Northeast - Thanks to Roadworx-Syosset, LI

Just started riding out to Syosset the past couple of weekends and its been great so far. Nice flat terrain along with plenty of rolling hills in/out of Syosset and the LIE service road. During yesterday's ride, I caught a flat as we were entering the CVS parking lot to refuel. Tried to get back on the road and it wasn't happening. The valve extenders included with the Sram wheels just wasn't working right. Asked a local where the nearest bike shop was and he said this:
"Further down the road is Bicycle Planet, probably where you might want to go. Right across the street is a high-end bike shop. I doubt they can help you."
Well, it was obvious my bike wasn't going anywhere and I wasn't going to ask the guys with me to go find Bicycle Planet so we crossed the street over to Roadworx.
First impression, without a doubt, high-end for sure. Nothing but Guru Geneos, Serrottas, and pretty much components like Di-2, complete Zipp wheeline, etc..
I met Will who got my bike back on the road in no time; changed my tube, along with a Tufo extender/presta valve which was something I should've done in the first place. He also pointed out my rear dearailleur hanger was bent and realigned it free of charge. What a difference it made on the ride back home as shifting through the gears were so much smoother and I couldn't be happier.
The bikes in Roadworx are most definetely high-end, but Will's customer service was superb and one of few select LBS employees I've encountered who was a pleasure to deal with.
I may not have the $$$ for a custom Guru Geneo, but I don't mind purchasing several parts, components from him in the near future. Good looking out Roadworx :thumb:

Just curious as to why you're riding out to Syosset. It seems most riders BEGIN their trips here and go somewhere else. (I've lived in Syosset my entire 46 years and I've seen it go from a place that might have been a good destination to a town with little worth visiting.)

Anyway, I've heard only good things about Roadworx, too. I wish there was something in there - a tube, a water bottle, ANYTHING - that I can afford!

The majority of the group(family and friends) that I ride with are from Queens(Jamaica Estates, Hollis, Fresh Meadows). I believe its a route the NYCC takes to Oyster Bay but our halfway point is right on Muttontown Rd, next to the LIRR station. Most of us just started road cycling last summer and with our work schedules, families, hobbies, etc.. we try to make the most of it when we meet up on the weekends. I do hope we make it to Oyster Bay on our next ride, and eventually further out LI as we improve our distances.

And Papa Tom, there are some things we can definitely afford from Roadworx. A new tube plus the presta valve extender cost me only $20 installed. I'm sure the water bottles can't be that expensive... second thought, I don't recall seeing anything close to a camelback, lol.

Just curious as to why you're riding out to Syosset. It seems most riders BEGIN their trips here and go somewhere else. !

Gee Tom, I ride TO Syosset all the time, but I live in Freeport. NOBODY rides TO Freeport nor do many start in Freeport (that I've noticed - handful maybe).

Syosset is a good junction for a lot of roads that lead onward to other destinations. So Woods, Muttontown Rd., Berry Hill, Split Rock - all roads I'm on frequently. I think the LIBC still uses the LIRR lot in Syosset as a re-join-up stop after coming from Westbury High School thru the "7 Hills" - I.E., Wheatley Rd,. Brookville Rd., Muttontown Rd, so that qualifies it as a destination. Also, the Syosett Fire Dept. is about the only department that allows riders in to use the bathrooms and to re-fill water bottles.

Steve B.

First impression, without a doubt, high-end for sure.
well, it is Syosset, of course it's going to be high end. and the same is true for Bicycle Planet, they're pretty high end and high priced too, but that should be expected in an upper class area like Syosset. the last time i went to Bicycle Planet, their BP logo (Specialized) water bottles were either $8 or $9, go to Brands in Wantagh and you will find the same exact bottle with a different logo for either $4 or $5...

there are some good thing about Bicycle Planet though, they do have a lot of stuff in stock in the store, so you have a good chance of finding something there that you may not find somewhere else. for example, they're the only LBS that i've ever seen that stocks a good selection of Assos shorts and jerseys, and they have a LOT of jerseys in stock if you're looking for a different kit and don't mind paying full retail (or a bit more) for it. i've never been in Roadworx, but i'm guessing it's more of the same...

I'm flattered that you guys think so much of Syosset. My home is listed on Google Maps as a stop for bicyclists who are in trouble, need some tools, etc. Keep that in mind.

Regarding Syosset to Oyster Bay, I have an alternate route that might interest you, although it involves a short stretch of off-road riding on a path that has taken a beating recently. It's much nicer and safer ride than Berry Hill Road all the way down. Let me know if you are interested.

As far as Roadworx, it's great to see that he has established a regular clientele. When he opened, I gave him three/four months at the most. Now he's not only survived, but he's moved into a larger shop. It's great to see good people do well. Still, I have a huge supply of inner tubes left over from my bicycle recycling program. When they run out, I have no problem using the $3 tubes from Target.

Bicycle Planet bit off a big nut when it bought the old Post & Co store in Syosset. They stock hundreds of bikes, but make most of their bread and butter from accessories. The profit from those accessories has to cover the rent, the utilities, and all the salaries. I suppose that's why a plastic valve cap costs a buck there, even though they're rolling all over the floor. Brands, on the other hand, has had that building for decades and probably has a better lease situation -- or maybe they even own the building at this point. At this point in time, my work is so slow and my income so minimal that I can't afford to shop in ANY of the above bike stores. That's why my new frame bike pump is a $10 Schwinn jobbie from Walmart.

Regarding Syosset to Oyster Bay, I have an alternate route that might interest you, although it involves a short stretch of off-road riding on a path that has taken a beating recently. It's much nicer and safer ride than Berry Hill Road all the way down. Let me know if you are interested.
Would that be the old White Oak Tree Lane?
I think that it is safe to say that any LBS makes their money off accessories and service. Especially in an area like this one, there is so much competition that you cannot get a real big margin on the bikes themselves.

>>>>Would that be the old White Oak Tree Lane?<<<<

Yes, but it's a real mess this summer, with overgrown grass and fallen trees across the woodsy path that connects White Oak Tree with Cove Road. The last time I rode it, some foliage got caught in my chain and sent me flying into the brush. Good thing I'm an experienced rider or it could have been a catastrophe. It's STILL safer than Berry Hill or Split Rock, though, in my opinion.

Gee Tom, I ride TO Syosset all the time, but I live in Freeport. NOBODY rides TO Freeport nor do many start in Freeport (that I've noticed - handful maybe).

Syosset is a good junction for a lot of roads that lead onward to other destinations. So Woods, Muttontown Rd., Berry Hill, Split Rock - all roads I'm on frequently. I think the LIBC still uses the LIRR lot in Syosset as a re-join-up stop after coming from Westbury High School thru the "7 Hills" - I.E., Wheatley Rd,. Brookville Rd., Muttontown Rd, so that qualifies it as a destination. Also, the Syosett Fire Dept. is about the only department that allows riders in to use the bathrooms and to re-fill water bottles.

Steve B.

Hey I start in Freeport cause I live here too! That said I ride the hell out really fast LOL!

primov - it's brian from saturday's ride. What's up