The Clean Machine

Hey all-
As many of you know by now, The Clean Machine recently merged with the Bicycle Chain Chapel Hill shop. The last year and a half has seen a lot of headwinds in the bicycle industry, especially with local, independent shops. Far too many have been forced to close their doors permanently, both in our area as well as nationwide. Check out the story that ran this week on CBS 17 in the Comments below to get a clear picture of what’s happening in our industry.

So what’s the good news in all this? Plenty!

✅✅ EXPANDED INVENTORY: A larger selection of bikes, gear, and accessories in the unified shop! The newly-merged store will carry Specialized, Cannondale, Santa Cruz, Juliana, Gazelle, Jamis, and Kink BMX.

✅✅ ENHANCED SERVICE: The Clean Machine Service Team (Bill and Mike) has joined the Chapel Hill Team- this means even more expertise, faster turnaround times on repairs, and even better customer service!

✅✅ FAMILIAR LOCATION: Still conveniently located at 210 W. Franklin Street, and we still have free private parking for all our customers.

Starting with The Clean Machine, we’ve been locally owned and operated since 1972, and the Bicycle Chain Chapel Hill since 1992- that’s 84 combined years of offering the best bikes and the best Service in the area- we’re still doing that, only now under one unified roof. While merging the shops wasn’t our first choice, we’re excited about the enhanced offerings we’ll be bringing to you with the unified shop.

Thank you for supporting us as your local bike shop for all these years, and we hope you will stop by soon and see all the great things we’re doing! Call us at 919-929-0213, or stop by and see us at 210 W. Franklin St.

*** NEW BIKE DAY!! ***
It's that time of year again! Graduations, commencement days, and college acceptances are all here or right around the corner! Jay Seaman's daughter Gabe is no exception- she's been accepted at UNC Wilmington so Dad brought her in for a new bike to get around campus and around town!
She picked the Specialized Bicycles Bicycles Rockhopper Comp, as well as a new helmet and a U-lock to keep her new ride safe- congratulations on your acceptance and new bike, and go Seahawks!

*** FLASH SALE!! ***
What's better than a beautiful weekend with great weather? A beautiful weekend with a Flash Sale from The Bicycle Chain and The Clean Machine !!

✅ So what's a Flash Sale? It's simple- we give you an additional 10% off all Bikes and Accessories ALREADY on sale from folks like Specialized Bicycles , Cannondale, Santa Cruz Bicycles, Gazelle Bicycles, and Jamis Bikes, to name just a few.

✅ How Does it Work? It's easy- come on in to any of our 5 shops and test ride a bike, or try on a new helmet, or pick up some nice new wheels, or some new cycling shoes- the list is endless!!

✅ Want to check out what we have in-store before you come in? Check- you can do that too! Simply go to our website to check each shop's inventory, (link in the Comments) then come on in to get your additional savings!

✅ And check back here often- we'll be posting throughout the weekend with pics and links to some of our hottest deals- if you've been thinking about a new bike, or a new helmet or shoes, or some new upgraded components, this weekend is the time for you to take advantage of these "double-dip discounts"!- come see us!

** TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT **
The Bicycle Chain and the Clean Machine are happy to announce that Greg Turner has been named as the Manager of our Chapel Hill Bicycle Chain shop. Established in 1992 as Franklin Street Cycles, the shop has been a mainstay on Franklin Street for 32 years- and we’re excited to bring on a top-notch “bike guy” to lead our efforts going forward.

Greg is of course an avid rider, and enjoys mountain biking, gravel riding and bike backpacking. He also brings to us 20+ years of experience in the bike industry, including stints in Sales, Service, and Management, with a long track record of building great, customer-focused teams.

“With our long history in Chapel Hill and on Franklin Street, we wanted to be certain that we were bringing in someone who would not only preserve our legacy in Chapel Hill, but build it up to the next level,” said Dave Naderman, Regional Sales Manager. “With his knowledge of the bike industry, and his focus on great customer service, we got our guy.”

Speaking of industry knowledge and experience, Greg truly is a “bike guy.” Here are just a few of the Certifications he holds: FOX Suspension Master Tech Certified, SRAM Master Tech Certified, DT Swiss Master Wheel Builder, Shimano Certified, USA Cycling, Cane Creek Suspension Certified, and of course Specialized Certified and Specialized Turbo E-Bike Level 2 Certified.

“With Greg’s extensive bike knowledge, as well as his great customer service skills, we got someone who can lead by example- which we believe is critical on Franklin Street,” said Doug Venema, Co-Owner. “There isn’t much in the bike world that he hasn’t seen, and that ability to keep a cool head and keep focus on the customer is exactly what we need.”

In addition to the “bike stuff,” Greg also enjoys spending time with his 2 kids- he’s also an avowed music nut; in fact you may see him at the Cat’s Cradle and the Haw River Ballroom, especially on nights when there’s live bluegrass. And being a bikepacker, he of course loves to travel and be outside, and you may also see him from time to time tooling around town on his E-bike. We invite you to stop in to the shop, meet Greg and his team, and see for yourself the great things he’s doing in Chapel Hill!

*** UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT!! ***
Lots of great stuff happening at The Bicycle Chain Chapel Hill!
✅ We want to welcome our new Store Manager, Greg Turner- more to come on him, but he's already doing a great job building his team and giving the shop a new facelift!
✅ "Travels with Mike" is back- our longtime resident guru Mike Marino is back at it- check him out repping in Peru; you'll also find him supporting the Carolina Tarwheels Bicycle Club Wislon Park rides the 1st Saturday of the month
✅ Santa Cruz Bicycles are back in Chapel Hill- come on in and check 'em out!
✅ Dads (and kids of all ages) rejoice! We have the Kink BMX 26" Drifter back in stock!
✅ Been wanting to try an E-bike? We have rental E-bikes if you want to see what they're all about!
✅ And of course, Chapel Hill is still Chapel Hill, so we'll always have the NUUN Hydration for the "bikes and beer" crowd....😉
Come on in and meet our new team!

*** NEW BIKE DAY!! ***
Another at The Bicycle Chain Raleigh! Meet Jerry McMahon- he's got a lot of big rides planned this year, and came in looking for a solid E-bike, and a way to get it around. So we hooked him up with a brand new Gazelle Ultimate T10 HMB E-bike and the newly released THULE EPOS 2 Bike w/ Lights hitch-mounted rack (and a ramp!).
Thanks again for supporting local business Jerry, and we look forward to hearing about all your travels- and send us some pics when you get a chance!

*** EASTER WEEKEND HOURS ***
Hey all, here's our Easter Weekend hours:
✅ Friday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
✅ Saturday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
✅ Sunday: Closed
✅ Monday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Weather's going to be great (sunny, 70's & 80's!), so we hope everyone has a great Easter Weekend- and get out and ride!!

*** Ride for a Great Cause!! ***
Hey folks!
We're excited to announce our support of and partnership with the American Diabetes Association for their upcoming NC Tour de Cure ride on May 18, 2024. At The Bicycle Chain and The Clean Machine, we're passionate about using our love for biking to make a difference, and supporting ADA's mission is close to our hearts.

Here's how you can join us in supporting this important cause:

✅ Participate in the Ride: Gather some friends, put together a team, or go solo. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there's a route for everyone!

✅ Donate and Fundraise: Can't make it to the ride? You can still show your support by making a donation or starting a fundraising campaign. Every contribution helps ADA in their efforts to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of those affected by the disease.

✅ Gear Up at The Bicycle Chain and Clean Machine: Whether it’s a bike, some gear and accessories, or a tune-up, we have everything you need to get ready for a great day! Swing by any of our shops and we’ll get you dialed in.

Spread the word, rally your friends, and let's ride together towards a world free of diabetes.

For more information about the ride or how you can get involved, scan the QR Code, click the link in the Comments, or reach out to Katie-Rose Crater, Director of Development for NC & VA ADA- let’s ride to make a difference!

*** Another fun at The Bicycle Chain Raleigh!! ***
So what do you do if you're 70 years old and have pins in your shoulder from a previous bike wreck? Well, in Cathy King's case you drive down from Danville, VA - Government with your husband John and pick up a brand new Juliana Bicycles carbon fiber Roubion! Or in her words, "get right back on it".
We had a blast working with John and Cathy, and it was a lot of fun watching her tear up our MTB test track that we have behind the store- it was also fun watching them together- truly !! Thanks again guys, we appreciate the trust you've placed in us, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!

*** March Madness Comes to The Bicycle Chain and The Clean Machine!! ***

The NCAA Tournament is underway, and so is our first big sale of the year! Here's the deal:
✅ Friday March 22nd thru Sunday March 24th
✅ 10% Off All Bikes (and yes, that's 10% IN ADDITION TO any bikes already on sale!!)
✅ 20% Off ALL Accessories and Equipment!

Come on in and see us, or visit our website (link in the Comments) to check out what we have.

The Clean Machine Based in Carrboro, NC, we've been locally owned and operated since 1972. Our mission is to ensure our

Here's today's March Madness TV schedule for those with brackets- or who just want to follow their favorite teams! And stay tuned, we'll have our own March Madness news later today...

Hmmm....interesting perspective! Might be time to come in and give one a try maybe?

*** Introducing Our Newest Adventure: E-Bike Rentals at Bicycle Chain Chapel Hill!! ***
Ready to elevate your ride? Never ridden one but always wanted to see what all the fuss is about? Want to "try before you buy"? Now you can with our brand-new E-Bike Rental Program!
** Why Choose E-Biking? **
✅ Effortless Exploration: Conquer hills and cover more ground with ease. Our electric bikes make every ride a breeze!
✅ Versatility: From scenic trails to urban streets, our e-bikes are perfect for any adventure.
✅ Convenience: Forget about parking hassles and traffic jams. Simply hop on and go!
✅ Eco-Friendly: Reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying the great outdoors.
** How Does It Work?
It's easy- you can reserve your bike 1 of 2 ways:
1) Stop by the store and pick it up 210 W. Franklin St.)
2) Call to reserve your rental (919-929-0213)
3) Decide how long you want to rent it (we have daily and weekly rates)
4) Go enjoy your ride!
Other Stuff:
- Your safety is our top priority. Each e-bike is thoroughly inspected and maintained to ensure a smooth and secure riding experience.
- Must be 16 to rent an e-bike.
- We also have any accessories you may need- come check us out!
** Ready to Ride into the Future?
Don't miss out on the excitement! Whether you're exploring new trails or cruising around town, our e-bikes are your ticket to adventure. Reserve your e-bike today and let the fun begin!!

*** ATTENTION ROADIES- PSA ***
As many of you may be aware, on Thursday the US Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall on "All 12 speed SRAM eTap AXS RED, Force, Rival, and Apex shift-brake levers which were NOT installed by a bicycle dealer on a new bicycle are involved in this recall".
Please note that the recall is for aftermarket shift/brake levers, NOT for levers installed by a bike dealer on a new bike. That said, if you're still concerned about your bike, you can bring it by any of our shops and we'd be happy to provide a free inspection on all your SRAM equipment. We've included links in the Comments here from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and SRAM for more details. Stay safe out there, and keep riding!

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! The Bicycle Chain and Clean Machine ANNUAL TUNE-UP SPECIAL IS BACK!!

From Jan 19th – Feb 18th, take $50 OFF the cost of an Annual Tune-Up (regular price $140), and get your ride ready for the spring and summer season! Take advantage of the cold weather and let us get you ready for a year of smooth rides.

🔧 Here's what you get with our Annual Tune-Up:
✅ Lubrication of key components for a smoother ride
✅ Wheel truing to ensure optimal alignment
✅ Safety check for your peace of mind
✅ Recommendations for any additional maintenance needs

Why choose us for your Annual Tune-Up?
- Experienced bike technicians
- Quick and efficient service
- Quality workmanship for a reliable ride
- Expert advice on bike maintenance

Book your Annual Tune-Up today and enjoy $50 off! It's our way of helping you start the year with a well-tuned and reliable bike.

** On the 7th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to meeee: **
* Mountain bikes for the family!,
* A sweet upgrade from me to me,
* "5 Gold road bikes" (jk, they're carbon and alloy, and there's more than 5!),
* Gravel Bikes "4" all to see,
* Lots and lots of E-Bikes,
* 2 "Turtle gloves",
* And some kids bikes for under the treeee...
Come check out the new Santa Cruz Bicycles Blurs and Tallboys, the Specialized Bicycles Stumpjumper EVO Expert, and some old-school Surlys, among others! You can also check out full availability at our online store (link in the Comments). Christmas is coming....

** On the 6th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to meeee: **
* A sweet upgrade from me to me (see below!!)
* "5 Gold road bikes" (jk, they're carbon and alloy, and there's more than 5!)
* Gravel Bikes "4" all to see,
* Lots and lots of E-Bikes,
* 2 "Turtle gloves",
* And some kids bikes for under the treeee...

Check out this Pinarello Paris that got a refresh at our Apex shop. It is our customer Donn's dream bike and he decided to make it even better after a few years with a set of Specialized Bicycles Roval Rapide CL carbon wheels, some of "s fastest tires, and an upgrade to Shimano-Road's new 12 speed Ultegra Di2 with a dual-sided power meter and integrated cadence sensor. Considering some off-season upgrades? Maybe a lightweight wheelset or moving to an electronic groupset? Right now we have great turnaround times to get your bike flying down the roads and trails of the Triangle- treat yourself to a sweet upgrade for the New Year!!

** On the 5th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to meeee: **

* "5 Gold road bikes" (jk, they're carbon and alloy, and there's more than 5!)
* Gravel Bikes "4" all to see,
* Lots and lots of E-Bikes,
* 2 "Turtle gloves",
* And some kids bikes for under the treeee...
Come check out the new Specialized Bicycles Tarmac SL8 and Roubaix SL8, as well as some great clearance deals on the SL7's and the Cannondale SuperSix Evo's!

** On the 4th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to meeee: **

* Gravel Bikes "4" all to see,
* Lots and lots of E-Bikes,
* 2 "Turtle gloves",
* And some kids bikes for under the treeee...

Come check out the Clean Machine or the Chapel Hill Bicycle Chain for great year-end deals on Specialized Bicycles, Cannondale, and Santa Cruz Bicycles carbon and alloy gravel bikes!

*** Exciting News from The Bicycle Chain and The Clean Machine! ***

Get Ready for Our 12 Days of Christmas Sale!

This holiday season, The Bicycle Chain is spreading the joy with our spectacular 12 Days of Christmas Sale! Starting today, gear up for 12 days of amazing deals and offers on everything you need for your cycling adventures!

Here's a sneak peek at what's coming your way:

- Day 1: Today- Kids Bikes- we still have some great kids bikes at Clearance prices- if you're looking for a great Santa gift for your kids, come check us out!

- Day 2: Tuesday 12/12- Accessories, apparel, and gear- take up to 75% off on select apparel and accessories- check out our website at https://www.thebicyclechain.com/ for a complete list

- Day 3: Wednesday 12/13- E-Bikes, E-Bikes, and more E-Bikes! From E-MTB's to E-hybrids to Cargo e-bikes, we have what you're looking for!

And the excitement continues with more fantastic deals throughout the entire 12 days! Check back daily for great holiday deals!

** Why shop with us this holiday season? **
- Quality bikes and accessories
- Expert advice from our team
- Unbeatable prices and discounts
- A festive atmosphere to make your shopping experience merry and bright!

Mark your calendars and join us from Monday 12/11 to Saturday 12/23 to make this holiday season extra special!

More Days, this time in our Raleigh and Apex shops! First up is long-time customer Keith Bell, who decided it was time to break down and get an E-MTB, and got a killer deal on a Santa Cruz Bicycles Heckler Carbon 9.0! He'll be tearing it up out on the trails!
Next up is Danny Simpson, who picked up a brand new Specialized Bicycles Carbon Sirrus X 5.0- a fast, light bike that's equally at home on the road, gravel trails, and the greenways- in fact, we bet we'll be seeing him on all of the above!
Congrats and thanks again guys, we appreciate you choosing us!

We hope everyone's having a great Thanksgiving with family and friends!
As a reminder, we will be back open tomorrow for the Black Friday Weekend- here's a sneak peek of what we have on tap for you:
* Gravel Bikes- up to $2,050 Off
* E-Bikes- up to $4,000 Off
* Mountain Bikes- up to $2,850 Off
* Road Bikes- up to $2,700 Off
* Accessories & Gear- up to 75% Off
Many bikes at or below cost while in-store supplies last- be sure to come early, or shop online at https://www.thebicyclechain.com/ to reserve your Black Friday deal! And check back here throughout the weekend, we've got plenty for you to see....

*THANKSGIVING WEEK HOURS*
In keeping with our tradition, all our stores will be closed Tues-Thurs this week so our staff can enjoy Thanksgiving with their families!
NOTE: our online store IS STILL OPEN at https://www.thebicyclechain.com/ - if you want to order something online to ensure that you get it, you can do so. We'll then contact you on Friday when we re-open to arrange for you to get your stuff. In the meantime, we hope everyone has a great week and a very Happy Thanksgiving- hope to see you this Black Friday Weekend!

** Gear Up for Savings: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday Are Right Around the Corner at The Bicycle Chain and The Clean Machine! **

Get ready, riders! The most thrilling shopping weekend of the year is almost here, and we've got deals that will make your wheels spin!

Black Friday- 11/24/23 Kick start your holiday shopping with our Black Friday deals:
• Up to 58% off on selected in-stock bikes!
• Special markdowns on accessories, gear, and apparel
• 75% Off on all Clearance Corner accessories!

Small Business Saturday-11/25/23 Support your local bike shop and pedal in style:
• Exclusive discounts on bikes and accessories!
• Complimentary out-the-door bike Tune-Ups with every new bike purchase!
• Free Local Delivery on new in-stock E-Bike purchases!

Sunday- 11/26/23
• Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Deals roll on!
• “Santa’s Workshop”- need a place to hide your purchase until it goes under the tree? Our “elves” can stash your Christmas surprise in our “Workshops”, um, stores for you!

Cyber Monday – 11/27/23 Grab online savings from the comfort of your home:
• 25-58% off on online new in-stock bike orders!
• Cyber Monday deals on select bike accessories and apparel
• Free Local Delivery on new E-Bike purchases!

Whether you're looking for the perfect gift or treating yourself to an upgrade, we’re here to make it happen- check back often, as we’ll be posting daily our hottest bike deals!

Visit us at The Bicycle Chain and Clean Machine, or shop online at https://www.thebicyclechain.com/. Let the savings roll in, and we'll see you at the shop!

The Clean Machine Based in Carrboro, NC, we've been locally owned and operated since 1972. Our mission is to ensure our

** Public Service Announcement **
Think bicycles are just for recreation? Think again!
That bicycle in your garage can replace so many of your trips taken by car.

Join Bike Carrboro, the Town of Carrboro, NC, and Bicycle Alliance Chapel Hill - BACH, for a day of fun and learning how to make your bike do more! We at the Clean Machine, and several others, will be on hand so you can try out some bikes including cargo bikes and e-bikes! With the holidays just around the corner, get your holiday ideas lined up before Small Business Saturday comes the following weekend!

Details:
WHAT: Life on Wheels
WHEN: Saturday, November 18, 10 am to 2 pm
WHERE: 501 S. Greensboro St./ Two Hills Drive (South Green in Carrboro)

Hope to see you there!!

** HEADS UP **
Our Apex store will be closed today for inventory. Our other 4 locations are open as usual, and Apex will be back open on Friday. Thanks for your patience, and see you soon!

***REMINDER***
2 more days for October Savings!!
From October 28th to Halloween, enjoy spine-tingling savings on all things cycling, including:
** Bikes: Upgrade your ride with scary good discounts on select models. The 10% Halloween deal is IN ADDITION to the current bike manufacturers' deals.
** Accessories: From helmets to handlebar grips, we've got accessories to complete your cycling ensemble.
** Apparel: Pedal in style with discounts on cycling apparel to keep you comfortable on your adventures.
** Tools & Gear: Stock up on essential tools and maintenance kits to keep your bike in tip-top shape.
Don't be haunted by missed opportunities. Join us at all The Bicycle Chain and Clean Machine locations thru Halloween and ride away with savings that will make your Halloween extra special.!
Also, 2 more days for our OCTOBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION- anyone with a birthday in October is eligible for an additional $10 coupon on any purchase over $25!!

So, come on in and find your next great ride, and tag anyone you know with an October birthday- see you soon!

Hello Monday, my old friend....🎼 Here's a little humor to help finish out the day! We're sure at some point we've all had this "karate lesson"...✅😂

***PSA***
A little Sunday morning PSA for all the dog lovers out there!