Independent bike shops are the soul of our biking communities. They have a life force that is developed by its owners’ personality, who offer quality service and have created a unique culture and following. This is the feeling you get when you shop with Stu Schwab, owner/operator at Appalachian Bicycle Co. in downtown Lewisburg. Stu’s cycling studio enhances the two-wheel experience through his professional service, sales, & community involvement. He enjoys the experience of developing fun and professional relationships between himself and area cyclists. He listens to you and works with you to provide the best service and sales. His goal is for you enjoy the ride each time you go for a pedal. Whether you need your bike serviced; tire changed to a hydraulic brake bleed to tune-up to more advanced options as a complete rebuild of your suspension for your mountain bike; a fitting for a more appropriate saddle; purchasing the right bike; educating you about the material and stitching of an ABC premium road jersey and cycling cap; local restaurant options; the best beer in town; or where to ride, Stu is your man.

 “Awesome new shop! Stu will really help you out with getting on the right bike for what you’re looking for! Awesome shop, awesome guy, all around awesome!” – Hammy Lucas

You can often see Stu riding his bike around town. He says it makes the journey from A to B more fun and the perspective of the area we live more enjoyable. He also says that he’s excited to see more people cycling in their commutes. There’s more WVSOM Osteopathetic students riding to school rather than sitting in traffic on rt 219 or rt 60; and more downtown employees are enjoying the biking experience when getting to work.

“Stu is a rad guy and great rider! Go see him and his new shop!”-  Mikey Valach

Stu has been servicing and selling bikes in Lewisburg for almost 5 years. He knows the majority of cyclists and families in a 60 mile radius by name and the bikes they ride. When the pivotal moment came to launch his own business with Appalachian Bicycle Co. earlier this year, he seized the opportunity because he wanted to continue to offer professional, detailed service, and sales in a town he loves.

Stu offers bikes to reflect the diversity of the region. He offers a wide range of brand name bikes and price points. Cyclists have a complete line that covers the River Trail and Cranberry Backcountry rider. There are mountain bikers looking to upgrade and the road enthusiast looking for the faster road machine. Stu carries Ibis, which is a company that has been around since the early 80s. They are known for their use of innovative suspension, DW Link, on mountain bikes and iconic molded carbon fiber frames. He also has All City and Surly, which are the party brands that suit the unique, alternative personalities of those who wish and are known for riding them.

Over the years Stu has instilled an appreciation of all different types of bikes and cycling disciplines. He recently built a single speed steel bike so Evan at Thunderbird Taco could speed through town to work; he tuned the suspension for local rider Morgan Jones’ new mountain bike so he could blast downhill in the Greenbrier State Forest; he did basic maintenance on Nancy Harris’ Trek Verve to keep her going the distance each day on the River Trail; and he installed handmade tires on his road machine for a more supple road ride. In each machine, Stu sees a perfect blend of simplicity, craftsmanship, innovation, and intelligence that makes all the components working in unison between bike and rider flow.

“I work with each client to meet their cycling wants, needs & goals while developing a strong, professional relationship.  This is the benefit of an owner-operated shop and knowing your mechanic!” – Stu Schwab

Stu was drawn to bike repair when he became committed to the sport as a way to push himself into the outdoors. He has always enjoyed the continued learning of the mechanics, components, and equipment of cycling. In his previous professional life, Stu was an audio engineer. His mind has never been complacent, as he’s always had a growing interest with new technologies, better techniques, more efficient ways to work and progress as a mechanic, and now a business owner.

Here are Stu’s favorite spots to ride:

Mountain biking:

• The root and rock laced trails of the Tea Creek area in the Monongahela National Forest and Snowshoe Bike Park in Pocahontas County
• The mixed variety of the Greenbrier State Forest outside of Lewisburg.

Road biking:

• The Greenbrier County pavement that laces through mid-range mountains and farmland right out the doorstep
• The big mountain climbs and descents of the Highland Scenic Highway in Pocahontas County.

Next time you are looking for a quality ride, bike repair, and a good conversation, visit Stu’s shop at Appalachian Bicycle Co. It’s located beside Greenbrier Valley Theatre at 1036 E. Washington Street. Shop hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, Closed Sunday & Monday. More info, call 304-520-6442, visit appalachianbicycleco.com, or find them on facebook!

– HashtagWV September 2016