On this stop in our Ride Center series, we’re heading to the shores of Lake Michigan, where cycling culture runs deep and adventure is always within reach. Nestled in the heart of Traverse City, Brick Wheels has been a cornerstone of the local riding scene for over 50 years. More than just a bike shop, it’s a hub where roadies, gravel grinders, mountain bikers, and bikepackers come together to share the stoke, gear up, and get expert service.

From its humble beginnings in 1974 to becoming one of the Midwest’s most respected bike shops, Brick Wheels has played a pivotal role in shaping Traverse City’s trail networks, riding culture, and cycling events. Whether you’re renting a high-end gravel bike, getting a quick tune-up, or looking for the perfect post-ride watering hole, the Brick Wheels crew has you covered.

What sets Brick Wheels apart isn’t just the extensive rental fleet or expert knowledge—it’s the shop’s commitment to making cycling accessible, exciting, and welcoming for everyone. Every rental bike is professionally sized and set up, ensuring riders feel confident on the trails and roads. A portion of every rental fee goes directly to TART Trails, supporting continued trail expansion and maintenance.

The Brick Wheels crew is a diverse mix of racers, bikepackers, roadies, fixie freaks, and mountain bikers, all dedicated to providing a pro-level experience to every customer. Their service department boasts four full-time mechanics who provide instant service quotes and are always looking to push their skills to the next level.

The passion for cycling extends far beyond the shop walls—whether it’s advocating for better trails, organizing group rides, or simply sharing the stoke, Brick Wheels is a true pillar of the Traverse City cycling community 

Brick Wheels also caters to year-round adventurers, offering fat tire bike rentals for snowy trails and XC ski gear to keep the fun going through the winter months.

Boardman River Trail: A hidden gem for XC riders, this red trail south of Boardman offers a perfect mix of flowy singletrack and scenic river views—ideal for a quick lunch lap.

VASA Singletrack: The beating heart of Traverse City’s mountain bike scene, this network of trails features everything from rolling XC terrain to challenging climbs and serves as the final stretch of the iconic ICEMAN race.

Palmer Woods Forest Reserve (30 min away): This ever-evolving 20-mile MTB playground is packed with flowy jump lines, tabletops, and technical sections, making it a must-ride for all skill levels.

Glacier Hills (45 min away): A multi-use trail system that carves through the hills of Bellaire, Glacier Hills is ideal for XC training, fast berms, and steady climbs under a dense forest canopy.

Picking a favorite watering hole in Traverse City is no easy task—there’s a brewery or café at just about every major ride start or endpoint. The Brick Wheels team put together a map of their go-to spots, showing just how embedded the shop is in the local cycling culture.

Some standouts include:

Right Brain Brewery: A classic post-ride stop, this bike-friendly brewery sits right next to the Boardman Lake Loop and features an impressive pinball collection alongside its lineup of craft beers.

The Filling Station: Housed in a historic train depot, this brewery specializes in thin-crust pizzas and local brews, with seating on the original platform—perfect for winding down after a long ride.

Stone Hound Brewery: Located just off the TART trail, this spot is a favorite among roadies and MTB riders alike, offering killer food and excellent beer with a laid-back, welcoming vibe.

Hop Lot (Suttons Bay): This beer garden tucked in the woods is a must-visit. A 17-mile ride from Brick Wheels via the Leelanau Trail, it’s an easy out-and-back cruise for a post-ride pint and a bite to eat.

The Traverse City food scene is packed with local gems, but a few spots stand out as go-to favorites for cyclists:

Rare Bird – A brewpub with next-level food and a laid-back atmosphere.

Slabtown Burgers – Handcrafted burgers, Northwoods soda on tap, and old-school shakes.

Red Spire Brunch House – A tiny but legendary breakfast spot inside the Old State Hospital (reservations highly recommended).

Sparky’s Diner – Turns into a legit taqueria at 4 PM daily, serving the best-priced authentic tacos in town.

Rounds Café & Randy’s Diner – Two rival greasy spoon breakfast joints. Locals are split, but Randy’s $3.99 breakfast deal before 9 AM is hard to beat.

Boardman Lake Loop (Completed in 2022): This 4.3-mile traffic-free route is a game-changer for urban riding, with brewery stops at Right Brain and The Filling Station along the way.

TART & Leelanau Trail System: One of the best multi-use trail networks in the country, seamlessly linking road and gravel routes with breweries, scenic views, and local hotspots.

Iceman Cometh Challenge: One of the largest point-to-point MTB races in the U.S., drawing thousands of riders every November.

Traverse City Trails Festival: A celebration of local trails, bringing riders together for epic singletrack, live music, and post-ride brews.

The Boardman River Trail: A must-ride for MTB and gravel riders, featuring fast gravel sections, scenic overlooks, and technical singletrack.

This past year, Brick Wheels celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of shaping the Traverse City cycling scene. From pioneering local trail development to outfitting generations of riders, the shop’s legacy is one of passion, dedication, and community impact. Keep an eye out for a photo retrospective dropping soon, showcasing the evolution of one of Michigan’s most iconic bike shops.

Whether you’re visiting Traverse City for a weekend of epic riding or you’re a local looking for the best gear and service in town, Brick Wheels is the place to start. Stop in, say hello, and let the crew help you make the most of your next ride.

Check out the google maps that the shop put together of pinned local rides, shops and restaurants. CLICK HERE