This week we’re talking inexpensive & compact lighting systems, the wack Cannondale Hooligan, the Surly Long Haul Trucker, and a new tubeless version of one of our favorite WTB tires, so sit back, kick your feet up, pop a cold one (or sip a nice warm coffee drink) and let us tell ya ‘little story bout some bike schtuff…

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PICK OF THE WEEK: Being plunged into afternoon darkness with the time change, we find ourselves grabbing for our lights all of a sudden.  We all have our NiteRider and Light In Motion systems (which Sunshine stocks), but when it comes to a compact, simple, carry-all-the-time-light that’s actually bright enough to ride by, with built in batteries, 50 rockin’ lumens, and waterproof, Andy at the shop recommends the Princeton Tec “Mighty Bright Lite”.  He actually did a 24 hour ride not too long ago with three of these.  A single LED runs on 3 AAA’s, comes with handlebar and helmet mounting hardware, and lights the way for many of your compact light needs for just $49.99.  Thanks to Andy for finding this one and bringing it into Sunshine.

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BLASTER TAILLIGHT: Speaking of compact lights, perhaps the biggest bang for your buck continues to be the NiteRider Cherry Bomb.  This little visual wonder (careful, don’t point it at your eyes!) does a kick butt job at making sure you’re seen from the rear (and sides) for up to a mile.  Yyyyyup, 1 mile.  And battery life is 20-40 hours.  The new standard in rear lights is just $29.99.

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WE GOT YER COMPACT LIGHTS RIGHT HERE: We have a large selection of other compact lighting systems (right>) for you to choose from by a variety of other superb makers like Planet Bike, Blackburn, Serfas and CatEye.  Come in and take a look — it’s that time!

Having multiple lights lets you have one on each bike or bag without having to swap things over each time you grab a different setup to head out the door.  Next week we’ll take a look at the amazing options in the higher end lights we carry from NiteRider, Light In Motion, and more.

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YA BIG HOOLIGAN! On the bike front this week, we’d be remiss without a shout out to the bike that brings a whole new meaning to the word fun, and that’s the Cannondale Hooligan.

This little “what the hell is that?” bike is just a crazy amount of things packed into one little package.  It’s a 20-inch bike (non foldable) based on the older Cannondale Super V frame, which makes it hella overbuilt and tough.  Then from there add a solo fork (rigid Lefty strut in other words), Avid mechanical disk brakes, an a 3-speed internal SRAM I Motion 3 hub, and a badass black matte finish.

What do you use the Hooligan for?  Around town, short commutes, keep it in places where there’s not much bike storage, keep it inside your front door for quick errands… or put some beefy tires on it and hit the trials circuit, brah!    There are some other colors (white) and options (derailleur version) available, and we have one in stock (Hooligan 3) right now for the ridiculously low money-to-fun ratio price of $899.00.

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THE BIKE WITH THE COUNTRY SONG TITLE NAME: Some of the best most versatile and simplest bikes out there the past several years have been by Surly.  Let’s break down one of the fine Surlys on the floor right now, – what’s different about it and what it’s best for.

The Surly Long Haul Trucker is, like lot of the Surly line, designed with certain strengths in mind yet is versatile.  The LHT, as they like to call it, has bike touring and “loaded travel” in mind.  It’s got a low BB, long tubes with lots of stays for panniers, fenders, etc., all designed for stability and lots of clearance for wider tires if you like.  Top that all off with an available 26 inch wheel version and you have one, er, long haul trucker.  This bomber bike is also great for a daily rider, soaking up whatever our fine California roads (cough!) can throw at it.  We have a 700C wheel version, 58cm in “Truckaccino” beige in stock now — built up — for $1095.00.

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THE TIRE, NOT THE MOVIE SILLY! Finally, one of our favorite MTB tires from Wilderness Trail Bikes has been released in a tubeless version.  The WTB Wolverine, with it’s extra-toothy side knobs, lets you lean into turns with confidence you won’t be having that  Redwood tree for lunch.  Here’s a little WTB video on the 2010 Wolverine.

Thanks for tunin’ in and now get your a** out there and ride!!