Buy Where You Ride – Support Your Local Bike Shop

By Skip Holmes

It is June and the weather in the great Northeast is perfect for another great cycling season. If you like hot and humid, wet, and muddy, windy or just a perfect warm day with no bugs, we have it all. 

All we need is a bicycle or two to fit the conditions and the roads or trails we love to ride on. The backroads are perfect for a road bike, the dirt and gravel roads and trails beckon us to ride on a gravel, MTB or even a hybrid bike. Or even the latest e-bikes that come in so many configurations.

Selecting a new bike can be a challenge these days with so many possible types. Visiting a local bike shop should be your first step in narrowing down your selection. The local shops have experienced employees who will listen to your questions, show you the selections available, help find the appropriate size, guide you through the type of equipment groups each model has, let you demo a model and if it is not in their current inventory get it in a week or less in most cases.

Purchasing a bike from a local bike shop will provide you with a no pressure environment, service for the bike after the break in period, and with available inventory you may even get a discount. Local bike shops offer competitive pricing, with a value added addition of full service and providing the right bike for the right person. Having an experienced employee help you with the correct size and proper fit can really make cycling an enjoyable experience. The locally owned businesses are here for us, and shopping locally is something we all should support.

There are numerous local bikes shops in the region to choose from and what follows are highlights from those that advertise with us – supporting your local Adirondack Sports magazine! These bike shops can provide you with a wide variety of styles at price points for all budgets, regardless of whether you’re looking for your first new bike in years or for that N + 1 in your garage.

Tomhannock Bicycles, just east of Troy, is owned by Ted and Molly Madigan, and run by Ted and their longtime staff. They purchased the shop last year from founder and father-in-law/father Tim Bonnier, who’s enjoying more free time for riding and pickleball, and “winter” riding in Florida! They are a local independent shop with the experience to assist you and have an inventory of MTB, gravel, road and hybrid, and each can be selected with a possible e-bike option. Each style is available in multiple sizes and if not in stock and be delivered in short order. Their bikes can be tested near the shop, and they offer local shop-led rides weekly. They service what they sell and work on all brands. With manufacturers’ inventory at record levels there are discounts on many makes and models.

High Peaks Cyclery in Lake Placid, owned by Brian and Karen Delaney and family, is now in their 42nd year of operation. They carry several name brands of MTB, road, triathlon, gravel and e-bikes. They have a great inventory of bikes for sale and a large inventory of bikes for rent if you are in town for a visit. They currently have e-bikes for those who want to experience the newly open section of the rail trail running from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake. They have a service staff to take care of any repairs or adjustments you may need. They provide an enjoyable bike buying experience no matter if you are a first time purchaser or looking for an upgrade to your current ride. The shop is near the Adirondack Rail Trail, offering rentals bikes of all kinds, plus several off-road trails and offers test rides for bikes of interest.

Placid Planet Bicycles, also in Lake Placid, and the owners Kenny Boettger and Julie Voss are committed to providing a local shop experience for those who live in or visit the region. They have an excellent inventory of MTB, road, gravel, and e-bikes to meet you’re riding requirements. They have several technicians on staff to assist with your tune up and repairs. They offer a personalized experience when you are looking for a new bike and take the time to ensure that you will find the right bike to meet your needs as well as your budget. They plan for the many local events and races to ensure that staff can assist all cyclists with last-minute needs. Placid Planet also offers bike rentals of all kinds, for road and rail trail, perfect for test riding what could be your future bike.

Justin Oliver just cut the ribbon on Silver Birch Cycles in Saranac Lake – formerly Human Power Planet Earth Bike Shop, which he recently purchased from John Dimon – who has run it since 2013 and will stay involved as needed. Justin has been the service manager since 2021 and has big plans for growth in the community – perfect timing with the Adirondack Rail Trail a few blocks away – and off-road riding at Dewey and Pisgah mountains. They had a grand opening on June 8th and are looking forward to helping locals and visitors get on bikes, even if you have a small budget. Silver Birth sells MTB and gravel bikes as well as some e-bikes and they have a variety of used bikes for sale.

Also in Saranac Lake, Gear-To-Go Tandems has been ably owned by Rich Shapiro and Lindy Ellis for many years. They’re doubling the fun at New York’s largest tandem bike shop! They have many top brands of tandems in stock, plus have plenty of free instruction, tandem tips, provide full-service repairs and adjustments, and test rides are available. With Gear-To-Go, you can also take a tandem vacation as they offer French Canada One-Week Tandem Tours, this year from July 27-August 4 and August 4-12. Visit their website for trip details.

In Brant Lake, The Hub is owned by Drew Cappabianca, celebrating 10 years. He was recently named the North Warren ‘Business of the Year’ – reflecting their accomplishments and impact on area community life. and offers bike repairs as well as food, local beverages, ice cream (and live music) along the shoreline of Brant Lake. The shop does repairs to MTB, road, gravel, and hybrid bikes. Next to the shop is Bartonville Mountain, which Drew, Wilderness Property Management, and volunteers have developed into a series of MTB trails – s “Brant Lake Bike Park” – that are free to use by riders as well as hikers. Views from the top of the trail system are impressive as you look down on Brant Lake and the surrounding area. The shop has become a start, finish and rest stop for several cycling groups and events on paved and dirt roads circumnavigating many lakes and rivers. Maps of local bike routes are available in the shop and are part of the Adirondack Cycling Advocates and Warren County efforts to promote cycling in the region.

Grey Ghost Bicycles has two locations, Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs, and is owned by Paul and Dan Fronhofer, operations are run by Steven Fairchild, and Niles Gagnon manages the Saratoga shop. From the that core, they’re ‘More than a bike shop – a true cycling community.’ They sell a full range of bike, road, MTB, hybrid, gravel and e-bikes in many flavors. They have a Guru fit studio to allow cyclists to be more comfortable and happier with the bike you are riding. The shops offer full service repairs, and should you need to ship your bike to an event they will pack it up and ship it to your event location. They have a chill informal ride on Thursday evenings and MTB rides in Daniels Road State Forest with Saratoga Mountain Bike Association on Tuesday nights.

Just north of Amsterdam, Bike Barn Cycling & Fitness is run by Ed Agans, serving Montgomery and Fulton counties and many Capital-Saratoga folks – after moving from Cohoes a few years ago. Their cool shop is close to a series of MTB trails that allow customers to try MTBs before a purchase. The shop, with a great inside and outside layout, offers a wide range of road, MTB, hybrid and e-bikes. They have a full service repair station and recently repairs ‘have been off the charts now that the cycling season is full on.’ The shop is considering a Monday evening ride that will use the local bike trails. Being in the vicinity of the Erie Canalway and Empire Cycling Trail has been useful to the increasing number of cyclists who are riding sections or the full length between Buffalo and Albany.

The Adirondack Ultra Cycling Bike Shop is in historic Schuylerville and was started by John Ceceri in July 2019 and has managed to continue throughout the pandemic. John previously worked in several other bike shops and made the decision to start his own shop to support the cyclists who were Ultra Distance cyclists like himself as well as local cyclists. The shop is near the Champlain Canal Trail and is becoming well known to many cyclists who choose to bike on the canal trail. He has road, gravel, hybrid bikes and comfort bikes in stock in the Bianchi brand and can quickly get a certain model if not in stock. The shop carries a well-stocked set of accessories, plus clothing, footwear, touring and all-weather gear. He also allows you to work on your bike in the shop, offers occasional service classes, and leads short and ultra bike rides – learn more online.

Rick’s Bike Shop in Queensbury was purchased in 2021 from founder Rick Chiasson by Eric and Jared Lendrum (both of North Country Subaru). Last year, they opened Rick’s Outpost to serve the popular Gurney Lane MTB Park and Rush Pond trails. The main shop in Queensbury offers a full selection of road, MTB, gravel, hybrid, casual and e-bikes for sale. This location also is a full service shop. The second location offers rentals, some parts, healthy snacks/drinks, as well as repairs for that occasional mishap while riding the area trails. They offer a no pressure sales approach to all their products and currently have specials on certain bikes in stock.

Evergreen Bicycle Works is in historic Fort Edward, inside the historic train station next to the Empire State Trail – and owned by brothers Kyle and Randy Cozzens. The shop is also a short distance from the Champlain Trail and the Feeder Canal trail. Fort Edward has recently received the designation as a Trail Town by NY Parks & Trails. They offer full service on all bikes and currently sell a variety of drop bar, urban and kid’s bikes. Hybrid bikes are available for rent as well. With their proximity to the trails and touring cyclists, they offer touring accessories and repairs to those who are on section or long-distance tour. They offer bike rentals and a recent addition to their inventory is ice cream for those sizzling summer days.

At Upstate Bicycle Works in Troy, owner Dan Patterson offers exceptional service, knowledge, sales and custom bike building. They will keep your bike in top condition with fast, reliable service and they have high-quality – and family-friendly – bike brands for all ages and skills to meet your needs and budget. Be sure to check them out in downtown Troy.

In Delmar, visit Mad Dog Bicycles, operated as a labor of love by Matt Devlin for 19 years. It’s a favorite local shop with many new bikes and service on most bikes. The shop has a relaxed feel with no pressure to find the right style and size, including a full-line of comfort and kids bikes – perfect for the nearby Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail. If looking for used, visit on “Used bike Saturdays” (weather permitting) when Matt rolls out them for display behind the shop.

In southern Saratoga County, Johnnyk Bike Repair is in Stillwater, owned by John Kocsis who has 25 years of bike service experience. John is a mountain biker and longtime Mohawk-Hudson Cycling Club member, having led their MTB rides in the 90s and beyond. He’ll “will work on and fix anything with two wheels” so contact him for tune-ups, fork service, wheel building and truing, suspension bike bearing service, and fork replacement. 

For bicycle service and sales, go to Leepoff Cycles in Keene Valley. Run by Mark Nassan, an experienced biker and service person, plus he has a cool collection of new and used bikes and parts for sale. Be sure to ask Marck for tips and info on local riding opportunities, including the Barkeater Trails Alliance community and backcountry trails.

In Plattsburgh, at Adirondack ElliptiGO, you can take your fitness to the next level – and be expertly guided by owner and enthusiast Don Moore. ElliptiGO delivers a low-impact, full-body workout that burns more calories than a traditional bike and stand-up riding reduces stress on your neck/back, and eliminates seat pain. These elliptical bikes have a gentle long-stride motion that feels like running on air and the higher riding position makes it easier to see and be seen. Don’s shop is open for testing, buying, renting and service.

A new entry is Meadow Brook Bicycles, located just north of Little Falls – recently opened and owned by Jason and Marian Fox. A plus is they already have their active teenagers enjoying long-distance bike rides, especially with their proximity to the Erie Canalway and Empire State Trail that travels through historic Canalside in Little Falls. They offer sales, repairs and parts so stop by during business hours or call them.

Over the years, we’ve used our bikes to stay healthy, sane, and connected to the outdoors. If you have questions, stop by the shop in-person, visit their websites, email them directly, see updates or shop rides on social media, or call them – they’ll pick up the phone and are there to help! In many ways, we have our local bike shops to thank for our connection to the outdoors, so please support these important community lifelines! 

Skip Holmes (serottaskip@gmail.com) of Delmar provides sustainable building training programs for the Urban Green Council of NYC. He’s a member of Mohawk-Hudson Cycling Club and Capital Bicycle Racing Club. He can be found road and gravel biking, kayaking, canoeing, hiking or Nordic skiing. He also spends quality time with his two amazing granddaughters.