Do you know where to get a well-crafted custom bike to fit your athletic needs? In-the-know athletes around the country and world rely on Utah-owned and operated shop, IBB Cyclery and Multisport, to create the bikes of their dreams. The husband-and-wife owners—Kirk and Charity Nelson—have a background in triathlons and a passion for bike building that makes this shop stand out from the crowds.
Kirk is a professional triathlete and coach with 11 years of experience in repairing, adjusting, and building his own bikes. His wife, Charity, is an avid triathlon competitor whose massage therapy background helps her get a feel for the physicality of each rider. Together, their athletic expertise and bike savvy makes for a powerful business partnership.
“We have developed a niche in the market, and that’s for people seeking a custom build or spec solution; starting with a frame set, building it up, spec’ing each and every part specifically to meet a rider’s needs and goals,” says Kirk.
Upon moving to southern Utah in 2012, Kirk created a website for The Independent Bike Builder, a business based in the couple’s garage. He used old frames and parts to assemble custom bikes for athletes he coached or met through racing, and as word spread, his list of orders grew.
The Nelsons were growing tired of living in a home overflowing with pedals, seats, and wheels so when they spotted the perfect location, a historic building in the heart of Ivins, they set up shop in October 2013.
“We really didn’t have a business plan or a long-term business model written out,” Kirk says. “We just knew we were passionate about it and enjoyed it, and felt the timing was right.”
IBB Cyclery and Multisport (ibbcyclery.com) as it is now called carries gear, apparel, nutritional supplements, and accessories, but specializes in custom bike building. About 75% of custom builds are shipped to clients in other states and countries. The shop is connected to a worldwide network of triathlon and cycling enthusiasts with very specific needs in mind that they know IBB can fulfill. Charity says another benefit of having an international customer base is that there’s always a race going on somewhere, keeping business steady year-round.
Riders are also drawn to the shop for its bike lines, the heart and soul of any cyclery retailer. IBB carries Felt, Argon 18, Orbea, and Boardman bikes and is an authorized dealer of nearly 30 other brands spanning a huge price and function range.
Many of IBB’s customers are competitive amateur and professional cyclists and triathletes who dedicate a great deal of time and money to their sport, such as Miranda Tomenson, a Canadian professional triathlete and coach who trains in southern Utah. Another customer, Derek Garcia of Idaho, has reached several top 10 finishes in pro races across North America on a custom 2013 Argon 18 E-118 that Kirk built.
Running the business while raising Selah, their 3-year-old daughter, leaves the Nelsons with little time to get on their own bikes and train. But they wouldn’t want it any other way. They’re focused on continuing IBB’s growth and expanding the services offered to all of their customers, from neighborhood teens needing a flat fixed to serious athletes looking for their dream ride.
[pullquote]“It’s really a business that has developed into a family with the community,” Charity says. [/pullquote]
Next time you find yourself in southern Utah, drop by the shop and say hello. IBB Cyclery and Multisport is located at 185 East Center Street in Ivins, Utah.
