Val's Cyclery was established in 1960 by Valentine Schell and is still in the same location where everything started. Now over 60 years later, Val's Cyclery still holds the same standards and values that are geared toward high quality service to all its customers.
Although the building was the first built on the block, Val's Cyclery was not the first business that occupied it. It was first opened up as a grocery store, called Oppen's Grocery Store. In the building at the time there was also a cafe, that was known as Central Avenue Cafe which was still open when Oppen's left and became Mitchell's Hardware. Mitchell's was known for their talking bird, Mack, who was quite entertaining. Next, this location became Ben's Appliance before Val's Cyclery called it home in 1960, where it still resides today.
Valentine Schell was born and raised in Orin, ND. He worked in California, Alaska and Minnesota where he was also in military training. While Val was on a hunting trip, he had an accident with a faulty gun that severely damaged his right hand. As Val was always a hard worker, he went into the bicycle business since they were small enough for him to work on with his injury.
Val opened up the Bike Shop out of his home and eventually moved into the basement of Mitchell's Hardware. Over time Val was able to purchase the whole building, which is where Val's Cyclery still sits today.Val also started a Lock & Key Shop and a Sharpening Center to keep busy when the bike season was slow.
Three Generations
Valentine Schell -Bottom left
Rory Schell - Bottom Right
Carson Schell - Top Left
In the early 90's, brothers Rory and Rocky Schell purchased the business from Val. Val still worked there for many years after, and still continued to stop by on occasion just to visit.
At the end of 2013, Rory and his wife Janelle Schell, bought out the rest of the business. Their children, Sydnie and Carson, also work at the Bike Shop. You might see them riding their bikes around town or out biking on the trails!
