The Value of Shopping Local

Many label “Black Friday” as the official start of the holiday shopping season.  It also seems that the recent trend by many of the “big box stores” (call them what you want; corporate stores, chain stores, department stores, etc.) have started their Black Friday specials long before Black Friday even arrives.  Some have gone as far as offer special deals on Thanksgiving Day.  As you head out to do your holiday shopping this season, I want to remind you of the importance of shopping local.  “Local” doesn’t always mean the store that is closest to your house.  “Local” in this case means the locally owned and independent small business.  Why is this important?  Recent studies have shown that 50 to 70% of the money that you spend at a locally owned and independent small business stays in your community.  If you compare that to local big box stores, that number goes down to around 20 to 30%.  Local big box stores do employ local people, but they typically have their corporate headquarters somewhere else and that is where most of the money goes.  If you compare those numbers to online shopping, the amount of money that stays in your community is about 0%.       

Let’s examine how this all works.  First, let’s explore the locally owned and independent small business.  This business is probably owned by someone who lives in your community, possibly even your neighbor or someone you know. They pay local taxes, just like you do.  The business employs local people.  Small businesses are also more likely to sponsor local events - your son’s little league team, local 5K race, charity benefit dinner, or daughter’s soccer team.  Local small businesses are also more likely to offer products that are made locally, probably even products that are produced by another locally owned small business.  Big box stores aren’t interested in products unless they can get them really cheap and in large quantities.  Small businesses are much more likely to give another enrapture a chance at selling their products.  Local business owners also shop locally and spend their money locally.  They use local services; local garages to maintain their vehicles, local contractors, local lawn services, local barbers and hair stylists and do their banking at the bank on Main Street.  The money you spend at their business is money that will be recycled within your community. 

Now, let’s compare that to the big box store.  Sure, big box stores employ local people (assuming you have a big box store in your community), but that is really where the local process stops.  Big box stores buy their products from large global companies.  The products are often shipped in from overseas where they are made in foreign countries.  Any profit that the big box store makes is sent to corporate headquarters and out of your community.  Many large companies are given tax incentives (sometimes tax free) to locate their business in your community.  They are likely not paying the same local taxes as you or the local small businesses are paying.   Big box stores rarely sponsor local community events, local organizations or provide donations to local civic organizations.  When was the last time Walmart, Target, K-Mart or Home Depot sponsored your son’s Little League team? Specialty services (contract work) is usually handled by a specific company that handles those services for the big box store at a national level.  The vast majority of the money you spend at the big box store is not staying in your community.  It is going somewhere else.

Lastly, we have online shopping.  This topic is somewhat subjective since most companies, even small businesses, have websites and an online presence.  Again, I’m focusing this discussion more toward the big box stores and larger web-only stores.  Sure, it is convenient to shop at home and have items shipped to your door - especially if the store happens to offer free shipping.  But where is that dollar that you spent really going?  The online store isn’t employing anyone you know or anyone from your community.  The online store isn’t paying any local taxes (heck, you don’t even have to pay a sales tax in most cases) so your community isn’t generating any revenue from your purchase.  The online store isn’t hiring any local contractors, buying any groceries from the local market or getting their hair cut at the local barber.  In most cases, as soon as you click that “buy” button on your computer, the money you spent is gone from your community forever.  It might even be leaving the Country.

I do understand that not everything you need and certainly not everything you want can be obtained locally.  I’m not saying that you should only shop at local small independently owned business and that you can’t shop online or that you shouldn’t shop at big box stores.  I understand that sometimes those are the only places that you can get the items or services that you need or want.  However, what I am asking of you is that you consider your community when making purchases and that you make smart purchases.  Saving a dollar by shopping online or at the big box store might keep an extra dollar in your wallet when you make that purchase, but what you are doing is taking a dollar away from your friends and neighbors.  It’s no secret that shopping at big box stores or online shopping is cheaper than shopping local (small businesses don’t have the luxury of buying huge quantities to receive big wholesale quantity discounts), but what big box stores and online shopping stores can’t do is provide the outstanding level of customer service that local small businesses can provide.

 As most of you know, one facet of our business is a bicycle repair shop.  Often we get visitors that are about to go on a bike ride and realize that their tire is flat or their brakes are squeaking.  They come into our store and ask to use the air pump or ask for assistance adjusting their brakes.  We are happy to assist, and in the case of something minor like that, we don’t charge for those services.  We’re just happy to be able to assist in getting you back on your bike so you can enjoy the ride.  Now, I ask you.  When was the last time Amazon or Walmart helped you put air in your tires or adjusted your squeaky brakes?  If the trend of save a buck by shopping big and shopping online continues, you are going to see small businesses disappear from your community.  Sooner or later you are going to need air in your tires or need your brakes adjusted and there is going to be no one there to do it for you.  This holds true for all small businesses, regardless of what services or items they offer.  If you don’t help them, sooner or later you are going to need a service or item and they won’t be there.   Keep your hard-earned dollars in your community by shopping local this holiday season.                   

Philly Bike Expo

(CSO owners, Miranda and Steve, with CSO Bike Mechanic, Jason, at the Philly Bike Expo) 

On November 9^th and 10^th the CSO crew attended the Philly Bike Expo in Philadelphia, PA.  The Expo, in its 4^th year, is a celebration of all things cycling.  The two day event includes vendor displays, educational seminars, and even a few organized rides.  Seminar topics discussed included gear for bike touring, how to build your own bike, yoga for cyclists and more.  The vendor display area was a great showcase of many small custom bike frame builders as well as larger companies including Surly and Raleigh.  The vast majority of the custom bike frames were of steel construction (awesome to see hand-built steel frames making a comeback and gaining in popularity). There were also many cycling accessories (bags, saddles, clothing, helmets, etc.) on display and for sale.  The Expo also included a vintage Schwinn bike display, including a bike that participated in the 1952 Summer Olympics.  CSO  had an awesome weekend at the Philly Bike Expo and we greatly enjoyed seeing so many bikes and discussing bikes with man fellow cyclists that are just as passionate about bicycles as we are.

Gear Review: Wrightsock Coolmesh II

Today I’m going to do a review of the Wrightsock Coolmesh II running sock.  This sock has been my go-to running sock for the better part of a decade.  It’s a light weight, highly breathable, fast drying, and moisture wicking sock.  Any sock that is labeled as an “anti-blister system” gets an A+ in my book.  In fact, I have completed at least 6 marathons and a 50-mile ultra race wearing the Coolmesh II socks and have never had a blister.  Seriously, that is pretty impressive.  Perhaps this isn’t so much a gear review, but more a testament to my undying love for the Coolmesh II socks.  I simply haven’t found a better light weight running sock on the market.  I’ve tried several other socks from Smartwool, Lorpen, Point 6, Wigwam, and others.  I can’t say I dislike those socks or have anything significantly negative to say about them.  However, I always find myself falling back on my trusted friend – the Wrightsock Coolmesh II. 

   

The key to this sock’s success is the anti-blister system.  This system focuses on three key factors that usually cause blisters: moisture, heat, and friction.  As your body heats up while you are running, you are naturally going to generate sweat and heat in your shoes.  These socks have a moisture management system that gets the moisture away from your foot.  They are also light weight and highly breathable, which allows your foot to cool.  To combat the friction, Wrightsock developed a double layer system, so the sock is actually constructed of two thin layers of material instead of a single layer of material.  The idea is that you get friction between the two layers of sock instead of between your foot and the sock.  Don’t let this double layer system fool you.  It is anything but bulky and awkward.  You don’t even notice it is there.  These three technologies combined create the anti-blister system. 

 

Wrightsock has added some new neon colors to the lineup.  They go perfectly with the neon colors that many of the running shoes are available in today.  They are also bright and let you be seen while running.  If neon isn’t your thing, they are also still available in standard, black, gray, and white.  Country Squirrel Outfitters recently added the neon colors to our inventory and they have become quite popular.  We even have them in neon pink to celebrate October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  If running isn’t your thing, these socks are also great for cycling, hiking, walking, and fitness classes at the YMCA.

   

Summary:

I’m going to give the Wrightsock Coolmesh II socks 5 out of 5 stars.  It is simply an awesome sock and I have logged thousands of miles running in these socks and I couldn't have asked for them to perform any better. The are also MADE IN THE USA, which makes them even that much better. The Wrightsock Coolmesh II is certainly a sock that you should try if you are a runner or anyone who is active.  The tab, low and quarter lengths retail for $11 where the crew retails for $12.  The anti-blister system will make your feet happy and for only $11, why not give them a shot.

Pros: Made in the USA, anti-blister system, light weight, breathable, moisture management system, simply an awesome sock.

Cons: I can't really think of anything negative to say.  I suppose they aren't the best socks for winter running, however, Wrightsock does make some merino wool socks that also have the anti-blister system.  The Merino Stride socks would be a little better for winter running (also available at Country Squirrel Outfitters)

Bicycle Tubes & Air Pressure

Replacing bicycle tubes and checking your air pressure are two things that are part of the routine maintenance on your bicycle.  For novice or recreational cyclist the type of tube you need can be confusing and proper air pressure is sometimes over looked (even for experienced cyclists). 

      

                  

I’ll first discuss the different types of bicycle tubes.  Pictured above are both Schrader and Presta valve types.  The Schrader valve you will recognize as your standard tube valve.  This is the same type of valve that you will find of your automobile and you will also find this valve type on many bicycles.  This type of valve can be inflated with any standard bicycle foot pump and most pumps at your average auto service station.  Most recreational and many mountain bikes have this type of valve.   The second valve pictured above is a Presta valve.  This type of valve is also sometimes referred to as a French valve.  The Presta valve is often found of road bikes and higher-end mountain bikes.  Presta valves are more slender than the Schrader valve and, therefore require a smaller hole in the bike rim.  The valve hole in the bike rim is the weakest point of the rim.  Road bike wheels are usually very narrow and a bigger hole means a weaker rim.  The Presta was developed specifically for bicycles and they require a special type of air pump that is suited for Presta valves.  

Once you determine what type of tube valve you need, you will then need to determine what size tube your bike requires.  This is fairly simple as most bicycle tires have the size of the tire printed on the side.  Simply locate the size of the tire and look for a tube that matches that size.  Tubes are usually made to cover a range of different sizes.  For example: A bicycle with a tire size of 26x2.1 could use a tube that covers 26x1.75-2.125 or a tube that covers 26x2.1-2.3  As long as your tire size falls within the range, the tube is acceptable.  Standard Presta and Schrader valve tubes usually cost somewhere in the $5 to $10 range with some specialty tubes costing a little more.

Proper air pressure is a very important factor that is often overlooked.  Even though it might seem like a small, minor detail, improper air pressure can be costly and possibly even dangerous.  As with tire size, the proper air pressure is usually printed on the side of the tire.  Again, this is usually a range and not an exact number.   Mountain bikes, for example, usually have a range somewhere around 45-65 pounds per square inch (psi) whereas road bikes are usually much higher and range somewhere around 100-120 psi.  The manufacturer prints this pressure range on the side of the tire for a reason.  This is the range where the tire will perform at its best and will be safe for the rider.  An over inflated tire could lead to poor traction and poor handling (and possibly popping a tire) and under inflated tires may lead to pinch flats (where the tube gets pinched between the rim and the tire due to under-inflation) and may cause the tire bead to come loose.  To be safe, a cyclist should check the air pressure of a tire before every ride.  This is especially true for the recreational rider who may not ride on a regular basis and the bike is in your garage for an extended period of time between rides.  All tubes will lose air over time.  The longer the amount of time, the more likely it is that you will need to inflate your tires.  We highly recommend that you get a bike pump with a built in pressure gauge.  Most pumps designed specifically for bicycles not only come with a pressure gauge, but also have the ability to inflate both Schrader and Presta valves.  These pumps usually cost somewhere in the range of $30 to $60.  Topeak and Park Tool are two of the brand names of bicycle pumps we carry at Country Squirrel Outfitters.  Park Tool is the pump of choice for our repair shop and at home.  A good bicycle pump can also be rebuilt when parts begin to wear out.  Manufacturers of these pumps offer rebuild kits and replacement parts so you don’t have to replace your entire pump.  A good pump will last for many, many years.

Gear Review: Cannondale Quick

The Cannondale Quick series isn’t anything new.  It has been around for several years now.  However, it is certainly a bike that everyone in the market for a “hybrid” bike should consider.  Call it a flat bar road bike, call it a touring bike or call it a recreational bike.  It doesn’t matter.  What the Cannondale Quick brings to the table is the perfect blend of sport, road, recreation and comfort.  The Quick truly is a “hybrid” bike.    Cannondale took the technology and features of a high end road bike and combined it with components from their mountain bike line and the comfort of their recreational bike line.  There are several models within the Quick series and they range from the high end Quick Carbon 1 ($2,600) for the serious road/recreation rider to the entry level Quick 6 ($480) for the recreational rider.  Looking for a bike that lets you be even more adventurous? Check out the Quick CX line.  The Quick CX features a front suspension that lets you take the Quick from the road to the bike path to the forest road with ease.  The CX is a little road and a little cyclo-cross bike all wrapped up into one awesome bike package (price range on the CX is $1,500 to $540).   The Quick series features an upright riding position and 700c tires, which make the bike both sporty and comfortable.

We’re not just trying to sell you a bike (yes, Country Squirrel Outfitters does sell the Cannondale Quick series and we typically have a few in stock), we speak from experience.  CSO owners, Steve and Miranda, both have Cannondale Quick models and have collectively put over 3,000 miles on them.  Miranda has a 2011 Quick Carbon 2 and Steve has a 2013 Quick 5.  In fact, if you read our previous blog post about the Sea Gull Century ride, Steve and Miranda completed this ride on their Cannondale Quick bikes.  Their Quicks also traveled with them in July when they visited Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine.  The Quick was the perfect travel companion as it allowed them to bike on a number of different types of terrain.  You’re probably not going to win the Tour de France riding a Quick, but if you are looking for an all-around bike that is a good blend of road, trail and comfort, then you should definitely check out the Cannondale Quick series.   

Summary:

I’ll give the Cannondale Quick series 4.5 out of 5 stars for hybrid bikes. Overall, this is an awesome bike.  It's also a way for someone to get into the sport of road cycling without buying a high priced road bike.  You are never going to find a bike that can go from the Tour de France to the Leadville 100, but as far as "all purpose" bikes go, the Cannondale Quick is pretty darn good.

Pros: Comfort, light weight, versatility (can be used for your daily commute, around town, on the bike path, on the Rails-to-Trails, or on your next century ride) and price (many models are under $1,000).

Cons: Not the fastest bike on the market, but what do you expect from a hybrid.