The D&L Blog

By Geoff Merz, Program Coordinator

Located in the Lehigh Valley, Saucon Valley Bikes has had an enduring 20+ year presence in Hellertown, PA. This D&L Trail Friendly Business was created by riders and for riders. With its staff combining for hundreds of years of cycling and bike repair experience, it is no questions why so many customers have found this place to be a gem for buying a new bike or repairs.  

Steve LaBrake, the founder and owner of Saucon Valley Bikes, takes most pride in the shop’s customer service, expansive inventory, and solidarity among other businesses in the community.  

Customer Service 

Steve takes great care to create a welcoming experience for riders in the shop.  One customer, Mike K., remarked exactly what he loves about the shop:

1. A nice clean shop.
2. A nice clean bathroom.
3. Staff that really knows what they are talking about. 
4. Never pressure into buying.
5. Helpful staff even if it’s not a big sale.
6. A willingness to spend the time answering your questions.

“At the end of the day,” Steve says, “It is about treating people the way that you would want to be treated”.  

Expansive Inventory 

Additionally, a key asset to Saucon Valley Bikes is their large inventory of cycling and mountain biking related gear. They stock everything from starter bikes, to e-bikes, to $5,000 mountain bikes and winter riding gear to padded seat cushions. Altogether, the shop has most things and more that you would need to improve your riding experience.  

They also offer a program called “Grow with SV Bikes.” The program allows kids to trade in bikes as they get bigger. Plus, their saddle demo program allows you to test out different saddles to find the best fit. They, also, offer bike rentals by half-day, day, and week.  

Community Solidarity 

Steve also expressed a pride about the community there exists with other bike shops and stores in the Lehigh Valley.

“If a bike gets stolen out of a shop, we are all looking out for each other to make sure that it gets back into the owners’ hands,” says Steve. “We also convene with the Coalition for Appropriate Transportation once a year to talk together about ways to create a more bike friendly region.” 

It doesn’t just stop with bike shops, either. Moreover, Steve happily points customers to shops like Lost Tavern Brewing. The perfect place just down the street, to grab a beer while waiting for a bike to get fixed.

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Saucon Valley Bikes are a great Trail Friendly Business and participate in the Lehigh Valley Greenways Green Retail program. They are committed to supporting trail development and access to all riders alike.

Check them out if you are looking for a new bike, bike repair, or some winter gear to help you extend your riding season!