Albany's Breakaway Cycles Sees Growing Interest in Biking
Wednesday, October 19th, 2011
People continue to spend on their hobbies even during slow economies, according to Gene Kirk, owner of Breakaway Cycles. Open for 11 months, the store has seen steady sales.
“Biking is catching on as a legitimate sport,” Kirk reported. “Ten years ago, you’d get maybe 10 people on a group ride in Albany. Today, we’re getting 20 to 30 people on our group rides.”
Located at 2734 Ledo Road in Albany, Breakaway Cycles is a premier bike shop with the area’s only certified bike mechanic. The shop serves anyone with an interest in biking, carrying bikes that cost in the $200 to $300 range on up to $10,000.
“People think a bike shop caters mostly to competitive racers but we cater to everyone – from people who want to ride with their kids to people who are just getting into racing to the most experienced competitive racer,” Kirk said.
Exercise Any Adult Can Do
Kirk attributes the growing interest in biking to the fact that adults face more limited options for exercise. Team sports such as football or soccer are less available and not everyone wants to go to a gym. Running can cause knee and other joint issues.
“Biking offers a good, low-impact workout that almost everyone can do. It also can be a competitive sport for people who are looking for that option,” he continued.
In Albany, casual bicyclists ride around neighborhoods while more avid bikers head out on country roads or the local mountain bike trail. More bikers are taking it more seriously, according to Kirk.
“Biking is huge in Europe and the top riders there are rock stars. In the U.S., people know Lance Armstrong and his popularity has created more interest in serious biking,” Kirk said.
For The Serious Biker
For those who are serious about their biking workouts, new bike computers offer detailed performance data including time and distance of a ride, elevation and GPS-derived routes. In addition, Kirk offers bike-fitting sessions for serious and even casual riders.
“We put our customers on a trainer and take measurements to make sure they are sitting on their bike correctly with the seat at the right height. That’s especially important for long rides,” he said.
The shop sponsors the Breakaway Cycle race team, which has nationally ranked riders as members. In addition, Break Away Cycle is the title sponsor for many community events in and around Albany.
“We’re sponsors for the Thru The Zoo Triathlon in Chehaw Park next year and the Chehaw’s Fat4 Mountain Bike Race this Saturday,” Kirk said.
More information on Breakaway Cycles is available at www.facebook.com/breakawaycycles or call (229) 376-2300 or email [email protected]. Register for the Chehaw’s Fat4 Mountain Bike Race at www.bikereg.com.
