Clever Cycles / REI
“We admire REI’s impact. We just do things differently — smaller, local, and closer to home.”
Clever Cycles
REI
Labor Practices
Fair wages, steady work, and real relationships.
National-scale policies that vary by region.
Pricing Approach
Honest pricing built for sustainability, not clearance sales.
Seasonal discounts set by corporate strategy.
Sustainability in Action
Repair over replace — we keep bikes on the road.
Large-scale sustainability initiatives shaped by supply chain.
Community Connection
We live where we sell.
Nationwide reach; community impact spread across hundreds of stores.
Ownership Model
Independently owned and operated in Oregon.
Member-based national co-op governed from corporate HQ with Members not able to vote.
Customer Experience
Know-you-by-name service and real bike conversations.
Consistent service across regions, often online first.
Local Expertise
Staff who ride the bikes we sell on Portland streets every day.
Staff trained on national product knowledge and systems.
Operations & Fulfillment
Inventory comes from our own floor and service bench.
Products often shipped from central warehouses to stores.
Service & Support
Bring it in, talk to a real mechanic, and we’ll make it right.
Centralized policies managed by corporate returns systems.
Membership Philosophy
No membership card needed — your loyalty is remembered. We do have rewards points!
20 million + members, most identified by barcode.
Communication Style
You’ll talk to a real person, not a queue.
Customer support routed through call centers or bots.
Core Purpose
Helping people ride more and drive less.
Helping people buy gear for every kind of outdoor activity.