The Bike n Hike Story

Bike N' Hike Portland

For almost 40 years, Bike n Hike has been Northwest Oregon’s local source for bicycles, gear and advice. Bike n Hike was founded in December 1971 by Al French, who saw the need for a store focused on selling the best quality outdoor products at a reasonable price.

In 1973, 15-year old Kevin Chudy walked into Bike n Hike Corvallis on his quest to buy a new road racing bike. Kevin had been disappointed by his experience at other local stores, and was surprised with the friendly greeting and sound advice he received from the staff. He walked out that day with a new bike, but just as importantly, the warm welcome he experienced began from that moment to shape the future for both Kevin Chudy and Bike n Hike.

As a young rider learning the ropes of bike racing and repair; he was soon a regular at the shop. In 1974, he was brought on to help sell and service bikes, partly aided by his reputation for hard work garnered while delivering the local paper. By October 1979 Kevin was managing Bike n Hike and continuing to increase Bike n Hike’s profile in the local cycling community.

Kevin Chudy

In 1984, Al and Kevin expanded northward, opening Bike n Hike Beaverton on Beaverton-Hillsdale highway. Bike n Hike rapidly became a part of the local riding and racing communities, and expanded with locations in Milwaukie, (1988) Hillsboro (1990) and Portland (1996). Along the way, Bike n Hike became an early partner with Giant bicycles in 1989, and continued to grow as a company and a part of the local cycling community.

Over the years, bike lines have come and gone, but Giant bicycles remained one of Bike n Hike’s most valuable suppliers. In light of our relationship, Giant offered to transform Bike n Hike Beaverton into one of Giant’s first “Giant Retail Partner” locations. In 2007, Giant assisted in re-designing the store. The makeover was a success, and with that in mind Bike n Hike expanded and revamped the Portland location in 2009.

Taking the opportunity, our women’s department was expanded into one of the largest in the country, and Bike n Hike upped our commitment to women’s cycling with maintenance clinics, group rides and our popular series of Ladies’ Nights, where women can come and learn about cycling from our diverse staff.

As the Portland-area cycling community grows ever stronger, Bike n Hike is able to show our commitment by sponsoring advocacy organizations like the BTA, NWTA, sponsoring local rides and races, and being able to tap the ever-widening pool of top-notch cycling sales and service professionals. We strive to bring you the best values in cycling with talented staff, convienent locations and a selection of some of the best bicycles, clothing and accessories available.

Whether you ride for transportation or pleasure, we hope you enjoy your visit to our website and look forward to seeing you in one of our stores.

Thanks,
Kevin Chudy and the Bike n Hike team