Where It All Began: Our Roots as a Schwinn Dealer in Bozeman

schwinn shop shirt back in the day
Jun

Did you know Owenhouse Cycling got its start as The Schwinn Shop? Long before our current name was on the front door, we were Bozeman’s go-to dealer for one of the most iconic bike brands in the country. That early chapter helped shape the shop into what it is today: Bozeman’s go-to bike shop, built on service, community, and a love for all things bikes.

Now, we’re looking back at where it all began and how that legacy continues to shape local cycling today.

Before We Were Owenhouse Cycling…

Long before the Owenhouse Cycling name took shape, we were The Schwinn Shop. As one of Bozeman’s earliest Schwinn dealers, we helped outfit generations of riders, including kids getting their first bike, families cruising the neighborhood, and cyclists preparing for Montana’s rugged trails.

kid in the '70s on a yellow Schwinn bike

Throwing It Way Back to 1879

But the story here goes back even further. Owenhouse Cycling is part of Owenhouse Hardware Company, founded in 1879. Bikes were part of the inventory even then, offered alongside tools, goods, and gear for life in the Gallatin Valley. Our building on South Black Avenue was constructed in 1949 as a showroom for tractors and farming equipment. A lot has changed since then (including our latest remodel in 2014), but our commitment to Bozeman’s riders has stayed the same.

original showroom used for storing tractors in the early 1900s

Meet Team Schwinn: The Original Crew 

Back in the day, Owenhouse had its own cycling squad: Team Schwinn. These riders were local legends in the making, showing up for races, community rides, and shop events with bikes that turned heads and energy that filled trails.

If you’ve been around the Bozeman bike scene long enough, you might remember seeing that name on race jerseys or hearing stories about the team’s hill climbs and podium finishes. What stood out most wasn’t just the gear. It was the camaraderie and how much fun everyone had pushing each other to ride harder, explore more, and stay connected to the community.

team Schwinn riders lining up at the start of a race
throwback photo of a parent and kid riding bikes with Team Schwinn shirts
kids bike racing team throwback photo

From Past to Present: What’s Changed and What’s Stayed the Same 

Sure, the bikes look a little different now. We’ve expanded our lineup to include brands like Rocky Mountain and Santa Cruz, with full-suspension setups, electric assist, and components that weren’t even dreamed of during the Schwinn era. 

The shop itself has grown, too, offering more rentals, repairs, and gear than ever before. But what hasn’t changed is our approach. The heart of Owenhouse Cycling is still grounded in service, knowledge, and making sure every rider, from first-timers to pros, feels at home. Our full-service repair shop keeps bikes in peak shape, and our in-store team delivers honest advice you can trust.

With more than a century of experience behind us, we’re still tuning bikes, giving trail tips, and helping Bozeman ride stronger every season.

side-by-side images of the Owenhouse Cycling building back in the early 1900's and today

Ride Local. Support Local.

Bozeman is growing, and with that growth comes more choices. More places to shop, more ways to ride, and more ways to spend. But there’s something you only get when you shop local: connection. 

For generations, small businesses have helped shape Bozeman’s culture and community. When you choose to support local, you’re not just making a purchase. You’re keeping those relationships alive and helping the town keep its character.

Owenhouse Cycling isn’t just a storefront. It’s a place where longtime riders recognize familiar faces, where shop employees remember your bike, and where new residents learn about the town’s trail culture from people who live it every day.

throwback photo of Team Schwinn bike riders in Bozeman

Bozeman’s Trusted Bike Shop 

Whether you’ve lived in Bozeman for 30 years or just rolled into town, Owenhouse Cycling is here to help you ride, rent, repair, and gear up for every kind of adventure. We’re proud of where we came from, and even prouder of the riders who’ve come through our doors.

Have a story from the Schwinn Shop days? We’d love to hear it next time you’re in!

Stop by the shop to see how far we’ve come and what makes us Bozeman’s trusted bike shop.

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