Like most brick-and-mortar businesses, it offers products, services, and accessories. But Leading Edge Cyclery specializes in experiences, exercise, nature, and promoting a specific lifestyle.
Leading Edge Cyclery is Lebanon County’s newest business focused on bicycle riding and its positive side effects. It’s also an entrepreneurial pursuit motivated by a hobby and passion turned inward.
“It’s (bicycling) a lot less stress on the body than running,” said Eric Mason, Leading Edge Cyclery’s owner and operator. “It’s very low impact. It allows people to get out and experience nature. It’s a great stress reliever. When you’re out there, you feel free. It’s a great way to clear the mind.”
Located across from the Quentin Tavern at 80 W. Main St., Lebanon, Leading Edge Cyclery sells all types of adult bikes, kids’ bikes, and electronic bikes priced at $600 and up. The vast majority of the shop’s 35-bike inventory is made up of new bicycles.
Leading Edge Cyclery also does repairs and bicycle fittings based on each individual’s riding style and needs. The business is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“For me, the key to success in business is understanding a customer’s needs,” said Mason. “Asking questions and finding out what they want to do. What’s their goal? You’re providing for customers’ needs. If a customer is happy, it’s going to make me happy as well. I just want to give the best experience possible.”
“My main customer base are those recreational riders and family riders,” continued Mason. “That’s my bread and butter. Those are the people I’m going to serve most, but I’m willing to work with anyone. The more people I can get on bikes the better.”
Mason opened Leading Edge Cyclery on Oct. 18, after being employed at Lititz Bike Works for five years and In-Gear Cycling and Fitness for the 10 years prior. While the sample size of the business’s success may be too small to accurately assess, the early reviews have been favorable.
“I feel like it’s been going great,” said Mason, a 43-year-old resident of North Lebanon Township. “There’s been a lot of support from people I know and past customers. Word of mouth has brought in new customers. I’m up and running. I feel like every week has been better than the previous.”
Mason himself is an avid rider who’s been cycling for years. It’s a hobby that’s translated into a passion for his work, one that gives credence to the old saying, “If you do what you love and love what you do, you never work a day in your life.”
“I started riding as a kid, but really got into it as a means of recovering from an injury,” said Mason, “and it just progressed from there. I really enjoy the health aspect of it and the mental aspect of it. I usually ride super early in the morning. It helps me clear my mind and get ready for the day.”
“Any time you start something new, you are taking a leap of faith, and you’re learning about things you didn’t know before,” he added. “I have the passion to make it my own. If you have the right business plan and the right goals, it’s definitely achievable.”
In addition to In-Gear Fitness, DeLuxx Bikes in downtown Lebanon, Gretna Gearworks Mobile Bike Shop in Mount Gretna, and Leed’s Cyclery in Campbelltown, Leading Edge Cyclery is one of a handful of local enterprises serving what seems to be a growing need created by an increased popularity in bicycle riding in Lebanon County.
“I think a lot of the other shops are great shops, but some can be one-sided in what they offer,” said Mason. “I feel like I’m well-rounded. I’m a road cyclist, but I understand that not everyone wants to do that. Shops have got to be able to address every genre of riding. It’s something I’ve wanted to do well for a while. I feel like it’s the right time.”
“I want to have a shop the way I want to run it and have it be a community bike shop,” concluded Mason. “I’ve been in the industry for a long time, and I’ve worked in other shops in the area. But I think I have something to give that they can’t. I just want to be more involved with the community and my main goal is giving back.”
For additional information about Leading Edge Cyclery, go to leadingedgecyclery.com.
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