Bike and Hike in Rock Island has provided over 65,000 bikes to the Quad Cities in their 41 years of business, said owner Steve DePron.
However, the small shop on 14th Avenue has not thrived exclusively because of sales.
While Bike and Hike sells roughly 1,300 bikes on average each year, the business also gives away hundreds of bikes and helmets, DePron said.
DePron provides bikes and biking equipment for those in need in the Quad Cities, including citizens who are mentally, physically and financially disabled.
“In the summer, I get asked about five times a day for donations,” DePron said. “I don’t turn anybody down. I look at each situation and many people have a real deserving need. It’s almost impossible to get a no.”
Bike and Hike is also the official supplier of the Chicago Bears. Within the 11 year partnership, DePron has donated bikes to the players and 40 children in the Chicago area.
In the Quad Cities, DePron donates 100 bikes every year for children at Christmas.
He also provides bikes and helmets to many local charities, including this year’s 10th annual Disc’n for Dogs Ace Race. Disc’n for Dogs coordinators Ben and Jamie Bocox said this is the first year Bike and Hike will be donating.
“Disc’n for Dogs is a disc golf tournament we have every year, where every dime goes to the Quad City Animal Welfare Center,” Ben Bocox said. “Steve donated a couple helmets for prizes this year.”
DePron admitted that business can be financially difficult because of how much equipment he gives away.
However, he said the unique qualities of his business allow them to stay afloat.
“If you don’t know us, we look like a little boutique,” DePron said. “But we can store about 400 bikes…and we also offer service and safety checks.”
DePron said that the customer service Bike and Hike offers is unlike major bike shops, and it is what sets them apart.
“I think the secret to success is that people seem to like my people,” DePron said.
The service offered at Bike and Hike, including bicycle repair and maintenance, can cause conflicts, though.
DePron said that customers often buy from the major chain stores and then come to Bike and Hike for service, causing him to lose a sale.
“We are being crucified by the Wal-Mart type mentality,” DePron said. “The major bike shops do not offer service, which I think is wrong because it’s not a bad deal.”
DePron, however, said Bike and Hike has the best values for the price, and he does not regret any business decisions, including his charitable donations.
Now nearly 61 years old, DePron said he is contemplating retirement.
“That’s the weird part,” he said, “that I’ve spent my whole life here, and someday I won’t be here. But when I retire, I’ll be proud of my community service.”
For now, DePron plans to spend the next 4 years continuing business as usual.