Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
New bike shop + service opens in downtown Mobile
Reading time: 3 minutes
Walking into Azalea City Bike Shop, you are greeted with soft pink walls, two long rows of bicycles and rock music playing quietly over the stereo behind the counter. You will also find Chris Thistlewaite and Jesse Hutmaker servicing bikes.
Azalea City Bike Shop opened their doors on Jan. 5, at the east end of Dauphin Street next to the historic Van Antwerp building. They recognized Mobile has not had a dedicated specialty bicycle shop since the 1990s, so they made a change.
Here are some quick facts you should know:
- Address: 107 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36602
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 10AM-6PM; Saturday 10AM-4PM
- Website | Instagram
The heart of the community
Chris and Jesse purposefully situated their brand-new bike shop in the center of downtown Mobile in order to effectively nurture the cycling community. The majority of group rides start downtown, so it only made sense for them to be in the middle of the action.
They have both been working in bike and outdoor equipment sales and repairs for years so the biking community is special to both of them.
The duo has sold bikes all over the Gulf Coast, including places like New Orleans and Orange Beach, before deciding to make Mobile the home of their shop.
No pressure, just bikes
Buying a bike can involve some important considerations, but don’t worry, the pros at ACBS have all the information you need to purchase the best bike for you.
They suggest considering your long-term bike riding goals. Chris says to imagine yourself in six months. Do you see yourself casually riding around the city, or coursing through mountain trails? You don’t want to limit your fun nor your goals.
Perhaps you have a bike, and it has been sitting in your garage for a bit too long. The shop will offer services for those including:
- Wheel repairs
- Brake repairs
- Equipment sales
“We love what we sell, but when we see someone riding on a bike, it makes us happy.”
Jesse Hutmaker, Co-Owner of Azalea City Bike Shop
Biking is more than just a mode of transportation or exercise; Jesse and Chris honed in on four important factors that are the core of cycling: social, mental health, physical well-being, and spiritual well-being.
Join the fun!
If hearing what Jesse and Chris say about this community makes you want to hop on a bike instantly, they have good news.
Azalea City recently started bike rentals, and group bike rides just started every Saturday morning at 8AM, starting right outside their shop. No worries if you aren’t the strongest pedaler, or fastest rider; these rides are curated to suit bikers of all levels.
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