The Bike Shop Blog
Peaks For Pints 2026
We are excited to launch the second year of our Peaks For Pints Challenge! About the Challenge The Peaks for Pints challenge is a 50.85km biking adventure with 694m of elevation gain. The route takes applicants to the top of Mt. Norquay, around the Lake Minnewanka Loop, and the Tunnel Mountain Loop. It is similar to the legendary Four Hills of Banff ride, but omits the ascent up to the Sulphur Mountain Gondola. For participating, each rider is rewarded with 50% off a pint at the Moxy Hotel in Banff, as well as a take home beer stein and an entry for a chance to win a SRAM AXS drivetrain. The Route Mt. NorquayMt. Norquay is only 7km one way, but includes 6 switchbacks and a grueling 300m of elevation gain. Stop for a rest at the sixth switchback where the Mount Norquay Lookout is located, as it plays host to a gorgeous view of the Banff townsite. Lake Minnewanka LoopLake Minnewanka Loop is a scenic loop that is 24.9km long, with 285m of ascent. This stunning area is famous for wildlife sightings, especially bighorn sheep and elk. The road takes you to three beautiful lakes, Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka, and Johnson, with gorgeous mountain views along the way. Tunnel MountainThe Tunnel Mountain loop takes riders along Tunnel Mountain Road, along the Hoodoos and past the Tunnel Mountain Campground. In order to qualify for the Peaks for Pints challenge, don't forget to take a photo of yourself at the Surprise Corner Viewpoint, before heading down Buffalo Street into town. Apre Ride The challenge is meant to end at the Moxy Hotel on Banff ave, where participants can get 50% off a well earned pint, collect their beer stein, and scan the QR code on the coaster to enter for a chance to win a SRAM AXS Drivetrain. The challenge is open from July 1, 2026 - September 30, 2026, so grab your buddies, take on the challenge and see the best riding that Banff has to offer.
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YYC Bike To Work Day 2026
Bike to work day is happening Thursday, May 7 2026. The Bike Shop will be located with two pit stop locations on the North and South sides of the Bow River from the Peace Bridge. This year, make sure to stop by for free tuneups and treats! There are so many benefits to riding in to work if you are able to. Less traffic, less air pollution, and great exercise. Biking to work is a great way to stay in shape, and it increases endorphins to help you pedal through whatever stress the day might throw your way. Given the price of gas right now, pedalling in for your commute is really just a no brainer. We asked a few of our staff about their bike commute setups, and what they might recommend for someone who wants to get started riding to and from work every day. Alison Alison rides her Trek Checkpoint in to work every day, and she had a few tips for other bike commuters. Comfortable saddle Lights are important if you have an early start to your day or if you plan on riding at night A bell if you're riding on the pathway Frame bag if you're not a huge backpack person Hydration and having two bottle cages on your bike Max Max rides a Checkpoint+ and he had this advice for us:So far I never leave without my front and rear lights, a bottle of water and a bottle cage. A good, low rolling resistance set of tires are a must too. I have a set of Pathfinder 45s that I'll be throwing on my bike soon. Currently I use a backpack to carry my stuff, but I'm ordering a frame bag since the backpack can get a little hot and sticky for hot days and sometimes it's uncomfortable with that weight on your back. Doug Doug is an avid cyclist who competes in endurance fat bike winter races, and is travelling later this year to compete in the Silk Road Mountain Race in Kyrgyzstan. He likes to keep things simple with his commuter bike (unless he's feeling wacky and decides to ride his Specialized Epic that day), so he rides a Trek Marlin with full fenders, 45mm gravel tires, and studded tires in the winter. Here are his top tips: Have conditions. If you don't want to ride in the rain, then don't. If you take the bus sometimes, it is still way more fun than driving. Fenders may not be cool, but neither is a stripe of mud up your back Many bike styles work just fine for utility cycling. I have used road, gravel, hybrid, mountain, cargo, and even recumbent bikes for work and errands. Have appropriate clothing for the weather you're riding in. Things to Consider One big consideration is the length and terrain of your commute. Also, once you get to work where do you store your bike? If you have to lock it to a bike rack out front, you will likely want to steer more towards the cheaper end of things. A good investment is also an air tag and holder for your bike. We sell some great racks, baskets, and accessories to add to your current bike to set it up as a commuter. Types of Bikes Hybrid Bikes A hybrid crossover bike is good if you want something that's generally at a lower price point, but can upgrade parts to make it more suitable. Even an older second hand bike, or the one that’s been collecting dust in your garage for a decade could be a great commuting bike. Hybrid bikes are ideal for someone who might want to go ride some minor trails on their way home, or who just wants to use what they have instead of spending any extra cash. Also ideal if you are nervous about locking your bike outdoors somewhere sketchy. E-Bikes The ideal commuter bike would be an electric hardtail, hybrid or gravel bike. Something that has space for all of your belongings, and will give you a little extra zip in your step for the workday. A full suspension mountain bike is not ideal for commuting, and we would not recommend putting yourself through that. You won't have any energy to hit the trails on the ride home anyway if that's what you are using for your commute. Bike to Work Day is a great reason to get out and enjoy the fresh air on your daily commute. It's better for the planet, your wallet, and for your health! We can't wait to see everyone who stops by to see us for a free tune up this Bike to Work Day, May 7, 2026!
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ShredSisters Bike Tech Night
ShredSisters X The Bike Shop Shred Sisters is a women operated and focused mountain bike club located in Alberta and BC. They offer programs to teach riding technique, trail etiquette, and specific skill improvement from beginner to advanced riders A few of our technicians were lucky enough to participate in the Shred Sisters’ intro to bike maintenance workshop. We partnered with them to teach 30 women about general bike maintenance, suspension setup, and how to fix a flat tire or chain that breaks while out on your ride. All proceeds from this event went to KidSport Calgary & Area. The tech demonstrations were hands-on, with participants actively learning how to fix their own flat tires, and what properly using a chain tool feels like. It can be difficult to adjust your suspension when you are just starting out, so our experts gave the night’s participants a good baseline of foundational knowledge. It was all smiles as everyone had the opportunity to swap stories with like minded riders, and connect with awesome women in the local mountain bike community. After all, the day isn't over after just one flat tire, and it's definitely more fun to ride than it is to walk. Some of the topics we covered in bike maintenance were: Brake wear and tear– when to replace your pads and rotors The best way to clean your bike– and how often to wash it Lube for the chain and stanchions How to tell when your tires and chain need to be replaced If you are interested in attending future ShredSisters events or just want to check out the programs offered, check their website at shredsisters.ca
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All-New Levo 4 EVO
Specialized Levo 4 EVO This is electric enduro The Specialized Levo 4 EVO is a new addition to the Levo e-MTB family, designed with increased travel and a modular battery system. Increasing from 160/150mm on all previous Levo 4 models, the Levo 4 EVO has 180/170mm of suspension travel in the front and rear. Longer travel means riders have more ability to navigate rough terrain on descents, and increased absorption on impact to decrease rider fatigue. The Levo 4 EVO is ideal for e-MTB enduro riders who like to go big on steep, technical descents. Shop Levo 4 Evo Some exciting features of the Levo 4 EVO’s electrical system come from the thermal management in the smart charger, which is designed to preserve long term battery health. In addition, the easy to open downtube Wattage Cottage makes swapping the modular battery very simple. That means riders can choose which battery to insert, and go big on longer rides or stay lighter for a more nimble performance. Even though the Levo 4 EVO comes in at 24.12 kg, it is designed to maintain predictability and control with burly SuperNatural power.
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2027 Santa Cruz Nomad
All-New Santa Cruz Nomad The new Nomad features a completely redesigned Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension providing improved traction, more efficient climbing and less reactivity under braking. Perfect for enduro, and heavy duty trail riders, the 2027 Nomad is made to outlast– built tough with a lifetime warranty and bearings for life. Santa Cruz continued with their stock mullet setup for increased traction on steep downhills, and stiffness tailored to each corresponding frame size. The new 2027 Nomad is perfect for riders looking for an insanely tough whip with increased compliance, and reduced weight from previous Nomad 6c and 6cc models. Shop 2027 Nomad New Features VPP Nomad Leverage Rate Reduced progression and altered shape helps to better pair mid and end of travel support. The result is a more consistent feel from top to bottom and increased small bump sensitivity while deeper in the travel. VPP Nomad Anti-Rise Reduced anti-rise improves suspension sensitivity and traction at the rear wheel while braking. VPP Nomad Anti-Squat Lower anti-squat vastly reduces harshness associated with square-edge hits. Increases pedaling efficiency and improves traction/composure.
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Bad Habit, Good Trouble
All New Cannondale Bad Habit The all-new Bad Habit is Cannondales fresh, enduro-minded, all-mountain instigator. A love letter to the wild side. A full-throttle, full-fun tribute to the enduro-heads, the big-mountain chargers, and the earn-your-turns giv’ers who ascend to send. Born from the input of their pro racers, skilled ambassadors, and in-house flight crew, this rig takes the trail-proven DNA of their Habit and Habit LT bikes and mutates it into a hard-charging modern enduro ripper that balances smash factor with finesse, agility, and playful pedal-ability from top to bottom. This is a rider’s enduro machine, rewarding precision and good line choices with unreal speed, while saving you from the bad with unshakeable control. If you’ve got the skills, it’ll take you right to the top step. Just ask Ella Conolly, she won the 2025 EDR World Championship on hers. Category: All-Mountain/EnduroTravel: 160mm front, 155mm rearMax tire size: 29x2.6" front, 27.5x2.6" rear Control on Contact Proportional Response suspension, mixed wheels, low ridge height. Each element tuned for traction and composure when the line gets wild. The bike holds steady. The rider stays in command Rider-first Design Balanced stiffness through every size Predictable kinematics that match rider weight and leverage Every size is tuned for your daily dose of good trouble Features: Proportional Response: Rider-scaled kinematics and size-driven geometry that track with your center of gravity. Acros Headset: Bad Habit ships stock with a zero-offset, German-engineered Acros headset and bearings. Coil or Air: Pick your flavor, the Bad Habit can handle both Stashport Storage: Rattle free stash spot integrated into the frame Standard Where it Matters: Threaded BB, metric shock, UDH hanger, no proprietary weirdness. Built to bash and easy to fix.
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