In October 1973, Plano resident Ken Gurney visited local shop Plano Schwinn and Mower to find a bike for his 6-year-old son, Rick.
Two months later, he bought the entire store, which was then located near the old Interurban Railway station downtown.
Three years later, Ken moved the store to a larger location on 18th Street just east of US 75. Over the decades, the store endured several renovations as well as a name change. Today, Rick Gurney carries on the family legacy as the owner of Plano Cycling and Fitness and shares his passion for cycling with all who visit.
“We are in the customer business,” Gurney said. “I enjoy seeing customers leave out of here with a healthy habit or at least a healthy start.”
Plano Cycling and Fitness offers thousands of bicycle options for customers to choose from. It also boasts a full-service shop where bike owners can come in for repairs or tuneups.
The store features items such as cycling shoes, clothes, helmets and bike accessories.[/caption]
In addition to bikes, the store has a large selection of accessories that range from wheels and helmets to shoes and socks. Tools and cleaning products are also available as well as more than 500 different car racks.
During the fall and winter months, the store operates a training facility next door where riders can workout on a simulated road course.
Plano Cycling and Fitness also specializes in matching customers with the right bike and making adjustments to ensure a fun and comfortable riding experience, Operations Manager Kyle Carlson said.
Gurney displays a collection of rare and used vintage bicycles along the walls of his store.[/caption]
“My job is to keep people riding,” he said. “If it has to do with you getting a new bike, I want to make dang sure that you are ready on Saturday morning.”
Carlson said he considers bike fitting essential. He often hears complaints from riders who say their bikes are bad. Many times the problems can be fixed with a minor adjustment. This can include anything from replacing a seat to changing the saddle placement.
Gurney compared ill-fitting bikes to runners using the wrong size shoe.
“If you don’t have the right shoe, [then] you’re not even comfortable walking, much less running,” he said.
Gurney said Plano is a great place for cyclists and noted the large number of parks within the city limits as well as those in nearby communities.
Plano Cycling and Fitness supports area cycling events, often providing a van that assists riders with flat tires and other issues. Gurney himself can often be found participating in events or riding around town. Gurney said he enjoys promoting the sport of cycling for its social and health benefits as it is an inclusive sport that can bring families together.
“We take the time to figure out what it is you see yourself doing with this bike,” Carlson said. “Before you know it, you will be an enthusiast because it is so much fun.”
