When Julie McCafferty, 31, noticed thrift stores doing a brisk business this year, she thought, “I want to open a thrifty bike shop.”Early in June, that wish became a reality as she launched the city’s first exclusively used bike store, in Old Colorado City.At Cycle-Re-Cycle, she buys, sells and trades previously-owned high-end bikes, and those made prior to 1965. She will not accept department store bikes, which she believes are designed for only 30 to 60 hours of riding.Buyers will find quality bikes at bargain prices, she said. McCafferty’s average sale is less than $200, although her top models are priced at more than $1,000.The two staff mechanics are experienced with many brands, she said. Repair services account for half of the shop’s revenue.“Business has been better than I expected,” McCafferty said, “and the community has been very supportive.”McCafferty saw the need for affordable bikes as many premium brands reach price ranges around $3,000. She also wanted to offer customers the convenience of a showroom as an alternative to chasing ads from Craigslist.Mountain bikes and “townie,” or cruiser models, are the shop’s best sellers. Vintage bikes are popular with college-age riders who use them as “bar bikes” for bar hopping, she said.Eight years ago, McCafferty came to Colorado Springs from Washington for the sunshine and stayed for the fitness and bike-friendly lifestyle.“This is such a cycling town,” she said. “The weather allows people to ride pretty much year round, especially on mountain bikes.”

Owner, Julie McCafferty, poses for a portrait at her bicycle store, Cycle-Re-Cycle, located in Colorado Springs, Co. Photo by COLE W. EBERLE, THE GAZETTE