Thank you.

We have had a wonderful first year, and we just want to thank everyone that helped in anyway. This bicycle shop would not be possible without all the people that helped build before we opened, helped or partnered with events, and our customers. Every one of you are a huge part of this shop having such a wonderful first year, and with your continued support, we'll have year after year of great times with bicycles. This is your shop, your made it.

Thank you for a great 2010. We so look forward to seeing all of you help make 2011 even better.

Dan and Holland
Nashville Bicycle Lounge

Bern Helmet and Shimpagnolo


I've been testing the "Shimpagnolo" for more than two months now, and so far it has performed quite nicely. What is Shimpagnolo? Well, Shimano 8speed shifters pull 2.5mm of cable per shift, and so do Campagnolo 10speed. So you get Campy shifting with bombproof Shimano 8speed.

The current set up is Veloce shifters actuating a Record front derailleur as well as an XTR short cage rear. Set up took a little longer than usual, but wasn't bad, and once everything was dialed, it has worked well both on and off road.

I used the group for a few 'cross races and it was just nice. The mud had no effect on the shifting (though it froze the cables on the underside of the BB shell) and the Campy trim on the front derailleur was a joy.

The ease and reliability of Shimano 8speed, with Italian actuation: perfect.


Bern Watts Hard Hat with Brock Foam.

This helmet kicks ass. It vents well. Seriously. I've used it for hard rides all over town, a cyclocross race, and daily commuting. The visor is in just the right place to keep the sun out of your eyes without blocking the view when hunched over. With a cap underneath, it kept my head much warming than any over-vented race helmet and wicked sweat and breathed well enough to keep me from looking like I just got out of a pool.

I have used it only in cold conditions (sub 45degrees), but it will be my go-to helmet until the summer heat makes even going without a helmet unbearable.

I have not tested it in rain yet, but it seems quite promising... stay tuned.

Showers Pass Hybrid Zip Off Test

OK, sure, I'm using the events page for a write up. BUT, we test most everything we sell, because that's our job, not yours - and I needed a place to put it.

I have been riding in the Showers Pass Hybrid Zip-off Pants every day since Saturday, and they were absolutely perfect with it being dry and hovering between the high 40's and low 50's. As full length pants, the felt just like a comfortable pair of slacks, and with the bottoms of the legs zipped off, they became the perfect knicker. However, yesterday afternoon's cold rain would be the perfect way to see what these really have to offer.

With a pair of bibs, wool socks and a base layer and jacket that have worked well for me in these conditions, it was up to the pants to do their part.


(remember to stay hydrated... even when it's cold)

The drizzle bounced off like a newly waxed car, and the thin insulation kept my legs warm the entire day. As the rain passed, the temperature dropped significantly, and while my hands were frozen, my legs and feet were as warm and dry as they could be. The small tabs and snaps on the calf portion of the pants allow me to "pin them tighter" around the tops of my shoes keeping the pant leg out of the chain as well as creating a tighter seal at the cuff. They felt like a nice pair of slacks from the time I put them on until they came off, and not once did I ever have to worry about being wet or cold, which is what you want in a winter garment.

This morning, with the temperature hanging in the mid 30's, they went right back on for the ride to work. Armed with no base layer on the legs, they still performed magnificently, keeping me warm and comfy for the 25 minute ride in.

So far, there is nothing about these pants I do not love, and they are much more comfortable and relaxed than the heavy rain pants I've been using for the last few years, by leaps and bounds. As I wouldn't put them on to the test in an absolute downpour where heavy weight touring type gear is required, they not only fill the need for a casual pant that performs well for any other type of weather, they look really good too.

If you are looking for that piece of clothing to allow you to get out on the bike more this winter without looking like you're getting ready for a stage race or a moon landing, these are perfect... and at $100 how can you go wrong?