Bike Depot, Waxhaw

Even as a 9-year-old careening through his Ireland hometown, Alan "Teelo" Teeling dreamed of opening up his own bike shop. Today, as owner of Bike Depot, he and his staff emphasize the communal aspect of biking, even installing a complimentary coffee bar designed to inspire chatter among customers. Bikes receive meticulous tune-ups as customers peruse the store’s brand-name gear. Bike Depot’s community involvement extends to regular organized group rides and its cycling club, which outfits members with discounts, swag, and special training sessions to housebreak bikes.