Big Mountain Riding

From The Lynchburg News & Advance

By Nolan Connelly
Published: February 28, 2011

Bikes Unlimited Bikes Unlimited manager Douglas Main looks over a bicycle in the service area of the shop's new location. Photo: News & Advance

It’s a tight, perfect space.

That’s what Jack Parker, owner of Bikes Unlimited, said about the new home for his business.

Two months ago, he moved the bike shop from a box store on Lakeside Drive to an 1897 warehouse on Jefferson Street, once a bottling facility for Anheuser-Busch.

“It’s quite a change,” he said.

Parker bought Bikes Unlimited in 2004. The business opened in 1967 and had been on Lakeside Drive since the 1980s, he said.

His inspiration to move the store came partly from customer feedback, partly from experience.

Parker said he wanted the store’s atmosphere to reflect a Winter Park, Colo., bike shop where he had been a part owner. It also is in a downtown setting.

A native of Lynchburg, he was impressed by the changes that have taken place along Jefferson Street between the time he left in the ’80s and returned in 2004.

“It used to just be all industrial down here,” he recalled. Now, amenities include the James River Heritage Bike Trail.

When the lease expired on Lakeside Drive, moving downtown and closer to that trail was an easy decision.

“We’re very fortunate to have something like that right here that everyone can use,” he said. “…Usually you’ll only see that in a bigger city.”

The move opens up a lot of new possibilities.

Once a fleet of rental bikes comes in March, for example, Parker plans to use the location’s easy access to the James River Heritage Bike Trail as a bike rental point.

“We came to where the customers are,” he said.

Except for when the train rolls by, the new parking lot is quieter without the U.S. 221 traffic, Parker said, making it easier to hold Saturday classes that teach basic bicycle maintenance.

He sacrificed his old building’s 8,000 square feet for something smaller, with a bit more character. There are tall windows, exposed brick, iron beams and a slight ripple to the floor.

“That’s what you get with a building of this age,” he said. “I was looking for something that fit my personality and my type of business I wanted to create.”

Part-time employee Bob Dunn said the store’s new location is an improvement in atmosphere, with more natural light.

“It’s so much better than being in a big box,” he said.

Already it resembles the look of an established shop, with rows of bikes from the floor almost to the ceiling, and racks of clothing and accessories.

“It’s almost like it was meant to be,” Parker said. “It just fit.”

Quick Hit: Ergon GX-1 Grips

Review and photo: Scott Schekman

You are probably thinking: how the heck can we consider grips part of big mountain riding? Well, considering that grips are one of the three contact points between us and our bikes, and that big mountain riding often encompasses longer rides and epic conditions, including a review on grips seemed to make sense. Especially if they can make a difference in rider comfort or control.

The grips in this Big Mountain Riding Quick Hit test are Ergon’s basic offering for smaller hands-the GX1. No bar ends are included, although they can be found with another model of the same grip, named the GX2. Along with this model for smaller hands, Ergon offers a full line of grips for a range of riding styles and riders.

I have been using these on my geared and single speed rides since 2009. I bought my first pair as I was preparing for big mountain race the Shenandoah 100.  A friend who had completed the ride a few times and was helping me prepare recommended the Ergons. I can honestly say that my hands were one of the few body parts not totally whipped at the completion of the 100-mile epic race.

Through the shape of the paddle section, they actually eliminate the stress on my palms and wrists. My fingers don’t cramp even when I’m riding my single speed with a rigid fork!

It did take a couple of rides to get the position correct on the bars, but once I did they were – as my grand daughter says – SWEET. The only con I have found is that in cold weather,  thick gloves don’t pair well with these grips, as it can be hard to feel comfortable and in control with the grip’s shape.

To summarize: if you don’t find your current grips that comfortable, or you’re looking for a grip to ease the pain of the miles on your palms, give these a try. Your hands, one of your three contact points with the bike, will thank you.

© 2011 Big Mountain Riding