When the Laughlintown bicycle shop where life-long Greensburg resident Rob Davis worked closed a year ago, he was asked by the new owners to work at their new site -- in Chicago.
Davis, instead, chose to remain near his family in Greensburg.
Davis, 33, said he took the best option -- to venture into the business world with a bicycle shop of his own.
He has opened Cycle Symphony in Adamsburg, where he is equipped to offer everything for all bikers -- from the inexperienced to the ultra-experienced.
Adamsburg is a prime location -- not far from Greensburg or Pittsburgh and close to the turnpike, Davis noted.
"I've been into bikes since I was little," he said, adding with a chuckle that he often got in trouble for riding farther from home than he was allowed.
After the Laughlintown shop ceased operations, Davis made the decision on his own shop "to assist people in the biking community."
"We're here to help people get into and discover the fun of cycling, which is a great fitness activity. And bikes save on gas as well," he noted.
A graduate of St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Davis has a bit of the philosopher in him.
"I've been involved with bikes all my life, and it's always been a passion of mine," he said. "If you can enjoy your job by doing something you like, you have to stick with it and do what you enjoy. You never work a day in your life if you enjoy what you are doing."
Davis, who has his degree in biology, applied that same philosophical bent in naming his shop Cycle Symphony.
"I just came up with that name one day," he explained. "Thinking about it, a symphony is all about harmony, about all the musicians and their instruments working together. A bicycle is all about harmony as well, about all the parts working together. Plus, the rider has to be in harmony with his or her bike to make everything function properly."
At Cycle Symphony, Davis offers all biking-related services -- from selling new bikes to repairing old ones, including tune-ups and working on hydraulic disk brakes.
He also offers experienced riders the opportunity to customize a bike -- selecting a certain frame, wheels, seat, handlebars, grips, and drive-train. Customized bikes appeal to riders looking for something more in a bike, those who ride extensively and know about bikes, and those who want more performance in their bikes, Davis said.
"We can help every rider along the way," Davis said, "and suggest what parts will work best to suit every rider and every rider's needs. We work with custom-frame builders and manufacturers to determine if an individual prefers to sit more upright, wants the newer version of an older bike, or is looking for a certain style of bike.
"For casual riders, those who prefer to ride on area bike trails, they may prefer a more upright bike and be in a more straight-up seating position. For road bikers -- those who prefer to remain on paved surfaces -- a lightweight bike with skinny tires and handlebars that curve downward would be the answer."
He also sells mountain bikes, those used in wooded areas or over rough terrain.
Prices range from $300, to $3,000, to $10,000, Davis said.
Davis said he has built more bikes than he can remember -- and also has dabbled in competitive racing.
He has competed in 24-hour races at Seven Springs resort, either as a solo rider or in two-, four- or eight-person teams; in downhill racing at Wisp in Maryland and Snowshoe in West Virginia; and in a 24-hour race at Big Bear, also in West Virginia. He copped a first-place trophy at Seven Springs, competing as part of a corporate team.
Alongside Davis at Cycle Symphony is his wife, Aum and bloggers, including Jeremy Holdorf, on the Internet website: cyclesymphony.com .
"Bikes are great for the mind," Davis said. "I like to see all the parts working together smoothly. Biking is a life-long sport, with no age limits or requirements, and its family-friendly aspect offers something for everyone to enjoy."
