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This month, the world’s top cyclists will pedal through Colorado during the weeklong USA Pro Cycling Challenge. If their wheels need some TLC when they wrap up the trek in Denver, they have plenty of places to visit. Cool neighborhood bike shops are sprouting up all over the city, offering more than just standard sales and service. We outline where pros and amateurs alike should go.
Highland
Salvagetti
After moving four times since opening in 2004, Salvagetti appears to have found a permanent home. Pop in for anything from vintage roadsters to top-of-the-line mountain bikes. In a rush? Visit the 24-hour vending machine outside Salvagetti’s petite satellite location in Baker for lights, locks, and other accessories. 3800 Irving St.; salvagetti.com
LoDo
Elevation Cycles
The first things you’ll notice in this sleek space are the glossy, high-end bicycles lining the entryway. The aesthetics are enough to draw you in, but the knowledgeable gearheads inside will have you coming back. Bonus: Try the locations in Boulder and Highlands Ranch. 1500 Wynkoop St.; elevationcycles.com
Uptown
The Denver Bicycle Cafe
This popular neighborhood joint lets you indulge Coloradans’ two favorite interests at once: beer and biking. Sip a local microbrew (or coffee) while the experts tune up your wheels—or anytime, for that matter. 1308 E. 17th Ave.; denverbicyclecafe.com
Congress Park
The Mindful Bike
After studying in the urban-biking mecca of Denmark, this shop’s founders sought to bring Scandinavian cycling sensibility to Denver’s city riders. The result: an unpretentious shop (pictured above) that’s as dedicated to selling and repairing city bikes as it is to educating the community about them. 3509 E. 12th Ave.; mindfulbike.com
Wash Park
Velosoul Cyclery
If you’re not at Velosoul for a tune-up or browsing the selection of Jamis bikes, you’ll want to sign up for one of their group rides or community classes. The shop’s staff can lead from experience: its owner lived car-less in Denver for four years. 1109 S. Pearl St.; velosoul.com
Golden Triangle
TriBella
TriBella aims to avoid the off-putting machismo vibe that can permeate the biking scene. While the shop bills itself as a women’s-only triathlon training hub, the expert staff welcomes all athletes to ask the questions they might be afraid to bring up at more huffy stores. 1060 Bannock St., tribellas.com
Park Hill
The Bike Depot
In addition to being a service and sales outpost, the Bike Depot is a community nonprofit with a full slate of cycling education programs. Get involved by volunteering your mechanic skills, becoming a member, or donating an old bike. 2825 Fairfax St.; thebikedepot.org