So often in Brookside and Waldo, you’ll patronize a business that you can really feel the owner has a passion for:  think of our local restaurants like Plate and Bella Napoli, or Brady and Fox; SKINKC, locally made chemical free products for your body; SOAP Refill Station creates ecofriendly cleaning products that uses recycled containers.  Dave Reinert, owner of Bicycle Depot in Waldo, has that passion. His passionate hobby  of repairing bikes turned into a full time business.

Dave spent many years as a schoolteacher in public and private schools; at the same time, he spent 20 years repairing bikes out of his basement based on word of mouth referrals.  Business increased drastically during the pandemic, and with a “gentle push” from his family, he decided to open his own storefront.  Dave had experience working with non profit bike organizations, and stopped driving a car years ago. His brother also owns a bike shop in Minneapolis.   “I wanted to do something good for the environment. I have a real love for green transportation; it’s generally quiet and good for your health.  I regularly buy everything I need here in Brookside/Waldo  and wanted to open my shop in the area.  I live just a few blocks away! “   

Bicycle Depot focuses on bike service and repair (including electric bikes)  and sells bikes from State Bicycle Company and Batch Bicycles.   “The quality of these products is so much better than you will find at a big box store, and the riding experience will be much better” Dave says.  He also stocks some supplies like helmets and gloves.  He will take bike donations and sells used ones as well. Service and repair are his focus; you can walk in and get a free assessment of the problem, the cost to repair and the general turnaround is one or two days.  Longtime cyclists in the area may recognize Bruce Homstad in the shop, who worked for Family Bicycles—he’s been a certified bike technician for 30 years so you know…these guys know what they are doing when it comes to keeping your bike tuned up and ready to ride!

Bicycle Depot opened in March at 220A W 75^th St; across the street from the Aldi parking lot and just east of the busy 75^th and Wornall intersection.  Fall weather is a perfect time to ride, and there are so many trails in our area (Dave has a map!) so stop in and get to know Dave and Bruce for your bicycle needs.  They will make sure your ride is the best it can be!