Ironman week busy for local bike shops

COEUR d'ALENE - With Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene rapidly approaching on Sunday, local bike shops are prepared for a busy week.

John Bowman, owner of Mountain View Cyclery and Fitness in Hayden, said that Ironman season and the summer months keep the shop busy as folks are either looking into biking or buying the necessities for transportation on two wheels.

"The competitors in Ironman already have their bikes ready to go when they arrive," Bowman said. "For the most part, they are just looking to buy the odds and ends."

Bowman said bike fittings are one of the store's key sales. Fittings range from $60 and up and the specific level of fit to a biker. Bowman said when a person is looking for a bike there are several elements to take into consideration to create the right fit. Height, weight and injury history are just a few considerations.

"When people buy bikes through manufacturers or through online sites and plug in their information, such as their weight and height, we find that when they bring their bike in to check out, more than 50 percent of people get the incorrect size," Bowman said.

Bowman said that Ironman and particularly post-Ironman are busy times for his store as he called it an "inspiration" that locals pick up from seeing the Ironman competitors.

"We encourage bikers especially those in Ironman to have a bike with a carbon-file base, as opposed to aluminum," Bowman said. "With these competitors sitting on a bike between five to eight hours, having a comfortable seat and quality frame creates less fatigue, which becomes important once the running portion of Ironman begins."

Mountain View offers racing bikes ranging from $1,500 to $3,500 and Bowman said that's where most Ironman cyclists should be, but he said he's seen entry-level bikes at $800 and some individuals with bikes that reach up to $10,000 or more.

Bowman said the weather has caused business to remain flat this year.

"We aren't seeing as many competitors on the race course early to prepare as usual," Bowman said.

Mike Gaertner, owner of Vertical Earth at Riverstone in Coeur d'Alene, said business has been slower than it would be this time of year because of the weather, but he said things are starting to pick up.

"Ironman is an important event for the community," Gaertner said. "This event helps locals to get more actively involved in outdoor activities. They may not compete in an Ironman event, but even if just to pick up a bike to ride is a big deal."

Gaertner said this year the buzz around Ironman for both local and out-of-state competitors is the snowpack, water levels and water temps. Even with the unknown for this year, Gaertner said Ironman has a positive impact for the community.

"Most of the competitors from out of town return every year for Ironman," Gaertner said. "For them this is their habit and addiction. They love the community."

One thing Gaertner has noticed this year about training for the big event on Sunday is that it has been more subdued than usual.

"With the weather being as it has most runners and bikers have been training indoors," Gaertner said. "It's challenging for them as well as for local drivers who need to get reacquainted with Ironman participants on the roads again."

Terra Sports in downtown Coeur d'Alene is in close proximity to competitors staying either at The Coeur d'Alene Resort or other condominiums nearby.

Alex Castagno, an employee of Terra Sports, said that Ironman business will start picking up during Ironman week as folks will buy or rent bicycles.

Castagno said that about 60 percent of business during Ironman week comes from Ironman competitors, their families and spectators.

For race day items, the store is stocked with supplies, including Co2 for bike tires and nutritional bars.

"With us being located downtown and so many competitors staying downtown, it's real easy to get to us at the last minute if needed," Castagno said.

Terra Sports offers a Cannondale Slice bike as its top bike for sale and that can range between $2,000 to $6,500. The Slice has a rear-stay micro-suspension system that deflects vertically to absorb road shock.

While business has remained slow for 2011 because of the wet spring, Castagno said Terra Sports caters to other individuals to make up for business. One successful avenue for the company is the rental of cruiser bikes.

The store offers single-speed cruiser bikes for $45 for a day or three or more days for $35 per day.

Just like Bowman and Gaertner, Castagno believes Ironman has meant a lot to the community.

"Ironman brings in thousands of people every year, more than any other event we have," he said.

When it comes to competitive races, Castagno recommends individuals purchase a road bike first. Most range between $800 to $8,000.

Castagno added that with the evolution of Ironman Coeur d'Alene the experience of the event creates a desire for people to live healthier and become active.

"Every day I see a person visit the store asking about wanting to try competing in a triathlon," Castagno said.