850. No, that’s not how many mph you’re gonna go on your new e-bike (why does it *actually* feel like that though??). Rather, 850 is the number of miles of paved biking paths and lanes in the Denver area. With a number like that, there’s really no reason not to get around on two wheels. Below, read up on some of the best locally-owned bike shops in town — and we’ll see you out there 😎
🚲 Z Cycle (Congress Park)
Collins’ Bike Shop opened on East Colfax Avenue in 1934, and while it’s now called Z Cycle, that space has remained a bike shop for 92 years. You can find remnants of this history sprinkled throughout Z Cycle, from retro Schwinn merchandise on display to the old brick walls that have housed bikes in repair for nearly a century. They’re open daily, and a safety check to evaluate brakes, drivetrains, and other key functionality starts at $66.
Know before you go: Z Cycles services e-bikes, but they must adhere to their e-bike policy.
🚴 Hardt Family Cyclery (Aurora)
At Hardt Family Cyclery, you can test drive an e-bike for yourself, get a quick flat fix for your friend for $25, or shop their selection of used kids' bikes. In other words, there is something for the whole family here. This shop also hosts a monthly bike ride for kids and families called Kidical Mass Denver, where designated route leaders take participants on a safe community ride between a bakery and a park.
Know before you go: They repair all kinds of standard bikes but can only service e-bikes that are Bosch, Shimano, and Flyer.
🔧 Bikes Together (Lincoln Park)
What’s better than getting your bike tuned for summer? Learning how to fix it yourself. In addition to fixing and selling bikes, Bikes Together provides a variety of bicycle maintenance classes and repair clinics. This nonprofit also offers Gender Equality Mechanics nights, which are free, volunteer-run, and open shop hours for women, transgender, and non-binary people who want to learn to fix bikes in a safe, inclusive space.
Know before you go: If a bike feels out of your budget, Bikes Together sells cost-flexible sidewalk bikes starting at $75, but can also teach you how to fix one at a free mobile bike repair clinic.
🚵 eForce Electric Bikes (Berkeley)
Were you lucky enough to get an e-bike voucher this year? Good news — you can use it at eForce, which specializes in selling e-bikes (and if you didn’t get a voucher, but you qualify, you’ve got two more opportunities). This bike shop began building custom e-bikes 13 years ago, making it an expert in the Denver area. Browse their e-bike selection online, then schedule a free demo ride with the one you’ve had your eye on.
Know before you go: eForce offers the unique service of converting your regular bike into an e-bike.
🚲 Yawp Cyclery (Wheat Ridge)
The mission of Yawp Cyclery is to help you have your best adventure. Whether you want to get some mountain biking gear or service your road bike, Yawp can help. And if you’re wondering what amount of whimsy to expect alongside this expertise, consider that their name comes from a Walt Whitman poem: “I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world.”
Know before you go: They specialize in selling Surly bikes and gear, but carry other brands, like Salsa and Otso, too.
