Photographer / Jubilee Edgell
In the heart of Winona Lake, a town known for its lakeside beauty and cultural charm, there’s a bicycle shop where people don’t just ride — they connect. Just beyond the brick-paved paths of the Village at Winona, a destination listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Trailhouse Village Bicycles invites cyclists of all ages to gather, explore and grow. Among historic storefronts and green spaces, it stands as more than a business — it’s a hub of community, encouragement and a shared passion for the ride.
Owned by Barry and Courtney McManus, Trailhouse Village Bicycles blends deep cycling expertise with warm, small-town hospitality. Barry, a six-time national BMX champion and top eight international competitor, has spent most of his life around bikes, whether racing, fixing or fitting others for their perfect ride. “Cycling shaped my entire life,” Barry says. “Now, I get to use that passion to help others discover the joy of riding.”
He didn’t plan to become a bike shop owner back when he started racing at age 13. What began as a fun way to keep up with neighborhood friends soon turned into a serious career. By 16, Barry was flying solo to California to compete. From 1984 to 2005, BMX filled his calendar and helped develop the discipline and drive that now steer his business.
His early work in a Fort Wayne bike shop gave him a foundation that grew over the years. After two long stints there — one lasting 11 years — Barry remained deeply connected to the cycling world. He also stayed close with a fellow bike-loving family in Winona Lake. When their son, Barry’s longtime friend, passed away, conversations naturally began about the future of their shop. That connection, built over years of shared experience, led Barry and Courtney to purchase the business in 2014. They renamed it Trailhouse Village Bicycles and began shaping it into the welcoming place it is today.
Courtney, a registered nurse, supports the business behind the scenes while the couple raises their three children. Their son Barrette, now 14, works part time at the shop and races competitively, chasing a college scholarship for road cycling. “He’s already eclipsed me,” Barry says with pride. “Last summer, I realized my torch was passing.” Their daughters, Erin, a talented high school basketball player, and Faith, age 8, enjoy family rides along the lake and village paths. “It’s fun for them, even if it’s not their main thing,” Barry says.
That spirit of fun is central to the Trailhouse experience. “Customer service isn’t a department — it’s how we operate,” Barry says. For the past three years, the shop has been voted the best bicycle shop in northern Indiana by readers of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette. That recognition reflects their welcoming approach to every customer, whether they’re shopping for a high-performance road bike or picking out a basket for a cruiser.
Trailhouse carries Trek, Specialized, Electra, Giant, Surly, Salsa, plus Bontrager and Specialized accessories. It’s also one of the region’s top destinations for e-bikes, particularly the Aventon brand. “E-bikes are bringing in people who otherwise wouldn’t ride,” Barry explains. “They allow you to go farther and ride more often, and you can adjust the assistance level to get the kind of ride you want.”
A standout feature is the shop’s professional bike fitting studio, led by Barry himself. As a certified master bike fitter with more than 120 hours of advanced training, he guides customers through a process that includes personal interviews, range of motion analysis and precision adjustments. “We match people with what fits their life,” Barry says. “Some folks ride five times a week, some are recovering from knee surgery. We want them all to feel confident and comfortable.”
Barry’s no-pressure approach to sales is a key part of Trailhouse’s reputation. “We never upsell,” he says. “If someone’s riding with their kids a few times a month, we’ll help them find a solid, practical bike that meets their needs, not just something that looks impressive on the showroom floor. The right bike is the one that fits their life.”
The full-service repair shop handles everything from simple tune-ups to full overhauls. Seasonal gear — gloves, shoe inserts, UV clothing and more — helps riders stay comfortable and ready for whatever the weather brings. “We see regulars like clockwork,” Barry says. “People trust us to keep their bikes in shape. It’s part of their routine.”
Trailhouse has become a beloved hub in the Village at Winona. Each Wednesday, cyclists of all levels gather for a group ride. “We get 35 to 60 people every week,” Barry says. “It’s not a race — it’s about the experience. We ride as a group and make sure no one gets left behind.” The shop also spearheads the town’s annual Critical Mass Ride each May, which begins right outside Trailhouse and brings hundreds of cyclists together to travel from Winona Lake to Warsaw with a police escort as part of the Fat & Skinny Tire Fest — a vibrant celebration of National Bicycle Month. Now in its 20th year, the event unites riders of all skill levels and tire sizes — from racers to casual cruisers — to enjoy the cycling-friendly communities of Warsaw and Winona Lake.
During the pandemic, when inventory was low and supply chains were tight, Trailhouse stayed open and focused on helping people ride with what they already had. “We kept fixing bikes and stayed available. People remembered that,” Barry says. That commitment, through challenges and change, helped deepen customer loyalty.
The Trailhouse team includes service manager Cory Hickson, known for his mechanical knowledge and calm presence, and Barry’s father-in-law, Gary Alberson, who brings logistical support and financial guidance. Seasonal college students and longtime part-timers round out the friendly, capable crew. “It’s the people who create the atmosphere,” Barry says. “We’re good at reading the room and making sure people feel at home.”
Looking ahead, Barry hopes to grow Trailhouse organically, committed to thoughtful development rather than rapid expansion. He wants to keep doing what they do — just a little better each day. “We may not be the largest shop, but we’re consistent. We show up, we listen and we help people find what fits. That’s what keeps them coming back.”
Whether you’re a lifelong cyclist, a dedicated competitor, someone curious about hopping on a bike for the first time in years, or an adventurer interested in trying out an e-bike, Trailhouse is a place where you’ll be welcomed, listened to and guided toward what fits you best. You might simply be hoping to relive the joy of feeling the wind in your face as you breeze down a path. Whatever brings you in, a rewarding ride is waiting just around the bend.
Trailhouse Village Bicycles is at 1001 E. Canal St. in Winona Lake. Call 574-267-2223 or email trailhousebarry@gmail.com. Visit their website at trailhousevillage-bicycles.com.
