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• Best Place to Get a Bike: Champaign Cycle Co.

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Champaign Cycle carries a variety of cycling equipment ranging from bike frames and tires, to clothing and specialized shoes. Photo by Brad Thorp

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A friendly and knowledgeable staff, a wide variety of bicycles and a 40-year history in the CU community led to Champaign Cycle Co. winning this year’s award for Best Place to Get a Bike.

Peter Davis has been the owner of Champaign Cycle for the past 38 years and has been working to incorporate biking into the CU community. Earlier this month, Davis held an art gallery bike tour that led bikers to and from various art galleries in town.

“We’re going to be doing more of these urban, use-your-bike-as-transportation events,” Davis said, citing an eco tour he’s planning for next year that would involve visiting places of proper ecological practice within the community.

Although biking tends to be a warm weather sport for most, the whole year holds potential for deals at Champaign Cycle Co. The store usually has a special sale in the spring, but there is a sale list on their web site — http://www.champaigncycle.com — as well as weekly specials, Davis explained.

What sets Champaign Cycle Co. apart is that the involvement doesn’t stop when you walk out of the door with your new bike. “The difference is between someone who needs guidance and wants service after the sale as opposed to somebody who can do it all themselves,” Davis said.

With the purchase of a new bike, the owner gets a free tune-up after 30 days, a one year free break and gear adjustment and a 25 percent discount on any labor charges.

Whether you’re a veteran to the sport or just looking for an eco-friendly way to get around campus, the vote says that Champaign Cycle Co. has you covered.

“There’s a growing awareness of what we do,” Davis said. “We’re very much involved in the community and the sport.”