BEST BIKES: “We cater to biking enthusiasts for whom cycling is a life-style. It’s very important to them. They’re always thinking about their next ride!” Jason Fenton, owner of Halter’s Cycles in the Montgomery Center, is shown by a selection of road bikes.

The thrill of that first bike. Almost everyone can remember the special moment when that shiny new red or blue bike arrived on the doorstep.

Some of that feeling is captured in the new location of Halter’s Cycles, which recently moved to the Montgomery Center on Route 206 North.

Originally opened in Monmouth Junction in 1987, the shop has had many customers from Princeton over the years, notes owner Jason Fenton. “Now, we are only 4.2 miles from downtown Princeton. This is a great location, with easy parking. I want us to be a destination place. This move has given us the opportunity to be more in contact with our customers and closer to the local cycling routes and mountain biking destinations. We are looking forward to establishing a base for a healthy and environmentally-friendly business in Montgomery. It feels really good here.”

He points out that both new and longtime customers are coming to the new location (formerly the site of Friendly’s Restaurant). “They really like the new space. I wanted it to be a special place. We’ve used environmentally friendly materials, including reclaimed wood, LED lighting, and the floor is cement with an epoxy covering, which results in less dust.”

Unique Look

The new store has been extensively refitted by the Historic Building Company of Lambertville, reclaiming materials that emphasize Halter’s commitment to sustainable business. It features beams and woodwork rescued from a local Rocky Hill barn to produce a unique look and experience for the customer, while making good use of these materials.

“Larry Vellensky of the Historic Building Company of Lambertville helped renovate the building, and I wanted it to be comfortable and environmentally-friendly,” explains Mr. Fenton.

And within, there are all those bikes! Two hundred on display. Road and racing bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, and balance bikes for toddlers.

“Each member of my staff is an avid cyclist, and our interests cover the whole range of cycling activity, from leisure and utility cycling to competing at the highest level,” says Mr. Fenton, “Every bike and accessory from our extensive inventory has been tested by us. We only sell what works.”

Mr. Fenton loved cycling from the time he was a boy. He was active riding and racing mountain bikes, and that interest has remained strong. He is a steward of the Six Mile Run Reservoir, and has been instrumental in blazing and maintaining the extensive networks of trails there.

Sharing his love of cycling is a big factor in his commitment to offering the best products to his customers. Among the bicycle brands are Cannondale, Cervelo, Felt, Focus, Salasa, Surly, and frames by All City, Se7en, and other specialty suppliers.

Full Selection

In addition, a full selection of accessories and apparel is available. Helmets, saddles, shoes, socks, shorts, jackets, and jerseys are on display in the spacious showroom.

Mr. Fenton cannot be more emphatic about the importance of wearing a helmet for every cyclist, whatever their age. “I’ve been riding a long time, and even if I go a short distance without a helmet, I feel I’m on borrowed time. You just never know what can happen. It’s really important. Common sense should prevail.”

Just adjacent to the showroom is a full-service work shop. Everything from flat tire repair to annual tune-ups to complete overhauls can be taken care of here. The Halter’s staff recommends tune-ups once a year to check the brakes, gear shifting, and overall function. Tires should be checked by the cyclist weekly or even more often, depending on how often he or she rides.

“Every customer’s requirement is unique, and we strive to find solutions that are appropriate for anyone,” explains Mr. Fenton. “We always ensure that the bikes we sell are the right size and will do the job the purchaser wants. We specialize in customizing and professionally fitting bicycles. We have a special machine that we use to custom-fit the bike to the customer. We make an appointment with the customer to do this, and it is very detailed. There are 11 to 12 different sizes of bikes, and the fit is very important.”

Easier To Ride

“The bikes today are more durable, lighter, and easier to ride than those of the past,” he adds. “We ask the customer about their life-style regarding cycling. How experienced are they? What is their goal? To ride comfortably for hours on end?”

Bikes at Halter’s Cycles start at $400/$500 ($200 for kids’ bikes). Helmets range from $40 to $250.

Mr. Fenton believes he has a bike for everyone. “This is one of the few sports when for not a ton of money, you can have a world class product. Cycling is more popular than ever. I think in some ways it has replaced golf for networking, and it’s healthier with more exercise. There are multiple bike clubs in the area. People are thinking more about fitness, and like-minded people tend to hang out together.

 “I look forward to creating a dedicated place for people for whom cycling is way of life,” he continues. “A comfortable place where they can find information and great service. And, we are a fun place — a bike shop for people who ride bikes!”

Halter’s Cycles is open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 to 5.

(732) 329-9022. Website: www.halterscycles.com.