Wilmington, NC, bike dealer celebrates 50th anniversary

A popular bicycle shop has turned 50 years old.

Jim Mincher opened the Two Wheeler Dealer on Wrightsville Beach on August 23, 1974, at the age of 24. A year later, he moved to Wilmington, where he rented a shop at 4406 Wrightsville Ave.

In 1990, when land became available, Mincher built Two Wheeler Dealer directly behind the leased space at 4408 Wrightsville Ave.

As for the name Two Wheeler Dealer, Mincher said he was looking through Bicycling magazine and saw a shop called Two Wheeler and another called Wheeler Dealer, so he just put “Two Wheeler” and “Dealer” together.

Here’s more about how the business has performed over the years and what’s next.

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Why do you think the company has been around for 50 years?

“Because I’m honest with my customers and do everything I can to make them happy,” Mincher said. Making customers happy when they ride their bikes has always been at the top of Mincher’s list.

He loves seeing regular people who just want a bike to ride around the neighborhood.

“A bicycle puts a smile on your face,” Mincher said.

Mincher was also involved in the community in many ways.

“Most importantly, if you treat your customers right, they will keep coming back and telling their friends,” Mincher said.

Mincher attributes his success to being fortunate enough to have the best employees anyone could ask for. The company has had more than 175 employees in its 50 years of operation and currently has six employees who have been with the company for over 20 years.

Mincher’s sons Jonathan and Dillon have also worked with their father for over ten years and want to continue to make this a part of their lives.

“It’s a happy family,” said the elder Mincher.

Jody Burke, Mincher’s very first customer, still comes to the shop when he needs a bike. “I even still have the receipt and the dollar bill he gave me,” Mincher said.

“Everyone who works there is so knowledgeable, kind and friendly,” said Burke. “They always make you feel welcome. There is a lot to choose from. Jim is a really nice man.”

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What changes have taken place in 50 years?

Over the last 50 years, the company has grown significantly, hiring more employees, building new buildings and introducing many new products.

The new building includes an attic so Mincher can expand his collection of vintage bicycles, which includes brands such as Schwinn, Western Auto and Imperial.

“Bicycles are finally being seen as a viable alternative mode of transportation,” Mincher said.

What kind of goods does the company sell?

Two Wheeler Dealer sells cruisers, geared bikes, hybrid bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes, tricycles, cycling clothing and all accessories. The company also has a full repair shop and can repair almost any bike ever made.

The shop sells Jamis, Giant and Trek bikes, but the most popular bike is the Earth Cruiser. They also have custom bikes.

The most important “commodity” we sell is our “human interaction with our customers,” Mincher said.

What does the future hold for business?

Mincher believes the future is bright for the business as fitness becomes more and more a part of a person’s everyday personal health. More bike lanes are being built. Bikes are being built to be comfortable and fun to ride. And bikes still need to be repaired.

And what does the future of the long-standing owner of the company look like?

“I’m not retiring because I love going to work,” Mincher said.

Why do you think the company has been around for 50 years?

What changes have taken place in 50 years?

What kind of goods does the company sell?

What does the future hold for business?

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