ORIGINS OF RYDER BIKES

In 1972, a United States rocket scientist felt Bradenton needed a premier bicycle shop. The founder, Bruce Ryder opened ”The Bicycle Center” with a small nine hundred square foot space at 14th Street W and Cortez Road.
 
In 1981, The Bicycle Center moved just down the road to 26th Street W and Cortez Rd into a larger store.
 
In 1989, another move was made to create a larger store in the Bradenton area, at the corner of 20th Street W and Cortez Rd.  This store increased the shop size to over 5,000 square feet.  During this move the shop’s name was changed to “Ryder Bikes”, paying homage to Bruce’s family name.  
 
In 2007, Ryder Bikes was purchased by Paul and Karen Tobio.  Paul and Karen worked for a major retailer for over 15 years and have been avid cyclists.  Paul came to love cycling when he had his first bike shop job at the age of 13 while racing BMX bikes.  They increased the community involvement of the shop and increased the product offering to customers.  Paul receives his Bicycle Fitting and USA Triathlon Coaching certification.
 
In 2009, Ryder Bikes opened a second location in downtown Sarasota in the Burns Court area.  This location was smaller, just over 2,000 square feet, but brought a great product mix to the downtown area.
 
In 2011, Paul receives his USA Cycling Coaches certification.
 
In 2013, a third location opened for Ryder Bikes on University Parkway and Honore Ave.  This location is over 4,500 square feet in a large open layout to showcase all the products. Paul receives his Retul Fitting certification.  Ryder Bikes is voted one of the country’s “Best Bike Shops” by the National Bicycle Dealer Association.
 
In 2014, Ryder Bikes is voted one of the country’s “Best Bike Shops” by the National Bicycle Dealer Association.
 
In 2015, the downtown Sarasota store closed.  Ryder Bikes is voted one of the country’s “Best Bike Shops” by the National Bicycle Dealer Association.
 
In 2016, Ryder Bikes is voted one of the country’s “Best Bike Shops” by the National Bicycle Dealer Association.
 
In 2017, Ryder Bikes is voted one of the country’s “Best Bike Shops” by the National Bicycle Dealer Association.
 
In 2018, Ryder Bikes is voted one of the country’s “Best Bike Shops” by the National Bicycle Dealer Association.  Additionally, Giant Bicycles recognizes Ryder Bikes as one of their top 100 dealers.
 
In 2019, Paul and Karen sold the building on Cortez Rd.  Ryder Bikes is voted one of the country’s “Best Bike Shops” by the National Bicycle Dealer Association.
 
In 2020, Ryder Bikes is voted one of the country’s “Best Bike Shops” by the National Bicycle Dealer Association.
 
In 2021, Ryder Bikes is voted one of the country’s “Best Bike Shops” by the National Bicycle Dealer Association.
 
In 2022, Ryder Bikes is voted one of the country’s “Best Bike Shops” by the National Bicycle Dealer Association.
 
In 2023, Ryder Bikes is voted one of the country’s “Best Bike Shops” by the National Bicycle Dealer Association.

In 2024, Ryder Bikes is voted one of the country's "Best Bike Shops" and is awarded the "President's Award - Retail Excellence Award" by the National Bicycle Dealer Association. Paul presents to his peers at the NBDA Retailer Summit in Bentonville, AR.  Paul is elected to the Board of Directors for the National Bicycle Dealer Association.

In addition to the NBDA “Best Bike Shop” award, Ryder Bikes regularly receives many local “Best of” awards.