College Park Bicycles got its start at the beginning of the surge of interest in sport, mountain, and road cycling. Its owner, Larry Black, a bicycle racer, master mechanic, and "whirlwind," has been a trendsetter in bicycle riding, equipment, and events.

"While I managed the Bethesda and Bellevue stores for Georgetown Cycles, I also taught a bicycle maintenance class at the University of Maryland," said Black. "My students at the time urged me to investigate an empty, broken up laundromat as a possible location for a bicycle shop. 

"My boss, Danny Wagner, didn't want to open a Georgetown Cycles at that location, but he supported me in doing it myself," Black continued. "Along with former bike class student Linda (fiancée at the time and now wife of 18 years), I opened College Park Bicycles in that location with an inventory of 12 bicycles on loan from Georgetown Cycle. Although we had a pretty shaky start, my students were right, it turned out to be a great location and we've been there ever since."

Since College Park Bicycles opened its doors in 1979, it:

  Has sold more than 30,00 bicycles 
     Has had more than 1,000 students in bicycle maintenance classes (some learned enough to open their own shops) 
     Launched the College Park Bicycles Racing Club in 1980 
     Sponsored the longest-running race series at Greenbelt Park (since 1980) 
     Became Maryland’s original TREK dealer (since 1979) 
     Was the first dealer for Cannondale bicycles in 1983 
     Became an original Specialized dealer 
     Sponsored the Campus Criterium (1984-1987) and numerous other bicycle races 
     Sponsored lots of roller races 
     Supported hundreds of bicycle racers through the College Park Bicycles Racing Team 
     Helped start Alpine Cycles in Rockville, Maryland 
     Sponsored the International Human Powered Vehicles Association races in 1987 at the University of Maryland 
     Fueled the birth of local tandem and recumbent cycling 
     Co-sponsored the "Cycle-Recycle" with Maryland Governor Parris Glendenning in 1986 
     Made the Bicycle Dealer Showcase (BDS) ‘top 100’ awards in 1987 
     Was a founding member of the College Park Area Bicycle Coalition in 1989 
     Opened College Park’s sister shop, Mt. Airy Bicycles in 1991 
     Named one of the "10 best"; shops in Bicycling Magazine in 1991 
     Has been a matchmaker, with at least two marriages of people meeting in the shop (let us know if there are more!) 
     Has had over 350 employees 
     Has had lots of fun!

The 20th Anniversary Sale on October 21-25 will feature a 20 theme with 20% discounts on selected bicycles and merchandise, and lots of stuff for a $20 bill. Various bicycle representatives will be on hand to answer questions. Register to win a TREK bicycle. Runners up can win a College Park Bicycles 20th Anniversary jersey.

College Park Bicycles will feature a preview of its 20th Anniversary video at the sale. Classic Rock 94.7 disk jockey and cycling enthusiast Cerphe Colwell will narrate this retrospective that explores the history of College Park Bicycles, the sport of cycling, and the national impact College Park Bicycles has had in its 20 years in business. It also will include testimonials from bicycle industry leaders and bicycle enthusiasts and racers, plus some great cycling footage. 

Another exciting aspect of the 20th Anniversary celebration is that College Park Bicycles wants to hear its customer’s most memorable "College Park Bicycles Experience." The shop is gathering the funniest, most intriguing, warmest, saddest, or delightful stories, and, in return, will enter the contestant in a drawing for a free Trek Bicycle. This also is College Park Bicycle's opportunity to resolve any outstanding issues, such as money owed, latent complaints, overdue suggestions, or other testimony. Outstanding stories will receive special rewards.
 

Hours:
  M, Th 12-9
  T,W,F 10-7
  Sa 10-6
  Su 12-5

Directions:
from the Beltway (I-95/I495)
South at exit 25B, US 1
approx 2.3 miles or 11 lights
to Knox Rd (first light past U of M.)
Right approx. 100 yards on right
next to 7-11

 From Washington, DC Via US 1
North to Knox. left to shop on right.

4360 Knox Road
  College Park, Md 20740
  Adjacent University of Maryland
  301-864-2211