KAYSVILLE — Watching Zach Chatelain, the owner of Biker's Edge bicycle shop, serve multiple customers, it's easy to see why his store was named one of the Top 100 Bike Stores in the United States.
Chatelain is an avid bicyclist whose passion for the sport led him to a career. Four years ago, after working for other bike shops, Chatelain decided it was in his best interest to open his own shop.
"I still love it," said Chatelain. "That's why we open up at 10, so we can go out and ride. Everybody who works here, rides."
In February 2007, Bicycle Retailer and Cycling News named Biker's Edge one of the top 100 bike shops out of 5,200 shops nationwide. The shops were judged by their appearance, community outreach and market share.
Biker's Edge's success seems to lie in intimate knowledge of the cycling industry.
" We know our products because we use them," explained employee Johnny Hintze. "We know what works. When our customers come in we try to find out what kind of riding they're going to be doing, so we match them with the right bike."
Everything about Biker's Edge is a result of knowing what cyclists want including the vending machine loaded with energy gels, snacks and tire tubes that sits outside the front door making sure customers have access to a few critical items round the clock.
Once the doors were unlocked, a steady stream of customers walked into the spacious shop on 232 N. Main. Some needed flat tires fixed, other customers were trying on cycling clothes and a couple were looking for a new bike. Biker's Edge sells all kinds of bikes and gear.
"We try to make sure everybody is happy," said Chatelain. "To the point of driving us crazy. Whether they (customers) are here to have their bike fixed or buying an $8,000 Italian pro bicycle."
Three young women sat in the shop waiting for their bike tires to be fixed. They had just taken a ride from Kaysville to Layton Hills Mall and had run over some thorns.
" We ride everywhere," explained Rachel Pettit, 15, of Kaysville. "It's like our lives. Our tires are always going flat, and these guys fix them really quick, and the guys are hot, too."
Biker's Edge also helps support cycling in the community. The store donates to the Goal Foundation, Weber County Pathways and sponsor racing events around the area. The shop also sponsors two racing teams: a mountain bike team and a road bike team. A few of Biker's Edge employees ride on the teams as much as work allows. Occasionally the store sponsors Saturday morning rides or joins up with more established riders.
" Saturday, everyone's trying to get off to go race or something," said Hintze, an employee and member of the mountain biking team. "I also just enjoy riding for fun. The funnest mountain bike rides are the Snowbasin Loop and Muller Park. For road biking, Trapper's Loop and Emigration Canyon are my favorites."
As more cyclists try to share the road with vehicles, Biker's Edge offers a few safety tips. Cyclists should never ride wider than two and just single file on narrow roads. Drivers have equal responsibility.
"Just look for us," pleads Hintze. " Put down the cell phones. Intersections really scare me when people aren't paying attention."
For more information about the sport of cycling, races and rides, contact Biker's Edge at (801) 546-5300 or www.bebikes.com.
E-mail: dramsay@desnews.com