There is still time to hit the roads and do some exploring. If you are new to biking or just have left your bike collect cobwebs in the garage for too many years to count, here is a quick guide to getting started. If you just want to look the part, check out the unique bike-inspired items.
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Bike Shop Guide
Re-Cycle
Sells used bikes only that are ready to ride. All bikes have a professional tune-up and come with a 30-day fix or replacement guarantee. Re-cycle doesn’t offer consignment to the general public. “We do NOT buy bikes from people who bring them into the shop and we don’t take trades. This helps us be absolutely sure that we are never selling someone’s stolen bicycle,” said Seth Stattmiller. They have; however, opened the website to help people sell their bikes and offers free postings.
2327 Hennepin Ave South
Minneapolis, MN
612.216.2072
www.re-cycle.com
Freewheel Midtown Bike Center
Located on the Greenway, the Midtown location is more of a station than a shop; it has perks like: bike repair, bike rental, a café, storage lockers, public restrooms and showers, and an area where cyclists can do their own maintenance.
Located directly on the Midtown Greenway bike path between 10th Avenue South and Chicago Avenue South. If you are coming by bike, just follow the signs, but by car you will need to park on street level and take the stairs down to the Greenway level.
2834 10th Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612.238.4447
www.freewheelbike.com
Calhoun Cycle
This is a full-service bike shop in Uptown Minneapolis specializing in recumbent bikes, folding bikes, and cargo bikes. Calhoun Cycle does bike repairs, tune-ups, and has a metal shop for more customized projects.
3342 Hennepin Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612.827.8000
www.calhouncycle.com
One on One Bicycle Studio
Looking for a bike shop with coffee and food in the heart of the downtown Minneapolis Warehouse district? Well, you will find all that at One on One Bicycle Studio. Throw in a little local art and a charming space with hardwood floors and you have bicycle nirvana.
117 Washington Ave N.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612.371.9565
www.oneononebike.com
The Hub Bicycle Co-op
The Hub is a worker owned and run cooperative. With two locations around the Twin Cities and an excellent selection of variety and services, they offer 2nd hand bikes and components at the Minnehaha location, and bike classes and seminars on topics like road-side maintenance and commuting are available. The Hub donates 5% of profits to supporting the community and helping the environment. The co-op has instituted environmental initiatives like recycling left-over tires and tubes, steel and aluminum, paper and cardboard, and they even compost food waste. The shop uses recycled paper, compostable shopping bags, biodegradable chain lube, and inspires and encourages workers to bike year-round.
301 Cedar Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN
612.238.3593
3020 Minnehaha Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN
612.729.0437
www.thehubbikecoop.org
Behind Bars
This is the only full-service bike shop in artsy Northeast Minneapolis. Voted Best Bike Shop in Best of the Twin Cities 2009 by City Pages. Behind Bars provides free estimates and carries some local brands like All-City. Shop is closed on Mondays.
208 13th Ave NE #1
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612.436.0255
www.behind-bars.com
Erik’s Bike Shop
Who can forget Erik’s, with all the zany commercials. Eric is still the owner and what started as a dream for a thirteen year old is now a booming bike business with 15 stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Erik’s offers same day bike repair, classes, bike rentals, and a rider’s club. Find the nearest location online.
www.eriksbikeshop.com
Cool Bike Products
Tired Ol’ Belts
What’s holding up your pants? Belts made out of recycled bike tires may seem kind of odd, but for local maker, Matthew Meyer it was a solution to boring belts and a great way to keep his pants up. All the belts are hand-crafted, 100% recycled, and 100% vegan. You can even send in your favorite old tire and they can design a belt. The belts retail for $25 -$30. Find these snazzy belts locally at Cars R Coffins, Design Collective, The Hub, One On One, and Twin Cities Green. www.tiredolbelts.com
Go Local
Local designers, and brothers, Tim and Thom Navarro are designing recycled bike messenger bags. The bags are made primarily of old billboard vinyl. The material is water resistant and sturdy. The first designs will be available this June and they hope to expand to special orders and screen-printing designs on the bag. Why bike messenger bags? Well, they love to bike and they love to design, so it evolved naturally. The bags retail for $125-$175. Order Go Local bags at www.overproof.org or order directly golocal.design@gmail.com.
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