History
Positioned in historic Downtown Cedar Falls, Bike Tech is located in what many believe to be the first space to sell bicycles in the area. The Wise & Bryant Drug & General Store sold goods of all sorts to the citizens of a young and growing Cedar Falls.
Bike Tech - 1996 to 2012
Ten years later, in 2006, Bike Tech was purchased by current owner Brent Johnson. A UNI alum, Brent graduated in 2002 and went to work in the "real" world. Having worked at bike shops both during and after college, Brent jumped at the opportunity to enter the bike business full time.
Since its beginning, Bike Tech has continued to evolve based on customer suggestions, the experiences of Bike Tech staff, and thoughts from our peers in the bicycle retail community. In doing so, we strive to be the best bicycle shop the Cedar Valley has to offer.
circa 1896
Bike Tech was started in 1996 as Advantage Cyclery went out of business. Started by Troy Meyeraan, Bike Tech carried bike brands such as Specialized, Marin, Mongoose, GT, Bianchi, Serotta, Colnago, and Bontrager through the years.
circa 2013
Forward to 2015, we moved to a location to better serve our customers and increase efficiency. Leaving our location on Main Street of 19 years, we moved 1-1/2 blocks away to inhabit a newly renovated historic post office built in 1917. Located behind Cedar Falls City Hall and the Police Department, we look forward to the increase in space as well as product selection while continuing to provide the best products and service in the Cedar Valley.
In 2019 Bike Tech was honored to officially provide service support to the thousands of riders that come to Iowa each year as an official RAGBRAI Bike Shop.
Team, Assemble!
Great people make a great company! Scroll down to learn more about the Bike Tech staff.
Brent - Owner
Brent is the Fearless Leader at Bike Tech. He brings many years of experience in the bicycle industry and works hard to make biking a healthy past time for many families. He also works with RAGBRAI as an official bike shop and provides support for thousands of riders every year. Need help? He's the one to call.
James - Sales Manager
Family man who enjoys all life has to offer: family, friends, bikes, & donuts!! Looking for a new bike, maybe some friendly cycling advice or a warm hug? He can help you with that, just get in line.
Luke - Service/Sales
Luke is a recent UNI graduate that loves the biking world. Hobbies include soccer, eating sandwiches, spending time outside and hanging with friends. You will find him racing Mountain and XC bikes. Stop by the shop and give him a "high 5!"
Karmen - Assembly
Physical Therapist by trade moonlighting as a bike assembler, Karmen has a love for bikes! She has raced many mountain and gravel endurance races and is a great inspiration to be around!
YOUR NAME
Bike Tech is always looking for awesome individuals to join the team. If you think you have what it takes, stop by the store and grab an application.
Awards & Recognition
We aren't here to win awards but it is nice to get noticed for doing a good job. Here are some of our more recent awards & recognition we've been honored to receive.
Many these awards are the result of Bike Tech trying to be the best bicycle store in the area while also elevating cycling and cycling advocacy in the community. Here's a short list of how we've raised the (handle)bar in Northeast Iowa.
- First, and only, ultrasonic parts washer in the area
- First to provide trained & certified professional bike fitting to the area
- First to provide complementary bicycle parking at area events with our Bike Valet program
- Co-Founder of the Cedar Valley Association for Soft Trails (CVAST)
- and many more firsts to come!
2014-2017
Ranked as one of America's Best Bike Shops. Evaluated amongst our peers by the National Bicycle Dealer Association in the areas of retail and customer service excellence.
2014
20 Under 40 Recognition for owner Brent Johnson. The most important part of owning a bike shop after keeping the lights on is advocacy - both on the trail and the road.
2014
Gold Level Designation Bicycle Friendly Business. This is an upgrade from our 2010 Bronze Designation. Bike Tech is the second business in Iowa to receive this level and the first bicycle retailer.
2016-2017
Board member of the CF Tourism & Visitor's Bureau responsible for making Cedar Falls a great place to live and administering tourism grants to local events.
2010-2016 - Community Main Street Board of Directors. Helping to make Downtown Cedar Falls even better.
2014 - Main Street Iowa Award Winner - Best Facade Improvement. What was once one of the worst looking buildings on the block is now arguably the best. Got to get a picture with the governor!
2013 - Community Re-investor Award from the Cedar Falls Business & Industry Appreciation Awards.
2013 - Best Retailer Award from Quality Bicycle Products. Signifying outstanding performance as a retailer and bike industry partner.
2010 -Bronze Level Designation Bicycle Friendly Business.
... and numerous Best of the Best Bike Shop awards over the years.