Bikes@Vienna – Rolling with the Changes 

BikeArlington is thrilled to feature select area bike shops in our space at the Arlington County Fair from August 16-18 this year. Joining us on Saturday, August 17, is Tim Fricker, owner of Bikes@Vienna in Vienna, Va. Along with his skills and knowledge, Tim will be bringing some of the adaptive and specialty bikes, e-bikes, and accessories that have earned Bikes@Vienna a following far beyond the DMV. 

We caught up with Tim at the shop and learned about the multi-disciplinary, multimodal journey that brought him to Bikes@Vienna, his vision for the shop, and his commitment to serving the needs of a diverse cycling community. 

Backstage to Backroads  

Born on Long Island and raised in Bowie, Md., Tim did not learn to ride a bike until the age of 12—but once he did, he never stopped. He stayed in Maryland, attended Towson State University as a Theatre Arts major, and went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts in Technical Design and Production from the Yale University School of Drama. After 20-plus years working backstage in the theatre world, he was ready for a change.

A self-taught mechanic, Tim found himself behind the scenes on another set—Bikes@Vienna. As Head Mechanic at this friendly neighborhood bike shop, he hit his stride and found his people—so much so that when, in 2010, Bikes@Vienna’s founder and owner decided it was time for his own career change, Tim took over as owner and has remained in that role ever since.  

It’s been almost 15 years, but Tim says the best part about his job is still when he gets to see someone who thought they would never ride a bike—or never ride a bike again—pedaling around the parking lot with a huge smile on their face. 

The Bikes that Other Shops Don’t Carry 

Bikes@Vienna was founded in 1998 and has operated in the same “downtown” Vienna location for all 26 years. Known as the place to go for “bikes that other shops don’t carry,” the shop offers an array of adaptive, recumbent, folding, and otherwise customized bikes, trikes, and e-bikes perfect for customers seeking to start or continue cycling despite setbacks, limitations, and/or special needs. 

Guided by the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to “enjoy the freedom a set of wheels can bring,” Bikes@Vienna prides itself on catering to customers who are underserved by the mainstream. From modifying standard bikes and trikes to providing purpose-built adaptive cycles, Tim and his team are committed to finding solutions to get or keep customers riding, regardless of age or level of ability. 

Bikes@Vienna is one of only about 100+ such specialty bike shops nationwide. Despite a healthy competition, these shops (the closest of which is in Mt. Airy, Md.) cooperate to deliver in-demand goods and services, and Bikes@Vienna routinely refers customers elsewhere if they don’t offer a particular brand or service. 

View from Vienna 

Over his many years with Bikes@Vienna, Tim has seen industry trends come and go. Right now, he says e-bikes and cargo bikes are big sellers, as customers seek ways to incorporate biking into their everyday routines. An unexpected development following COIVD-era supply chain disruptions, when demand far exceeded supply, is that now the reverse has happened, with supply exceeding demand. 

Tim thinks that demand would pick up if adaptive bikes became more affordable. He also believes the industry would be wise to offer more bikes and trikes for smaller adults and kids. 

View from the Fair 

When he comes to the Arlington County Fair on August 17, Tim will have with him:  

• A Tadpole recumbent trike, which has two wheels in front and one in back and is steered by the two front wheels. Both stable and fun to ride, Tadpoles come in a variety of styles to suit riders of all abilities. They can be had with or without electric assist systems, depending on the rider’s needs and desires.
  
• A BerkelBike, a unique three-wheeled cycle that utilizes both arm and leg power. Think of it as a hand cycle that allows the legs to help to whatever degree they are able. A Berkelbike is useful for a variety of riders, including those with MS and other neurological issues. It can also be very helpful for riders who need to improve leg strength and mobility.
• A Hase Pino, an unusual tandem bicycle that puts the “captain” in the back, with the “stoker” in front in a recumbent seating position. This arrangement allows both riders a clear view ahead and is more conducive to communication. The bike is an excellent choice for riders with special needs, as the stoker is always in plain sight of the captain, rather than behind. The Hase Pino is available with or without an electric motor and is a really fun alternative for two riders.

Tim will also have some of the shop’s most popular adaptive bike accessories on hand at the Fair.  

The Bikes@Vienna Experience 

If you’d like to see for yourself, stop by the BikeArlington Electric Ride Experience on the basketball court at Thomas Jefferson Community Center on Saturday, August 17, look for Tim and the Bikes@Vienna display, and take a spin!  See you at the Fair!