Cycles Plus a city fixture for decades

Business has pedal power

BY JENNIFER BAILEY

DANVILLE — This neighborhood business might be a little off the beaten path, but when it comes to bicycles and accessories and knowledgeable staff, it’s hard to beat. Some residents might not know it, but Cycles Plus, at 12 W. Woodbury St., a block south of Fairchild Street and not quite a block west of Vermilion Street, has been a city fixture in the VanVickle family for almost 50 years. Bicycles have been sold at the site longer than that in an old horse barn. Owner Randy VanVickle said his father, Raymond, purchased Myer’s Sports Shop about 48 years ago and built a new Van’s  Shop at the location. Randy’s brother also was owner of the business at one time, with Randy taking over about 15 years ago.

The business has undergone changes during the years, as Schwinn isn’t the main brand of bicycles it sells anymore and youths have gotten more into racing and trick bikes. The store also at one time sold skateboards, but has since gotten out of that. Salesman Deene Pippenger points out the various bicycles on display in the showroom. They include: kid’s bicycles such as trick/stunt bikes, freestyle bikes and street racing bikes. For adults there are all-terrain bikes for street and city park riding; trail bikes; mountain bikes; comfort bikes with a softer and wider seat, handlebar that comes up to meet the rider and other features; hybrid comfort bicycles; and cruiser bicycles that are more old-fashioned looking in purple and aqua colors and are single speed. Brands include Haro, Trek, Giant, Schwinn, GT and Redline. Besides bicycles, the store sells gloves, sunglasses, clothing, locks, helmets, tires, seats, lights and other accessories.

Cycles Plus also fixes bicycles and exercise equipment. VanVickle is considering carrying mopeds and scooters. In another section of the building is where bike mechanic and “bike junkie” Keith Gower works. Most repair parts are in stock and it could only take a day or two to repair something. VanVickle, who works more on the weekends when he’s not working as a local veteran employment representative with the Illinois Department of Employment Security during the week, said the business has had a good customer following. Customers come from all over, including Indiana. Second generations of families are coming in to purchase bicycles. “We’ve always carried quality products, and I think given good service and are fair…,” VanVickle said. With the location not on a main street and limited funding for advertising, Cycles Plus has relied on its reputation and word of mouth. Bicycling also remains a popular recreational activity, with its many applications, VanVickle said. He said people ride for leisure and comfort, for exercise, to race or other reasons, such as transportation, using different levels of bicycles. “Our bicycles come in various sizes. One size doesn’t fit all,” he said about bicycle frames. Price ranges can be about $125 to $200-plus. Gower said he can’t understand how parents can spend thousands of dollars on video games systems, games and computers which promote their children being sedentary and gaining weight, and then complain about the cost of a $200 bicycle that promotes an active lifestyle. Gower, who will turn 40 this year, rides his bicycle to work from his South Virginia Street residence, about a 12- to 15-minute ride. His fastest time he boasts was 8 minutes and 30 seconds. He said he’s ridden bikes and even worked on them starting at the age of 5 or 6. He said his family was too poor to have the bikes worked on, so he’d work on them himself. Gower cares a lot about his work and making sure the bicycles are safe. He said too often a consumer will not bother to look local first for an item, such as a bicycle. VanVickle said with gas prices constantly rising, he hopes more residents shop locally.

One local customer is the Danville Police Department. Deputy Director of Police Bob Richard said Community Oriented Policing Services officers use the department’s six bicycles largely for patrolling Danville Housing Authority property. There isn’t a regular bicycle patrol. “We would like to be able to use them more in patrols,” Richard said. But due to staffing levels and increased calls for service, officers often can’t afford being a few blocks from their squad car to respond to a call, he said. Richard said when sufficient personnel allow it, the police commanders have the ability to assign officers on bicycles, such as for summer park patrols. The bikes also are available for the Problem Oriented Policing Unit for special details, he added.

FYI Cycles Plus is at 12 W. Woodbury St. Hours are: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The League of American Bicyclists celebrates National Bike Month each year in May.

ENDORSEMENTS:

Cycles Plus is a wonderful bike shop specializing in Schwinn bikes. Other brands are available as well. Cycles for all ages, sizes and interests fill this store. Tandem bikes, race bikes and mountain bikes can all be find, plus any accessories one my need. Tune-ups are offered by trained professionals and the customer service is exceptional. Prices are reasonable to low. Very high quality! Gayle C. Hometown: Danville, IL , 61834