Bicycle Shops |
||||
Bicycle Shops > Bicycle Buying Guide • Bicycle Retailers |
||||
|
|
German engineer Baron Karl Dreiss von Sauerbronn is credited with
inventing the first wooden-wheeled bicycle in 1817. His bicycle was
first exhibited in Paris on April 6, 1818. While this first bicycle
was steerable and looked a lot like today's modern bicycles, it was
missing one important component: pedals! Powered instead by
the operator's running feet, this model soon gave way to pedal-operated
versions. During the 1890s, Americans embraced the newly-invented
safety bicycle, whose equal-size front and rear wheels made it easier to
mount than earlier high-wheel models. Local bicycle shops, like the
Wright Cycle Exchange in Dayton, Ohio, sprang up all over America.
Many of these shops sold and repaired bicycles, and some even manufactured
their own bicycles. Over the years, the bicycle was continually
improved with the addition of rubber wheels, shock absorbers and brakes
as well as gear shifters and lighter weight components.
A good local bicycle shop can help you buy the best bike for your needs and budget, match your physique with the right size bicycle frame, and most importantly, get a good fitting done. Well-adjusted seat and handlebar heights will enable you to ride comfortably and efficiently, and can help prevent injury to your muscles and joints.
Reputable bicycle shops generally offer maintenance and replacement parts such as tires, chains, brake pads and other wearing items. Often these shops have information about where to ride, group rides, and even connections with racing organizations. Developing a relationship with a good shop will go a long way toward your enjoyment of this sport. BicycleShops.us is a popular cycling resource which features convenient access to state, regional, and local bicycle shop listings as well as online shopping for bicycle parts & accessories. Bicycle shop owners may also be interested in the National Bicycle Dealers Association, NBDA, a non-profit trade organization of bicycle retailers, with ancillary membership from bicycle product vendors and others allied to the bicycle industry. Their stated mission is to aid the growth of cycling by supporting specialty bicycle retailers through research, education, and advocacy.
Bicycle Shops, By StateIn this bicycle shop directory, you can find a broad selection of local bike shops in each state. Most bicycle stores offer both sales and service; stores which rent bicycles or only sell bicycles are noted as such. Be sure to call ahead before visiting these shops to check their hours of operation, and to verify their location and status. Although we try to keep these listings current, some of the bicycle shops listed herein may have relocated or even ceased operations.
Online Bicycle Shops
Bicycle Safety Resources
Local and Online Cycling Directories
Cycling Related Sites
Copyright © 2004-2009 BicycleShops.us. All rights reserved.
For your convenience, certain external links will open in new windows.
Bicycle Shops |
|||