ARTICLE
Many of us can relate to that feeling of finding the perfect gift under the tree on Christmas morning. For some of us it could be a Barbie or G.I. Joe, a new gaming console, or even…a new bike. But, as kids surely no one reading this would have expected a bike similar to the kind that American Iron Cycles offers. This Downtown Lakeland retailer stocks fully electric scooters and bikes that can reach speeds over 30 mph, which is quite a bit faster than your average 10-speed. So, to keep with our “Gift Giving” series we headed to 309-2 W main St. in Lakeland, where Gary Haberl runs this new and unique store. Gary Haberl has been a part of the Lakeland Community for over 40 years. He said he has always wanted to see people participating in more outdoor activities in the community like how it was when he was a kid. “My age group, we grew up having a bicycle where we’d put three or four of them together to make one bicycle,” said Haberl, owner of American Iron Cycles. He said that back then, if you didn’t have a bicycle then you were left in the neighborhood, missing out on a day at the swimming hole. “It was a way of life for us…phones weren’t around so you had to do things with your hands, you had to go outside, and you got called in for supper. You didn’t have to be told to get out of the house, “said habrel. This familiarity with being outdoors and his passion for building and creating lead the business Haberl owns today. “A couple years ago I got into building gas bikes for a hobby. After a while it took a toll on my body, as far as the vibration and the combustion of those kinds of engines,” said Haberl. Haberl said this resulted in him making the switch to electric motors. He said that went on to build and sell electric trikes, which turned out to be profitable. He formed his own brand of electric bikes known as CrossRoadsCycles. Shortly after creating his brand of e-bike, Haberl contracted a territory agreement with the US brand American Iron Cycle Co. allowing him to sell multiple brands of e-bikes and scooters. Electric Bikes were first invented in Switzerland in the early 1990’s. Since its creation, companies have been improving on the original design, with some models reaching a range of over 50 miles and speeds of over 30 mph. “Electric bikes are the way of the future. It is micro-transportation…no gas, no insurance, none of the regulations as far as with a gas-powered bike or car, its exercise and transportation…and everything is leaning towards this micro-transportation part,” said Haberl. Haberl said that overall, he enjoys the excitement and joy people have when taking ownership of their new electric bike. “It gives a lot of people their lives back because some people are shut-ins, some people have leg problems…and they can’t pedal. All these bikes have the option of pedal, throttle, or both. I like to help people, and this was one way that I could give back, and also make a living,” said Haberl.
Many of us can relate to that feeling of finding the perfect gift under the tree on Christmas morning. For some of us it could be a Barbie or G.I. Joe, a new gaming console, or even…a new bike. But, as kids surely no one reading this would have expected a bike similar to the kind that American Iron Cycles offers. This Downtown Lakeland retailer stocks fully electric scooters and bikes that can reach speeds over 30 mph, which is quite a bit faster than your average 10-speed. So, to keep with our “Gift Giving” series we headed to 309-2 W main St. in Lakeland, where Gary Haberl runs this new and unique store.
Gary Haberl has been a part of the Lakeland Community for over 40 years. He said he has always wanted to see people participating in more outdoor activities in the community like how it was when he was a kid.
“My age group, we grew up having a bicycle where we’d put three or four of them together to make one bicycle,” said Haberl, owner of American Iron Cycles.
He said that back then, if you didn’t have a bicycle then you were left in the neighborhood, missing out on a day at the swimming hole.
“It was a way of life for us…phones weren’t around so you had to do things with your hands, you had to go outside, and you got called in for supper. You didn’t have to be told to get out of the house, “said habrel.
This familiarity with being outdoors and his passion for building and creating lead the business Haberl owns today.
“A couple years ago I got into building gas bikes for a hobby. After a while it took a toll on my body, as far as the vibration and the combustion of those kinds of engines,” said Haberl.
Haberl said this resulted in him making the switch to electric motors. He said that went on to build and sell electric trikes, which turned out to be profitable. He formed his own brand of electric bikes known as CrossRoadsCycles.
Shortly after creating his brand of e-bike, Haberl contracted a territory agreement with the US brand American Iron Cycle Co. allowing him to sell multiple brands of e-bikes and scooters.
Electric Bikes were first invented in Switzerland in the early 1990’s. Since its creation, companies have been improving on the original design, with some models reaching a range of over 50 miles and speeds of over 30 mph.
“Electric bikes are the way of the future. It is micro-transportation…no gas, no insurance, none of the regulations as far as with a gas-powered bike or car, its exercise and transportation…and everything is leaning towards this micro-transportation part,” said Haberl.
Haberl said that overall, he enjoys the excitement and joy people have when taking ownership of their new electric bike.
“It gives a lot of people their lives back because some people are shut-ins, some people have leg problems…and they can’t pedal. All these bikes have the option of pedal, throttle, or both. I like to help people, and this was one way that I could give back, and also make a living,” said Haberl.