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Gas prices bring bicycle business boom

07:09 PM PDT on Thursday, June 12, 2008

By DEBORAH FELDMAN / KING 5 News

Video: Gas prices bring bicycle business boom
Larger screen

SEATTLE – The rise in gas prices is turning out to be good business for some bike stores who are reporting an increase in commuter-style bicycles and in repairs of older bikes.

Nicole Evans is in the market for a new set of two wheels.

"A bike that's better than my old bike, that's comfortable to ride, that can get me around town."

Getting safely around town is key. Like countless others, Nicole is now looking for a bicycle tailored to her commuting needs rather than her recreational needs.

"I have an SUV now and that's just killing me in gas, so this will definitely help me out."

At Greg's cycles in Seattle, they've started stocking new types of bikes to adapt to their changing clientele.

"Absolutely. We're carrying bikes this year that are commuter oriented bikes that we didn't even carry in past years," said Marty Pluth, Greg's Cycles.

KING

The new bikes are designed to be dependable and safe on city streets. They sport fenders, racks and better light systems. The new commuter-style bikes can run anywhere from $400 to well over $1,000.

Of course, riders need to bring more than just themselves to work. That's why items like lap top sleeves and bicycle briefcases are in high demand right now.

Naturally, not everyone is willing to shell out big bucks when their ultimate goal is to save money, so the repair shop at Greg's is hopping as well. Employees are seeing all types of older bikes dusted off and they're doing what they can to pump new life into them.

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