Read on to discover what cycling means to Edgebrook and find out which Reid model is their best seller!
INTRODUCE YOURSELVES...
We are Edgebrook Cycle & Sport, founded in 1981 and have continuously operated for over 40 years. We’re a family owned business and we sell a wide range of bicycles: Road, Hybrids, Mountain, Gravel, Kids, and E-Bikes.
WHERE CAN YOUR STORE BE FOUND?
We are located on the far northwest side of the city of Chicago, at the southern terminus of the very popular North Branch Bicycle Trail. While technically still within the city limits, our neighborhood feels very suburban, with lush greenery, ample parks, and single family houses.
WHAT DOES CYCLING MEAN TO YOU?
Cycling is quite simply the most efficient form of transportation there is. In addition to being environmentally sustainable, it is healthy, and it has a low barrier to entry…so it is for everyone. And most importantly, it’s fun!
So whether a customer is looking for a bike to help them get in better shape. Or if they are looking for an e-bike that will replace their car for commuting and local errands. Or even they just want a comfortable bike to help them ride around the neighborhood with their kids…We speak their language and can get them out on the road!
HOW DO YOU INTEGRATE WITH YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY?
We make a point to try to get out of the shop and help the local folks that help get more people on bikes, so each year we do our best to support about a dozen local charity and advocacy events.
From donating prizes to charity auctions, to offering flat tire clinics to century participants, to providing onsite mechanical support to local rides and races…We aim to be more than just an outlet for the sale of goods.
We also host our own winter Holiday Toy Ride. This short, family friendly, six-mile ride takes place every December. The Holiday Toy Ride has no entry fee for participants, we only ask them to donate a new, unwrapped toy that will help less fortunate families brighten the holidays for their kids.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A REID RETAILER?
We’ve been a selling Reid bicycles for about five years. Or since whenever Olympic Supply began distributing them. The bikes have fit well into our major product categories and they’ve been a hit with our customers.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST SELLING REID PRODUCT?
The kids bikes are probably the best selling category, from 12-inch to 24-inch. The colors are great and the bikes offer everything that both kids and parents are looking for. We can have a lineup of a dozen kids bikes and most will always go straight for the Reid!
We also do quite well with the retro-looking Ladies Classic models. Those bikes really strike a chord with some younger riders that love the fenders and the baskets.
The E-Bikes are a relatively new category for us, but the Reid models hold up very well. Especially the low-step Blacktop model since it is so easy to get on and off.
HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH REID BEEN?
Our experience with selling Reid bikes in the shop has been excellent. It’s clear to me, based on the changes I’ve seen from year to year, that the company is very open to suggestions on how to improve their product offerings. Their margins are sustainable and the bikes sell very well with the customers.
Reid also does a wonderful job at providing the assets to help us promote the brand. The product graphics and photos of folks actually using the bikes are lightyears ahead of some brands that only provide a plain image of the bike with a white background.
FINALLY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO ARE CONSIDERING GETTING INTO BIKE RIDING, OR PERHAPS HAVE NEVER TRIED IT BEFORE?
Take the plunge! Get someone to help you at first, then start slow, and before you know it you’ll be a natural!
Don’t be overwhelmed by the super fit riders in spandex riding bikes that cost more than their car. Cycling is what you make of it. Even if it’s just riding around the block with your kids or maybe a short ride to a farmers’ market. Go at your own pace and just enjoy it!
Live in northwest Chicago or near Edgebrook Cycle? Your new ride is just a click away! Explore the Reid range on our website, make your purchase, and conveniently pick up your new bike at Edgebrook Cycle.