By Ayushi Das

Local bicycle shop Spoke N’ Wheel is celebrating 49 years of business this year. Spoke N’ Wheel is the oldest running bike shop in the San Fernando Valley, from its opening in 1977.

Jody Millard is the owner of Spoke N’ Wheel, with his business partner, Walter Contreras. Millard began working on a part-time basis before officially taking over in 2010.“The first time I walked into the store was August 2, 2000,” Millard said. “I was recovering from cancer treatment and just wanted to build bikes to occupy my time.”

From lacing wheels to overhaul repairs, Spoke N’ Wheel offers a range of services and products to serve not just the San Fernando Valley, but across Southern California. Loyal customers are willing to make the drive for this all-inclusive bike shop. “We have a great inventory,” Millard said. “One of our customers comes up from Mission Viejo.”

The store has evolved to keep up with changing trends in street bikes. In addition to standard two-wheeler bicycles, they can also perform repairs on electric and road rage bikes. Millard and Contreras’s ability to adapt to changing times has allowed this small business to continue flourishing.

“People have bought their first bikes here, then they’ve brought their kids and their grandkids,” Millard said. “It’s amazing how people have supported us through the years.”

The store has experienced many challenges throughout the years. A fire in 2014 destroyed the property, forcing Spoke N’ Wheel to close their doors for awhile. The 2020 pandemic also made it difficult for frequent business.

“We could not be more grateful to our community,” Millard said. “Without the neighborhood around us, 50 years would not have been possible.”

Spoke N’ Wheel is located at 6804 Platt Ave in West Hills. For more information, visit spokenwheelbicycles.com.