Crank Cycle & Fitness

For Chris Turner, cycling isn’t just a hobby – it’s a way of life and a way to give back. Turner opened Crank Cycle & Fitness in Lapeer in April 2023 after purchasing the building in August 2022, creating a full-service bicycle shop designed to serve the local cycling community.

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“We sell Giant, Salsa, and Surly bicycles, plus our e-bike line, Aventon,” Turner says. “But it’s not just sales – we provide full-service maintenance for all makes and models. Our goal is fast, reliable service for every rider.”

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Central to that service is Chris Jeffries, store and service manager, who has been riding since 1981 and professionally repairing bikes for 15 years. “There’s really nobody better for service,” Turner says. “Customers come from Rochester, Birmingham, and beyond because they know Chris knows bikes.”

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Crank Cycle & Fitness grew out of Turner’s nonprofit work with Crank 4 a Cause, which began in 2019 and hosts events like mountain bike rides and 5K runs. “All proceeds go to support the Oakdale Trail System,” Turner explains. “We maintain and advance the trails, cover equipment and volunteer costs, and help keep them open for the community. The bike shop grew directly from that involvement.”

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Turner’s approach balances fun, fitness, and accessibility. The shop runs multiple group rides – beginner rides on Mondays, shop rides on Tuesdays, and advanced rides on Wednesdays – encouraging riders of all levels to explore local trails. “We even do destination rides once a month to show different trails, parking spots, and scenic routes,” he says./

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Community spirit extends beyond trails. Every 4th of July, the shop hosts a cookout for riders to enjoy fireworks from the parking lot or a trail ride. During the holidays, Crank Cycle & Fitness participates in the festive Santa Ride, with riders in Santa suits collecting toys and personal items for local families.

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Turner and co-owner and wife Penny saw a need for a local shop after years of nonprofit events and rider feedback. “We looked at four other buildings, but this location made sense – it’s less than a mile from the trails and central for the community,” Turner says. “We even rent out the lower level to a massage therapist to help cover costs.”

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The shop also plans to launch a bike rental fleet in 2026, offering another way for residents to engage with cycling year-round. “We want people to experience the trails, even if they don’t have a bike yet,” Turner says.

Turner emphasizes accessibility and affordability. Walk in with your bike – no appointment necessary – and expect quick turnaround. “Our goal is three to five days for most services, compared to weeks at other shops,” he says. “We want everyone riding, enjoying, and exploring safely.”

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For Turner, Crank Cycle & Fitness is more than a shop – it’s a hub for fitness, adventure, and community. “It’s about helping people ride, keeping trails open, and building connections,” he says. “Cycling brings people together, and that’s what this shop is all about.”

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To learn more about Crank Cycle & Fitness, visit: https://www.crankcycleandfitness.com/