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.
Initial setup of a bicycle depends upon the skill of the mechanic.
Gears, brakes, and other moving parts must be carefully assembled and
adjusted for optimal performance. There is no substitute for an
experienced bicycle mechanic; proper assembly and adjustment at the point
of purchase is a key benefit which sets local bicycle shops apart from
online shops and department stores. A brick-and-mortar bike shop
will also tend to stock cycling products which are suited to local terrain
and cycling conditions. Shops located in mountainous areas are
likely to stock a good selection of mountain bikes and accessories whereas
shops located in the Midwestern prairie states are likely to carry more
road bikes and hybrid bicycles.
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 State
In 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
- PerformanceBike.com
This online bicycle shop features a broad selection of bicycles, components, and accessories. Their byline is "for people who love bikes."
www.PerformanceBike.com - BikeNashbar
This online bike shop offers cycling components, clothing, and accessories. Their catalog is organized by category and by brand, and their slogan is "always a great deal."
www.Nashbar.com
Bicycle Safety Resources
- Bicycle Safety
Cycling safety publications from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
www.CPSC.gov - Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
Award-winning site concerning bicycle helmets and bike safety issues.
www.Helmets.org
Local and Online Cycling Directories
- Atlantic Canada Bicycle Shops
Directory of bicycle shops and cycling resources in the Atlantic Canada region.
www.AtlanticCanadaCycling.com - Google > Bike Shops
Find a bicycle shop in your state.
directory.google.com/Top/Sports/Cycling/Bike_Shops/North_America/United_States/ - Google > Cycling
Find cycling information in your state.
directory.google.com/Top/Sports/Cycling/Regional/North_America/United_States/ - Yahoo > Cycling Gear and Equipment
Find cycling gear and accessories online.
dir.yahoo.com/Business_and_Economy/Shopping_and_Services/Sports/Cycling/Gear_and_Equipment/
Cycling Related Sites
- Bicycle Parts and Cycling Components
Find a wide range of frames, components, and tools for BMX bikes, road bikes, and mountain bikes.
www.BicycleParts.us - Bicycle Accessories and Cycling Apparel
Find cycling apparel and gifts, bicycle helmets, child carriers, and much more.
www.BicycleAccessories.us - Bicycle Tour Guide
Browse this bicycle touring guide and directory and learn about group and self-guided tours in North America, Europe, and elsewhere.
www.BicycleTours.us
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