By 1996, Liberty Cycle had become so successful that Cordasco needed more space. Later that year, he moved the shop a few miles north into an old blacksmith shop in the heart of beautiful Basking Ridge. Five years later, he expanded the building, doubling his floor space and work area.
The shop now specializes in three of the most respected brands in road cycling — Colnago, Litespeed, and Giant — and sells a complete line of racing and touring gear from Biemme, Northwave, Limar, Vittoria, Yakima and more. A large selection of children's bikes is also offered.
The shop's cycling club roster has grown to over 150 members, making it one of the largest in the northeast. Regular rides leave from Liberty Cycle two days each week, and it has become quite common to see blue-and-white-jersey-clad riders throughout Somerset and Morris counties.
The racing team has enjoyed tremendous growth as well. Team Liberty Cycle has won multiple races at all ability levels, claiming several state titles, and includes one of the most successful junior programs in the tri-state area. Each year, the team attracts an impressive group of local and national sponsors, allowing Cordasco to supply his racers with the best equipment.
Liberty Cycle hosts a series of bike races in Basking Ridge each Labor Day, where everyone from youngsters to first timers to elite-level racers compete for medals, prizes and cash. Cordasco also lends his support to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training programs, helping fundraisers with training and bike maintenance.
Despite his success throughout these past 15 years, Cordasco has stayed true to his original vision of what is essentially "a family shop with a racing team." He says he tries to reach each of his customers on a personal basis. "My customers still describe me as home cooking," he says. We'll toast to that, and to many more great years to come.
