Big Blue Bike Company in thick of busiest spring yet

BEATRICE, Neb. - A year and a half after opening its doors in Beatrice, the Big Blue Bike Company is in the middle of its busiest spring yet.

Owner Eric Kielian says part of that is the time of year, as warmer weather leads to more people wanting to hop on their bikes. However, a few other factors are playing in this specific year.

“There’s been a lot more interest in E-Bike’s and there’s been a lot more service work as people realize there’s a place here in town to ge their bike worked on,” Kielian said.

As is the case with any small business this day and age, it takes time to build your brand, and that was the case for Big Blue. Kielian says through social media and word-of-mouth, the last year and a half have been all about promoting the precense of Big Blue. In addition, he’s emphasized having readily available inventory.

“I’m a small shop, but I’m doing my best to carry enough inventory to not just tell customers ‘Hey, I can get that for you’,” Kielian said. “I want to show that I have stuff ready to go here.”

One aspect that always keeps business buzzing at Big Blue, is the high number of hiking and biking trials in Beatrice. The town holds over 10 miles of trails, plus the Homestead Trail cuts right through town, going from Lincoln to Marysville, KS. All of this is helpful for a small bike business like Big Blue.

“Especially for people going out recreationally,” Kielian said. “And even for transportation…. I use it when commenting to/from daycare or to work just to stay off the streets and it’s a good bypass to stay out of traffic.”