Bike Shop: Practical Cycle

Practical Cycle was founded by Tim Castleman on March 3, 2010 and first opened its doors during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 13 of that year. Electric bikes are the cornerstone of their business, enabling them to appeal to a much broader market than would otherwise be possible. In 2011, they were awarded the Pedego Electric Bikes Dealer of the Year.

Bikes They Sell

Their specialty is electric bikes, cargo bikes, commuter bikes and adult tricycles. The major brands they carry are Pedego, BionX, Breezer, Yuba, Xtracycle, Worksman and Nihola. On hand are 59 bikes for sale and 23 rentals.

Gear They Carry

They have it all, especially the utilitarian gear, such as bags, baskets, racks, lights, fenders and kickstands. The running joke in the shop is frequently trying to sell kickstands to roadies and fixie riders.

Their Average Customer

Pretty much anyone who wants to ride a bike in his or her city. Their motto is: no spandex, no funny shoes, no problem!

How They Cater to Women

One of their objectives is to create an atmosphere that is welcoming to everyone. Their laid-back approach to biking seems to appeal to both men and women.

Inspiration for Their Retail Space Layout

They are constantly making changes to make the store more user-friendly.

Cargo Bike Options

Lots! They carry made-in-the-US Worksman cargo bikes and trikes; Yuba Mundo and Xtracycle longtail cargo bikes; and Danish-made Nihola family tricycles.

Community Outreach

They celebrated Earth Day with a few customers by collecting trash from a nearby bike trail that runs along the American River. They also loaned two BionX-powered electric bikes to the mayor of Sacramento, former NBA star Kevin Johnson, and his wife to promote the Greenwise Initiative – a local effort to transform the Sacramento area into the greenest region in the country and a hub for clean technology.

Store Events

They hold customer appreciation rides during the spring, summer and fall, with a different theme each month. Past rides include a public art tour exploring all the murals and sculptures around downtown Sacramento, a tour of a number of historic sites and a spooky tour of nearby haunted houses for Halloween.

The Details

Address: 114 J Street, Sacramento, CA

Shop Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily

Website: practicalcycle.com

Waiting Time for Tune-ups: up to 24 hour turnaround