For half a century, Macomb Bike has been a cornerstone of the Warren, Michigan cycling community. Stepping into their Schoenherr Road location today, you’re entering a shop with deep roots, dating back to a time when Schwinn, Raleigh, and Motobecane were the bikes to have and the movie “Breaking Away” was capturing the spirit of cycling on screen.
While times and trends in cycling have evolved, Macomb Bike has remained a constant, adapting to serve generations of riders. Owner Jeff Radke and his knowledgeable team are now helping longtime customers transition from mountain and road bikes to the increasingly popular electric bikes and comfortable cruiser models. This year marks a significant milestone: Macomb Bike’s 50th anniversary.
“We’ve always aimed to be that approachable, friendly, and reliable bike shop,” Jeff Radke explains. “We welcome everyone, from families looking for recreational bikes to seasoned athletes who once upgraded to their first carbon road bike for Ironman competitions with us.” This philosophy of treating every customer like family has been key to their enduring success in the Macomb County area.
It’s this personalized service that has cultivated unwavering customer loyalty. Matt Hotts, a member of the Infinite Multisport Triathlon Club, has been a Macomb Bike patron for three decades. He recounts purchasing five bikes from them, including trusted steeds for three Ironman triathlons and twelve grueling Iceman mountain bike races. “Their patience with every customer is remarkable,” Hotts emphasizes. “The customer service is genuinely the best I’ve experienced from any business, period.”
Mercedes Zepp, also from the Infinite club, echoes this sentiment. Her journey with Macomb Bike began with accessory and clothing purchases, evolving into fat tire bike rentals with her husband Kevin, and ultimately, the purchase of her own fat tire bike. “They are genuinely kind people and deliver outstanding customer service,” Zepp states.
Jeff Radke, whose grandfather established the original store in St. Clair Shores in 1974 before relocating to Warren in 1977, emphasizes creating a welcoming, no-pressure environment. His focus isn’t on aggressive sales tactics, but rather on ensuring each customer finds the perfect bike tailored to their individual needs. “Our goal is to guide people to the bike that’s right for them; price is secondary,” Radke clarifies. “We all have our personal favorites, but we prioritize understanding where and how someone intends to ride.”
This customer-centric approach sometimes means servicing an existing bike rather than pushing for a new sale. Michelle Tindall’s experience exemplifies this. Her initial purchase, a Gary Fisher Kaitai mountain bike years ago, has been kept in prime condition thanks to Macomb Bike’s service. “Macomb Bike has expertly maintained my bike’s drivetrain since I bought it,” Tindall shares. “Between my family, we’ve purchased numerous bikes from them over the years.”
“Their personalized approach, complimentary tune-ups, and dedication to building a cycling community through events and rides have made them my go-to bike shop,” Tindall adds. She highlights her participation in Macomb Bike’s popular “tool schools” and relaxed group rides over the years. “They’re more than just a business in the community; they are an integral part of it,” Tindall concludes.
Radke confirms the continued popularity of their tool schools, while noting a slight reduction in social rides due to the increased availability of such events elsewhere. “We’ve adjusted our social ride schedule a bit this year,” Radke explains. “However, we still host a ‘Bikes and Bagels’ event on the first Saturday of each month, offering bagels, coffee, and a free roadside maintenance class.” Looking ahead, plans are in motion for a “Light Up the Night” bike ride in November and a New Year’s Eve ride in Detroit, further demonstrating their commitment to the local cycling scene.
Cindy Flack from Royal Oak, while browsing for a comfortable cruiser bike on a Saturday in March, experienced Macomb Bike’s tailored service firsthand. After test-riding two models, the staff expertly guided her to a robin’s egg blue cruiser that felt custom-made for her frame. “I’ve always enjoyed biking, but now I just want something comfortable for neighborhood rides,” Flack explained, pleased with her perfect find.
Macomb Bike excels at assisting customers in transitioning to different bike styles, whether it’s a more comfortable saddle or exploring the benefits of electric bikes. “Electric bikes are the natural progression of cycling,” Radke asserts. “For me, cycling is about enjoyment, and e-bikes help many get outdoors and extend the riding enjoyment for those who have been cycling for years.”
Radke himself owns a mountain bike, an e-bike, and a hybrid, embracing the diverse world of cycling. “Just the other day, I had to wirelessly update my e-bike with my phone,” Radke laughs. “Who would have imagined that years ago? That’s what keeps this place exciting; you’re always learning something new about bikes or connecting with people.”
Macomb Bike’s 50-year journey is a testament to their dedication to customer service, community engagement, and passion for all things cycling. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, Macomb Bike in Warren is ready to welcome you into their cycling family.
