Daniel Boone Cycles, Houston

More than 40 years ago, Daniel Boone Cycles began as a backyard operation as Joy and Dan Boone and their seven children started refurbishing used bikes to augment their income. Over the years, their little shop grew and evolved, becoming known throughout the cycling community as the place to go for rare, high-end bicycles and parts. Now, their inventory includes Specialized and Bianchi bikes, as well as tandems, recumbents, and special-order brands from Strida to Kestrel, all still located in the family’s backyard. The mechanics can custom-build frames to any specifications, short of attaching an E.T. to them, and perform bike fittings for riders to ensure their chosen steed is suited to their body for comfort.

Local artists and well-known personalities also influenced the shop: the flying-wheel logo was drawn by Adventure Cycling Association cofounder Greg Siple, and the ironwork at the shop’s entrance was constructed by artist and former bike-shop owner Lee Benner. In continuing with the family’s involvement with the bicycle community, Joy is in the process of raising money for a bicycle museum that she plans to construct on a parcel of her own land.