‘Life Works Here’ recruit opens cycling business in Rogers

BIKE.co recently opened a mobile bike service and rental shop, serving six Northwest Arkansas cities.

The new business has a 1,500-square-foot office at 6028 W. Stoney Brook Road, Suite 3, in Rogers but is set up to provide services and deliver rental bicycles to where customers are located.

“BIKE.co fills a gap in the marketplace by providing a high-quality and attentive mobile bike service at a cost-effective price point,” founder Nate Nead said. “Our model allows bike enthusiasts to spend less time dealing with the complex issues of maintaining their bikes and more time enjoying the hobby.”

Nead, who has family living in Bentonville, recently moved to the city from Seattle after visiting more than a year ago. The Washington native said he’d worked remotely for the past seven years and relocated here with a grant from the Life Works Here program, a Northwest Arkansas Council initiative attracting remote workers. A licensed investment banker, Nead also manages several other businesses with workers throughout the U.S.

He said BIKE.co allows customers traveling to the area to book a service or rental in advance of arrival via the website.

“That’s the target demographic that we’re going after,” he said.

One of its most unique services is the bike fitting service, Nead explained. Kevin Whaley, the Rogers office manager, has been a certified bike fitter for the past decade. BIKE.co also offers custom bicycle assembly and sells bicycles and accessories. Some of the brands include Diamondback, Giant, Schwinn, Scott and Trek.

The existing service area for the business includes Bella Vista, Bentonville, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Rogers and Springdale. Nead said he might expand the service area after perfecting the business model.

The Rogers office is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. BIKE.co has three employees.

“BIKE.co believes in forging connections within the community in which it operates,” Nead said. “Northwest Arkansas offers incredible cycling options, and we are excited to contribute to the growth of the region’s cycling culture.”