The Bike Gallery Cycles Into Exciting Era Under New Ownership: The Boob Family Takes Over Lock Haven’s Iconic Bike Shop
By Emily Wright
LOCK HAVEN— Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Lock Haven, The Bike Gallery has been a hub for cycling enthusiasts for over three decades. As of June 1, 2024, the revered bike shop officially entered a new era under the ownership of Jordan Boob and his family. This change comes with exciting new developments for local riders and the Lock Haven community.
Jordan Boob, a Lock Haven native and passionate running and cycling aficionado, is the face of The Bike Gallery’s fresh ownership; however, he says that taking over the bike shop has been a family affair from the start. Jordan’s parents, Bob Boob and Lisa Urbine, alongside his stepfather, Wayne Urbine, share ownership and continue to provide invaluable support. The family dynamic extends to the store’s daily operations, with Jordan’s younger sister, Jasmyne Boob, recently taking on reception duties.
The Bike Gallery’s previous owners, Steve and Lana Schetti, successfully operated the business and owned the building for over 33 years. They wanted to ensure that whoever took over the building would continue the legacy of the bike shop, and their desire to keep it alive resonated with the Boob family when Jordan’s father, Bob Boob, spotted the listing.
Jordan shared that when he was presented with the idea of taking over the well-established bike business, the decision was easy, “I’ve always been business-oriented,” he said.
As a running enthusiast who also loves cycling, Jordan spoke about the parallels between the two before mentioning that he aims to combine both passions at The Bike Gallery in the future. “Taking over The Bike Gallery seemed like a great opportunity because I love both running and biking, and I’d like to add some accessories for runners to the store in the future,” he said.
More recently, Jordan has developed a particular interest in e-bikes, especially those made by a company called Aventon, which are available for purchase at The Bike Gallery. He highlighted that Aventon e-bikes are not only enjoyable to ride but also very economical because of their ability to travel 40 to 60 miles on a single charge. “I save so much money on gas because I ride my e-bike from Dunnstown to the shop every day,” he said. Adding to that, Jordan mentioned that the tires on this particular line of e-bikes are wider and can accommodate all-terrain riding, so whether you’re cruising through town or wanting to go mountain biking, Aventon e-bikes will get you from point A to point B.
Moving forward, Jordan says he’s got plans to broaden the range of inventory at The Bike Gallery. “We’re trying to maximize our space to add more inventory, especially with electric bikes and hybrid comfort bikes,” he shared. “We don’t plan to subtract from our mountain bike inventory, but we want to add a bit more of a variety.”
Services at The Bike Gallery extend beyond bike sales. The shop also offers professional repairs, tune-ups, new wheels and tires, accessory installation, and much more. Jordan emphasized that the business is currently swamped with customers in need of those services, so there is a lengthy wait to have bike repair or servicing done. He advises customers to call ahead to be put on the wait list or to ask for a timeframe of when the work can be completed.
Jordan highlighted that the shop’s expert bike mechanic, Zack Miller, is phenomenal at what he does. Zack worked at The Bike Gallery prior to the ownership change, and he’s not only well-versed in the mechanical end of cycling but has also made a name for himself because of his own cycling talents as a sponsored BMX rider.
The Bike Gallery is raising the bar when it comes to customer experience. A notable addition is a bike delivery service, which provides convenience for those unable to transport their new purchase. “There is a reasonable delivery fee, and customers can call the shop to request delivery,” Jordan noted.
According to Jordan, Aventon e-bikes have proven to be the most popular line amongst customers since he took over the business, and The Bike Gallery is rolling out special promotions to celebrate its new chapter. Until July 31, customers who purchase select Aventon e-bikes will receive a free extra battery, a value of $500. In addition to the free battery, Aventon e-bikes come with a 2-year warranty. This offer applies to select models, including the Aventure.2, Sinch.2, Level.2 Commuter, and Pace 500.3. Jordan noted that this offer is available only while supplies last, so if you’ve had an e-bike on your mind, he invites you to stop in and see which model suits you best.
Looking ahead, Jordan has ambitious plans for The Bike Gallery. “A big plan I have in mind is to look into expanding onto the back of the building to create more space for inventory and for our repair side of the business,” he revealed. “We want to close the patio that’s currently out back to create that extra space.”
Jordan maintains a welcoming approach to both novice and seasoned cyclists. “There are no stupid questions when it comes to buying a new bike, and that’s something I like to emphasize,” he said. Whether you’re completely new to the world of cycling or you’re well-versed and know exactly what you’re looking for, Jordan invites everyone to stop in and browse, explore the wide range of options, and find out what type of bike or e-bike will suit your needs.
As The Bike Gallery steers into its new chapter, the Boob family aims to continue providing top-notch bikes, accessories, and much more to keep the local business thriving. With Jordan at the helm, supported by his family, Lock Haven’s cherished bike shop is ready to pedal forward into a bright and exciting future.
Check out The Bike Gallery in downtown Lock Haven at its original location, 223 East Main Street.
Call 570-748-7580 to contact Jordan and his staff at The Bike Gallery or email TheBikeGalleryLH@gmail.com.
On Facebook, search for “The Bike Gallery” and be sure to look for the business’s new logo on the profile. The new Facebook page will keep you up-to-date on the latest deals and additions to the shop.
Hours of Operation:
– Monday & Tuesday: 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
– Wednesday: Closed
– Thursday: 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
– Friday: 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
– Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
– Sunday: Closed
