Draft:Clever Cycles
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Clever Cycles
[edit]Clever Cycles is a bicycle retailer based in Portland, Oregon, known for its emphasis on bicycles and electric bikes as practical daily transportation. Founded in 2007, the shop is recognized for helping introduce and popularize cargo bikes in the United States. In 2012, it was named Best Urban Bike Shop in the United States by Bicycle Retailer and Industry News.[1]
History
[edit]Clever Cycles opened in June 2007 with a mission to promote alternatives to car-based transportation. It was among the first U.S. retailers to offer Bakfiets—Dutch-style front-loading cargo bikes designed to carry children or goods—which contributed to the early growth of the cargo bike market in the Pacific Northwest.
One of the store's early contributions to bicycle technology was the Stokemonkey, a mid-drive electric assist system developed by co-founder Todd Fahrner. It was designed specifically to add high-torque pedal assistance to cargo bikes, and is considered a precursor to many modern e-bike drivetrain systems.[2]
Clever Cycles was featured in a 2009 NPR segment on cargo bikes and their increasing appeal for family transportation.[3] In 2013, NPR profiled the store again in a report on exercise and lifestyle habits in urban families.[4]
In 2023, BikePortland featured Clever Cycles in a podcast interview with employee Eva Frazier, discussing the shop’s evolution and continued role in the local cycling community.[5]
Clever Cycles also supplies bicycles used by educators and community leaders. For example, Portland educator Sam Balto, known for organizing “bike bus” rides to school, has used an Urban Arrow cargo bike from the shop. His work has drawn national attention and support from figures such as Justin Timberlake.[6]
As of 2025, Clever Cycles remains one of the largest independent retailers of Brompton folding bikes in the United States.[7]
Products and Services
[edit]Clever Cycles sells a variety of transportation-focused bicycles, including:
- Cargo Bikes: Long-tail, mid-tail, and front-loading styles for carrying children and cargo.
- City Bikes: Designed for daily commuting and casual urban riding.
- Folding Bikes: Compact, portable bikes suitable for multi-modal commutes and limited storage.
- Electric Bikes: Including electric versions of cargo, city, and folding bikes, featuring Bosch and Shimano systems.
The shop also offers bicycle service and repair, with support prioritized for customers who purchase bikes from the store. A rewards program provides returning customers with discounts on select purchases and services.
Recognition and Media Coverage
[edit]Clever Cycles has been featured in multiple national and regional media outlets, including NPR, The Oregonian, and BikePortland, for its role in advancing urban cycling and family bike transportation. The store received national recognition in 2012 as Best Urban Bike Shop in the United States.[1][3][4][6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Bicycle Retailer and Industry News – Best Urban Bike Shop
- ^ BikePortland.org – Stokemonkey Electric Assist History
- ^ a b NPR: "Cargo Bikes: Go Ahead and Bring the Kitchen Sink"
- ^ a b NPR: "In Many Families, Exercise Is By Appointment Only"
- ^ BikePortland.org – Podcast with Eva Frazier
- ^ a b BikePortland.org – Sam Balto Bike Bus Coverage
- ^ Brompton Official Site
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