This Small Business Saturday, we’re reflecting on the journey that brought us here. From a small shop in Sandy, Utah to a multi-location business supported by an incredible community, every step of our story has been made possible by our customers. Here's a look at some of the key moments that shaped who we are today.
Be sure to click on any of the images to see them bigger!
Contender Bicycles opens its doors in late 1987 in Sandy, Utah. This is before Ryan's time at the shop.
While still in high school, Ryan starts working at Contender Bicycles and begins what would become a lifelong path.
Contender relocates from Sandy to Cottonwood Heights. At this location, you could get your beer, bike, and bake fix without walking more than 100 feet. The shop was sandwiched between a liquor store and a tanning salon.
After years of working at the shop through high school, college, and racing, Ryan purchases Contender Bicycles and makes a longtime dream a reality.
Orbea enters the U.S. market and Contender becomes the first dealer in the country. Orbea remains one of our core brands to this day.
Contender moves to the 9th & 9th neighborhood into the space where Pago is now located.
Leo, a German Shepherd mix, becomes the first official shop dog.
Graham Greenlee joins the team. Now our Service Manager, he’s a familiar face to many and continues to be a key part of the shop today.
SCOTT bikes re-enter the U.S. market and Contender is one of the first shops to bring them in.
Cyrus, a [breed] mix, joins the crew, giving Leo a partner on the shop floor.
After outgrowing the space, Contender moves just around the corner to the spot now occupied by The Stockist.
Cody joins the team. He’s still part of the crew and a familiar face to regulars who’ve been with us over the years.
Nick is hired and quickly becomes one of the core staff members helping run the show. He’s still with us today and a familiar face to many longtime customers.
Ernie, a rescued corgi, joins the team and becomes the third official shop dog.
To grow the brand and reach more riders, Contender launches its online store. It’s a new chapter that brings new challenges and opportunities.
Contender moves just up the street, still in the 9th & 9th neighborhood. This time, the space is purpose-built from the ground up to be a bike shop.
Originally from Washington, Peter joins the team and quickly becomes a go-to presence. These days, he's a familiar face whether you're on the sales floor or looking to build up you’re dream bike.
After selling Cervélo, Gerard Vroomen co-founds Open Cycles. Contender becomes a major partner and one of Open’s biggest dealers in the world.
Penny, a second rescued corgi, joins Ernie on the shop dog roster.
To better serve customers in Park City, Contender opens its second location inside the iconic Red Barn.
With growing online sales and two busy locations, Contender adds a warehouse to store built and boxed bikes.
Contender quickly outgrows the first warehouse and expands to a new space. It becomes the hub for bike assembly and online bike order fulfillment.
Tia, another rescued corgi, joins the team and is the current shop dog you’ll see running around the floor.
I didn’t walk into Contender until September 2009, but I’ve tried to make up for lost time since then! Loved seeing this timeline.
Jake C on
Thank you for sharing this enjoyable journey down memory lane; I have patronized the shop for most of that time line and always enjoyed working with the folks at Contender.
Cheers!!
Jon Seegmiller on
Great history. I first walked into Contender in 2001. I haven’t been anyplace else since for very obvious reasons.
Mark on
Wow I really enjoyed this little stroll through history!! I didn’t know too much of this story!! Thank you for sharing. I met Contender right after you moved into the current 9th and 9th location and have been sold on Ryan and crew ever since. Thanks for your service and all you do!! It’s no wonder you’ve had so much success and stable growth!!
Griff Johnson on
Love this article especially the photos and dogs! Did not know the firsts among brands-Orbea and Scott. Very cool and Ryan’s great eye. Happy to be part of the journey-thank you!!
kenny yeh on