Tiffin cycle shop changing name, ownership

TIFFIN — Spoke Life Cycles in downtown Tiffin is preparing to operate under a new name as ownership of the shop transitions. Mitch Stearns, Tiffin native, is currently working to rebrand the store into Outbound Cycles, with plans to finalize the transition over the next two months. The shop will continue to offer bike sales and repair services for both traditional pedal bikes and electric bikes, along with home service calls and a pick-up/drop-off service available for a fee. Stearns brings more than 20 years of cycling experience to the business, and previously worked at Spoke Life Cycles for about two years, where he said he gained hands-on experience that helped prepare him to take ownership. "I definitely don't look at it like a normal job, I'm just having a good time and I like seeing people smile," he said. "I work on bikes because I am good at it and it gets the community active." He continued, saying throughout the duration of the rebranding that store hours will remain the same– with Stearns expressing his gratitude for the support he has received from community members. "The best thing people can do to support us is to just get out and ride their bikes, come in and see us," said Stearns. When asked about e-bikes, Stearns said they are expected to remain a significant part of the shop's work; Stearns noted that they have become increasingly popular in recent years and can make cycling more accessible. "E-bikes give people the freedom to ride without worrying about hills or physical limitations," he said. "They let people get back into riding and still enjoy being out for a couple hours." Beyond the shop itself, Stearns said he is focused on growing outdoor recreation opportunities in Tiffin. "I just want to see more recreation in Tiffin; More people outside, more green space, let's be a place that draws people in, where people come here to ride." he said. Stearns is also involved in broader efforts to expand cycling infrastructure locally. He founded a nonprofit, Rad Action Recreation Evolution, aimed at supporting outdoor recreation projects, including efforts to bring a pump track to the community.