PressJune 20, 2003 'Cycologist' fits right inOwner
Julie Gordon JULIE GORDON V. Richard Haro/The Coloradoan FARTHER AND FASTER: Shawn Brooks, owner of The Cycologist in Fort Collins, builds custom bikes, makes repairs and does tune-ups. He also `fits' bicycles that do not meet the needs of his customers. YoungProfessionals JulieGordon@coloradoan.com Shawn Brooks will help you get a new bike that's just right for you or give your existing bike some therapy. Brooks, 33, operates The Cycologist out of his Fort Collins home at 4041 Platte Drive. He custom builds bikes and does fittings, repairs and tune-ups. When people have a bike that fits them, they are less likely to experience pain during or after riding and they're able to go farther and faster, said Brooks, who has done more than 1,000 fittings in 10 years in the industry. Brooks did a fitting for Eve Anne Felker , an ultrasound technologist at the Fort Collins Women's Clinic who rides 30 to 40 miles a week. "It was wonderful," Felker said. "It made all the difference in the world. It changed my perception of cycling. It took away all the pain and made it a very enjoyable sport. It took my focus away from the pain and brought back the fun." Ray Pigg, vice president of business development for The Neenan Co., a local construction company, bought two Titus mountain bikes and a road bike from Brooks and has had Brooks service them. "The service is very personalized," said Pigg, who rides two to five days a week. Randy Myers, who also bought a Titus bike from Brooks, said, "It fits me like a glove and certainly is a pleasure to ride." Brooks provides coaching to help people improve their mountain-bike skills. He also offers instruction in trail/roadside repair. The basic course covers how to change a flat tire, minor brake and gear adjustments and chain repair. "I have high motivation and inspiration in a job like this because I'm helping people," Brooks said. "For me, it's about making it so people can do this sport forever." Myers, who got mountain-bike skills coaching from Brooks, said it was very helpful. "I've become a better climber and able to clear more technical sections of the trail than I have before," said Myers, treasurer for The Neenan Co. Brooks, who works on an appointment-only basis, said he gets enough work in the summer that he doesn't have to pursue a second job when business is slow in winter. "We can relax a little bit in December," Brooks said. "We know December is going to be slow, so we just depend on it." Brooks, who launched The Cycologist five years ago, operates the business with his wife, Jennifer, who handles the paperwork and bookkeeping. The couple has two children, Lennon, 1, and Lilly, 2 months. Prior to launching the Cycologist, Brooks - who has a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Iowa - worked at bike shops in Fort Collins and Mesa, Ariz. "In my entire life, I've never met anyone who has as much commitment to biking as Shawn does, not only in regard to his business, but trying to create a quality environment for bikers in general," Pigg said. "He's got a real commitment to raising the enjoyment level for people at all skill levels. He's taught me how to be a better rider and how to enjoy the sport a lot more." Shawn Brooks -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |