Jefferson City has made significant strides in recent years to become a more active community. Trails span across the city beckoning walkers and bicyclists to enjoy a day of fresh air and get moving. One local bike shop is helping out in their own way.
After several requests on a regular basis, Nick Smith, owner of Red Wheel Bike Shop on W. Edgewood Drive, decided to offer bikes for rent. Whether visiting Jefferson City for the weekend, or taking a bike ride along the Katy Trail for the evening, Red Wheel Bike Shop is offering its services.
The bike shop has been serving Jefferson City and the surrounding communities for 11 years. They carry specialized brands from road to mountain, hybrids and children's bikes. Bike rentals became available at the start of April, and Smith said many have already taken advantage of the offer. "So far we've had a good response," he said.
Those renting the bikes range from visitors to locals. A bike was rented for five days by a gentleman from Canada, others were rented from co-workers taking an office stroll.
Right now, Red Wheel Bike Shop has eight bikes on hand for rentals, but as the rental business catches momentum, Smith said he would like to have a fleet of around 20 available.
Offering the rentals was a significant investment for the shop, as these are top-quality bikes. The shop had a few bikes leftover from last year's model, which were saved instead of marked down for quick sale. A few more bikes were purchased over the winter and all were equipped with seat backs and kick stands, ready for the spring season.
Smith said the bike rentals are also nice for people who want to see what its like to ride on a nice bike, and with the Greenway right outside, customers can quickly be on their way. Those looking to purchase can also put that rental fee toward their own purchase after renting. Bikes can be rented for four hours or less, full days, weekends or longer, with prices ranging from $20 to $40. Red Wheel Bike Shop also offers helmets and locks for rent as well.
"This is the first bike rental service in the city, and we're excited to expand our business into rentals," Smith said.