Like any kid growing up in the 70s, my bike was essential transportation. But what I liked most about it was how it worked. In fifth grade a friend showed me how to take apart a coaster brake hub. Why stop there? I decided to take my trusty yellow Schwinn apart, and much to my mom’s relief, I put it back together with no leftover parts. It’s safe to say, I haven’t stopped wrenching since. I learned everything I could and when I was older got a summer job at the local bike shop.
I graduated from VHS in 1984 and was part of their state championship cross country team. I completed my first marathon before I turned 18 and kept running for Valparaiso University. (Let’s just say when I find something I like, I stick with it.) While long-distance running is my competitive passion, taking apart bikes and making them ride like new is always a welcome challenge. I graduated from VU in 1989 and that same year opened my first bike shop (Leo’s Hobart Schwinn/Leo’s Bicycle Works), which I owned and operated for 12 years. During that time I got married, had a family, bought a house and things like insurance and stability took on new meaning. I traded in my tools for a timecard. It paid the bills, but there wasn’t a week that went by after the original Leo’s closed where I didn’t get someone asking “Do you still work on bikes?” The answer was always “yes” but there had to be better way than having people bring their bikes over to my basement. In 2011, I bought a van, filled it with tools, and took my show on the road.
Leo’s was Northwest Indiana’s first mobile bicycle repair, and the response has been tremendous. “You mean I don’t have to load my bike up and bring it to the shop?” Let me bring the bike shop to you! The same quality and personal service that made Leo’s Bicycle Works a local leader in the bike business, now in a convenient, mobile unit! I’m looking forward to providing you quality products and exceptional service at the most convenient location of all: anywhere you are.
Leo Frey
Leo’s Mobile Bicycle Service
Riley Stasny
Meet Leo’s assistant mechanic Riley Stasny! He is a junior attending Chesterton High School, enrolled in the Precision Machining program at the Porter County Career Center. He’s an avid car enthusiast, you may have seen his 2010 Chevy Camaro parked outside the shop before! He currently races Go-Karts competitively, along with a few hobbies including playing guitar, racing RC cars, and online sim racing. He rides a Jamis Durango 29er, riding at places such as The Glenn or LaPorte. When he has control of the speaker at the shop, you can hear anything from Shania Twain’s country, to head-banging Bon Scott-era AC/DC. Come on down to Leo’s and meet him!
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