NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP >> When business partners Brian Boger and Fran Taloricco were looking to open a second Bike Works site in Bucks County, Newtown was at the top of their list.

“When we first envisioned the business in 2011, we wanted to have more than one location. And the other obvious choice in Bucks County is Newtown, ”Boger said. “It’s the other downtown Main Street business community that has a vibe, a sense of community.”

So earlier this year the partners moved from their original store in Doylestown to the Promenade in Newtown Township, located near the Italian market of La Stalla and next to Anthropologie on Sycamore Street.

At 3,000 square feet, Bike Works’ newest space features a state-of-the-art service department, retail area complete with bikes and supplies, and a coffee bar at the front of the store.

“Opening a store in Newtown is perfect for us,” Boger said. “We are all native to Bucks County and absolutely love the Newtown area. The people of Newtown are wonderful. Many of our clients in Doylestown are from Newtown, so we are delighted to be able to bring our services to them in a town known for its great shopping, sense of community, and amazing cycling.

For its Newtown store, Bike Works has partnered with Giant Bicycles, Inc., the world’s largest and most innovative bicycle manufacturer. The store now carries the Giant Partner Store designation, with Giant being actively involved in the design and layout of the Newtown store.

“This is the brand that has propelled our success in Doylestown,” said Boger. “And they play an important role in setting up this store.”

In addition to offering Giant bikes, the store will feature products and bikes made by Bianchi, the world’s oldest bicycle manufacturing company.

“We love them because of their European kind of je ne sais quoi and their Tour de France bikes,” Boger said.

Other products include Liv, Cannondale, Independent Fabrication, Santa Cruz, Fuji, Jamis, Surly, All City, SE Bikes, and Ridable Bicycle Replicas.

“We have the range of bikes, from kids to adults, from racing bikes to mountain bikes and e-bikes,” Taloricco added.

The store also has a full-service repair shop that ranges from the simplest to the most complex repair.

“Some bike shops have their repair area behind a wall because mechanics don’t always like people looking at them,” Boger said. “In our two stores, we have made a conscious decision to be in the open. And this is for two purposes. It allows the customer to watch and ask questions. It also makes it more exciting. “

Since opening in February, business has been booming, partners report, spurred by an increase in demand for bicycles due to the global pandemic, a trend that is expected to continue as many continue to seek out forms of exercise. outdoors more healthy and fun. and that more and more trails are opening up throughout the region.

“One of the good things about last year’s dark cloud is that a lot of people have realized that they want to simplify their lives, get out there and enjoy the outdoors,” Boger said. “And not just cycling, but also kayaking and many other activities. People have started enjoying the outdoors again.

The popularity of the bike was also evident at an official groundbreaking ceremony in early June.

The event drew executives from the Newtown Business Association as well as a who’s who of local political leaders, who were on hand to officially welcome the store to town.

Among them were US Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, State Senator Steve Santarsiero, State Representative Perry Warren and Newtown Township Supervisor Kyle Davis.

Fitzpatrick, who heads the physical activity caucus on Capitol Hill in Washington, makes a point of seeing new businesses open that promote healthy lifestyles and healthy eating.

“Physical activity like cycling is important. It is a healthy activity that can lower the cost of health care. And that’s what we need most, ”added Fitzpatrick. “Their stores here and in Doylestown are wonderful assets to the community. And I wish them every success.

“It’s really exciting,” said Santarsiero, who owns a 26-year-old Giant bike. “As a person who loves to ride a bike, it’s exciting to see these guys coming here. It is a good thing for the community. And it’s a good, healthy activity for people to get involved with.

“It’s great to see this space filled with a new and exciting business here on Sycamore Street,” added Warren. “The bicycle industry and interest in cycling have definitely exploded over the past year and a half. With its proximity to Tyler Park and other trails nearby, this is a great space and location for a business like this. And this is another interesting, exciting and welcome addition to our city.

Davis added, “It’s great to see a new retail business opening up on the streets. It sounds like a big business. It’s managed locally. This is the kind of business you want here in Newtown. We look forward to many great years with them here in Newtown.

Bike Works describes itself as a “fiercely local, independent, employee-owned bike shop with a mission to sell the best bike products, provide superior service and contribute to the health of our community.”

The first Bike Works Store opened ten years ago in the basement of a popular restaurant in Doylestown and has since moved to its current location at 139 S Main St. (Foster’s Toy Store sold bikes there building years ago).

The Doylestown Bike Works offers professional level mechanics and unmatched customer service from a staff with over 100 combined years of experience in a professional bike shop.

Dan Turner, the very first employee hired at the Doylestown site, runs the Newtown store as a manager. Dan is a professional cycle mechanic certified by the Union Cycliste International (UCI) and USA Cycling whose racing team experience includes CCB Foundation Pro Cycling and Bike Works p / b Fred Beans Elite Cycling Team.

“Dan has been instrumental in building this business over the past ten years and it makes sense that he is leading this new business and helping us establish ourselves as a premier bike store in this new market.” Boger said.