Photo: Wolken Gutierrez
Photo: South Shore Cyclery
Photo: ELVIRA ROCKWELL
South Shore Cyclery
★4.9(369 reviews)$Adventure
🕑 Plan 30 minutes at the shop for fitting and setup, then 1.5-3 hours for your family bike ride depending on your chosen route and pace👶 Best for ages 4 and up who can ride independently or in attached trail-a-bikes. Younger toddlers (2-3) can enjoy the ride in bike-mounted child seats or trailers, making this a versatile activity for families with multiple age groups.🧡 Saved by 90+ families
About
South Shore Cyclery is your gateway to family biking adventures in the Milwaukee area! This highly-rated local bike shop specializes in family rentals including tandem bikes, trail-a-bikes, and kid-sized bicycles, making it the perfect launchpad for exploring the scenic Oak Leaf Trail. The knowledgeable staff helps fit everyone properly and provides trail maps and route suggestions tailored to your family's skill level.
Highlights
- ✓Direct access to the 125-mile Oak Leaf Trail system perfect for family cycling
- ✓Wide selection of kid-sized bikes, tandem bikes, and trail-a-bike attachments
- ✓Expert staff who help families choose the right equipment and beginner-friendly routes
- ✓Small cycling museum inside the shop with vintage bikes and memorabilia
- ✓On-site repairs available if you encounter any issues during your ride
Pro Tips
- 1.Call ahead to reserve family bike rentals, especially on weekends during spring and summer when demand is highest
- 2.Ask staff for the family-friendly Oak Leaf Trail route that heads south toward Grant Park,it's relatively flat and features beautiful lakefront views
- 3.Bring helmets if you have them to save on rental costs, though the shop does provide them
- 4.Visit on a weekday afternoon for personalized attention from staff and less crowded trails
- 5.Check out their small cycling museum inside the shop,kids love seeing vintage bikes and cycling memorabilia while you're getting fitted
Best Time to Visit
Spring through fall (April-October) offers ideal biking weather. Weekday mornings (11 AM opening) are perfect for beating weekend crowds on the trails. Saturday mornings when they open at 10 AM give you a full day of riding before afternoon heat sets in.
What to Know
Rental prices are reasonable for family outings, with hourly and half-day options available. There's convenient parking in front of the shop. No food is sold on-site, so plan to pack water bottles and snacks for your trail adventure.
Seasonal Notes
Best visited April through October when weather is ideal for biking. The shop is closed Tuesdays year-round. Winter visits are possible but trail conditions may be challenging,call ahead to check Oak Leaf Trail status. Fall colors along the trail (September-October) make for especially scenic family rides.
Nearby Eats
Kopps Frozen Custard (about 10 minutes north) is a Milwaukee institution perfect for post-ride treats. For a sit-down meal, try Patrick's Pizza & Pub nearby on Packard Avenue, offering kid-friendly pizzas and a casual family atmosphere.
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