If you’re thinking about getting a bike, absolutely do it. I can’t think of very many excuses for not owning a bike in this town. I know I waited entirely too long to finally get a bike. It was part laziness, part intimidation and part ignorance. Where do I get a bike? What kind of bike? Can I even ride one? Before I took the plunge, I hadn’t been on a bike in years. Growing up in Chicago, I took the “L” everywhere, or just walked. My bicycle knowledge was limited to the fuchsia Huffy I rode as child. My quest for a bicycle was full of anguish that I would be chastised for my complete and utter ignorance in the field of cycling.
operate a small bike shop out of their house in Urbana. As far as bike shops go it’s a pretty small operation.
But like Terri says, “It really is not a business, it is still more like a hobby. When it becomes a business it is no longer fun.”
Terri takes care of listing bikes on Craigslist, contacting people, and other logistics — while her husband Dave is busy with fixing up bikes.
Dave started building and selling recycled bicycles last June after he injured his hand. He used to work in contracting and carpentry, and used his bike hobby to rehabilitate his hand. Once new students arrived in August, the Bakers sold around 300 bikes in one week. While many of their bikes are listed on Craigslist, a lot of students heard about their operation through word of mouth — which is exactly how I heard of the Bakers.
My friend was getting his biked tuned up so I went along to scope out the shop. I’d been having trouble finding a bike that would fit my 5’1” frame, and he told me the Bakers might have something for me. We drove up to this little green house on Lynn Street. Asiatic Lilies line the driveway and you can hear chickens clucking in the background. Dave and Terri’s grandkids run around the yard, and the oldest shows off her bicycle. Their puppy, Precious, is constantly lounging in the garage — an old dog stuck in a puppy’s body.
The first thing you see when you drive up to the Baker’s quaint home is a garage full of recycled bikes. Almost all of the bikes are collector’s items, but of course that shouldn’t stop you from riding them. Bike parts, frames and wheels scatter Dave’s work area. Unfortunately, on this particular visit I couldn’t find a bike that suited me. But the great thing about their little shop is that since Dave is constantly working on bikes, there are always a handful of new ones every couple weeks. Eventually, I did find my perfect bike — and the Bakers even let you trade one of their bikes if you happen to find a better one.
Their bikes are great, reasonably priced, and they offer really great services. But the absolute best part of buying a bike from the Bakers is the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. I know very little about bikes other than how to ride one and avoid getting hit by a car. My worst fear did not come true; I was not scolded for my ignorance. I actually had a great time checking out old bikes and taking them on test rides. And if I ever I need a tune-up or if something goes wrong, I can drop by and Dave or his son will give it a look.
So if you’re anything like me, a little intimidated by the greater cycling world, the Bakers offer a truly down-to-earth, friendly atmosphere. Their bikes are unique and always one of a kind. It’s local, recycled and friendly — and one the happiest places in C-U.losure mt-enclosure-image”>
If you’re thinking about getting a bike, absolutely do it. I can’t think of very many excuses for not owning a bike in this town. I know I waited entirely too long to finally get a bike. It was part laziness, part intimidation and part ignorance. Where do I get a bike? What kind of bike? Can I even ride one? Before I took the plunge, I hadn’t been on a bike in years. Growing up in Chicago, I took the “L” everywhere, or just walked. My bicycle knowledge was limited to the fuchsia Huffy I rode as child. My quest for a bicycle was full of anguish that I would be chastised for my complete and utter ignorance in the field of cycling.