Northtowne Cycling + Fitness searches for new owner ahead of 100th year

Northtowne Cycling + Fitness in Cedar Rapids is beginning the search for new ownership as it nears its 100th anniversary.

Current owners Derek and Jodi Stepanek — the fourth generation in their family to manage the store — announced their decision to step down in a press release on Wednesday.

The couple has expressed a desire to explore new opportunities outside of retail, while ensuring that the shop’s legacy continues under new leadership.

“I love what I do and have passionately served as a store leader for 28 years. We’re proud to be a part of the thriving, vibrant bike culture that Cedar Rapids and the state of Iowa are known for,” Mr. Stepanek said in the release. “But we’re ready to move to the next stage in our lives and want the shop to continue as a mainstay for the local biking community.”

Northtowne Cycling + Fitness has been recognized multiple times by the National Bike Dealer Association (NBDA) as one of the best bike shops in the nation, as stated in the release. 

“We’ve worked to position the business for continued success, and now is a great time to transition to a new leader to start the next 100 years,” Mr. Stepanek added.

The Stepaneks recently implemented a rebrand for the shop, unveiling a new logo and updating the store’s exterior at 1150 Blairs Ferry Road N.E. The shop maintains strong relationships with major bicycle manufacturers, including Aventon, Cannondale, Gazelle, Giant, Marin, and Specialized, ensuring a continued offering of up-to-date products, parts, and services.

Northtowne has also led the Iowa market in e-bike sales for over a decade, a segment that is predicted to see double-digit increases in the coming years, the release states. 

“It’s been fun and energizing to be at the forefront of this technology,” Ms. Stepanek said in the release. “E-bikes are such a game changer for so many people, helping them to get out and enjoy riding a bike more often, with more people and for so many fun reasons.”

The Stepaneks plan to support the transition to new ownership, ensuring a smooth handover and continued high standards of service.

Interested parties are encouraged to visit northtownebikes.com/to/OwnNorthtowne for more information.