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Nick and Erica Logan of Norwalk are the new co-owners of Bicycle Express, at 52 Division St. in Danbury. They acquired the shop late last year from Leigh Sorrells, who owned the store since the last 1980s and is relocating to Arizona.
“It had been a busy, basic bike shop,’’ said Jason Twedt of Ridgefield, who works with the fitting process at the store. “Our goal is to take it the next level and make it the best of both worlds. Every one will get the same service and level of attention.”
Bike Express’ service will focus on a “fit-first” approach, in which every cyclist who purchases a bike will get an extensive analysis to make certain their bike is tailored to them. Nat Smitobol, a Westport triathlete who purchased a bike two months ago from another vendor, found out it was too small. He traveled three times to work with Twedt on re-adjusting the bike to get the proper fit.
“The difference is night and day,’’ Smitobal said. “Now I am a lot more aerodynamic. It was hard to get used to at first. Even millimeters can make a big difference in power output and how fast you can go. Jason also explained things and why some things needed to be done. That makes a big difference for me. It’s not just enough to say things needed to be changed. I wanted to know why things needed to be changed.”
The centerpiece to Bike Express’ bike fitting is the Retül fit process. Twedt earned several certifications from Retüll, which uses data to help achieve optimum fit. The system uses LED markers that are strategically placed on eight anatomic points of the rider, including the wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle heel and toe. As the rider pedals, a sensor bar gathers real-time, three-dimensional data of of the rider’s pedal strokes and movements. A rotating platform allows the fitter to collect data for both sides of the rider without him or her leaving the bike. Bike Express is the only bicycle retailer in Connecticut with the technology.
“We want to create a cycling community and get riders engaged with the high tech fitting,’’ Twedt said. “If you’re not comfortable on the bike, what’s the point of being on it? We’re trying to do the right thing by the custom fit and helping riders really feel like they’re connected with it.”
Bike Express will still cater to children and families who do not need the technology of performance bikes. It also hopes to fill the void left by the closure in December of Bethel Cycle, which catered to high-end and performance cyclists. “We’re happy with both levels of business and everyone in between,’’ said Logan, a nationally-ranked triathlete.
Bike Express also plans to conduct group rides with cyclists of all ability. It is also raffled off a triathlon training programs, which was won by John Gregson of Norwalk. They will receive a bike to use for the summer as they prepare for a 140.6 mile race later this year.
In addition to bikes, the store will also carry running shoes, swimming equipment, endurance nutrition and bike repair parts.
“We want to be a one-stop shop for swimming, biking and running,’’ Logan said.
For more information, contact the store at 203-792-5460 or visit its website or Facebook page.
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