Business name: Handlebars Cycling Gym and Health Bar
Address: 175 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville
Phone number/website: 631-721-8449, www.handlebarscyclinggym.com
Owners: Katlyn DePace, 23, and Kevin Millar, 28, Naperville residents and Schwinn-certified cycling instructors
Years in business: Opened Jan. 16
What does this business do? “We offer indoor cycling classes six times a day, Monday through Saturday,” Kevin Millar said.
How much does it cost? A single class is $10 for students, $15 for all others. Multiple-class packages can be purchased and group rates are available. A monthly unlimited option is $70.
How many employees do you have? “It’s just the two us,” Millar said. “We co-teach the classes. This gives us the opportunity to get to know our customers and it also allows us to give everyone a proper bike fit for a comfortable ride in a quick, efficient manner. One of us (is able) to get off in the middle of class to assist people on their bikes, correct form or help walk-in customers.”
What was the impetus for starting the business? “We wanted to do something that was impactful for people’s lives. Us teaching might be a small part of their day but we want it to be a good part. We want our clients to leave feeling good, accomplished and sweaty. Anyone can teach a class, and tell you to do this or do that. Our goal is to change their mind. How you think, how you feel, and really getting down to your why.”
What is the best thing about being in Naperville? “Being in and a part of a wonderful active community. All the surrounding businesses have been really receptive and welcoming.”
What’s the biggest challenge about being in Naperville? “Standing out. The community is so active with so many great health and fitness options in the downtown area. We think our biggest strength is we offer a service that hasn’t been regularly available in this area until now.”
What do you like most about what you do? “Watching people invest in themselves. Life gets hectic, investing an hour of your day to come do something for yourself that relieves stress and betters your health is so important.”
What is your least favorite thing? “That we can’t help more people. We only have 12 bikes, so space is limited and fills up quick. Our least favorite thing is telling someone that the class they wanted to take is full.”
What’s the best thing about owning your own business? “It’s loving what we do. Being able to reach out, motivate and get to know people. It makes what we do very rewarding.”
What’s the biggest downside to owning a business? “For us, only being in our early-mid 20s, we have invested everything in this opportunity to follow our dreams. However, we are confident in our abilities to teach and coach to succeed in our business and grow. So that burden motivates and pushes us everyday.”
What’s the biggest misconception about your business? “That an indoor cycling class is too hard or just for young people. Taking a group class can be intimidating and awkward, but a cycling class is more of an individual workout in a group setting. No one knows how much bike resistance you are actually putting on, we can’t see how many revolutions per minute (RPM) you are actually (doing). But our classes are not about the person riding next to you, they’re only about you.”
Do you have any future plans to expand? “We do have future plans to expand, and have already talked about possible locations. However, right now we are just taking it one step at a time.”
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What advice would you give someone about starting a business? “I would say to do it! Stop hesitating, and start living your dream. You only have one life to live but if you do it right, then one life is all we need.”
Daina Saleh is a freelance writer for the Naperville Sun.