Freewheel / photo by Tom WallaceBest bike shops
The Alternative Bike and Board
The granddaddy of local bike businesses (with 37 years and counting), the Alt is famous for its friendly staff and formidable repair shop. But when it comes to shopping, they have an unbeatable spread of boutique-brand bikes.
- 3013 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. • 612-374-3635
- www.altbikeboard.com
One on One Bicycle Studio
This Warehouse District coffeehouse/bike-shop hybrid (and occasional gallery) caters to architects, graphic designers and other creatives. Riders on tight budgets, don't miss the near-steals in the Bicycle Junkyard!
Behind Bars
The shop with the coolest name, Behind Bars has become the unofficial arbiter of bike-art culture in funky northeast Minneapolis. Staffers are friendly and handy with wrenches to boot.
- 208 13th Av. NE., Mpls. • 612-436-0255
- www.behind-bars.com
Freewheel Bike
Clean, easy-to-browse showrooms loaded with big-brand bikes? Check. But the best thing about Freewheel? It's the Twin Cities' trailblazer when it comes to bike education. It was the first to offer bike-repair classes and private lessons for aspiring gearheads.
- 1812 S. 6th St., Mpls. • 612-339-2219 2834
- 10th Av. S., Mpls. • 612-238-4447
- 12910 Plaza Dr., Eden Prairie • 952-377-2230
- www.freewheelbike.com
The Hub Bike Co-op
The Twin Cities' only cooperative, worker-owned bike shop, the Hub has multiple appeal for socially progressive riders: It offers a fine stock of used bikes. The shop also promotes environmentally friendly causes.
- 301 Cedar Av. S., Mpls. • 612-238-3593
- 3020 Minnehaha Av. S., Mpls. • 612-729-0437
- www.thehubbikecoop.org
Angry Catfish / photo by Tom WallaceBest bike hangouts
Sea Salt Eatery
Come summertime, tasty fish tacos lure throngs of leisurely two-wheelers, Schwinn family-packs and other fair-weather pedalers. Located in Minnehaha Park, just steps from the waterfall, this outdoor dining spot is a true bicycling haven.
Angry Catfish Bicycle + Coffee Bar
Classier than you might think, with rakish cycling wear, boutique brand bicycles and excellent espresso drinks, this upstart coffeehouse/bike shop is best enjoyed by sophisticated cyclists. Bonus: the shop's proximity to trails at Lakes Hiawatha and Nokomis.
Birchwood Cafe
Where racers and breeders converge with carbon speedway bikes and Burley trailers, this Seward destination hits the spot with healthy, organic eats.
Barley John's Brewpub
Think knee-high stockings and tweed caps. If it's a weekend afternoon, the gentlemen cyclists are sure to be pulling up on their Dunelt, Hetchins and other British-made bikes.
National Sports Center Velodrome
The only sure-fire place to spot cyclists breaking collarbones, this cereal bowl is the summertime setting for time trials and hard-core fixed-gear sprints. Check the website for events.
- 1700 105th Av. NE., Blaine • 763-785-5601
- www.nscsports.org/sports/cycling
The Soap Factory
Perhaps it's the location (close to the Stone Arch Bridge), or maybe it's the casual environs (a tattered old factory without proper heat or air conditioning). Whatever the case, no gallery attracts so many cyclists to its openings and outdoor events like the Ten Second Film Festival on July 4th.
Best bike events
MS 150
Two days and 150 miles, from Duluth to White Bear Lake -- all in the service of raising money to cure multiple sclerosis. The caravan stops overnight at Grand Casino Hinckley.
- June 10-12
- bikemnm.nationalmssociety.org
Stillwater Criterium
The culmination of the Nature Valley Grand Prix, this perverse race subjects Lycra-clad competitors to the abominable Chilhoot Hill -- multiple laps, too, since this is a criterium, or circuit, course. For spectators, though, the pleasant scene is reminiscent of the Tour de France, with fans clogging the ultra-steep lane.
- June 19
Midnight to Dawn Metro Bike Tour
Perfect for the insomniac cyclist, this 33-year-old event treats multigenerational riders to a twilight tour of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Forty-two miles later, the event concludes with a pancake breakfast at Lake Harriet.
- July 16
Bicycle Film Festival
With a few quality features, documentaries and shorts by and about bicyclists, the 10th annual BFF stops in all the world's major cities -- London, Paris, Toyko, plus major bike hubs like Minneapolis and Portland.
- July 21-24
- www.bicyclefilmfestival.com
Urban Assault Ride
A casual alleycat race around Minneapolis bike landmarks, featuring wacky checkpoint challenges and sponsored by New Belgium Brewing. The Vita.mn team took 19th place in 2008 but manages to do worse every year.
- July 31
- www.urbanassaultride.com
Salsa Two-Four
How many laps can you complete in 24 hours? Recruit a team of two or four mountain bikers and head for this off-road/camping event at Afton Alps. Beginners, please practice sanity -- register for the 8-hour race instead.
- Aug. 12-14
- www.salsacycles.com/salsa24fest
Babes in Bikeland
The nation's largest alleycat race for women, this scavenger hunt-like event offers a great opportunity to befriend fellow female cyclists. Men may volunteer -- just don't be creepy, OK?
- September (date TBA)
Stupor Bowl
Shrouded in secrecy, this cold-weather and beer-laden event has achieved something remarkable in its 13 years -- the event is now regarded as ultra-cool and attracts many outsider cyclists to our frozen tundra.
- Feb. 5, 2012