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    Shop Talk: Johnny Velo Bikes Receives National Award

    In August, Clintonville’s own Johnny Velo Bikes was recognized as one of eight Platinum Retailers nationwide when they received the highest designation of the Bicycle Retailers Excellence Award.

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    “We are extremely proud to receive this award,” Owner John Robinson said.

    The National Bike Dealers Association, which represents more than 4,000 retailers, awarded 180 distinctions this year in four categories: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Johnny Velo Bikes was the only shop in Ohio to receive platinum. The Association vets shops through several ways such as blind judging, secret shoppers in person and on the phone, website usability, employee knowledge, photos showing cleanliness and organization of the shop, and a 10-page questionnaire submitted by the shop owner.

    Johnny Velo carries well-known brands Giant, Kona, and Bianchi. They offer all types of bikes such as road, mountain, hybrid, and kids.

    “Our mission is all about putting people on bikes and introducing them to what could be a game changer in their lives,” Robinson said. “A man came in a few years ago and fell in love with biking. He has now biked more than 500 consecutive days and lost nearly 70 pounds.”

    Robinson and other staff members are trained in helping first-time customers find the right bike.

    “We always recommend people buy the bike that will help them meet their goals,” Robinson said.

    Johnny Velo also carries apparel and safety gear to outfit riders, and are expanding into the bike-packing world with riding backpacks and camping gear. The shop also offers bike service and repair.

    “I opened this shop because I enjoy biking so much I wanted to share it with other people,” Robinson said.

    For trail recommendations, he suggests riders visit the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission website that offers an online Columbus Metro Bike Map, as well as the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization.

    Johny Velo Bikes is located at 4231 N. High St, in Clintonville. Find more information on their website JohnnyVeloBikes.com.

    All photos by Randi Walle

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    Randi Walle
    Randi Wallehttp://randimwalle.com
    Randi is a freelance contributor to Columbus Underground, writing mainly articles for Shop Talk. She studied photography at Columbus State and enjoys utilizing both journalism and photography to tell the stories of people in the community.
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