High Knees Cycling offers culture to the biking community

High Knees Cycling bike shop, St. George, Utah, December 2013 | Photo courtesy of Knee High Cycling

ST. GEORGE –  For William Shake, owner of High Knees Cycling in St. George, biking is just as much a lifestyle as it is a sport. That’s why he believes in operating what he calls a customer-centric bike shop.

High Knees cyclists, Washington County, Utah, date unknown | Photo courtesy of Knee High Cycling
High Knees cyclists, Washington County, Utah, undated | Photo courtesy of Knee High Cycling

Raised in a family of bikers, Shake said he has worked to build a store that emulates the same culture of biking as he has always known.

“For as long as I can remember, my entire family has been cycling,” Shake said. “For me, it has always been a fun, friendly, positive and very social sport.”

In addition to being a central source for cycling consumers in Southern Utah, Shake said he has worked to build a store where the employees know you by name. He has also created a culture of coaching, teaching and encouraging camaraderie among cyclists.

Each month, High Knees Cycling offers group rides that have included as many as 50 cyclists. Beginning at the High Knees bike shop on Red Hills Parkway, monthly rides take on a variety of routes and community causes – each ride is dedicated to a cause or organization in need of support and/or raising funds.

“A really great thing about our monthly rides is that we gather to help those in need, and at the same time, we enjoy socializing and building new friendships,” Shake said.

High Knees Cycling bike shop, St. George, Utah, December 2013 | Photo courtesy of Knee High Cycling
High Knees Cycling bike shop, St. George, Utah, December 2013 | Photo courtesy of Knee High Cycling

Store Manager Matt Mangen is a professional triathlete and XTERRA racer. Mangen said a top priority for High Knees Cycling is safety. With a crew of mechanics all certified by the United Bicycle Institute, keeping bicycles in top shape is critically important, he said.

“We know that if our customers are comfortable with us, they’ll trust us to keep their bikes in condition,” Mangen said. “So we work hard to build and maintain the trust of our customers, and to provide them with a comfortable atmosphere for learning, asking questions, and raising concerns.”

For newcomers to the sport, to moderate and advanced riders, High Knees management offers regular classes during evening hours. Education topics include: flat tire repair, proper nutrition for cyclists, basic mechanics, stretching, team riding, and more.

“We invite all of our customers to come in and learn, to stay on top of safety, and to enjoy the company,” Mangen said. “Our classes are all free – this is one way we enjoy giving back to our customers.”

According to Shake, “Biking is a relatively new sport southern Utah.” And more than just selling bikes, “We are really focusing on introducing the sport, investing in the community, and propelling a positive and fun lifestyle.”

High Knees cyclists, Washington County, Utah, date unknown | Photo courtesy of Knee High Cycling
High Knees cyclists, Washington County, Utah, undated | Photo courtesy of Knee High Cycling

But when it comes to selling bikes, this, too, is something the High Knees team takes seriously. “We believe in our products because we use them,” Shake said.

Having competed in the Ironman and Kokopelli Triathlons several years in a row, he said: “You come to know the best products in clothing, nutrition, bikes and gear. And that is exactly what we carry here.”

At the High Knees Fit Studio, three certified bike fitters work to fit customers to a best-match bike frame and saddle. In about two hours, Mangen describes how measurements and power tests translate to give customers their best buying options. “Something that is really unique to our area is our Test Drive Kit,” he said. “Customers can choose from 30 saddles to try, and take a prescribed bike frame that we can then adjust and customize for maximum performance.”

In addition to an extensive road bike inventory, High Knees Cycling also offers the largest BMX selection in southern Utah along with a full curriculum of BMX training and safety courses. In addition to BMX bikes, parts, and clothing, High Knees Cycling also offers a monthly BMX Jam featuring a barbecue and social hour, and ramps and rails for customers to practice and perform on.

“We have a lot of fun with our BMX customers,” Mangen said. “And we’re really proud to support the culture of such a classic American sport.”

High Knees Cycling also sells mountain bikes to fit Southern Utah’s red rock and steep terrain, kids bikes and a variety of nutrition supplements.

“We like to provide everything a customer needs for racing, triathlons, biking as a sport, or just for enjoyment,” Shake said. “And not only that, our goal is to know each customer by name and to earn their trust. If they invest in us, we invest in them.”

A D V E R T O R I A L 

Recap and resources

  • High Knees Cycling website | Facebook | Twitter
  • Address: 2051 E. Red Hills Parkway Unit, St. George, Utah 84770  | Telephone: 435-216-7080
  • Hours:  Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Sunday: Closed

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2013, all rights reserved.

High Knees Cycling bike shop, St. George, Utah, December 2013 | Photo courtesy of Knee High Cycling
High Knees Cycling bike shop, St. George, Utah, December 2013 | Photo courtesy of Knee High Cycling

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