here are a few examples of what is currently in stock…
2025 Surly Preamble
Size: Large, Flat Bar Model
Color: Skyrim Blue
Details: VERY low mileage, pre-loved bike. Purchased new at Bike Tech. Upgraded off the showroom floor with OneUp Platform Pedals, Continental Terra Trail Tires (700x40c) and set up tubeless.
Asking: $1000.00 obo
Pre-Loved Litespeed Titanium Road Bike
Size: 54-55cm frame
Color: Titanium Silver
Details: Overall in great condition. Can hit the road as-is (older Dura-Ace components, newer Shimano Wheelset, new tires) or would be fun to upgrade.
Asking: $795.00 obo
Gravel Bike Route – Fried Green 27 – 27 miles, 1,700 +/- elevation
Info from Ride w/ GPS & SouthEastCyclingRoutes.com: The Fried Green 27/42/50 routes explore the extensive network of gravel roads in and around the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge near Juliette, Ga. Located little more than an hour south of Atlanta, three lengths provide options for riders of all abilities. All feature pristine pine glades and hardwood forests, rolling and sometimes playful terrain, a few creek crossings and postcard perfect gravel.
Trailhead Access: 5543 Juliette Road, Juliette, GA
Note: True route credit goes to our friend Monte Marshall, the pioneer of gravel riding in Juliette/central Georgia!
What we’re reading/watching/listening to:
1. What is a Gravel Bike? (via Bikepacking.com)
2. What We Learned From RAGBRAI 2024 (via Priority Bicycles – we are a dealer!)
3. 50 Years Later, Specialized Founder Mike Sinyard Is Still Getting People On Bikes (via Forbes)
4. Watch: Tracing the Divide (via Roku Channel)
5. Behind the Scenes of Tracing the Divide (via Salsa Cycles)
6. Garage Grown Gear (If you are interested in Ultralight Gear for Bikepacking, check this out)
7. Now Playing at the Shop: Blues Traveler Radio (via Spotify)
8. Record Spinning While Crafting this Newsletter: George Clinton – You Shouldn’t-nuf Bit Fish
Photo Credit: © Logan Watts / bikepacking.com
Upcoming Rides/Events
Crank to Coffee – Weekly on Saturdays
Macon Bike Party: Decades Ride – March 6th
Macon Streets for All Fest -March 6-8
Coffee + Conversations Bike Ride (Streets for All) – March 8th
OHT Behind the Scenes Ride (Streets for All) – March 8th
Gravel Roll Opelika Okey Dokey – April 12th
Journey Ride – November 1st
OMBA Chat – Varies (Check out their Facebook page for upcoming events)
#GoRideYourBike
…and then come hang at the shop!