We Bet You Didn't Know This Neighborhood In Cleveland Was Home To One Of The Oldest Bike Shops In America
By Nikki Rhoades|Published December 19, 2022
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
As the great Freddie Mercury once said, “I want to ride my bicycle.” Seeing that the band was formed in a much older country with much older bicycle shops, they might have had slightly different scenery in mind when penning the song. Here in The Land, however, the oldest neighborhood is naturally the home of the oldest bicycle shop in Cleveland… and maybe even the nation! No matter the season, this cool locally-owned business has something to keep you active in the great outdoors.
Tucked away in Ohio City is a cool store with historic roots.
Fridrich Bicycle got its start back in 1883. However, when the old coal and feed store moved across the street from its original location in 1890, something magical happened: they started offering an expanded selection of bicycles. Since then, they've held tightly to their reputation as one of the oldest and largest bike shops in the nation.
From the outside, the store hasn't changed much over the last few decades. Inside, you'll find an epic collection of modern rides.
It's easy to imagine Clevelanders of yesteryear snatching up penny-farthings at this spot. Today, the 10,000+ square foot retail space has more familiar modern offerings. It's an awesome place to go to grab a new bike, repair a current one, or look for something else to help you have fun outdoors.
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In the colder months, goodies like sleds, snowboards, and more keep the outdoor fun going.
Plastic, foam, and wooden sleds ensure there's something for every comfort level and price point. However, you'll also find toboggans, saucers, and so much more!
Unicycles? Check. Recumbents? Check! Tandem bicycles, adult tricycles, and folding bikes? You know it. If you're looking for anything bike-related, this neat local business is the place to go.
However, you really can't go wrong with a classic and reliable bike for fun.
There are all sorts of cool places in the area where you can put your new bike to good use! The goal at Fridrich's is to help you find a bike that matches your riding style and preferences.
And, of course, they have something for every price point and style, too.
From rentals to unique offerings, this shop truly has it all. And as the oldest bicycle shop in Cleveland, you'll get to experience living history during your visit.
Nowadays, it has a modern sign that lends a sleek new look to the business, but it's very much the same at the core. You'll have to visit it in person to discover the magic of this old-school Cleveland business!
Look for Fridrich Bicycle at 3800 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113.
This neat family-owned business in Ohio City has since transitioned toward a reputation as the oldest bicycle shop in Cleveland. How cool is that?! Interestingly, Northeast Ohio bicycles have led to some amazing innovations. The Wright Brothers‘ work in a bicycle shop in Dayton eventually inspired them to try their hand at crafting a flying contraption, and Alexander Winton’s work with bikes inspired him to begin making cars in Cleveland.
Have you ever visited this cool local shop? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!
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