Longtime Spokane bike shop franchise changes hands

A bicycle sales franchise that began in Spokane 45 years ago has been sold to three local business partners.

Mark and Sarah Neupert and Nick Salisbury acquired Wheel Sport, Inc. and Wheel Sport East, LLC effective May 1. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Wheel Sport will continue to operate stores on Grand, Sullivan and Division streets, selling bikes from Specialized, Pivot, Fuji and Salsa, among other brands.

“We are excited to continue the legacy that has been established by the former owners in this community. Wheel Sport has great name recognition in Spokane, loyal customers, and some of the best employees in the business,” Mark Neupert said in a news release. “Twenty-five years ago, Nick and I talked about opening a bicycle store. With this acquisition, we realized that dream.”

Neupert said the new owners plan to modernize the three stores “both technologically and aesthetically” and improve customer convenience. “However, a significant focus will be working with local organizations to get more people riding bikes,” he said. “Spokane is such an incredible place to live and ride, and we want to help people experience all the great cycling this community has to offer.”

The cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake, working with the Spokane Regional Transportation Council, have placed greater emphasis on dedicated bike lanes, shared lanes and paved trails, Neupert said. “There is always more to do, but great strides have been made in recent years to make our community more bike-friendly,” he said.

Wheel Sport was opened in 1972 by Dennis LeKander and an associate from the Seattle area. In 1986, LeKander sold the business to Terry Solinsky, who expanded to three locations.

“The Solinskys had opportunities to sell Wheel Sport to companies from outside the area. I am thrilled they chose to sell to local entrepreneurs thereby keeping jobs and revenue in this community,” Salisbury said.