On A Bicycle Built for You

inStore
Whether you’re a casual, curious, or quick bike rider, Pumpkinvine Cyclery has the get up and go and the know on bikes.

inMiddlebury Magazine recently visited with Spencer Short, co-owner with Wife Brittany, of Pumpkinvine Cyclery.

Spencer has worked in the cycling industry for eight years and is certified in bike fit. He answers a few questions about bicycling as well as what his store offers.

inMiddlebury: What is the purpose of a bicycling club, or group, that you organize?

Spencer: Biking is a major social thing. Everybody likes biking with other people, not to mention the accountability involved. Biking in a group makes people work harder. Our group is open to any age, any skill level. The more the merrier.

The group also holds me accountable for taking the time and getting out there myself.

 

inMiddlebury: Do you think the addition of the Pumpkinvine Trail has increased an interest in bicycling?

Spencer: Absolutely. Having a trail like that gives people a place to feel comfortable. They’re not out on the open road.

inMiddlebury: What advice do you have for those who are just starting to ride more seriously?

Spencer: Just get on the bike and start riding. Start building the habit into your routine. Don’t go out with big lofty expectations. Start small, maybe two to three rides per week, just a few miles each way. Then build from there.

Another approach is to make a long-term goal for by signing up for one of literally hundreds of biking events throughout Indiana or Michigan. Doing so gives you a marker or goal to look forward to and work toward. I have a catalog in the shop that’s nothing but bike rides.

inMiddlebury: You are certified in bike fit. How do you help someone choose the right bike?

Spencer: It really is important to get a bike that fits well; I allow you to test ride bikes, sit on them, and try to get comfortable on them.

Tire size makes a big difference, so you want to consider surfaces you’ll be riding on, whether that’s off-road, limestone, or pavement.

You also want to think about how hard you want to ride. Leisure, exercise, race, all play a role in the type of bike you choose, from an upright relaxed ride with a comfort bike all the way to an aggressive ride with a racing bike.

Some people think that only the size is important in choosing a bike, such as a 20 inch bike or a 26 inch bike. There’s more to it than that. You really need to consider a body’s inseam length, torso length, arm length, even the length of the femur. The knee has to sit correctly over the pedal. There’s a lot to look at in order to get the best fit.

You can find a bike at any price point that will suit your riding style.

inMiddlebury: Share about your store, Pumpkinvine Cyclery.

Spencer: The store has been around for two years, and Brittany and I have owned it for one year.

We carry the brand “Specialized Bikes,” a line that includes kids’ bikes, comfort bikes, hybrids, all the way up to high performance bikes.

The other brand we carry is “Electra.” This brand is nothing but recreational comfort bikes. This brand provides a very comfortable, relaxed ride.

Then, we have other supplies: parts, accessories, kids trailers, tagalongs, and clothing.

inMiddlebury: Do you rent bikes?

Spencer: Many people don’t know that we rent bicycles. We rent several styles as well as kids’ trailers and tagalong bikes. We will rent anywhere from a day up to weeks.

inMiddlebury: Do you service bikes?

Spencer: Absolutely. I have a repair shop and offer a variety of services, from just a small tune-up and check on tires all the way up to an overhaul.

 

inMiddlebury: Anything else?

Spencer: Stop by! Coffee and conversation are free.

Be sure to visit Pumpkinvine Cylery’s Facebook Page.