SHOP VISIT: Freeze Thaw Cycles, State College, PA

While in Pennsylvania to check out skateboarding camp for the little man, we found time to divert our attention and take a drive to the nearest town, which was State College, also known as Happy Valley -- home of the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Lookin' grumpy, but actually pretty excited!

Of course, in the Boy Scout spirit of 'Be Prepared,' I just so happened to have directions to Freeze Thaw Cycles on Allen Street! So, after a fine lunch across the street, at The Corner Room (recommended!), I made my way to the shop.

First thing you see, upon entering, is a Salsa Mukluk snow bike, ready to have a go -- right by the front door. Above that is a shelf with the customary literary brick-a-brack advertising rides or services.

The shop originally started out selling used bikes, which probably is a business to itself, as the shop is about one block away from the PSU campus. This spirit is represented in their recycle-ish logo as well as the used/refurbed bikes hanging outside the window of the shop. Freeze Thaw now carries a number of new brands, including Bianchi, All-City, Yeti, Redline, Salsa, Trek and Niner.

The shop is laid out like an old shotgun house, thin and long. Probably 20' by 60' for a showroom and repair shop, with a mystery back room not included. A second level offered about an addition half of the square footage. So, packed tight, every bit of space was made useful with either product, pictures, or maps of the area. State College is backed right against the Allegheny Mountains, so mountain riding is the big draw there.

There were a handful of customers in the shop and I wasn't in there long before one of the owners, Justin, came to check on me. We talked a bit and his pride in his shop and the riding available was evident.