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Our History

The Spin Doctor Cyclewerks Story

The year 1995 was one of momentous change in the lives of Ted Kahn and Greg Anderson. A dream growing in the mind of Ted Kahn was born after much thought and prayer. He believed that there was a place in the retail market for the kind of bike shop that could not only provide products and service to cyclists, but that also could provide the kind of attention, respect and service that he believed everyone deserved. He knew that ultimately, he should pursue this dream.

Ted didn't have any experience in the bicycle business, but he didn't let that stop him, proving that often, "ignorance is bliss!" Ted drew upon his background as a Certified Public Accountant to complete a preliminary business plan and to begin looking for space, but soon concluded that there was no way to realize his dream alone. He then approached his friend Greg Anderson with his plans and again, after much thought and prayer they decided that they would follow the dream together.

Greg and Ted finally found a space to their liking in downtown Bartlett, Illinois, about 25 miles west of Chicago and signed a lease to their current space at 140 S. Hickory Avenue in April 1996. Then the fun began! The building that houses Spin Doctor Cyclewerks was built as a bank, with a lot of concrete. To keep costs down, they did all of the demolition and most of the construction themselves. What a job it was! The most memorable event was demolishing the bank vault.

It was with great pride and happiness that Spin Doctor Cyclewerks opened its doors to the public for the first time on June 26, 1996. From the beginning Greg and Ted worked to build a business that they believed would serve generations of residents in Bartlett and the surrounding area. Spin Doctor Cyclewerks customers have proven that this type of business could not only survive, but also thrive. 

In the fall of 2003 Ted felt led to pursue other interests in his life. Through more prayer and discussion Greg decided it was time to go it alone at Spin Doctor Cyclewerks and so he bought out Ted's interest in the business.  

The Rest of the Story

"We believe Spin Doctor Cyclewerks has been successful because of our faith in God. Man is constantly looking for success and trying to acquire wealth, but is always striving for something more. He will never be satisfied until settling the most important of all questions in life, his relationship with God. That relationship is possible through belief in His Son, Jesus Christ." (Gospel of John 14:6)



The Story Continues…

A new chapter begins in 2023. Aaron and his family acquired Spin Doctor Cyclewerks from Greg in April.  Aaron became an avid cyclist riding with his sons and the best days of his life have always been riding with family and friends.  Life presented an opportunity to move from the engineering and manufacturing world to spreading the joy of cycling, the journey has not disappointed.   We believe a bike shop is where we belong to do the most good.  We are excited to build upon the excellent foundation and legacy Greg has built.  There are big shoes to fill at SDC, and we hope to service the local cycling community from family needs to avid cyclist, for a long time to come.

Our goal is to grow the cycling community, enabling folks to find the joy we found in cycling and do good through charitable works on the bike.  

We strive to serve as everyone's honest technical advisor when selecting the perfect bike for their intended use.  From a child’s first bike, family riding,  aspiring tri-athletes, super bikes for the 10,000 miles a year rider or the retirement e-bike for those with more time on their hands.  We are excited and honored to continue the Spin Doctor Cyclewerks legacy.  We love to serve our fellow cyclist.