Indies Only: Oswego Cyclery Rolling Along Since 2004

Oswego Cyclery and Running uses knowledge and attention to detail to match each customer to the correct bike and keep Oswego’s bikes performing.

Owner Art Black worked in his brother-in-law’s bike business prior to opening the Oswego Cyclery in 2004. Black was riding along the bike path through Oswego when he decided Oswego could use a bike shop.

Black said he built his shop around serving families and has grown to serve all types of bike riders.

When a customer walks into the shop, Black said he asks them what they are trying to achieve with their purchase. He asks questions and helps the customer avoid an impulse buy and also encourages a test drive of the bike.

“Giving attention to the customer is the No. 1 thing I stress with my employees,” Black said. “My staff is young but they are well-trained and know their stuff.

“People can be intimidated when they come into the shop,” Black explained. “We have bikes from $150-$7,000. If a customer is on the wrong side of the aisle, they may think they aren’t in the right shop, but they really are.”

Black said some of his favorite customers are the youngest ones.

“I really, really like when kids come in," he said. "Buying your first bike is a pretty big deal and I love seeing the smiles on their faces.”

The staff encourages customers to bring their bike back in 30 days to check that everything is working properly. They also offer a free end-of-season tune-up, Black said.

All staff work on both the sales floor and in the repair shop, making sure they really know how each bike works, Black said. Oswego Cyclery offers free no-obligation estimates on repairs and the service staff are professionally trained and certified.

Scott Koster estimated that he bikes 3,000 miles each year. He stopped into Oswego Cyclery because he was in the market for a new bike and wanted to check out the local bike shop, he said.

Koster described Oswego Cyclery as family-oriented, comfortable, and a very nice place to do business. He also noted their knowledge of bikes.

“They have replaced or fixed every possible part for a number of my bikes, including unique and high-end parts,” Koster said.

“Specialty shops are often intimidating for beginners and Oswego Cyclery is not that way. They can relate to everyone,” Koster said.

Oswego Cyclery is trying out a new phase and has introduced running gear to their shop. Black said he wanted to bring something new in for the slow times that fit with the shop. They carry most major brands and have partnered with Oswego schools to provide shoes to student athletes.

Oswego Cyclery organizes group rides for road bikers, mountain bikers and recreational bikers to give back to its customers, to encourage being active and to build community camaraderie.

“The Oswego community has put their arms around us. We are fortunate to be here. We must be doing something right,” Black said. 

Oswego Cyclery and Running is located at 26 Main St. Phone: (630) 551-2300. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Thursday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.;  Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Be sure to like the store on Facebook.