Locally owned and operated, Bike Center in Des Peres has been serving St. Louis cyclists since 1964. Scott Parrent purchased the store from its original owners last year and this fall is celebrating his first anniversary. He says his focus is quality customer service and that he “always strives to ensure cyclists leave the shop satisfied and that [they] are able to ride further and more comfortably for years to come.”

Parrent’s passion for adventure, biking, and the outdoors led him down the path to store ownership. “Coming from a sporting family, this was a natural shift in careers,” he said. “When the business came up for sale, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Parrent says Bike Center has a loyal customer base that he has enjoyed building relationships with, and he looks forward to continuing to expand the St. Louis cycling community. He has been organizing Sunday morning rides to explore new trails and also offers in-shop classes. He has been involved in the adaptive bike program with St. Louis Children’s Hospital and is available to modify bikes and trikes for individuals with specialized needs.

The shop stocks bicycles for riders across the spectrum of ages and abilities: balance bikes, children’s bikes, adult bikes, e-bikes, recumbent bikes, folding bikes, and more. Its Kids Growth Program supports children being able to ride longer, even as they outgrow their bikes. When you buy a new children’s bike from Bike Center, you can trade it in towards the next size when the time comes.

Demo bikes are available to provide customers the opportunity to trial a bike and ensure confidence in their investment. And, of course, Bike Center has a full line of parts and services, with knowledgeable mechanics to ensure its customers are ready to ride.

“It’s definitely worth stopping by the newly remodeled shop to check out all the options,” said Parrent. “Bike Center has always been a neighborhood bike shop, rooted in its community. We aim to continue to foster that sense of community, while supporting the biking needs of you and yours. We look forward to seeing you in the shop and on the trails!”