Bike parts vending machines keep cyclists peddling
Fri Jul 11, 2008 9:25PM EDT


In Japan, they have a vending machine for everything, and it looks like America is following in the same footsteps. I still find gadget vending machines amusing when I see them at malls or airports, and cyclists are about the get the same funny feeling when Trek Stop hits the streets.

These "Cycling Convenience Centers" owned by Trek Bicycle Corporation offer cyclists emergency outposts where they'll be able to pump air into their tires, find tire patch kits, spare tubes, and other bike parts after hours. Cyclists can also refuel with energy bars and drinks from the vending machine as they take a break.

The Auto Blog says the first kiosk sits outside a bike shop called Machinery Row Bicycles in Madison, Wisconsin, and will be there for a month-long test run. Personally, I hope to see them around the country someday. The San Francisco Bay Area is home to many cycling enthusiasts that I'm sure would love to see something like this along bike routes. If you're a cyclist in Madison, check it out and send me some photos, will ya?