302 Bicycles opens expanded store

Milton-based 302 Bicycles has moved, but folks won’t have to go far to find it: The shop has simply moved next door, into the space adjacent to the Milton library on Union Street.

Owner John Lehne took over the spaces formerly occupied by Johnny’s Eats, Cape Henlopen Wicker and Best Cut barber shop, while the latter has moved into the brick building that used to house 302 Bicycles. Lehne said he had been looking for a new location to expand his business, and at first contemplated two different locations on Route 16, but both fell through. But late in 2020, he said, his landlord approached him about the spaces in the shopping center next to his store and he was quickly sold.

Lehne said his intention for the new store is to be open more – six days per week – and to expand services, particularly when it comes to skateboards, scooters and bicycle repair. He said he has dropped some of the store’s hiking gear, but with the larger space, he plans to sell used bikes and parts in the future. 

To celebrate the first month at the new digs, 302 Bicycles is offering a $10 gift card with any bicycle tune-up. 

The bike shop is in its fifth year in business. Lehne, an avid cyclist, said he was inspired to open the business in Milton because there was a real need; the closest bike shops were farther north. He started out as a personal trainer but soon lost enthusiasm for that, and since he had always liked to work on bikes, it was only natural for him to move into that field. Lehne said he wanted his shop to be in downtown Milton because it made for easy camaraderie with other business owners, and the town is very friendly for biking and walking.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for all businesses in the Cape Region, Lehne said he has managed to survive, in large part due to people seeking to get outdoors. He said the hardest part has been the slow arrival of any parts or cycles that need to be ordered, but otherwise, the store has held its own. 

“We never had to shut down,” Lehne said.

For more information, visit 302bicycles.com or visit Facebook and Instagram.