By Peter and Tracy Flucke
Press Times Special
BROWN COUNTY – We are approaching the end of winter.
What shall we do now?
Invest in your future happiness by preparing your bike and developing a relationship with your local bike shop.
Having a relationship with a bike shop will improve your cycling experience more than you can imagine.
Need a new bike, an older bike that doesn’t move properly, a flat tire, a broken spoke, or something else that’s not doing well? This is not a problem.
If you are looking for a place to ride or a group to join, they have what you need, too.
Your local bike shop knows that the best bike for you is the one you ride.
They will go out of their way to keep you on the road or on the trails.
Can I repair my old bike? Is it worth it? What kind of new bike do i need?
Professionals can help you decide.
Beware of big box stores – they just want to sell bikes.
Your local bike shop wants you to ride and enjoy your bike and will work with you when you need to fix it if needed.
Big box stores won’t.
Not all bikes and the places that sell them are created equal.
We are fortunate to have seven professional bike shops and one community store here in the Grand Green Bay area, which is quite unusual for a community our size.
Take advantage – finding the right bike shop for you shouldn’t be a problem.
Choosing a bike shop should be less about price and more about feeling.
Visit a few stores: how far are they from where you live? How do you feel when you walk in the door?
Ask questions and don’t be shy.
Think more about the relationship with your doctor and less about the one with a car dealership.
Developing a relationship with a workshop and a mechanic is well worth your time.
Price is a factor, but a bike is always a steal – if you ride it.
Bike shops have been caught in a whirlwind with the global COVID-19 pandemic.
On the positive side, people are cycling in greater numbers.
New bikes are coming out the door and bike repairs are coming.
In contrast, global supply chains for bicycles and parts have been severely disrupted.
Bikes and parts are still available, but availability may be limited.
It may take a little patience to get what you want.
Without a doubt, things will be farther back than normal this spring when everyone wants to ride.
Pro tips:
- If you want a new bike, order it now.
- If you need repairs or a tune-up, do them while there is still snow on the ground.
We still have some cold ahead of us, but spring will be here before you know it, so you should be good to go when the time comes.
“Bikes are more than a way to have fun. They are life changing. There is nothing like the pleasure of riding a bike. Whether on the road or on a trail, jumping on a bike is one of life’s simple pleasures and an easy way to stay healthy and happy. In addition, the bikes are perfect for getting around town, enjoying the scenery and going on new adventures. Best of all, every time we pedal forward, not only do we get to where we are going, but we also show the world how powerful human power can be. – People for bikes
Local bicycle shops
The bicycle pole
1025 N. Broadway, De Père 54115
thebikehubonline.com
920-339-0229
Broken spoke bike studio
115 Pine Street # 101, Green Bay 54301
brokenpokebikes.com
920-634-2040
JB Cycle & Sport
2500 Glendale Avenue, Green Bay 54313
jbcyclesport.com
920-434-8338
Old Skool Bicycle Shop
1250 Bellevue Street
Green berry 54302
Facebook.com/oldskoolbicycleshop
920-259-9253
Pierre’s garage
142 N. Broadway
Green berry 54303
petesgarage.com
920-857-1690
Stade Vélo Est
2633 Development Drive, Suite 20
Green berry 54311
stadiumbike.com
920-632-2318
West Bike Stadium
2150 West, Mason Street
Green berry 54303
stadiumbike.com
920-499-3400
Green Bay Bicycle Collective
gbbicycle.org
418 4th street
Green berry 54304
Editor’s Notes: Peter and Tracy Flucke are the authors of the book “Coast to Coast on a Tandem” and the owners of WE BIKE etc., a national bicycle and pedestrian consultancy company based in Ashwaubenon. Send your questions to [email protected]
