Retailer Spotlight: Chariot Bike
Launched just a few years ago, Chariot Bike started in founder Julia Sparks’ garage before evolving into a mobile bike repair service, and eventually expanding into a brick-and-mortar retail operation in Bend, OR. With a focus on bikepacking and adventure biking, Chariot offers top quality service, classes, bike builds, and products––including a range of ILE bike bags and camera bags. Check out our conversation with the Chariot Bike team below to learn more:
What’s the story of Chariot Bike?
The name Chariot Bike was inspired by the bicycle that Julia’s (owner) grandmother Norma Jean Belloff used during her cross-country cycling journey across the US in 1948. She set the women’s record for biking from New York to San Diego in 53 days and called her bike “Chariot.”
Our shop initially launched in Julia’s garage, then evolved into a mobile repair service in a decked-out van before finally landing in our current brick-and-mortar location in Bend, OR.
What makes your shop unique?
Our shop stands out due to its emphasis on bikepacking and adventure biking. We specifically offer classes designed to educate people on how to be self-sufficient during long-haul biking trips and we carry the most bike bags of any shop in central Oregon. We’ve become known for custom bike builds and love outfitting bikes with the perfect bags for any and every trip!
What ILE product stands out to you and why?
We love the roll-top Seat Bag ADVENTURE, its size is perfect for mini/large adventures and just so handy for stashing extra layers and snacks. The colors and fabrics used are perfect, too!
We also love the Photo Bag Mini––we are a bunch of camera nerds and love having the right bag for our gear on trips.
Check out Chariot Bike online, on Instagram, and at their brick & mortar shop in Bend, OR.
Photography by Julia Sparks and Eleanor Moseman.
