ST. CLOUD — Roderick Niedzielski has always been fascinated with bicycles.
Niedzielski, owner of Rod’s Bicycle Shop, said he began taking apart and putting together bicycles when he was about 7 or 8. Niedzielski can remember when his hands were too small to properly use a wrench, so his 13-year-old brother would frequently help him.
His skills got him noticed in the small town of Gilman in Benton County. He soon started helping kids in his neighborhood fix their bikes and was urged by his father to charge for labor. In 1973, Niedzielski took that advice and used his repair skills to open a business in Gilman.
By the 1980s, business began to decline in Gilman, and Niedzielski moved his shop to St. Cloud, where it has remained.
Since entering the industry, Niedzielski has seen trends, including the mountain bike craze in 1986, and the most recent (and ongoing) surge in electric bikes.
Rod’s Bicycle Shop began selling electric bikes about 10 years ago. A contributing factor to their growing interest may be the state of Minnesota’s electric-assisted bicycle rebate. That incentive is through the
Minnesota Department of Revenue
and buyers are eligible for discounts up to $1,500.
Individuals and retailers must apply for that program, and purchases must be made at approved retailers. Several approved retailers are in St. Cloud, including Rod’s Bicycle Shop; Erik’s Bike Board and Ski;
Fitzharris Ski, Bike and Outdoor;
Revolution Cycle and Ski,
and Scheels.
Amid the e-bike spike, Niedzielski said he’s noticed a dip in interest for regular bicycles. However, he’s sure interest in regular bicycles will return.
“I think we’re going to be in a time here where it’s going to slow down and then all of a sudden it’s going to come back,” Niedzielski said. “We will be back and regular bicycles will be back, but right now they are kind of flat.”
Niedzielski offered several tips for those interested in buying a new bike as the summer season hits full gear.
- Practice routine preventive maintenance: Niedzielski said bicycles should get a tune-up every three years, stressing the importance of cleaning, lubrication, adjustments, inspections, replacements and more. He said checking brakes is also important in preventing injuries.
- Importance of helmets: Niedzielski said he often hears people dismiss wearing helmets because they “are just riding a bicycle.”
“Well, when you go down and hit your head, yeah, you should’ve had a helmet (on),” Niedzielski said.
“People do what they want, it’s like if they want to buy a gas car or an electric car, they can buy what they want. I just suggest that helmets are a good thing,” Niedzielski said.
- Find the right fit and right type: Niedzielski said one of the most important things to look for in a new bicycle is finding the right size, which will depend on the type of riding someone wants to do.
For off-roading, Niedzielski recommends buying a mountain bike.
A gravel bike is good for both off-roading and road bicycling, and is a bit more multi-purpose, Niedzielski said.
“That bike is not an all-out off-road bike,” Niedzielski warned. “… They are set up differently, the geometry is different, the wheels are different.”
Niedzielski said cross bikes are the top seller at Rod’s Bicycle Shop and are used for general-purpose riding.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more speed, you might want to go for a road bike, Niedzielski said.
Rod’s Bicycle Shop is at 28 Lincoln Ave. SE in St. Cloud. For more information, call
320-259-1964
- Flour & Flower received approval for a planned unit development from the St. Joseph City Council. The approval allows the bakery to expand its cooler and add an outdoor patio, according to city council documents. Flour & Flower is at 27 College Ave. N. in St. Joseph.
- Mr. D’s, a bar and restaurant featuring an arcade, is set to open in Sartell later this August. Mr. D’s will serve burgers, sandwiches, salads and more, according to its
Facebook page.
The restaurant is at 1001 Second St. S. in Sartell.
Trent Abrego is a business reporter for St. Cloud LIVE and can be reached at trent@stcloudlive.com.
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