Offering custom cycles, high-tech fittings, apparel and group rides, Signature Cycles is for bike enthusiasts of all levels.
After two decades in Greenwich, Signature Cycles has relocated to Darien. The custom bike shop and fitting studio, which “creates art in motion,” debuted its new space this spring.
The commute from his home in Riverside to Darien is no problem for Signature Cycles co-owner Abraham Soler, who rides his custom bike to and from work. “Biking to Darien is faster than the traffic,” jokes Soler. “It’s a great ride—only about eight and a half miles. I can take Route 1 or some nice back-roads to get there.”
Soler says he and partner Ruedi Laager are grateful to the loyal clients who “trusted us with their dream bikes for years” and hope to work with them at the new shop, while also welcoming an expanding customer base. Their previous store was in a building slated to be torn down and rebuilt, which initially prompted the move. “While we loved our Greenwich location, we are looking forward to growing our community and exploring new roads ahead,” explains Soler.
Ruedi Lagger and Abraham Soler are co-owners of Signature Cycles.
An experienced racer and the son of a professional cyclist who competed in the 1986 Tour de France, Soler says that “Cycling is in my DNA. My love for the sport makes my work feel like a passion rather than a job. Growing up in Bogotá, Colombia—where cycling is taken seriously—taught me to view the sport with respect and admiration.”
After moving from Colombia to New York in 2003, Soler raced competitively and advanced to a Category 1 classification. He worked in bike shops as a mechanic and in sales before meeting Paul Lavine, Signature Cycle’s founder and current advisor. There, he gained fitting experience and became the lead fit technician. Ruedi Laager, one of Lavine’s long-term clients, later took over the company and eventually partnered with Soler.
Despite Soler’s pedigree—and the collective talent of the Signature Cycles team—riders of all levels are welcome. While a high-end custom bike could cost $11,000 and up, an entry-level fitting is available for $375. Clients can bring in their own bike or purchase a stock bike at a variety of price points, starting around $3,000. For riders building a bespoke cycle, the fitting fee is deducted from the purchase. Whatever option is selected, the process begins with a comprehensive interview and physical evaluation. A fitting will take from two to two-and-a-half hours to complete, and riders leave the shop with all the proper adjustments made to their bike. The goal is to “improve comfort, boost power and efficiency and to protect riders from injury.”
Loyal Signature Cycle customers are drawn to the brand for its high-quality custom bikes and the camradie they build at group rides.
This service utilizes high-tech methods such as video motion, pedal stroke analysis, biofeedback and more. “Much like a tailored wedding dress or a custom-built house, every detail is personalized to the individual’s specific needs, and everyone can benefit from that,” says Soler. “Getting fitted by an expert is the essential first step toward a dream bike.”
The timeline to create “signature cycles” can range from four weeks to one year, depending on the frame manufacturer. In addition to custom builds, the store also offers prefabricated brands that can deliver complete bikes in less than two weeks. During a full customization—which Soler says is a personalized, curated experience—customers can choose from a three-tiered menu of frames, wheels and groupsets (the components that allow the bike to move and to stop). Soler says the shop uses “limited-edition items, such as ceramic speed bearings, lightweight wheels and one-off paint schemes” to craft each bike.
The staff leads regular bike outings.
Everyone on the Signature Cycles team is an avid cyclist.
The store’s crew meets up with clients on the road as well, holding weekend rides (including a women-only group on Friday mornings) for everyone from entry level to expert. “Every member of our team is a cycling enthusiast; riding is our passion. This allows us to connect with our clients on many levels,” says Soler. “Connecticut has many ‘champagne’ gravel roads that offer an unforgettable experience.”
On average, each ride is approximately 20 to 30 miles with 15 to 20 participants. Depending on the event, there could be 50 people and up. In addition to local outings, Soler and the team have hosted trips throughout Europe and South America to “expose our clients to some of the best roads in the world.”
Technician Andrés Vargas makes some adjustments.
Bike fittings are a high-tech process utilizing video motion, pedal stroke analysis and biofeedback.
Deeply rooted in the community, Signature Cycles supports youth cycling with a team of BMX riders and has grown its women’s team, which now boasts a national champion.
“Helping riders achieve their goals and bringing more people into the sport is what drives me,” says Soler. “We are incredibly excited about the journey ahead. Our Darien store is truly a magical place, and we look forward to seeing everyone there.”