Freeride Bike Repair closed its repair shop in 2017 and switched to a mobile service, and owner Kevin Klobe said it’s been much more convenient for both him and his customers ever since. Klobe said one of the best parts of his business is seeing clients develop or reconnect with a love for riding bikes.
Now, he doesn’t have to worry about customers being unable to bring the bike to him, he can just bring the tools to get the help.
“It’s a lot more convenient. I just got to where the bike’s at. I’ve gone to people’s houses, places of work, literally the side of the road, so it works really well,” Klobe said.
Klobe said he feels like Owensboro is a great city for cyclists, with a lot of street and off-road trail options being relatively close. He noted the Greenbelt specifically has been a great attraction for Owensboro riders.
“The Greenbelt, I think, is phenomenal. My kids, when they were younger, I’d take them out there. I’ve seen parents helping teach their kids to ride out there, older people on hybrids, it’s great,” he said.
Klobe said he has been working on bikes for 30 years and is a full-service mechanic. He often finds himself doing bike upgrades such as wheel replacements from the manufacturer or upgrading handlebars to steel or carbon fiber.
Working on the bikes has been a source of personal satisfaction for Klobe, he said — specifically when he helps clients connect or reconnect with their love for biking.
He said the excitement isn’t just limited to children, as oftentimes adult clients show that same feeling as they start to remember how fun and rewarding riding a bike can be.
“It’s just crazy rewarding. If I see that anywhere, if you’re 5 years old or 65 years old, if I see anything like that, it’s just like mission accomplished,” Klobe said.
