Bethel Cycle Shifts Gears Smoothly, Opening In A New Location

By Janis Gibson

Drivers cannot help but notice that as the weather has become warmer, more and more bicyclists can be seen along the sides of roads. And unlike a few years ago when the vast majority of cyclists were young, spandex-clad men riding hunched over on their sleek road bikes at a pretty good pace, today’s cyclists reflect much wider demographics.

Men and women of all ages are taking up cycling, riding a wide variety of bikes, often more upright and at a relaxed pace. And those serious cyclists are also growing in number, riding in groups on a regular basis.

Greg Pelican, owner of Bethel Cycle & Fitness, which recently relocated from Bethel’s Main Street to the old train station at 5 Depot Place, attributes the sport’s growth to several factors. “A lot of first-timers — and about 50 percent of new customers we are seeing are women — are coming in after taking spinning classes,” he noted. “They find they enjoy it, but would like to take it outside. Additionally aging runners who want to keep active find cycling much kinder to their bodies, especially their knees, and as people see more and more cyclists, it inspires them to get back on a bike.”

While Bethel Cycle does cater to the advanced cyclist and triathlete — his shop is one of the first in the world to get the Guru Dynamic Fitting Unit — Mr Pelican emphasizes that the novice rider should not be afraid to come into the shop. “I enjoy helping to get people involved in the sport,” he said. “I believe in the power of cycling and the sport to make life better; it is a physical and mental outlet and one people can do for a lifetime.” That attitude is shared by his staff of ten employees.

When assisting customers in making a bike purchase, Mr Pelican believes in getting the fit right first, “then buy the right bike for what you want to do, be it race, mountain bike, or casual riding. An individual’s flexibility and strength of core contribute to determining the right fit. You want to find the balance between comfort, aerodynamics, and power.”

He added that a basic fit is free and a purchase includes some fundamental instruction such as how to properly inflate tires, lift a bike onto carrier, etc. Buyers can test out different bikes in the parking lot, and should expect to spend at least $400.

For the racer or serious cyclist, who can spend thousands on a bike, Bethel Cycle offers the Guru Dynamic Fitting Unit, bike fitting by computer, where seat and handlebar height, downward angle, etc, can be adjusted while the rider is on the unit, then the computer recommends which bike would best fit that rider, or create a custom bike can be very specific. “We can see a dynamic effect from one position to the next while the rider is on the machine,” Mr Pelican explained. “Videos are used to show riders adjustments they themselves can make to ride more efficiently. We are one of the first bike shops in the world to get this state-of-the-art fitting system,” he added. “We got the 15th.”

Mr Pelican combines his bike fitting expertise with the real world experience gleaned from years of racing. His honors include USA National Champion Duathlon, six-time USAT All American (Duathlon), and three-time USCF Connecticut State Champion in Road Racing and Cyclocross. Bethel Cycle is a member Serotta International Cycling Institute and Mr Pelican and been certified by SICI in basic, advanced, and triathlon bike fitting, as well as trained by Guru

The owner Bethel Cycle & Fitness for 12 years, Mr Pelican began considering relocating two or three years ago, he said. “I had a vision of what I was looking for, including a cool meeting place, and the train depot seemed ideal. I approached the town about two years ago and it all came together this year.”

The large parking lot allows more space for customers to try out bikes, hooks on an overhang provide more display space, and tables and chairs around the shop serve as a gathering space for cyclists to swap info or hang out before or after group rides. “We want to encourage people to come here for ride and hang out,” he said.

Square footage of the new location is about the same as the old, but seems larger, with high ceilings that allow a loft level, entered by door off the parking lot, that holds the Guru, the repair shop, and a high counter to sit at and enjoy a cup of espresso while talking cycling.

Another advantage of new location, said Mr Pelican is “we have a unique indoor/outdoor environment; we can slide the [barnlike] doors open in good weather.”

“Bethel has become a national hotbed for cycling, and we are proud to be part of it,” he said. “Cycling Sports Group — owner of Cannondale, Schwinn, Mongoose, GT, and Sugoi — is a large employer here.”

The shop also sponsors The Bethel Cycle Sport and Triathlon Club, which has some 200 members, about a third of whom are women, who range in age range from teens to close to 70. Mr Pelican said about 30–35 percent are road racers, the same percentage are triathletes, and the balance are sport riders and cycling enthusiasts.

Those who join the club, annual dues are $40, get e-mails about activities and different rides, which are offered most every day.

“The club is also a social network,” Mr Pelican said. “We ride together and become friends. Every year, for example, we do a summer camp in the French Alps and watch the Tour de France.”

The club strives to teach proper cycling techniques, safety and rules of the road, and set a good example; cyclists are subject to the same laws as motor vehicles. And vehicle drivers should be aware that Connecticut has a three-foot rule; cars passing cyclists must be at least three feet away from the rider.

Bethel Cycle & Fitness, 5 Depot Place in Bethel, is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 11 am to 6 pm; Wednesday and Thursday, 11 to 7; and Saturday 10 to 5. Closed Sunday. For information, 203-792-4640, http://bethelcycle.com or greg@bethelcycle.com.