The Peddler Bike Shop in Avery Ranch serves not only as a retail store for bicycles, tools and accessories for adults and children, but also as a repair shop.
Owner AJ Camp said the store carries brands such as Cannondale, Scott, Raleigh and Orbea, but said he also enjoys introducing new brands into the shop. Some of the store’s best-selling styles are mountain bikes and hybrids, he said.
“What I like about riding is that it is one of the nicest things that you can do that is good for you and fun,” Camp said. “You see things in a different way on a bike than in a car. A lot more of your senses are engaged because you are part of the environment. It just feels good.”
The Avery Ranch location opened 2 1/2 years ago, and Camp said he chose the area not only because he lives nearby, but also because the location is ideal for bike riding.
AJ Camp said he chose Avery Ranch for a second location for The Peddler Bike Shop because the area is ideal for bike riding. He opened his first store in Austin 11 years ago.[/caption]
Parmer Lane is a popular route for cyclists, and there are many hike and bike trails, as well as mountain-biking locations in the area, he said.
“Lots of people here like to get out and have lots of fun with sports,” Camp said. “It’s just a good area for bikes.”
Although the Austin store serves mainly commuters and daily riders who are using their bicycles as transportation, the shop in Avery Ranch is focused more on enthusiasts, Camp said. He said the store serves many families who ride their bikes for fun as well as bikers who are interested in fitness and racing.
“The largest portion of our customers here are families,” he said. “We also serve many cyclists who are on teams, in clubs and in groups of friends who get together and ride regularly that are semi-competitive and fitness-oriented.”
The store’s customer base is composed of a wide range of cyclists, from BMX riders to mountain bike riders to road riders, Camp said.
Customer Robert Ehrlich, who lives in the Brushy Bend Park neighborhood in Cedar Park, started out as a mountain biker and prefers more road riding now, he said. Ehrlich said he enjoys that he can come into the store to ask questions about ideal places to bike and talk with staffers.
Customer Dan Aul said he regularly gets his bicycles serviced at the shop.
“I like the people that work there, and I like the shop,” Aul said. “AJ treats his customers well and fair.”
Aul and Camp both said they enjoy the social aspects of biking. Bikers look out for each other and make instant friends, they said.
“You have something in common,” Aul said. “You are all out pedaling and doing something for your health. … I encourage my kids to do it and my grandkids. Biking is a good lifelong experience.”
The Peddler Bike Shop 10526 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 419, Austin 512-218-5062 www.peddlerbike.com [email protected] Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m.
