About Us
Recycled Cycles & Fitness started in a Fort Collins garage in 1972, when the founder, Dave, bought, reconditioned, and sold hundreds of bicycles while still in high school. The first Recycled Cycles opened in 1978 about four miles south of town, where the flea markets are today. Fitness equipment was added in 1982, and after expansion and contraction in the early 1990s, the shop settled into its current home on South Mason Street.
When Dave was ready to retire to paradise, he handed the reins to Brad & Krista. He was drawn by their shared passion for all things bikes, and he trusted them to keep the shop's family-friendly spirit rolling for the next generation of riders. Both serve on the boards of local non-profits focused on cycling advocacy, and you're most likely to find them riding their cargo bikes around town with their kids and friends.
Nearly 50 years later, our recipe hasn't changed much since 1978: affordable new and used bikes, a new & used parts room, and expert repair for the whole community. We're here for bikes for all, happy to wrench on the oldest vintage ride or dial in the newest electronic gadgets.
It's our team of hooligans that makes this place special, and we want every customer to feel welcome. Most bike shops hire for the season; here, many of our people stay for years, and a few have been with us for decades.
Roll on!
Brad & Krista
Bikes + Dogs = ❤️☮️
Jacinda, Guide Dog puppy in training
Guide Dogs with Jeanne
Our marketing manager, Jeanne, is a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind. She's raised eight — Topeka, Nedra, Peanut, Nacho, Drake, Fenwick, Rapunzel, and her current pup, Jacinda (that's her in the photo) — from eight weeks old until about a year and a half, when they head to California or Oregon for intensive training before placement with a blind person. It's not uncommon to see a Guide Dog puppy in the shop as Jeanne works with them. We're proud to support this program — and it hits close to home: Brad's grandmother was blind, and his daughter carries her name.
Heidi, our shop dog
Brad & Krista also routinely bring Heidi, our shop dog — a 1½-year-old golden we adopted from Big Bones Canine Rescue in Windsor. We're proud supporters of Big Bones. She was a stray found down south, transferred there, and came to us malnourished. Our mechanics spoiled her with extra treats, and she's a happy pup now. Customers often catch her bouncing around the shop looking for Nate & Pat's extra BBQ leftovers.
The most famous bicycle in the United States?
Rumor has it that the bicycle on New Belgium Brewing Company’s Fat Tire Ale label once belonged to our founder, Dave. It's true: Dave owned the bike that was used. An artist from New Belgium visited Dave years ago to find inspiration for the brewery’s new label. An old red cruiser bike proved to be the inspiration, and the artist drew the bike on site. Stop by the shop and you’ll see the bike on display.