New ‘Mackinac Wheels’ Team Repairs, Rents, Sells Bikes
By Jessica Delaney

Jim and Julie Fisher are the owners of Mackinac Wheels, one of two bicycle repair shops on the Island. Mackinac Wheels also has bikes for sale and for rent.

Jim Fisher wasn’t really sure what he was doing when he opened Mackinac Wheels. He knew that he wanted to repair and sell bikes, but didn’t know much about managing a business. Still, with a deep breath and his then-fiancée, now wife, Julie, by his side, he jumped right in.

“It’s been a learning experience,” said Mr. Fisher, “but people give us pointers, friends and family.”

It also helps that Mrs. Fisher, who also works as a manager at Main Street Inn, has bookkeeping knowledge. She handles a large portion of the accounting and paperwork, while Mr. Fisher focuses on fixing the bikes and ordering.

The bike shop, which opened in late April, is near the Yoder Dock, east of the Island House, at the same spot as a bike shop once operated by Dick Coates. Mackinac Wheels, however, outside of its location, is not affiliated with the prior shop.

Mr. Fisher has enjoyed the work. He had worked part-time for Mr. Coates, and when the building became available, he was eager for the opportunity to open his own shop.

“We wanted to live here and open a business here,” said Mrs. Fisher. “It’s been great.”

Mackinac Wheels sells four brands of bicycles, Schwinn, Mongoose, GT, and 3G, and also offers bicycle repair and bicycles for rent.

“Rentals are definitely the biggest business,” said Mr. Fisher. “People outnumber the bikes that need fixing.”

Business has been good, in part, because people are accustomed to a bicycle business at this location.

The shop will close in October and reopen in April, when the roads will be clear enough to bike again. No significant changes are planned for next year, he said.

“This is going to just stay a bike shop,” said Mr. Fisher. “We’re not going to start doing T-shirt sales or anything.”