Waiting out the last few holiday surprise layaway bicycles to be picked up and we are off to spend the holiday’s with our loved ones. I hope that this holiday has been good for you as well. Thank you for a great year and we look forward to another great year in Eugene.

Here’s a little photo-collage we put together to share with you all!

Creepy Christmas Sweater Day at Hutch's.

By Eric Taylor, Sales-Hutch’s Eugene

Cross season has been in full effect for the past couple month’s now. It’s muddy, it’s painful and it’s the best time I have ever had on a bike. After taking a 6-week trip to Europe to “find myself” I came back jonesing for some cross action and needed a bike. Being rather broke after this trip I started looking for bikes that would do it all and not break the bank. After years of selling the Tricross Sport as the do it all bike, I took my own advice and ordered one for myself.

The way I looked at it, I just couldn’t go wrong. The frame accepts huge tires, the fork is carbon and the gearing is a combination of a mountain bike cassette

The greatest barrier is the denial of it.

and a triple crank set. It makes an excellent cross bike, touring bike, winter mountain bike or just a back and forth to work bike. This bike is Rad!

As it’s cross season I have setup the bike as a race machine. I’ve got big knobby tires on it, road gearing and a single ring up front. It’s ready to take on the insanity and mud that Cross in Oregon is throwing at it. However, I have to say one of the things I’m looking forward to the most is hitting the road with it. I’m totally stoked to put some fenders on it, road tires and a set of lights as this bike rocks on the road! So far I’ve just been using the knobby tires to get back and forth, but it is still a nimble bike that I’m excited to ride every morning.

My Tricross has been one of my best purchases I’ve made and it cost about the same as the wheels I have on my road bike! They have dropped the price down $250 this year and even introduced a model that is below $1000. It’s really an amazing bike that will allow you to do anything and everything!

our phone: (541) 345-7521

email: hutchseugene@gmail.com

our address: 960 charnelton st. Eugene, Or 97401

By Darren Ohl, Service Manager-Hutch’s Eugene

Red leaves, the burning dust from our vents after the first fires of our furnaces, fall is here, the air is thinner, a little easier to breath. For some people it means going back to school somewhere other than Eugene, for some it means beer and barbeque scented football games. But for some it means cyclo-cross, it means getting out the fenders or the rain bike.

Above all for anyone who rides a bike it signals that time of year where biking happens a little less often. With that downtime a lot of our customers have been bringing their bikes in for repairs.

At the shop we’ve been plugging away to build new bicycles, fix old ones and ride our current bikes. In a little slower time we get to talk more, share music with each other (I’ve been listening to my old Solomon Burke CD’s). We get to learn a little bit more too with plenty of industry seminars and inner shop clinics as well as just talk about bikes in general with each other.

I love getting myself elbow deep in bike parts and tools and having a shiny, clean, great running bike come out the other side.

The fall is my favorite time of year; it’s the best time to ride a bike. It’s not blazing hot, the bike paths aren’t overcrowded, I swear the views at the top of the south hills are clearer than they’ve ever been.

Quit wasting time; don’t let a little cold weather slow you down. If it rains then that’s the best time to bring the bike in for some long overdue service. It’s nice to have great working bike ready for those rare days when the air is crisp, the leaves have settled and the rain has finished washing the streets clean.

Jim's Bike loaded up.

 By Darren Ohl, Service Manager-Hutch’s Eugene
There was no Rusty, in fact he isn’t even a Griswald but our friend Jim sure had a heck of a European vacation all the same.

Jim got his Co-Motion from us a few months back and he was excited about his trip then. We asked him when he got back if it was everything he hoped it could be. Well here is his blog which is definitely a great resource for anyone planning a trip like it. If anything the pictures alone are worth a peek.

http://jimcolbert.blogspot.com/2009/04/leaving-eugene.html

By Darren Ohl, Service Manager-Hutch’s Eugene

It’s no secret I’m nerds about movies. It’s also no secret I’m big on making my own little films. It was an intense hobby for me when I lived in Florida. That sort of thing took a back seat when I moved out here to Oregon. Mostly to help put Krystan through school (making even the cheapest little short movies can cost a bit of money). I was talking with a customer of ours about that hobby and it turns out he’s got the same passion as I do.

He sent me over this cool little youtube video he made of the Tuesday night crits at Greenhill Industrial Park here in Eugene. We’ve been having a blast yelling at our cat 4 employee team and also urging on our totally rad Hutch’s sponsored team. Nick Skenzick swept the first part of the series, finishing off the series on a borrowed bike! Tonight, July 7th is the start of the second part of the series where they run the course in reverse. We’ll all be out there shouting obnoxiously and generally putting on a show of bicycle hooliganry and you can even bring the kids and hang out or race the kiddy kilo! Either way it’s a nice fun time to watch some local legends and blow off some summer time steam!

On other news. I’ve finished the basic design for the box car. Rob English from Bike Friday came out to look at the design and had a ton of advice and words of encouragement. It took a little longer than I thought. I’m not sure that I’ll be able to finish in time for the Portland Adult Soap Box Car Race but I’m not going to let that slow me down.

Keep an eye on the site in the next month or so for some of that creative video work we talked about in the last blog as well. I hope you are all having a great summer so far!

By Darren Ohl, Service Manager-Hutch’s Eugene

The bike shop isn’t litterally on fire. But sometimes it feels like a fire sale, that’s for sure. We’ve had more customers in our store than ever. The foot traffic is

"The obligation to produce alienates the passion to create."

crazy busy and the amount of new customers we’ve come to know has been astounding. Hutch’s is heading into 2009 strong as ever. An economy that has certainly put the pinch on us all has only fed a fever for local business here at Hutch’s. Each of us that works here knows that you might pay more to shop here at our store. But also know that when you pay a little more at our store that you also pay an employee a little more wage. That wage goes directly back into your local community as we strongly encourage our employees and staff to shop locally. You also pay a Hutch’s employee full insurance so that when we do get hurt it’s not your tax dollars covering some big box stores lack of insurance coverage. So in a very busy time we wanted to say thank you.

I know it’s been a while since I wrote anything for the blog. So let me catch you up a little about what’s been going on:

I got a new road bike! It’s a Specialized Roubaix, I scored the frame and moved all my Campy stuff over. I love this bike. It has got to be the best fitting, fastest bike I have ever ridden. A full carbon frame and fork with a pair of Roval Fuse wheels and I’m shaving minutes off of my time climbing up McBeth Hill. The only negative thing I can think of about the bike is why didn’t I get one sooner? Oh yeah, because they’ve redesigned the frame for 2009! They’ve created a more supple ride utilizing zertz inserts in the frame but elongating them to allow more absorption. This allowed them to make stiffer chain-stays to create a more responsive rear triangle. With the option to buy just a frame and fork to move your perfectly upgraded parts over or with up to four different high end configurations you can come away with a dream bike that matches your every whim. I would only pay about 3500 for my frame and fork had I not gone a slightly more custom route with an independent builder painting my frame. But you can also roll away with a SRAM Red equipped bike for as low as 5500. Add a pair of Rolf Elan wheels (which are on sale for a low 849) would make this bike in a size 56 weigh in at a measly 16 lbs! With their Sworks configuration bicycle it only gets lighter (but also comes at a price tag of about $7500).
Over all I think once you ride this bike the sticker price just seems to fade away… And with configurations that get you a bike that out performs and comforts any bike out there you’ll find your money well spent.

Eric has also managed to get himself a new bike as well:

In Eric’s own words:
” I’ve always held myself back from buying something I really wanted because it was too much or I didn’t ride hard enough, but this time I went for it! I got a new Giant Trance X2 as well as a couple upgrades I had always wanted. I traded the cranks for XT’s and the brakes for the new Avid Elixir CR’s. Also in the process I got a set of S-Works mountain shoes – there was no holding back this time! Last night was the first ride and I think I’m in love. Now I’ve ridden our rep’s Trance X before and knew I liked it, but to have my own with the parts I wanted really made it special. The maestro suspension climbs amazingly and the geometry inspires you to let go and just spray it downhill! This bike really makes me feel confident as a rider. It’s awesome to finally have what I really want!”

Mark and I have a new spring project: We’ve decided to build a soap box car. Staring down at us from one of the canopy displays is a champion racer from 1941. The body is carved by Bill Hutchinson for Jimmie Hutchinson out of a solid piece of lumber and won the 1941 national championship in Ohio. It was the perfect inspiration for our car. And I found this video on youtube showing some guys out of the San Fernando Valley area.

We’ve heard that Portland has a really cool adult soap box car race once a year and with the announcement of a Red Bull soap box car race in Los Angeles next fall it may mean a Portland or Seattle race will be announced soon.
In the meantime we’ll build, take pictures as we go and try to find a safe (legal) place to test our car.
Since Eugene does not have one yet then let this blog be the official announcement of Eugenes.Underground.League.Of.GentlemenY. Box Car Racers. The first adult soap box car racing society in Eugene. No meetings nor races yet but give us time, we’re just getting started.

How about you? What are you getting started on? Any rad things to do this summer? if you read this blog write me a short essay; “What I plan to do this Summer.” Two paragraphs about the coolest damned plans you’ll ever come up with. Send them in, and if the winner of the essay contest actually does what they wrote then we’ll give them a free tune up (you pay for the parts) at the end of the summer.

COLLINS CYCLE SHOP: Sign up for a 3D fit and recieve $50 off and a pair of footbeds for free ($95 value).

CHRIS KING: Portland’s favorite component manufacturer introduces a new bottom bracket with a full five year warranty.

Chris King Bottom Bracket--$149.95 Suggested Retail

Available in all the usual cool colors– a perfect compliment to your King headset.For the Best of the West sale, all Chris King components will be 20% off on March 6, 2009. Check out their website for the full range of King products available for your purchase.

CASTELLI CLOTHING: Portland’s favorite clothing to wear while buying your Chris King headset.

Castelli Superleggera 70g. Jersey--$135.00

With over a hundred and thirty year old history, Castelli makes the most innovating and technologically advanced clothing in cycling. Come check out their new 70 gram Superleggera jersey, a product that has roots dating back to the 1950’s and Fausto Coppi. All Castelli products will be at least 20% off during our March 6th. Best of the West sale.

BURLEY DESIGN: The quintessential Eugene company has just celebrated their 30th year in business. Known for their

Burley Tail Wagon--$400.00

innovation and quality, Burley has a trailering product for your kids, critters or gear. Check out the full range of Burley products and take 20% off at the Best of the West sale.

CO-MOTION CYCLES: These are the people that make your cycling dreams come true. Established in 1988 to make their

Co-Motion Periscope--$4000.00

own dreams come true, Co-Motion hit pay dirt on their very first try when their dream tandem ended up on the coveted cover of Winning Bicycle Racing Illustrated. Regarded worldwide as the finest tandem and touring manufacturer , they can also bring to life any road, cross or time trial bike you can think up. During the Best of the West sale, all Co-Motion products will be 15% off their suggested retail prices–custom bikes included.

BIKE FRIDAY: These are the people that will make you feel like a kid getting your very first bike. Often thought of as

Bike Friday Tikit--from $999.00

a folding bike company, we like to think of them as great bikes that happen to fold. Whether you need a road, touring, commuter or tandem, Bike Friday makes the most innovative bikes on the market and they all will fit into a Samsonite suitcase. All Bike Friday products will be 15% off during our Best of the West sale.

ROLF PRIMA: The one wheel company that all cyclist can agree on. Hand-built in Eugene, Rolf wheels are known

Rolf Vigor: Best all around Wheel--$999.00

worldwide for their unique paired-spoke design that can be used in mud slinging, everyday riding aluminum cross wheels or for the most exoctic aerodynamic carbon TT wheels (which also can be run in the mud)! All Rolf Products will be 20% off during the best of the west sale. Maybe Rolf will bring down his personal eight-spoked (that’s four pairs) front wheel to show us.

DETOURS: If anybody is in the right place at the right time it would be Hood River’s Detours. Not only does Detours make

Detours Toocan Juicy--$75.00

a product that all cyclists need, but they also make products that enable you to become a cyclist. With fuel prices on the upswing and the economy on the downswing, many of us are turning to cycling as our means of transportation. Check out how Guntram and Sam are turning garbage into jobs–a real stimulus program. All Detours bags will be 20% off Friday night March 6th.

SHOWERS PASS: It hardly seems fair that other rain jacket manufacturers aren’t rooted in Portland and the coast of

Showers Pass Double Century--$120.00

Northern California. How are you going to know if your rain jacket will work if you live in a place that is always sunny and in the midst of a five year drought. Showers Pass has a performance jacket for any of your needs, whether it is a trip to the market or a four hour training ride in November. Check out their website for all your options and take 20% off your purchase at the Best of the West sale.

REDLINE: Our oldest friend and the title sponsor of the Best of the West. Making bicycles since 1976, Redline has gone

Redline 9 2 5--$580.00

from making one BMX fork at a time, to outfitting Olympic athletes from four different countries in Beijing. Already famous for their BMX bicycles, Redline is now taking on such new niches of 29′ers, cross and fixies. Oh, if you need a flatbar road bike they have that too. All Redline bicycles will be 15% off during the Best of the West sale. Also look for special pricing on SRAM Red and new Dura-Ace 7900 grouppos courtesy of Seattle Bike Supply–home of Redline Bicycles.

We’ll see you Friday March 6, 2009 @ 5:30 to 9:00 P.M.

Tell two friends!

By Eric Taylor, Sales, Radness Manager-Hutch’s Eugene, Collin’s Cycle Shop

Hey! I got a quick update with a list of companies that will be attending this rad party!

Eugene based companies:

Burley

Bike Firday

Co-Motion

Rolf

Eugene Running Company

Oregon Adventures

Portland Based

Castelli Clothing

Chris King Group

Detours Bags

Washington Based

Seattle Bicycles Supply

Showers Pass

Race Mate – maker of the Computrainer

Yakima

Bicycle Focused Organizations

Lee Shoemaker, City of Eugene

G.E.A.R.S.

United Bicycle Institute

Guest Speaker

Kitty Piercy

Wineries

Secret House

This should be one heck of a party and a chance to get to know your fellow cyclist. We are super stoked about the party, and we can’t wait to see you there!

By Darren Ohl, Service Manager-Hutch’s Eugene

It’s a new year in Eugene. The temperature is dropping, and the bills are rising but we aren’t letting that slow us down. Times are hard for sure. Everyone is feeling this financial crunch. I’ve sent more money to my parents these past few months than I have in a long time and I’m sure I’m not alone.

At Hutch’s we’ve decided to make the best of these times. Just this last week, Luke over at Collin’s put on a fixed gear rally. We all had a great time watching kids race from spot to spot downtown. Wet streets didn’t slow anybody down, certainly not our friend Sean Watters who won the race and our own Seqoya Hill who won the trick contest with a 360 tire tap!!

"This one time, this one time you can ask me about my business..."

We’ve also been having a blast playing Rock Band and watching the Godfather.

All this fun is great but what Hutch’s and Collin’s have been talking the most about is how to get the customers involved even more in all of this.

Sure we could just have a sale and attract a few extra people to get them to spend money. But we would like to think the bike shop is more than just a place to sell you things. More like a place to help people get the most fun out of life. Hutch’s and Collin’s hire people, form business relationships and facilitate long term community involvement with this value in mind.

So we’ve decided to throw a party. We’ve gathered together the finest bicycle related businesses and local organizations in the North West.

It’s called The Best of the North-West.
We’re going to have the party right here at Hutch’s (960 Charnelton st.)
Friday March 6th at 5:30 and we’ll rap it up at about 9 p.m.

It’s obviously free. Yes, we are going to have big sale prices on bicycles and accessories, but we’re also going to have door prizes, live music from the legendary Skip Jones and Mayor Kitty Piercy will be on hand as a key speaker.

Stay tuned to the blog, we will be posting sales prices as the date for the event gets closer. This is the first time we’ve ever done anything like this, we certainly all have high hopes for our event. But those hopes are a little bigger than creating a little business for Hutch’s and the other vendors. It’s a little more about getting everyone together under one roof, both customers and sellers alike and maybe just blowing off some steam, maybe share some ideas, but most of all, have fun together.