Gearhead Outfitters opens Experience Center in downtown Bentonville

Jonesboro-based outdoor specialty retailer Gearhead Outfitters recently reopened its downtown Bentonville store as a Specialized Experience Center.

The 3,000-square-foot store at 501 S.W. A St. is Gearhead’s first collaboration with Morgan Hill, Calif.-based bicycle manufacturer Specialized Bicycle Components Inc. The store is the first Specialized rental and demo location in the region, according to a news release.

“The Gearhead brand has been built with the dedication and principle to only offer the best products, places and people,” said Ted Herget, owner and founder of Gearhead Outfitters. “Specialized is far and away the leader and innovator of the bicycle community. We are stoked to be their partner in this concept.”

The store will offer high-end Specialized bikes, including mountain, gravel and electric-assist bikes, for full- and half-day rentals. It will also have Specialized tires, helmets and wheels and apparel and footwear from other outdoor brands for after-sport wear. This is the third Gearhead store offering bicycles.

The Bentonville store opened in 2015 as an outdoor gear and apparel shop. Over the past few months, Specialized and Gearhead collaborated to redesign and remodel the store.

“Specialized has opened several Experience Centers in key regions around the country, and we are so proud to be here in the mountain biking capital of the world,” said Sam Benedict, Specialized USA category, education and marketing leader. “The riding is first-class and visited from all over the world. We are excited for more riders to get to experience this terrain and culture aboard our bikes and equipment, and then take that excitement home to join the cycling movement with us. Ted and the Gearhead crew are passionate, hard-working cyclists and people. We are fortunate to have them as great partners.”

Taylor Young is store manager, and the company has nearly 50 employees at its stores in Bentonville, Fayetteville and Rogers.