New digs, Bicycle Hub rolls forward

After seven successful years at its Mentor location, The Bicycle Hub has rolled south to Kirtland.

Formerly located near the busy intersection of Route 306 and Mentor Avenue, owners Rob and Emily Ponti decided that it was time for a change.

The couple opted for a less crowded spot at 9328 Chillicothe Road, just south of Kirtland High School. With high ceilings and wooden floors, the shop presents a more relaxed space.

“It’s a little more welcoming, it feels more like you’re at home,” Rob Ponti said.

Inside the entrance, a neat service area precedes rows of a variety of bikes for sale. Near the back of the store, comfortable furniture invites patrons to rest or leisurely peruse merchandise including specialty shoes and other equipment.

Ponti noted that because the new shop is only about two miles from the former location, customers shouldn’t be inconvenienced by the move.

In fact, many said they’re happy to visit the less hectic vicinity.

“When we moved we heard a lot of people say, ‘Finally…thank God!’ Ponti said.

Another new feature of the business is a bus that the Pontis purchased, which is planned to expand services and sales at biking trails, bike festivals and other places, as well as serve as a delivery vehicle.

The interior of the short school bus, found in Illinois, resembles a portion of the store, with hardwood floors and wood paneling. Along with bikes on board for cyclists to sample, services such as gear and brake adjustments are available and accessories and parts can be purchased. Another common element with the store is comfortable seating for cycling enthusiasts to kick back and relax.

There is room for six to seven people and eight to 12 bikes along with gear and equipment.

Ponti noted that decorative vinyl wrap, essentially a giant billboard featuring the store’s name and other facets, eventually will cover the bus’s current plain white exterior.

Already in use, Ponti said “the bus has added something unique, a fun

talking point. Wherever we go, people immediately want to come inside and sit down,” and added that no other local shops present such mobile services.

Aside from the business aspect, the Pontis are enjoying

personal benefits from the bus as well.

“We’re doing what we love being outside on our bikes … not being strapped to the store but still servicing our customers,” he said.

Ponti noted that The Bicycle Hub caters to all types of bike riders, from those such as children just learning the sport to seasoned racers and weekend warriors. Bike prices can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

He added that he’s seen the activity grow as more and more people discover its benefits of pleasure and exercise.

Northeast Ohio affords a particularly good place to bike. Multiple trails, including those at the Metroparks, are within short driving distances of many communities.

Asked why he thinks his biking business has been particularly successful, Ponti said, “We’re knowledgeable and honest and we sell what we personally use, so we can stand by our product.”

For more information, visit www.kirtlandbicyclehub.com.

JEAN BONCHAK — THE NEWS-HERALD Servicing as well as selling several types of bicycles are among features offered at the Bicycle Hub in Kirtland. Shown is owner Rob Ponti working on an Orbea model.

JEAN BONCHAK — THE NEWS-HERALD Rob and Emily Ponti, owners of the Bicycle Hub in Kirtland, purchased a short school bus which will eventually be used as a mobile addition to the services provided at their recently relocated shop on Chillicothe Road. The bus is undergoing a...