News Summary
Following the closure of Princeton Sports, Peak Bicycle and Ski Service has opened in Baltimore, focusing on high-quality bike and ski repairs and rentals. Longtime employees Corey Adams and Gregory Doda are leading the new venture, which occupies a smaller space and aims to maintain the service standards that the community values. The closure of an 89-year-old institution has opened a niche that this new store plans to fill, emphasizing customer service over broad retail offerings.
Baltimore Faces a Shift in Outdoor Gear Retailing After Princeton Sports Closure
Baltimore is witnessing the emergence of a new bicycle and ski store following the unexpected closure of Princeton Sports, a local fixture in the outdoor recreation retail industry for 89 years. The closure occurred in February when the previous owners, Alan and Paul Davis, chose to retire following their father’s passing in 2022. This significant change has prompted former employees to step into the market with a new venture aimed at maintaining high standards of service and repair.
Longtime Employees Launch New Business to Fill Market Void
Corey Adams and Gregory Doda, seasoned employees at Princeton Sports, responded to the closure by establishing Peak Bicycle and Ski Service. The store opened last month at 6247 Falls Rd., conveniently situated just behind their former employer’s location. Adams, who spent 34 years at Princeton Sports focusing primarily on bike and ski repairs, and Doda, with 17 years of experience beginning at Princeton and now 37 years old, are leading the new enterprise with a team of four staff members. All employees are former Princeton Sports workers, including Drew Lamond and Robin Fowlkes.
Focus on Service Over Retail
Peak Bicycle and Ski Service differs from Princeton Sports in size and product offerings. Spanning approximately 1,350 square feet, the new store does not carry outdoor apparel or sports equipment. Instead, its primary focus is on delivering specialized, high-quality bicycle and ski repairs, along with offering pre-owned bicycles and ski rentals. The space has been retrofitted to accommodate intensive ski repairs and rentals, which will be available until April 2026.
Background and Support from Former Owners
The founding owners of Princeton Sports, Alan and Paul Davis, continue to support Adams and Doda as mentors, expressing enthusiasm regarding their new venture. The original Princeton Sports property was purchased in June by Katherine Crosby, an interior designer, for $4.2 million, after its previous occupants— the Maryland Wine Commission, Maryland Distillers Guild, and Brewers Association of Maryland— vacated the space. The store’s strategic location and professional setup position it as a key player in Baltimore’s outdoor gear scene.
Client Relations and Future Plans
Despite being a new enterprise, Peak Bicycle and Ski Service has already established relationships with prominent clients in the local community. These include Johns Hopkins University and the Baltimore City police departments, for whom the store provides bike repairs. The owners are committed to preserving the quality of service that Princeton Sports was known for, emphasizing repair and high-end customer service rather than broad retail offerings.
Market Impact and Local Interest
The reopening of a specialized bike and ski shop focused on repairs and rentals signals a potential shift in Baltimore’s outdoor gear retail landscape. With a dedicated team and a clear focus on quality, Peak Bicycle and Ski Service aims to become a destination for outdoor enthusiasts in need of repair services, pre-owned bicycles, and equipment rentals. The store’s strategic decisions could influence how other businesses approach niche markets in the region.
The closure of Princeton Sports marked the end of an era, but its former employees are confident that their new business will fill the void, offering continuity and quality for Baltimore’s outdoor recreation community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the launch of Peak Bicycle and Ski Service?
Corey Adams and Gregory Doda launched Peak Bicycle and Ski Service following the closure of Princeton Sports, feeling there was a void in Baltimore’s outdoor gear market that they could help fill.
Where is Peak Bicycle and Ski Service located?
The store is located at 6247 Falls Rd., Baltimore, just behind the former Princeton Sports location.
When did Peak Bicycle and Ski Service open?
The store opened last month, shortly after Princeton Sports closed in February.
What distinguishes Peak Bicycle and Ski Service from Princeton Sports?
Peaks is 1,350 square feet and focuses solely on bicycle and ski repair, pre-owned bicycles, and rentals, unlike Princeton Sports, which sold outdoor attire and sporting goods.
Who are the key staff members at Peak Bicycle and Ski Service?
The store’s team includes former Princeton Sports employees Corey Adams, Gregory Doda, Drew Lamond, and Robin Fowlkes.
Are there notable clients served by Peak Bicycle and Ski Service?
The store has established relationships with Johns Hopkins University and Baltimore City police departments for bike repairs.
What support has the new store received from former Princeton Sports owners?
Alan and Paul Davis continue to mentor Adams and Doda and have expressed excitement about their new venture.
What plans does Peak Bicycle and Ski Service have for future rentals and repairs?
The store offers ski rentals until April 2026 and emphasizes high-end, reliable repair services to serve Baltimore’s outdoor community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Banner: Indoor Sports Retail Changes in Baltimore
- Wikipedia: Bicycle
- Green Bay Press Gazette: Joint Practice with Ravens
- Google Search: Ski Repair Business
- The Banner: Fall Foliage in Maryland
- Google Scholar: Outdoor Gear Retail
- The Banner: Cultural Events in Baltimore
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Outdoor Recreation
- NBC Washington: Cherry Blossoms in DC
- Google News: Local Business Stories
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
