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Getting into gear: Local bike shops preparing for summer

By Linden Markley 7 min read

As the weather warms and the threat of snow is a distant memory, local outdoors shops are seeing increased business as bicyclists are getting ready to hit the trails.

Interest in outdoor cycling soared during the pandemic, as many wanted to start new hobbies and spend time outside. But that trend has not waned yet, according to Pedal Power owner Tom Lauver, who has seen many customers still using bikes bought during the pandemic.

"At the time, I would say, 'I hope they stay with it,' and I'll tell you, I think most of them have, which is great," Lauver said.

Full-suspension mountain bikes a popular item, as well as gravel bikes with wider tires at Spokes N Skis, owner Bryan Caporuscio said.

Spokes N Skis, which celebrated 21 years of business on April 1 on Logan Boulevard in Lakemont, also has an influx of bikes now that supply chain issues have subsided. But Caporuscio said this has created a "consumer's market," which means a higher inventory and lower prices on bikes.

"We aren't making money," Caporuscio said. "But we're able to get bikes into people's hands and that makes me happy."

Pedal Power, located on Union Avenue in Altoona, had a hard time keeping inventory during the pandemic because of supply chain issues and increased demand. But Lauver said those have both decreased in the past year, so there are now plenty of bikes in stock.

Much of the work at the shop during springtime is spent on repairs and tuneups for owners looking to prepare their bicycles for a summer full of riding. Lauver said this has been a busy year for repairs, with as many as 20 to 30 bikes dropped off in one day.

"The warm weather gets people wound up and dragging things in (for repairs)," Lauver said.

Shoppers are also preparing for the season.

Nelson Horton bought a new bicycle helmet at Spokes N Skis with advice from his wife, Norma. Nelson has worked on Lower Trail for decades, serving on the board for Rails to Trails of Central PA and now as safety director.

"These trails are a great thing for this area," Nelson said. "But safety is the most important thing, and that's a fact."

He said free paths like Lower Trail attract bikers of all ages and make outdoor recreation more accessible. Scores of trails are available in Blair and surrounding counties, including a stream-side path at Canoe Creek and the widely popular Allegrippis Trail system at Raystown Lake. Lauver said the system, which features 36 miles of track, brings in mountain bikers from outside the area.

"We have a big draw around here because of the scenery," Lauver said. "You can't beat it."

A ride for everyone

From children's bikes with training wheels to electric-powered bicycles, there is something for everybody at Pedal Power, Lauver said. His customers range from ages 2 to 98, as some of the electric options, including a new tricycle, offer more stability and supplement power to older riders.

"They allow them to go places they wouldn't and under their own power," Lauver said. "Hills never get less steep, but the bikers are getting older."

Electric bicycles are also popular among commuters, with some customers even selling their vehicles and switching to the two-wheeled option. On their way to work, they can put the bicycle on full throttle without breaking a sweat, but can get in a full workout on their way home, Lauver said.

E-bikes and hybrid bikes, offering power by both pedal and throttle, have also become popular at Spokes N Skis, Caporuscio said. He said people are looking for options that are easier to ride and allow them to go longer distances. The shop also sells skiing equipment and features a repair shop, which keeps business steady throughout the year, Caporuscio said. He said the store caters toward outdoorsy people who participate in both skiing and biking and are looking for a professional opinion on gear.

Easter bikes in stock

Bicycles are a popular gift for children for Easter, but were not in stock in past years. Lauver of Pedal Power said this is no longer the case, and expects parents to come into the store throughout the week.

Buying bikes for kids is "pretty cut and dry," Lauver said, as it is mostly based on the child's height and favorite color. Having worked in the industry since 1985, he said local bike shops offer one-on-one advice that is not available in online shopping.

He said bikes make a good Easter gift because the children can use them right away during the warmer weather. But, the increase of video games and iPads as gifts are turning parents away from bike shops like Pedal Power.

"Technology is a tough battle for us," Lauver said.

Caporcusio said Spokes N Skis also has plenty of kids' bikes in stock, but he is unsure if people will seek them out this year.

"It will be interesting to see if that customer will think, 'Well they didn't have them last year,'" Caporcusio said.

The owner said March is a transitional time for the shop and allows him to think about the future of biking. Electric and hybrid bikes are at the forefront of trends, but he is always looking for the next best thing.

"Bike shops are going to have to adapt," Caporcusio said. "But there's a lot of opportunity there."

Pedaling forward

The future of cycling is dependent on young riders finding support from experienced bicyclists, according to Blair Bicycle Club vice president Chris Ressler. The club features a variety of weekly road rides for bikers of all levels and attracts about 90 members each year.

"We try to be a good role model to get young people out there and get them to ride," Ressler said.

Ressler credited local bike shops with supporting the cycling community and helping beginners get into the sport. He said e-bikes are also used by some club members and can help on routes with tougher hills, so he is glad to see the shops supplying them.

As a cyclist since 1982, Ressler said it is important to share advice to younger riders and encourage them to get outside. He said central Pennsylvania is one of the best places to ride bikes because of the variety of roads with low traffic. This allows the club to ride all summer with little overlap of routes, and attracts visiting cyclists to the area.

"I've ridden all over the country," Ressler said, "and this is probably one of the top five or ten places to ride."

Ressler has also helped with the construction of the new mountain bike trails around the Horseshoe Curve, a project spearheaded by Altoona's Engineering Department Supervisor Rob Crossman. The 5-mile loop trail provides more riding options, as the club does not currently offer mountain biking.

The Blair Bicycle Club is constantly adding new rides and encouraging beginners to get involved in road biking, with the goal of nourishing them and keeping them involved.

"We like to see it because all of us are getting older," Ressler said. "Biking has enriched my life personally."

For a full schedule of rides with the Blair Bicycle Club and information on how to join, visit its website at www.blairbicycleclub.org. Options for youth participation are also available.

Mirror Staff Writer Linden Markley is at 814-946-7520.

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