In 1984 after a few years as an engineer student at The Ohio State University, David Baer decided to briefly put the books aside to travel before graduation set him out in the real world. He cycled his way through Vermont, but as fate would have it, life eventually brought him back to Columbus a short time there after.
Back on the Ohio State campus, David spotted a "Help Wanted" sign in the window of a popular bike shop and the rest is history - David filled a part-time position where he learned the ropes of cycling sales, repairs and services of all types of cycles. Eventually David used his passion and knowledge of cycling to branched out on his own.
Back on the Ohio State campus, David spotted a "Help Wanted" sign in the window of a popular bike shop and the rest is history - David filled a part-time position where he learned the ropes of cycling sales, repairs and services of all types of cycles. Eventually David used his passion and knowledge of cycling to branched out on his own.
Services
Touring bikes are the perfect bike for long distance and traveling with extra gear. These bikes are built for comfort and are light-weight, yet they have sturdier components for durability. Touring bikes typically have lower gears to pedal up steep inclines and stable frames to carry large loads. Triathlon bikes are a variation of road bikes that are made for speed on the road during your race.
Mountain bikes are designed to handle any terrain off-road - from rough wooded trails, gravel paths and even sand. Mountain bikes have wider tires and more suspension to support you while you face the path ahead of you. Mountain bikes typically have four categories based on the type of suspension you need: rigid, hard tail, soft tail, and full suspension.
Hybrid bikes get their name from being a cross between road, touring and mountain bikes. This bike category is a favorite among beginning cyclists due to their sturdy structures and blended features. Common hybrid bikes are commuter, city, and comfort. They offer smaller frames than mountain bikes typically have, but are sturdier than road bikes.
Cruisers are perfect bikes for casual bicycling around your city or the park. Cruisers were extremely popular in the United States from the 1930s-1950s due to their style, comfort and heavy durability. These bikes offer a classic look with larger tires and higher handle bars for sitting in an up-right position to take in the view around you.
Reviews (24)
Susan Surreptitious
Nov 15, 2021
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Kimberly Rothgeb
Oct 19, 2021
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If I could rate this place as 0 I would they had my deceased brothers mongoose bike for 7 months and lied 10 times over the phone about restoring the bike and still nothing so we picked it up today completely takin apart. We also spent alot of money on a new paint job somewhere else witch looks amazing but they had the handles takin off and just layed on the body not in a box with foam or anything protecting the paint job. Completely unprofessional.
Shawn Moses
Oct 05, 2021
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After an exhausting search for a new bike in the midst of Covid-related shortages, I was happy to discover that Baer Wheels had many steel-frames in stock. Mr. Baer recommended a Surly Straggler, and he had one my size in the box. He told me it would take him a week to assemble it.
I gave him my contact info and left.
A week later, I called to check on his progress. He told me he’d have it done that same evening and give me a call. Another week passed and no word. Miffed at being lied to and noticing that a lot of his negative reviews mention broken deadlines, I resumed my search and found
I gave him my contact info and left.
A week later, I called to check on his progress. He told me he’d have it done that same evening and give me a call. Another week passed and no word. Miffed at being lied to and noticing that a lot of his negative reviews mention broken deadlines, I resumed my search and found
Andrew C.
Sep 28, 2021
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The owner said my repairs would take a week. He was rude and unprofessional at every step of the way. After 2.5 weeks, I called, asking when my bike would be ready, and he proceeded to lecture me that calling only makes it take longer and whining that he's the only employee. (I can see why he can't keep his employees!) Ironically, I tried to get off the phone three times and he kept talking about how I shouldnt waste his time calling about the bike. He said he'd have it done in another day or two. Four days later (the 3 week point) I showed up at the store at 11:00am and said I&apos
Adam Weiland
Sep 24, 2021
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Update 10/2/23. I retrieved my bicycle (in pieces) today. I entered the store and told him I was there to pick up my bike and he said it was still in the stand. I said I want the pieces. 14 months is enough.. He asked that I leave the bike (until this afternoon - ya right) to allow him to complete repairs. I declined. He did provide repairs and service gratis which was small consolation. At the end of our conversation he asked that I delete my reviews and complaints. I feel this is HIGHLY inappropriate and told him I would not.
Original review
Avoid this business at all costs. If you want to
Original review
Avoid this business at all costs. If you want to
Molly Smith
Sep 23, 2021
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I had an exceptional experience, as usual. I brought my bike in for a tune-up, the associate was so kind, polite and informative. Later I called in to get an update and once again the associate was very kind. I got a text message informing me my bike was done and went to pick it up the next day. The owner gave the bike a last check to make sure everything was good and adjusted my seat which totally has changed my riding experience!
I appreciate this business, I like how the shop is always so calm even though I know they are busy. The owner is always working and it makes this big city seem small
I appreciate this business, I like how the shop is always so calm even though I know they are busy. The owner is always working and it makes this big city seem small
Laurel D.
Aug 06, 2021
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Worst experience in a bike shop EVER.
Dave is rude, condescending and the 'fix' that I went in for (for my kid's bike) wasn't done properly.
i used to be a bike tech and I love so much about cycling/bike 'culture and community'. If Dave had been my first introduction to the world of bikes and biking I think I would have chosen another sport.
When I picked up my kid's bike from its 'fix and service', the bike was as filthy as it was when I brought it in and I don't even think they cleaned the chain but instead just oiled it. The brakes were loose
Dave is rude, condescending and the 'fix' that I went in for (for my kid's bike) wasn't done properly.
i used to be a bike tech and I love so much about cycling/bike 'culture and community'. If Dave had been my first introduction to the world of bikes and biking I think I would have chosen another sport.
When I picked up my kid's bike from its 'fix and service', the bike was as filthy as it was when I brought it in and I don't even think they cleaned the chain but instead just oiled it. The brakes were loose
Kevin Slane
Jul 19, 2021
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2 and a half months ago we brought 2 bikes in for service - one for a complete tune, the other for a derailleur adjustment. When we originally gave him 2 bikes to fix, he said he would have the derailleur adjustment done in a few hours. We gave him a few days.. texted him, no response. Called, no answer. The store was closed so we couldn’t go in. Finally managed to get ahold of the bike after 2 weeks of trying to follow up. “Oh yeah that’s been done for a while” - he said as I picked the bike up.
2nd bike took 2 and a half months for a complete tune when we were originally told it would
2nd bike took 2 and a half months for a complete tune when we were originally told it would
Arlene A.
Jul 13, 2021
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A surly Surly bicycle retailer
Being in the market for a new bicycle for gravel riding and single track, I called Dave Baer, owner of Baer Wheels. I had a reasonable telephone conversation with Dave regarding my interest in a Surly Bridge Club bicycle. He had a size medium, assembled, on the sales floor, and a size small, yet to be assembled.
Unsure of which size would be best for me, I visited his shop the next day. Finding Dave working on a bicycle, I said, "Hello, I'm Mike. We discussed the Surly Bridge Club on the phone yesterday." Dave replied, "I'm busy." Interestingly
Being in the market for a new bicycle for gravel riding and single track, I called Dave Baer, owner of Baer Wheels. I had a reasonable telephone conversation with Dave regarding my interest in a Surly Bridge Club bicycle. He had a size medium, assembled, on the sales floor, and a size small, yet to be assembled.
Unsure of which size would be best for me, I visited his shop the next day. Finding Dave working on a bicycle, I said, "Hello, I'm Mike. We discussed the Surly Bridge Club on the phone yesterday." Dave replied, "I'm busy." Interestingly
Adri F.
May 04, 2021
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Still newish to town, I've been looking for a repair shop. The shop is really nice and caught my eyes. I took my bike in because my shifter wasn't catching. The shop had one other costumer when I went in and it took a bit to get my bike diagnosed. Service was a bit curt but I gave it a pass as this seems to be a one man act. I was told the shifter mechanism was acting up and the repair could be done with a quick turn around time (day or two). I was warned it could take longer than that. Being in no rush decided to let them go ahead with their fix and picked up some reasonably priced gear
Jackie
Apr 03, 2021
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Michael Kimble
Jan 05, 2021
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We have purchased 3 Jamis bikes from Baer Wheels in the past few months and I highly recommend them. Not only are the bikes great, but the service was outstanding! Dave took the time to personally fit me with the right bike, and he customized the seat and handlebars to the perfect angle for how I ride. They are very knowledgeable and can put you on a great new bike!
John H.
Oct 21, 2020
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I love Baer Wheels and I don't even own a bike. I'm an old gardener, and my "bike wheel" garden cart has had two flat tires. The great folks at Baer have got me rolling again and back in the garden. They even found tubes that are more resistant to punctures. They have an amazing assortment of bike accessories, so if I get back to cycling, now in my old age, I will certainly come straight to Baer Wheels--local here in Clintonville.
Danielle Barnes
Oct 11, 2020
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Awesome service, love the shop and how they run it. Dave is who helped my son and gave him a great price to have his bike fixed. Great store to go to I recommend everyone to go to this bike shop. And if your getting your bike fixed they are so chill and talk to u and try to make conversation. A 10/10 shop it is for me. Best shop in town
Duane B.
Oct 04, 2020
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As I waited for minor derailleur adjustment (the shifting was basically okay) the chain came flying off and wedged between the cassette and spokes, which took a couple of minutes to free. Also tightened the pedals. Within a few days I got new pedals. Could not remove old pedals with a hex wrench using a one foot pipe for leverage. Shifting was problematic also and I returned. As they were working on the shifting they asked if I had dropped (crashed) the bike. I guess it was way off, but not due to me. I then said they had apparently over torqued the pedals and asked for them to loosen them so
Heather Ahrns
Jul 15, 2020
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I bought a used bike on Craigslist and was excited to get riding right away. Unfortunately my bike wasn't shifting correctly and my own attempts failed. On a Saturday morning I called and described my issue and the mechanic told me to bring it in. I dropped off my bike and waited outside as the shop is allowing 5 customers at a time during safe social distancing. The shop was busy, the store was only staffed by one person, and I still got my bike serviced in just under 35 minutes. The mechanic showed me how to remedy my problem on my own in the future AND when I tried to schedule a tune up he told
Kyle M.
Jun 12, 2020
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I stopped in after a long bike ride to talk about getting a new bike. My neck was really hurting and I thought my bike frame was too small. When I talked to the pros at Baer, they took one look and said the bike is a good size, but the stem and handlebars were way too low, causing my uncomfortable riding position. They went to the parts wall and picked out an adjustable riser stem and a set of riser handlebars that perfectly fit my bike. I went home, installed the parts, and WOW what a difference. The people at Baer could have tried to sell me a new bike, but instead they were true professionals
Ann L.
Mar 26, 2020
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Mark S.
Sep 19, 2019
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Courtney D.
Dec 03, 2018
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My husband and I went in here a while back with a 2000 dollar budget ready to buy bikes. I went to counter and had a nice conversation with the guy and asked for advice and explained our budget and and what we were looking for. We're not accomplished riders but we do love riding our bikes and were ready for an upgrade. As we were ready to walk the shop to select possible bikes a guy with a broken bike comes in. His bike had just broke as he was riding it and he asked they guy if maybe he had a free part that could fix it "real quick". The guy stopped helping us and put all of his
Matthew V.
Mar 20, 2018
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Alena K.
Dec 12, 2017
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After reading some great and not so great reviews, I tried to give this place a shot because it was closest to my house.
On Friday I called and asked some general questions about a tune-up and repair, and told the woman on the phone I'd be in on Monday for a tune-up, a repair, and new tires. She said great, we're open from 10-7 on Mondays. Cool. So I walked my broken bike in the cold to Baer Wheels at 11:15 AM on Monday and it was still closed. I had seen another reviewer have this same problem, I should have listened. As I was standing out front another guy came up and was confused
On Friday I called and asked some general questions about a tune-up and repair, and told the woman on the phone I'd be in on Monday for a tune-up, a repair, and new tires. She said great, we're open from 10-7 on Mondays. Cool. So I walked my broken bike in the cold to Baer Wheels at 11:15 AM on Monday and it was still closed. I had seen another reviewer have this same problem, I should have listened. As I was standing out front another guy came up and was confused
Jake D.
Jul 18, 2017
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Well, I went into Baer Wheels about a week ago to look at some touring bikes as I am interested in taking a solo tour. The guy (Owner? Employee?) was rude and condescending to me. I said: "I am fairly new to cycling and totally new to touring."
The guy said: "Well, that is obvious."
He used a rather insulting tone of voice.
Keep in mind that was my lead into explaining that I wanted to potentially buy a touring bike from his shop.
But I just left without much more talk. I'd rather take my dollars to an establishment that is at least somewhat polite and helpful to
The guy said: "Well, that is obvious."
He used a rather insulting tone of voice.
Keep in mind that was my lead into explaining that I wanted to potentially buy a touring bike from his shop.
But I just left without much more talk. I'd rather take my dollars to an establishment that is at least somewhat polite and helpful to
Ken S.
Oct 05, 2013
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Great place. Perfectly content to talk bikes and do small repairs (at very reasonable prices). Great selection of parts and accessories which seems to be lacking in this burg. Who else in town has demo saddles for you to try Hmmmmm? Brake sets and cassettes on the wall? This is the place.
For those of you who complain, let me 'splain something to you about bike shop culture- The man will talk to you all day about your $12 pressure gauge, but when he has a chance to move a $6000 Colnago, step the f***k aside, Bro. The man has mouths to feed like you and me. If you can, help him out!
Great
For those of you who complain, let me 'splain something to you about bike shop culture- The man will talk to you all day about your $12 pressure gauge, but when he has a chance to move a $6000 Colnago, step the f***k aside, Bro. The man has mouths to feed like you and me. If you can, help him out!
Great
