The Bicycle Outfitter Profile
Connect with The Bicycle Outfitter on Social Media
Available videos
Company Description
For over 34 years, The Bicycle Outfitter and its staff have been committed to introducing customers to the sport of cycling. Whether a customer is a racer, weekend rider, or just looking for a bike for their child, our store goal has been to accommodate all riders of all types. The Bicycle Outfitter began life as Wheeler Dealers. It was founded by two local 18 year olds about 1972, Fred Chestnut and Dean Hovey Fred and Dean had the help of Dean's future Father in Law, Roger Sands, a former Lockheed engineer and owner of The Bicycle Center in Santa Cruz, California. They Quickly built a top notch road race shop. Both raced and Dean became a custom frame builder. Being young men they soon wanted to move onto other things and in 1974 sold Wheeler Dealers to a local Pool Supply & Patio Furniture business owner who needed more space. He moved Wheeler Dealers into 973 Fremont. He tired of the business and in 1976 sold the business to Dick and Marilyn Powell. When the Powell's bought the shop it was a two man operation that did about 90K a year. The business grew at a rate of 30% a year for the first ten years. In 1978 the name was changed to The Bicycle Outfitter. The Bicycle Outfitter is located officially in 963, 969, 971 and 973 Fremont Avenue. Our Service Department is currently located in the stores original location of 973 Fremont. 963 was a TV store, 969 was a hair dresser and 971 was Denny's Barber Shop. The Bicycle Outfitter took over the whole building in 1981. The Powell's spent 28 great years running The Bicycle Outfitter. In 2004 Dick and Marilyn decided to follow another dream of running Outfitter Bicycle Tours in France and Italy. In August of 2004 the Powell's era ended when they sold all Outfitter assets to Bud and Neal Hoffacker, owners of Palo Alto Bicycles.