OUR STORY
IOWA'S LOCAL BIKE SHOP SINCE 1979
It was 1979 when a 21-year-old Forrest Ridgway started Bike World in the basement of Doug’s Toy World in Des Moines. Since then, cycling in Iowa has definitely grown and evolved – and Bike World, still owned by Forrest, has grown and evolved along with it. Over the years, the business has made quite a few moves, changes and additions.
Originally just a few hundred square feet in that basement, Bike World’s 3 shops now total almost 50,000 square feet of bicycles, accessories and service. Starting with one store in Des Moines, Bike World now serves central Iowa with 3 stores: Urbandale, Ames and of course the newly-opened spacious West Des Moines shop.
In addition to convenient locations, Bike World truly is “The Store that Supports the Sport”. Bike World has been an official RAGBRAI shop as long as there have been Official RAGBRAI shops. It also supports local bike clubs, charity rides, trails and causes throughout central Iowa. Their ride support van is on the road most weekends from April through August.
You’ll find familiar faces when browsing the stores as many employees have made a career of Bike World. Their ten longest-tenured employees boast well over 250 total years of combined experience. Our employees are passionate about biking (whether it be recreational or for sport) and are top experts in the industry.
From humble beginnings to industry leader, Bike World remains loyal to its customers. “Whether you are preparing for a race or picking out your first bike, you are an important customer to Bike World,” says Forrest Ridgway. “Come see us today!”
THE BEGINNING
21 year old Forrest Ridgway first started Bike World in the basement of Doug's Toy World in Des Moines, Iowa
AMES SHOP REOPENS
https://www.iowastatedaily.com/new-store-has-wheels-spinning/article_5bbb9547-1241-567b-b344-326aed701cc0.html
AMES SHOP MOVES
After a year back at their old location on Main Street, Bike World moved to their current location at 126 S 3rd St.
NEW URBANDALE SHOP
Bike World moves from the old Merle Hay location to their current location at 6600 Douglas Ave in Urbandale, IA.
MOVING WDM LOCATIONS
Bike World moves from the Ashworth shop to a new location on 5950 Village View Dr. in West Des Moines.
CARBON FOOTPRINT
Bike World enhanced their sustainability policy with the goal to reduce their carbon footprint and be more environmentally friendly as a local Iowa business. Bike World now recycles over 35,000 pounds of cardboard a year.
Bike World also teamed up with the Des Moines Bicycle Collective to recycle rubber tubes and tires, keeping thousands of pounds out of the landfill. We will keep pushing to reduce our impact, and encourage each and everyone out there to do their part in keeping our planet healthy.
VARIETY PARTNERSHIP
Bike World formed a partnership with Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa, who are dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged, at-risk and special needs children throughout the state. To date, we have helped assemble over 2000 bikes as part of their Mobility Program.