Go Ride a Bike at Knapp’s Cyclery in Cranbury

When Pete Garnich was 13 years old, he had a paper route, and like so many young boys he rode his bicycle, a trusty Schwinn, to deliver papers every day. But unlike most others his age, he knew how to fix the brakes on those bikes, and so Dick Knapp hired him to work part-time at his shop, Knapp’s Cyclery, on Olden Avenue in Ewing.  

That was back in 1976. Garnich continued to work there through high school. He was three years into a degree in mechanical engineering at the College of New Jersey when Knapp decided to retire, and Garnich bought the shop from him. That store, located since 1999 on Princeton Pike in Lawrenceville, was so successful Garnich opened a second location in Cranbury this year. Knapp’s Cyclery on Main Street opened in time for Cranbury Day.  

“Cranbury is such a great location because everybody rides out here and there are all sorts of organized rides that start in this town, including many groups that meet and organize and then leave out of our parking lot in back,” said Garnich. “Mercer County Park is less than four miles away and mountain biking is very popular there; immediately around here there is farmland and flat terrain and towards Jamesburg and Monroe there are hills if riders want that challenge."

Knapp’s has everything for the recreational cyclist to the extreme athletes who compete in triathlons. The selection of serious and sophisticated road bikes includes the model that won the Tour de France. There are children’s bikes as well, and the Cranbury store shares inventory with the Lawrenceville store, so cyclists have a range of both selections. There is also a full-time mechanic on staff who is knowledgeable about bicycle maintenance and repair.

Garnich’s store reflects his lifestyle, which is built around his love of cycling. His wife, Stephanie, is also an avid cyclist and the two have shared their passion for the sport with their children, nine-year-old Grace, and seven-year-old Henry.

“We ride a lot together as a family at Bald Pate Mountain in Hopewell where there are 21 miles of beautiful trails,” said Garnich. “We bought our house near there just so we could mountain bike. Sometimes we’ll put the kids on the bus and then go out for a ride on the mountain together. Henry’s favorite ride is two miles up to the top of the mountain and two miles down. My daughter likes the pretty ridge trail. There’s an old estate at the top of the mountain that overlooks the Delaware River.”

Knapp’s can fill cycling enthusiasts' needs, from simple tube changes to professional bicycle fittings aimed at enhancing performance in competition. But having the best bicycles and accessories available to his customers is only one part of Garnich’s mission. Garnich says he wants to help promote a healthy lifestyle at a time when too many children don’t get enough exercise, time outdoors or time as a family.

“It’s fun and it builds confidence for the kids when they realize they can get on a bicycle and ride for miles or conquer hills,” said Garnich. “And no matter what body type you may have, you can ride a bicycle. There are so many sports you can’t do as a family because of the size differences, but with bicycles, you can be outdoors doing something you love together as a family. And as a parent, that makes you feel wonderful.”  

Garnich says every day is a great day when he can get out for a ride and share his love of cycling with the people who come into Knapp’s Cyclery

“It’s passion first,” he said. “We love what we do.”