Photos by Lauren Rubino

Whether you’re looking to cruise around the neighborhood or fly down a mountainside, these five local shops offer ideal two-wheelers for cool fall bike rides.

Sun Cyclery Schwinn
5833 N. Seventh St., Phoenix,
602-279-1905, sunbikes.com

If you’re in the market for a relaxing ride, Sun Cyclery Schwinn is a mecca for all things cruiser. Though the shop specializes in persnickety old Schwinns and their complex repairs, they carry many different makes and models, such as the extraordinarily popular Electra Cruiser 1 ($229). This classic comes in a rainbow of pastel colors, and it’s just waiting to be outfitted with a cushy banana seat and wicker basket for some nostalgic rides in the park.

 

Bicycle Haus
7025 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale,
480-994-4287, bicyclehaus.com

Dart over to Bicycle Haus for some smooth, aero wheels that’ll make your cyclophile friends gasp as you whip past. Valley speed demons flock to this Old Town Scottsdale shop because it specializes in upscale fixed-gear and racing bikes. For newcomers to the fixie scene, a Specialized Roll ($450-$650) is the way to go. The bike’s minimalist aesthetics and single-speed hub that can switch from fixed to freewheel make it one of the easiest racing frames to master. Don’t know what size is right for you? Don’t sweat: Biycle Haus offers a high-tech 3D Fit Studio ($250-350) to get the perfect dimensions on your perfect bike.


Try Me Bicycle Shop
1514 W. Hatcher Road,
Phoenix, 602-943-1785

Why is love in the air at Try Me Bicycle Shop in Phoenix? Their selection of tandem bicycles is sure to get you and your sweetie cycling in style. For just $900, you can snag a Raleigh Companion, the Noah’s Ark of bikes with two of everything for pedaling pairs and an astounding, yet overwhelming, 21 speeds. For those not ready to commit, Try Me also offers $20/day bike rentals.



Tempe Bicycle
715 S. Rural Road, Tempe,
480-966-6896, tempebicycle.com

Any ASU student will tell you the place to get friendly, fast bike service is Tempe Bicycle. With three locations near campus, this bike shop caters to thrifty college students but also has great options if you’re in the market for a top-notch two-wheeler. Looking for a classy ride to zip you to and from work? Try the Giant Defy 1 ($700), a lightweight, 10-speed road bike ideal for green commuters. Tempe Bicycle also offers bike maintenance and safety clinics.


Cactus Bike
1960 S. Alma School Road, Ste. 8, Chandler,
480-782-5483, cactusbikechandler.com

Since it’s cool enough to hit the trails again, it’s hard to resist a bike made to trounce the Valley’s mountain paths. The sturdy-yet-lightweight Kona Tanuki ($2,000) will have you gliding, boosting and carving downhill in style. Sure, you can get a beater that calls itself mountain-ready at Wal-Mart for $100, but Cactus Bike offers an unbeatable selection of truly thrill-seeking cycles for serious trailblazers.


Tour de Fat
Take your new bike to Tempe Beach Park October 15 for New Belgium Brewery’s traveling celebration of bikes, beer and freaky costumes: Tour de Fat. Last year, the festival’s Tempe stop was one of the largest in history, grossing nearly $90,000 for local bike-lovin’ nonprofits. The event features freak bike rodeos, a car-for-bike trade-in and a bike parade that shuts down Mill Avenue and University Drive. Admission and participation are free.