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Hey, guys. I'll be moving to Albany, NY soon from Cocoa, Fl., and I was wondering if you could help me out with a few cycling related questions.
1) What's the best bike shop in the area?
2) I'm looking for a fast group ride in the area. Maybe something that'll take me over some hills. To be clear, I'm really looking for the hammerfest group there. Any ideas where they would be or might meet?
Keep in mind that I'll be going to the law school up there, and I don't know the city at all, so if you could give directions relative to the school, it would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
~Trent
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I live over in the taconic valley on the Mass border but some friends of mine ride near Albany. I believe the ride club is called the Mohawk-Hudson cyling group. Something like that.
Many good riders in this area including the Berkshires. The shop I know in Albany is The Downtube on Madison ave.
Good luck.
I live over in the taconic valley on the Mass border but some friends of mine ride near Albany. I believe the ride club is called the Mohawk-Hudson cyling group. Something like that.
Many good riders in this area including the Berkshires. The shop I know in Albany is The Downtube on Madison ave.
Good luck.
Thanks very much!
I would suggest CKCyles (otherwise known as Klarsfeld) on Central Ave near Fuller Road, the guys there are helpful and not pushy.
http://www.ckcycles.com/
I've had mixed results with the Downtube (Madison by Washington Park). Sometimes they are helpful and nice, sometimes they can come off as pompous and pushy.
I'm not sure about group rides in the area. I know there is the monthly Critical Mass Ride that starts at the Washington Park, but they are not known for their speed.
You can ask at CK or the Downtube on the existence of local group rides.
I would suggest CKCyles (otherwise known as Klarsfeld) on Central Ave near Fuller Road, the guys there are helpful and not pushy.
http://www.ckcycles.com/
I've had mixed results with the Downtube (Madison by Washington Park). Sometimes they are helpful and nice, sometimes they can come off as pompous and pushy.
I'm not sure about group rides in the area. I know there is the monthly Critical Mass Ride that starts at the Washington Park, but they are not known for their speed.
You can ask at CK or the Downtube on the existence of local group rides.
Thanks! Yeah, I'd rather encounter a helpful LBS I think. XD I'm sure I'll explore them both though! Thanks!
If you are going to Albany Law School (on New Scotland Ave near Albany Medical School/Teaching Hospital):
The Down tube: Get onto New Scotland. Turn toward Albany Med (AMC, vaguely east) and follow it until you hit Madison Ave (You will be facing into Washington Park). Turn Right, Head to the next stop light. STOP. Get off your bike and the road on the right side of the road. You are at the downtube (It currently has a pennyfarthing Bicycle in the window). Range under 1 mile.
CK Cycles: Get onto New Scotland. Turn toward Albany Med (AMC, vaguely east) and follow it until you hit Madison Ave (You will be facing into Washington Park). Turn Left. Follow. At 1.3 miles you will merge with Western Ave. Continue to Follow. After an additional 2.6 miles turn right onto Fuller road (there is a Burger King on the left and Stuyvesant Plaza on the right). Goto the end of Fuller road. Turn Left. 100 yards. Turn left again into lot for CKcycles. It is next to the VW repair shop.
I lived in Albany for 8 years. Downtube is pompous and pushy. Not to mention it takes them 4 weeks to fix your bike. There is also a bike/canoe/snowboard shop in nearby Glenmont, NY (about 2 miles southwest of Albany), where I bought my bike (google bike shop and Glenmont) called Steiner's Sports. They seem like pretty good folk. I can't remind the bike lines they carried, but it was at least Specialized.
The club in the area is the Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club. They have over 700 members. They hold a century ride for two days about the second weekend in September, starting in Saratoga Springs (about 45 minutes north, near the Adirondacks). Their regular rides are A,B,C,D. You'll just have to look at the schedule to see when the faster A rides are held. Their website might be mhcc.org, but you'll find it if you google. Depending on where you are riding, it can be quite hilly, due to the Adirondacks being nearby.
It's not the friendliest of places for cycling, but you can manage ok. North in Saratoga County has some pleasant places to ride. There is also a 40 mile long MUP along the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers.
To get to Steiner's from the law school, take Holland to Morton, get on 787 South, exit at 32 S/left on 9W. It is in a shopping center that also has a grocery store (first shopping center is Walmart; not that one). On your bike, take Morton to 32 South (Pearl St), turn left on 9w. 32 South does not go through the greatest of neighborhoods, but not terrible, and the turn up to 9W is a mile long hill about a 13% grade. 9W starts off as a divided highway (legal to ride on), before it narrows.
Downtube is on Madison Ave, walkable from the Law School (around the corner from the Albany Medical Center). It is a tiny, tiny shop.
P.S. Average winter snowfall is about 65 inches.
I hadn't noticed you were from Florida:
Extra notes on Winter cycling.
Wind proof outer layer is a requirement if you plan on long term winter biking. Wind proof gloves. While studded snow tires are not a requirement, they are nice to have on occasion. I don't ride them, my girlfriend does when she is out in the winter.
BTW, you will come to love Eastern Mountain Sports. Inexpensive, high quality outdoor clothing.
Some of the Downtube mechanics are ******tards. Avoid if at all possible.
I run alleycat races in the area if you're looking for some urban crossover action sometime.
I lived in Albany for 8 years. Downtube is pompous and pushy. Not to mention it takes them 4 weeks to fix your bike. There is also a bike/canoe/snowboard shop in nearby Glenmont, NY (about 2 miles southwest of Albany), where I bought my bike (google bike shop and Glenmont) called Steiner's Sports. They seem like pretty good folk. I can't remind the bike lines they carried, but it was at least Specialized.
The club in the area is the Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club. They have over 700 members. They hold a century ride for two days about the second weekend in September, starting in Saratoga Springs (about 45 minutes north, near the Adirondacks). Their regular rides are A,B,C,D. You'll just have to look at the schedule to see when the faster A rides are held. Their website might be mhcc.org, but you'll find it if you google. Depending on where you are riding, it can be quite hilly, due to the Adirondacks being nearby.
It's not the friendliest of places for cycling, but you can manage ok. North in Saratoga County has some pleasant places to ride. There is also a 40 mile long MUP along the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers.
To get to Steiner's from the law school, take Holland to Morton, get on 787 South, exit at 32 S/left on 9W. It is in a shopping center that also has a grocery store (first shopping center is Walmart; not that one). On your bike, take Morton to 32 South (Pearl St), turn left on 9w. 32 South does not go through the greatest of neighborhoods, but not terrible, and the turn up to 9W is a mile long hill about a 13% grade. 9W starts off as a divided highway (legal to ride on), before it narrows.
Downtube is on Madison Ave, walkable from the Law School (around the corner from the Albany Medical Center). It is a tiny, tiny shop.
P.S. Average winter snowfall is about 65 inches.
Thanks for all the info! Yeah, I believe it about the snowfall. It'll be a huge shocker, since I'm a Floridian. XD
I hadn't noticed you were from Florida:
Extra notes on Winter cycling.
Wind proof outer layer is a requirement if you plan on long term winter biking. Wind proof gloves. While studded snow tires are not a requirement, they are nice to have on occasion. I don't ride them, my girlfriend does when she is out in the winter.
Yeah, I am. :) How much do you reckon that equipment will run? I'd rather be outside than in on a trainer. :)
BTW, you will come to love Eastern Mountain Sports. Inexpensive, high quality outdoor clothing.
Some of the Downtube mechanics are ******tards. Avoid if at all possible.
I run alleycat races in the area if you're looking for some urban crossover action sometime.
Cool! Thanks! That sounds like fun!
I lived in Albany for 8 years. Downtube is pompous and pushy. Not to mention it takes them 4 weeks to fix your bike. There is also a bike/canoe/snowboard shop in nearby Glenmont, NY (about 2 miles southwest of Albany), where I bought my bike (google bike shop and Glenmont) called Steiner's Sports. They seem like pretty good folk. I can't remind the bike lines they carried, but it was at least Specialized.
P.S. Average winter snowfall is about 65 inches.
Just another plug for Steiners in Glenmont. They're friendly and have a great bike mechanic named Jay, who has a pretty loyal following. I bought a few bikes from him. Jay is certainly worth getting to know. Steiner carries Specialized, Trek and Guru.
Btw, if you get here soon, there shouldn't be snow flying for at least a couple of weeks. :D
Yes, J. was the fellow who sold me my bike. He was very patient with me as I waffled between two models for two weeks. Also, he does certified fits (Serrota-trained, I think) which are free if you end up buying the bike there. If nothing else, J. can get you hooked up on some very fast group rides.
They have a second shop in Valatie (pronounced Val aa shah) on the other side of the river, so if necessary they can move their inventory over.
I moved to Albany last fall when my girl started at Albany Law (she will therefore be a 2L this year), so here is my "just got here" info for you:
Bike shops: CK all the way. Dowtube makes me angry everytime I go in there.... In my opinion the only thing they have going for them is their location.
Rides: If you are looking for a real hammerfest/racing, check out CBRC. (www.cbrc.us). And if you have any interest in cross racing, there are 2 weekly training rides in the area. Check out nycross.com for info. The person you need to talk to is a guy names Eric. He will be a 2L at ALS this year. He's a great guy and currently president of both of the above mentioned clubs.
Being that I think your orientation starts on monday, you will probably be here pretty soon. Just send me a PM or call me at 908.601.6929. We can meet up and I'll give you a good old fashion bike tour of the places you will need to know.
~gavin
The others have basically covered the bike shops.
One of the better weekly rides leaves from the Delmar park and ride on rt. 32/Elm Ave. (about 3 miles from Albany) on Tuesday nights at 6:00PM. Routes will differ, but they will often climb to Thatcher Park or other hills in the Helderberg Mountains a bit south of Albany.
Money/Prices for winter gear. I'm not sure how much that will cost. We've been sort of piecing it together as we go. I can throw some ball park pricing out there. You can always try the second hand stores in the area (Sally A, etc), they are a wonderful place to pick through if you have the time.
A lot of this stuff will get used anyway because of the weather in the area.
Gloves (windproof and waterproof):25-50 -there is a lot of variation here. Look at several choices before settling on something. Ski gloves can work here just well.
Hat (thin): 10-25. Try to find one that fits under your helmet. Getting a helmet cover as a second hat for really cold weather is acceptable.
Socks (Wool/wicking): 5-10/pair. You want socks that will keep you warm after they get wet. If they are wicking in addition and keep your feel dry, that's a bonus.
Backlava (face shield):5-25. A requirement if your bike speed gets up there.
Jacket: 50-300. There is a lot of variation here. If you are going to be out in January, find something windproof-not wind resistant. Multiple layers is fine, one for warmth, one for wind stopping. Make sure the warm one fits within the wind stopping one.
Pants/Tights: 20-100. Lots of variation here. Again, something windproof. There are lots of windproof winter tights available for sale. If it is cold enough, you will wear a second pair of tights under the windproof tights or a pair of pants over them (BDUs work well for this).
Biking Booties: 5-30. I haven't used these. They are used to protect/insulate/windproof your feet and I know that my girlfriend was considering getting a pair last year. These are strictly optional.
Check the temperature outside before you go. Remember you are dressing for the outside, not the inside. Try to dress for your expected wind chill. You'll be warm inside after you suit up.
Of the things on the list above to get first: jacket and gloves. Your fingers take the brunt of the wind/sleet/hail/freezing rain/snow/etc that you ride through. After spending half an hour defrosting my fingers once having ridden through freezing rain (without gloves), I can tell you from experience that gloves are a #1 item to get.
While this isn't a piece of clothing it is handy: Wheel fenders, front and rear (10-50/pair). There are plenty of options. Getting wet in the winter is no joke. It saps your strength, makes you uncomfortable, and can be life threatening if you become stranded outside civilization.
The others have basically covered the bike shops.
One of the better weekly rides leaves from the Delmar park and ride on rt. 32/Elm Ave. (about 3 miles from Albany) on Tuesday nights at 6:00PM. Routes will differ, but they will often climb to Thatcher Park or other hills in the Helderberg Mountains a bit south of Albany.
+1
The Tuesday and Thursday rides in Delmar are fast with major hills. The CBRC Tuesday rides are even faster, but mostly flat. You'll need to join either CBRC (a USCF club) or MHCC to do a CBRC ride. checkout the ride calendar at webmhcc.org. The Tuesday Rensselaer county rides and Bob's Thursday rides are a little easier, but still include fast pacelines and major hills.
A lot of guys around here use compacts or triples. Even a "flat" ride around here has more hills than you could find in Florida.
Most of us put our bikes away and go skiing in the winter.
em
My preference for bike shops is Steiner's in Glenmont. I've never had a bad experience. It's just a mile or two outside of Albany to the south.
I too, totally recommend Jay at Steiner's.
My preference for bike shops is Steiner's in Glenmont. I've never had a bad experience. It's just a mile or two outside of Albany to the south.
I too, totally recommend Jay at Steiner's.
actually, 3 miles, to be exact.
Welcome to Albany - I moved here about 7 years ago. You will love the riding up until about the middle of November when the days are short and you begin to freeze off your gonads. I know it's time to pull out the trainer and my snow skis when I get back from a ride and have to pee sitting down. So I take up skiing for 4 months. What I find difficult though is that there is a month of bad weather in the spring where neither skiing or biking is pleasant - after that you get 5 months of what a southerner (and I lived below the Mason Dixon line) would call spring - it's awesome.
Hudson MOhawk cyling club: http://webmhcc.org/rn/index.php
Different paced rides - I like the touring rides, but they take no prisoners, if you can't keep up your on your own. They throw a fabulous century weekend.
Bike shops: By far the best is Bill Lewis at Adirondak bikes in Scotia, you will not find a nicer person or more knowledgable and helpful one man bike show in the country - the best wheelman you could ever find.
I agree w/most of the above
J from Steiners - good guy, I know and race w/him.
Tues & Thursday Delmar rides seem to be the fastest rides around
I disagree w/some
downtube - I never had a problem
CK - always have a problem
ps: And if you wnt some bigger hills, come on over to my side of the river (Rensselaer county)
Check out these guys: http://www.cbrc.us/
I disagree w/some
downtube - I never had a problem
CK - always have a problem
Agree. Downtube may not have a great selection, and you might run into a ****** there, but if you talke with Eric, the owner I think, he's very helpful and will work with you as best he can. CK on the other hand, I think is terrible. They don't seem like they want to work, at all.
Agree. Downtube may not have a great selection, and you might run into a ****** there, but if you talke with Eric, the owner I think, he's very helpful and will work with you as best he can. CK on the other hand, I think is terrible. They don't seem like they want to work, at all.
I used to feel the same way about CK but recently changed my opinion. Jeff is a good bike man and couldn't have been more helpful with a recent bike purchase. Their weakspot is definitely the telephone. Ask for him and you'll get some help.
Eric is not the owner of the Downtube, but he should be. If he was, I wouldn't hate the place so much. To be honest, the thing that soured my grapes the most was when I applied for a job there. My interview with the owner was at a local coffee shop. I showed up early and then waited for 30 min after he was supposed to be there before calling the shop. They called his house, and he showed up 20 min later in a new BMW. We talked for a while, it went well, and he offered a job. The real issue was this.. he wanted me to "guarantee" that I would work full time for more than a year, but would only pay minimum wage. When I asked what their raises were like, his reply was "We don't really have a system.. so who knows... but it won't be much". All of that, plus they charge their employees 10% above cost to "cover shipping charges" and I had had enough.
I just feel that is pretty crappy to show up late to a meeting in a $60k car, glote about being ranked as a top 100 bike shop in america, want a comitment from the employee and then offer super crapy wages in return.
/end Downtube hating rant.
this thread is a bit old but ill add my 2 pennies.
Im a self sufficient bike mech the only think I dont do is build wheels but I true them ..., so in general most of the bike shops dont have much use for me since I never buy bikes or big stuff just parts.
my two favorite shops within driving distance are not in the albany area one is battenkill sports in manchester Vermont Bill Killday is the best. I also like Ricks bike shop in queensbury NY (just north of glenns falls) very friendly and know what their doing very good inventory of parts.
for albany area
1) Plaines nice enough people: lots of stuff, lots of turnover except family members ,they cater to the I want to be Lance for the weekend full kit $$$ carbon fiber crowd or the transformers style MTB with thermo regulated electro hydraulic shocks and night vision. they also sell skis/snowboard
2) down tube bad attitude in general Unless your buying a complete bike, Eric is Ok if not indifferent. Ive been to the shop 3 times in an attempt to get a frame that works for me but they never have time, I saw Eric at an event and asked when we could take a serious look for a frame even custom and he just blew me off.
3) I like CK cycles their phone service is not great but if your in the shop they take good care of you and they Know what their doing. they stock quite a bit of stuff that Harris would have parts wise.
also I dont know if its all family but the same people have worked there for years.
4) Freemans bridge sports Craig and Jeff are great to deal with, decent service not great on components or parts their Niche is the middle of the road stuff lots of hybreds, low to middle quality MTB and cruiser type vanity bikes. also skis /snowboards
5) adirondack Cycle Bill Lewis yep Fist rate wheel man and knows his stuff , been around a long time. but hes a one man show and doesnt stock much (no room, very tiny shop) anything he does is proper but you have to wait.
6) Ive never bought anything at Steiner sports but been in the shop twice with a friend looking for a bike, I was suprised at how well we were treated and they certainly were on top of things Nice shop too.
7) 3D: never seem to have anything on shelf and pretty much just wants to special order bikes for people ,very very very little inventory .
8) Im not familiar with any of the saratoga shops
thats my take on the shops I know
welcome to the tri city although belated.
PS I cant tell you about fast rides Im a commuter.
"John"
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