Whether you’re a beginner or experienced bicyclist, you want a local bike shop you can trust and depend upon to provide the bike choices and accessories you need when you need it. You want expert assistance to help you choose the right bike and accessories, and experienced technicians to build and maintain your bike through the years. You will find all of that, in addition to friendly and helpful staff, at your Spokes Etc. bike shop!
If you think you could wait until spring to go bike shopping – don’t, do it now! With the supply chain problems brought on by the pandemic, bikes have flown out the doors of bike shops and special orders are taking much longer to deliver. Spokes Etc. still has a number of bikes in stock to choose. Or if you need to special order, give yourself this extra time for production and delivery. So, zip on over to Spokes Etc., talk to the friendly and knowledgeable staff, take a test ride, and determine the best bike for you. You won’t regret it!
Spokes Etc. is located at 10937 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Read more about Spokes Etc. below from the store managers, Steve Beheler, Alec Penn, and John Brackett.
Tell us a little about Spokes Etc.
We are a locally-owned business, specializing in bicycle retail to include both sales and service. We have six brick and mortar locations within NOVA, and an e-com business as well.
What makes Spokes Etc. unique in Fairfax?
We are the only bicycle retailer now in Fairfax City!
What encouraged you to take the leap to get started?
We have been in our Fairfax store since 2010. We knew there was a need for an established local bike retailer in the Fairfax market. The industry was growing, and so was the demand. Our store used to be an old Kinney shoe store in the 70’s and 80’s. So, we also have some history behind our location!
What inspired you to open Spokes Etc. in Fairfax City?
We’re locally owned and operated, with the owners actually having grown up in the Fairfax area! We opened our Fairfax store in 2010. At that time we had a store in Alexandria City on North Quaker Lane (our original store that opened in 1986), a store in south Alexandria in Belle View, our Ashburn store (now in Leesburg), and our store in Vienna. We recognized a need for a local bike retailer in Fairfax, as at that time there were only a couple of other retailers attempting to serve the market. We love our location and have served thousands now in Fairfax, and have developed some amazing relationships!
What do you enjoy most about having a business in Fairfax City?
Fairfax is a great city! It’s relatively small, similar to that of our Vienna location, providing a very small town feel. It’s a major thoroughfare for commuters as well. We’re right at the intersection of 29/50 which sees thousands of vehicles daily, providing great exposure for our store.
How has Spokes Etc. changed since its opening?
Well, a lot has changed since we originally opened in 1986. The face of retail has survived many challenges, including competing with mail order, and now competing online. There are far less bicycle retailers in the market, but, at the same time, the environment continues to become more competitive. There is something that hasn’t changed; we’ve always operated under the premise that the one thing we have ultimate control over is the level of service that we provide our customers. We’ll never be the least expensive, never have every exact item that folks want, or never be the most convenient for people, but, we can always make sure we service our customers the best.
What do customers say they love about Spokes Etc.?
They love our team. We pride ourselves on hiring awesome staff! We have staff that have been with us for 10, 20, 30 years and more! We also host group rides from our store and actively participate in community events as much as possible, including being a major supporter of Bike to Work Day.
What are some of your fondest memories or biggest successes since you’ve opened?
I think it’s safe to say that operating a retail business throughout COVID will go down as some of the craziest and challenging times in retail, period. This was an incredibly demanding time, both physically and mentally, for everyone, but especially those working in retail, and the service industry. Being in bicycle retail felt like it easily doubled those challenges as our industry saw an unprecedented demand for the product that we offer, with order lead times getting pushed out 18 months in some cases. It was a major struggle to try and stay caught up, and we owe 100% of the success we had through COVID to our amazing team, and incredibly patient customers!
What’s next for you and Spokes Etc.?
Our industry is still seeing unprecedented demand. COVID made a lot of people rethink how they live. Being healthy and taking care of ourselves should be at the forefront of what we take away from these times, and for many, it’s become that. A bike is a fantastic tool to achieve those goals, and a lot more people are looking at it from that perspective. We’re continuing to battle supply challenges, like many other industries, but managing it very well. We have a great selection of bikes for everyone, in stock!
Are there any fun facts you would like residents and visitors to know?
We are one of the only bike retailers in the industry to carry the three largest brands under one roof – Trek, Specialized, and Giant!
When you’re not working, where in Fairfax City do you like to spend your time?
Well, on my bike, exploring the streets and trails that Fairfax City offers!
How can people follow you on social media?
We are on the web at spokesetc.com, where you can shop online, with free shipping on qualifying orders. Our site is kept up to date with changes made weekly.
@spokesetc on Instagram
@spokesetcbikes on Facebook
@SpokesEtc on Twitter
Our Fairfax City location: https://www.spokesetc.com/about/fairfax-pg1408.htm