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SHOP TALK

Here you'll find all the latest news from Wheelfine Imports Pro Bike Shop, discussion on recent events in pro cycling and buzz in the bike industry, in depth product reviews, profiles of brands we sell, costumer testimonials, expert tutorials and more

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Featured Bike: Tommasini Tecno Athena


Check out this recent build for a new customer, Andrew. Modern steel is our specialty at Wheelfine Imports. The retro look with modern functionality of Campagnolo Athena and today's lightest, snappiest steel tubing makes this Tommasini Tecno a special ride. But don't just take our word for it; here are Andrew's:

"I came into Wheelfine after going to all the local shops looking for something different, but always coming up empty handed. Michael noticed that my current frame didn't fit me quite right, so he took me outside for some measurements. He did all the measuring while I balanced on the bench in front of the shop, no fancy machines needed. He showed me some frames he had in stock and I was sold when he pulled out a beautiful Tommasini Tecno. Of course Mike said we would put a full Campagnolo groupset on it with Deda accessories. He also built me up a nice set of Miche hubs with Campagnolo rims; they are straight as an arrow.The bike rides like a dream and could not fit me any better; I can ride this bike for hours on end. Mike is an amazing mechanic and a true professional, I could not be any happier and will be sporting my awesome Wheelfine jersey on all my group rides!"


Thanks Andrew! We're glad you're enjoying your beautiful new bike!


If you'd like us to feature your bike purchased from Wheelfine Imports, send us a short testimonial and some pictures to wheelfineimports@gmail.com

And if you'd like a bike like Andrew's, stop in or give us a call. We stock a large variety of steel frames to choose from.

Saliscendi Su Bianchi




7 July 2016






"Saliscendi (SAH lee SHEN dee)
literally 'raising-falling' refers to hilly roads where one is either going up or down all of the time, visit Tuscany to live it for yourself"
PezCycling News: Italian for Cyclists





As a customer of Wheelfine Imports, you are most likely somewhat of an Italophile. Perhaps you've visited Italy yourself; maybe you've even pedaled somewhere in this cyclist's paradise. 

Let me introduce myself. My name is Dave Cifelli. I am this blog's author, I'm the webmaster, I manage the Facebook page, and  I facilitate online sales and communications for Wheelfine Imports Pro Bike Shop

In 2012, I visited Italy for the first time. After that trip, I knew I had to go back with my bike. In 2013, I was able to save up enough money to take a month long trip again, this time riding in two Gran Fondi, spectating at the Road Worlds in Tuscany as well as the Giro di Lombardia. In 2014, I went again, visiting different places in what I consider to be the best place to ride a bike in the world. This year, I will be traveling for a third time, now with my girlfriend-turned-awesome-cyclist, Kristen. 

My personal travel blog is titled Saliscendi Su Bianchi. As you might imagine, we ride Bianchi bikes. I plan to write and post photos nearly every day of our month long trip, starting a week from today. I invite you all to follow along!

To read more about the trip we're taking this year, visit the Italia Trip 2016 tab. You can also find posts from my previous trips under the tabs for 2014 and 2013.




And just to be clear, I am going on this trip, not Michael so the shop will be open normal business hours listed on the website throughout the summer unless otherwise noted. Just wanted to make that clear. Hope you'll follow along! 

Brand Profile: Bianchi Bicycles

12 June 2016




For over 30 years, Wheelfine Imports has been a proud dealer of Bianchi bicycles. Its production bikes are second-to-none and we are excited to offer our customers their complete line of bikes, from city trekking bikes to high-end racing machines... and we mustn't forget about the venerable Pista.

Established by Edoardo Bianchi in 1885 in Milano Italy, Bianchi is the oldest still existent bike brand in the world. Since that time, Bianchi has manufactured nearly every type of bike. They've equipped armies with military bikes for two World Wars. Under the legs of urbanites, they became a mainstay on the cobbled streets of Italian cities. Most notably, they've outfitted some of the greatest champions of the sport. Fausto Coppi, Felice Gimondi, Marco Pantani, and many more rode to their greatest successes aboard a celeste-painted Bianchi.
The Specialissima- currently Bianchi's pre-eminent racing bike

Just as famous for their iconic Celeste color as their innovative drive, Bianchi was equally reputed as both a quality and prolific manufacturer. Industrial success did not curb Edoardo Bianchi's desire to research and develop the best products and manufacturing methods. This overriding philosophy continues at Bianchi today; their recent utilization of the developed-for- NASA Countervail Technology in their carbon lay-up is a perfect example of that. 

Bianchi is simply an iconic brand. Their bike geometry is proven. Riding a Bianchi is riding inspired. Their frames are snappy and nimble, yet steady and reliable when you push the pace. Visually, their bikes are stunning. Whether you're looking for a racing bike or a cruising bike, you'll find an inspiring ride from Bianchi at Wheelfine Imports.

Bianchi Bicycles are a highlight of our inventory. Below is a list of some of the models we currently stock. All other models/ sizes can be ordered and assembled expediently.

Road                                           City Trecking
Infinito CV                                   Milano
Intenso                                        Iseo
Impulso                                       Torino
Strada
                                                   New Old Stock
Track                                           Vertigo
Pista                                            1885                                   
                                                   Pinella
Cyclocross                                    SL
Zurigo                                          Dolomiti





Wheelfine is OPEN... and NOT for sale!

8 June 2016

To address some rumors;

Wheelfine Imports is open! Summer hours have just begun!

You might have noticed a Lisa James Otto For Sale sign outside of the shop. Wheelfine Imports  is NOT for sale. Over the years the building and property, which we rent, has gone up for sale multiple times. Do not confuse this with the business being for sale. We’ve been here since 1983 and have every intention of staying right where we are, building great bikes for many years to come. 


If you hear anyone mention that we’re closed or that the shop is for sale, let them know that that is NOT the case. Thanks! 

Up, Back, Down and Bend

1 June 2016

Customer Testimonial by Michael Heffler
Originally Posted June 2013


Cyclists occasionally ask me what it takes to be a good hill climber.  My current answer is be young and in good shape.  If you can’t do that than it’s the same answer as in the old joke about how do I get to Carnegie Hall: Practice! Practice! Practice!

There’s a more important question that we should be asking as the summer approaches and rides get longer: “How do we make sure we ride safely when we get tired?”     Michael Johnson, owner of Wheelfine Imports on Route 518 just outside Lambertville, NJ, and I were discussing this recently.  I was doing the listening.

“The most important thing to do when you ride, especially when you get tired, is make sure your head is up, “ Michael said.  “I used to tell people that but couldn’t tell them how.  Now I have a technique from yoga that will make sure your posture is correct and your head up so you can always see where you’re going.”

“Raise your shoulders up, then push them back and down,” Michael demonstrated as he spoke.  “Have your shoulder blades together and your head will be up.”

Try it and you’ll see.  Many of us spend a lot of time working at a keyboard or at a desk where our head is down and our shoulders are slumped.  Raise your shoulders up, push them back and then down and you are immediately sitting up straight.  It works at a desk as well as on a bike.  On a bike, when you start getting tired it’s a good thing to remember and put into practice.  It doesn’t take long to get in trouble if your head isn’t up watching where you’re going.

The second thing Michael Johnson recently taught me was that when you’re riding you use different muscles based upon your posture.  When you sit up at more than a 45-degree angle most of your pedaling power comes from your quadriceps.  When you’re flatter and more stretched out, at a less than 45-degree angle, your calves, hamstrings, glutes and lower back muscles contribute much more to your effort. 

His intention in telling me the 45-degree angle information was to help me get faster.  That isn’t going to happen.  The advice helped anyway.  I went out for a long ride on one of the first hot, humid days we’ve had and got a bit dehydrated, even though I was hydrating regularly.   About 10 miles from my home, tired and parched, I didn’t know how I would get up Phillips Barber Hill and its 17 percent grade.   

With the new information about using different muscles I lowered and flattened my back and started riding, holding the brake hoods or in the drops and I got a second wind.  Muscles that had been coasting were now contributing more and my energy level improved.  I kept drinking and stayed low, and the ride progressed nicely. After a few miles of flat back riding I had no more than the usual problem climbing a steep hill after a long ride.

Riding this way is a learned skill.  Michael gave me some stretches to do to help get into different postures on the bike.  Bending at the waist and hips while your riding, taking the pressure off of your arms, hands and shoulders, makes you more comfortable and reduces the risk of stress injuries.  Stretching has become part of my post-ride and weekly workout routine.  Without stretching my hamstrings get tight resulting in a dull pain on the left side of my lower back. 

Michael’s stretch that helps with hip flexibility begins by sitting on the edge of a chair with your legs spread apart.  Your lower leg perpendicular to the floor, heels flat on the floor, and your upper leg is parallel to the floor.  Bend over at the waist with your arms folded in front of you and have your elbows stretch toward the floor.  Hold that for about 2 minutes. 

That pose will stretch your lower back, various muscles in your legs, and help lubricate the hip flexibility.  It’s pretty simple to just sit there and bend over for a couple of minutes.  Before doing that stretch I was not able to ride in the drops.  It was too much of a strain on my neck.  Now with the added flexibility I can ride in the drops, although I still prefer to be higher up for comfort and to be able to see more.

We can’t all be young and in good shape.  Whether young, old or in between, remember to keep your shoulders up, back and down and bend at the waist.  Enjoy the ride!