This is a great shop, a great downtown State College store - a true destination for many, and a place where the staff is 100% passionate about what they are doing. Everyone who works at this store knows what is up with bikes. They say tongue in cheek that the store is closed on Sundays so the guys can go out biking - but they do.
I knew little about bikes when I wandered into their old location (up the steps in Calder Alley) to buy a bike - something for exercise and to zip around on for "excrements and giggles." I have since upgraded / tweaked that bike a few times at Freeze Thaw and love the daylights out of riding it to this day (literally). I never was a "bike person" before these guys. The amount of enjoyment I get out of my bike (a lot) is tied to the set-up, component choices and maintenance the team at Freeze Thaw have given me. Because they are passionate about bikes, they guide you very well and are mindful of value.
And because they are nice and the store is a really cool space - bikes hanging from the high ceiling, frames popping out of walls, other bikes to discover in the loft - I want to linger in there. That's part of what is making me a geek - direct result of this store. They can often accommodate you quickly and do things while you wait, so exploring the store is an event. The well curated lines make the place fun to wander.
Awesome accessories and bike stuff - smart, cool, sometimes hilarious gear. If you want a carrier for your beer growler, this is the place you will find it. Bike bells from goofy to old school to great design... I'm making myself not even look at the $200 Brooks saddles - they let you borrow one and demo it, because - not unlike a crack dealer - they know you will be back for it later.
They remind you that you have a 15% discount if you bought a bike there - and they remember you (not because they punched it into a computer). I forgot and they could have taken me but didn't. THAT is special and you do not see that everyday. Try that at a national retailer.
Oh, and all of them - really good guys, very cool people. Nice. Approachable. Not snooty. Hipster / complete Bike Geeks minus the attitude.
I love that my town has this store. There are a few good places to get bikes in State College, but this place is very special - elite level special. read more