About Us

I am President and General Manager of the new CK Cycles LLC. I have 33 years experience in the bicycle business. Many of you recognize me as I have been at this current location for 28 of those years. It is now my turn at the reigns of this great store and I look forward to bringing you THE BEST IN CYCLING.

The Stone Ages.
The business was founded by Charles Klarsfeld “CK,” in 1905. The first location was downtown Albany on Hudson Ave. Many customers come in to the store today and convey fond memories of the old location with the Lionel trains in the window, the wood floors, and the Velocipede hanging out front. I have also heard some rumors of slot machines in the back. I don’t know for sure but I did find some parts in the basement and they weren’t bike parts.

The Bronze Ages.
In the late 1960’s it was CK’s son Leo at the helm. His generation brought the store to a new location, developed a new brand identity and continued a reputation of quality service. Leo along with the Schwinn Bicycle Company picked a new location at 1370 Central Avenue. The demographic studies were correct and this location grew to a big shopping district. Together they built one of the first Schwinn concept stores from the ground up. This store has 32 square feet upstairs divided into showroom and service area. The building has a full basement with storage of 500 plus bicycles. Schwinn and Klarsfeld Cyclery would grow during the bike boom to a leading bicycle business in the Capital District.

The Iron Ages.
Leo’s son Mike would take over the controls after the passing of CK and the untimely passing of Leo. Mike would grow the business with new bike lines like Raleigh and Trek. He added a youthful enthusiasm to the business. This was also about the time that I joined the ranks. I had the pleasure of working with the best in the business. I learned many service techniques from service manager Bob Sitterly. Mike ran the shop till the late 1990’s when it was time for a change.

The Aluminum Ages
Larry Ruff of Cycle Knowledge Corp. took over ownership with me as VP and general manager. The business was in for a big change with the onset of computer shopping. We brought in some more lines and developed a reputation for service excellence. We would expand into different areas of the sport like BMX, cyclocross, road racing, mountain biking, tiathalon, electric assist, and recumbents. Larry owned the business until 2008.

The Carbon Fiber Ages.
I took over as President of CK Cycles LLC and have great plans for the future. I plan to embrace the way our customers want to shop. Our customers like to shop online and we will be there to assist. We will maintain a cutting edge website with online video tutorials and online shopping. These are trying economic times and we want to help. If a new bike is not in the budget than we will service the old one like new. If it is too expensive to drive to work we will help you commute. If a shrinking portfolio and expanding waistline are the problems then we will find the right blend of value, quality and physical fitness for your needs. If you are an enthusiast then we will find the latest technology and offer the finest service. We pride ourselves in selling equipment that we know works, not pushing fads that disappear as quickly as they come on the scene. Whether you do your research in store, on-line, or on the bike path we will take care of your wants, whatever the type of ride you are looking for, at CK Cycles LLC, you’ll find products that are technologically advanced, reliable and represent the best values in cycling.

Welcome to all our new customers and thank you to all our existing customers for your support in the past and your future business. Together we can continue to enjoy the exciting sport of cycling.

Jeffrey Pepper
President, CK Cycles LLC