Mike’s Bikes in Denver has good vibes, dogs and great bikes

Editor’s word: That is a part of The Know’s collection, Workers Favorites. Every week, we are going to supply our opinions on the very best that Colorado has to supply for eating, procuring, leisure, outside actions and extra. (We’ll additionally allow you to in on some hidden gems). 

For those who’ve received canines lazing outdoors your storefront, likelihood is I’ll cease in.

Good factor I used to be going to Mike’s Bikes anyway. The East Denver location of the California-based chain is tucked behind an AMC Theatre, close to the top of a nondescript block at Colorado Boulevard’s 9+Co. growth. And but biking fans pour out and in of the shop every single day, petting mild sentries Scout (a labradoodle) and Peach (a bassett hound/lab/husky combine) as they rep the nice vibes inside.

My 12-year-old son’s bike not too long ago threw a gear, prompting not solely a brand new bike search, but in addition new helmets for him, my daughter and me — of which Mike’s naturally carries numerous kinds and value ranges. We opted for ones with Mips protection, a brain-safety layer that needs to be acquainted to most cyclists, “designed to maneuver barely within the occasion of an impression (and) … redirect rotational movement away from the pinnacle,” in response to Mips’ web site.

Normal stuff at most bike outlets, positive. And Colorado has no scarcity of nice ones (native chains, even!).

Non-standard, nonetheless, in my expertise, was the type, affected person reception my 8-year-old daughter Lucy acquired. A pleasant younger worker walked her by way of bikes, helmets, gloves and extra with out the pressured gross sales pitch or superiority advanced, giving my daughter area to ascertain herself dashing down the road on considered one of these many stunning frames.