Babcocks Bike Shop

Our Story

Babcock Bicycles has been a beloved fixture in the Binghamton community for over 35 years. Our journey began during the vibrant bike boom of the early 1970s when Kevin Babcock, our founder, was hired by Harry R. Beach at Beach's Bike Shop. It was a time of rapid technological advancement in the cycling world, with European ten-speed bikes rapidly replacing the more traditional single-speed and three-speed models. Kevin's job was to assemble, repair, and eventually sell these new ten-speeds, often finding himself surrounded by dozens of freshly sold bikes each day. This period saw the formation of a strong friendship between Kevin and Dale Buckthal, a passionate cyclist who shared Kevin's love for all things bicycles. They embarked on countless miles together, their bond solidified through a shared passion fueled by their mentor, Mr. Beach.

Tragedy struck the community in the late 1970s when Mr. Beach passed away. Beach's Bike Shop was then acquired by Jan and Ted Makoske, who breathed new life into the 40-year-old business, renaming it Ted's Bike Shop. Through the passing eras, Ted, Jan, and their family witnessed the evolution of the bicycle industry, from the dominance of ten-speeds to the rise of mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and comfortable crusiers, all while nurturing their reputation as the Twin Tier's premier bike shop and building lasting friendships within the cycling community.

Dale Buckthal's journey took him down a different path. He transitioned into teaching, opening his own bike shop in Owego, NY, and inviting Kevin to participate. Emboldened by Dale's encouragement, Kevin took the leap and launched Babcock Bicycles in 1981. That same year, Kevin's life took an exhilarating turn as he was hired as the mechanic for a transcontinental biking attempt sponsored by Lotus Bicycles. While the record was not broken, the journey across the United States proved invaluable, providing Kevin with a wealth of knowledge and experience. This transformative experience propelled Kevin's full-time commitment to the bicycle business. Around the same time, he also became an integral part of the growing Tioga Velo Club, which Dale Buckthal was instrumental in establishing. As the club evolved from monthly time trials to weekly events and even road races, Kevin found himself increasingly drawn to the business side of cycling.

Babcock Bicycles began to flourish, expanding its inventory and service offerings within its rented space. In the mid-1990s, John Martens joined the team, becoming Kevin's trusted right-hand man. John's organizational prowess, coupled with Kevin's meticulous assembly and repair techniques, attracted a loyal clientele. This period of growth coincided with exciting changes in Kevin's personal life. He and his wife Tracie welcomed two children into the world-a daughter named Molly and a son named Matthew, who developed a passion for hockey.

Our Services

At Babcock Bicycles, we are dedicated to providing our customers with a comprehensive range of services to enhance their cycling experience. Whether you're an avid enthusiast or just starting out, our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help. We offer:

• Expert Bike Fitting: We understand that finding the perfect bike fit is crucial for comfort, performance, and enjoyment. Our skilled technicians use precise measurements and assessments to tailor your bike to your individual needs.
• Bicycle Sales: Our extensive showroom houses a wide selection of bikes for all ages, abilities, and riding styles. From top-of-the-line road bikes and mountain bikes to comfortable cruisers and family-friendly options, we have the perfect bike to match your interests and budget.

• Expert Repair and Maintenance: Our team of certified mechanics is dedicated to keeping your bike in top condition. We offer a full range of repair services, including tune-ups, brake adjustments, drivetrain repairs, wheel truing, and more.

• Accessories and Parts: We stock a wide variety of high-quality cycling accessories and parts to enhance your riding experience. Whether you need new tires, helmets, clothing, or any other essential gear, you'll find it all at Babcock Bicycles.

A Commitment to Quality

We are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality products and services. As a Shimano Authorized Dealer, we take pride in offering genuine Shimano components and ensuring their proper installation and maintenance.

Our dedication to excellence has earned us the prestigious recognition of "America's Best Bike Shops" by the National Bicycle Dealers Association. We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to customer satisfaction, quality workmanship, and our passion for cycling.