Bike Shop Review: Pedallers Bike Shop

Today I took my life in my hands and rode out to Pedallers Bike Shop at 2511 East Henrietta Rd, about 2 miles south of Jefferson Rd.

I’ve got to ask this question again: Why are bike shops located on roads that are dangerous for cyclists? Remember when Park Ave Bike Shop was a little joint on, oddly enough, Park Ave? Here’s a glimpse of just one of the exciting intersections that awaits you as you head out to Pedallers. This is the corner of East Henrietta and Jefferson:

I think it hit a new record in the FUPM category, which is an acronym I’ve just coined that stands for F*** You’s Per Mile. It’s a measure of the number of times I was sworn at per mile traveled. I’m not sure what the exact number was today, but it sure felt like a record.

When I arrived at Pedallers, I was surprised to find that they had a small, low, not-very-useful bike rack. I was finally able to lock my bike to the side of it, but I couldn’t fit the chain around both the wheel and the frame when I used the rack as intended.

The place looks tiny from the outside, but they’ve made good use of the interior space. It’s clean and well-lit, and the bikes and other gear are displayed in a way that doesn’t cause your optic nerve to overload.

The salespeople were very friendly. Two guys asked me whether I needed anything. When I told them that I’d never been there before and just wanted to look around, they got out of my way and let me do just that. The store specializes in bikes that are laughably beyond my price range: Pinarello, Masi, Independent Fabrication, and more. They also carry a modest but well-thought-out line of clothes, bags and accessories.

I was particularly impressed by the number of good books they had, including several regional touring books that I’d never seen before. In the end, I bought a kit to attach my pump to the frame (my old one was on my previous bike when the bike was stolen) and a copy of the Velonews guide to the Tour de France.

Then I asked my standard question that separates the good shops from the bad: “Have you got someplace where I can fill up my water bottle?” The guy who rang up my purchase steered me to a bathroom reached by walking through the repair shop. I was impressed by the workshop, which was neater and cleaner than most showroom floors I’ve seen.

All in all, it seemed like a good place with good people. It certainly caters to a class of cyclist that’s well above me, but the workers weren’t condescending and it was fun to look around. As long as you’re brave enough to ride out there, you should give Pedallers a try.

• I rode home along the Erie Canal Trail, and took pictures.

If you go to Pedallers, be sure to cross the street (carefully!) for a glimpse into local history. The bike shop is right across the street from a former stop on the Underground Railroad:

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