James came to Shifty Business having spent a lifetime in and around the bicycle industry. As a second generation Bike Mechanic, James was not always over enthused by the world of bikes. Having been raised by a parent with an enthusiasm for cycling James can remember countless rides spent kicking and screaming behind a father who desperately wanted to share his love of bikes with his kids. While James did not immediately take to riding bikes they maintain the fondest of memories riding around with their father in sag vehicles on local bicycle tours, hours spent riding around in tow behind trailers, and an early obsession with the numerous bikes constantly scattered around their childhood home.

Fast forward to one of James early Jobs as a Bike Mechanic in the shop his father managed it wasn’t long before James was completely enamored by all things bicycle from their history to their mechanics. With an affinity for classic steel bicycles not a moment has passed over the last 12 years without some type of restoration project in the works. Following the two years James spent working at Scheller’s Fitness and Cycling James returned to school to pursue a degree in spatial data science inspired by an interest in the way people move throughout their built environment. It was during that time that James managed Western Kentucky University’s Big Red Bike Program overseeing the repair and rental of bikes for university students and staff. Between their early mentors, their own projects, and being thrown into the deep end managing their own shop at what was still a very early time in their career James has honed their skills and never stopped trying to improve on their technical knowledge and abilities.

Following a stint as a Bike Mechanic at Pro Cyclery in Las Vegas, NV after graduation James returned home to work as the City of Louisville’s Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator. During those years James passion for cycling and bicycles as a tool for community building, pleasure activism, and source of joy was solidified. Inspired by their fathers early attempts to introduce them to the joys of bikes James recognizes that the world of cycling can be intimidating to many and that bikes can mean different things to different people. Whether you are a seasoned recreational cyclist, urban commuter, leisurely rider, or just curious by the idea of cycling in general you won’t catch James showing any less enthusiasm in speaking with you to find out what type of bike will serve you best.