Joe Drennan
Staff Writer

Compared to traditional bicycles, the recumbent bikes produced by Just Two Bikes, 15449 Forest Blvd. N. in Hugo look a bit different.

Recumbent bikes have been around since the mid 1800s according to the company, but JTB creator Jim Mullner decided to tinker with a recumbent in the early 1990s and put two recumbent bikes side by side, allowing two people of different skills to ride side by side and the sociable was born.

ìJim noticed that two people of dissimilar abilities couldnít ride a tandem bike together, but the sociable allows them to cycle together in a seated position that is more comfortable,î JTB owner Jim Dugelman said.

The first sociable was sold to White Bear Lake man who was in his 70s at the time. Now in his 90s he is still riding his sociable around and rides it from the JTB shop in Hugo to his home in White Bear Lake when it needs repairs.

Dugelman says the majority of customers are from the baby boom era and are now experiencing empty nest syndrome and looking for a fun activity they can do together.

ìWhen couples try a sociable they have very positive feedback and it becomes part of their life,î Dugelman said. ìItís kind of cliche to say that, but itís true.î

Dugelman says couples enjoy the sociables so much because couples can sit side by side and have good conversation while pedaling as hard as they want. If one person only wants to casually pedal while the other goes all out, itís possible on a sociable.

Seats on the sociables are fully adjustable and both riders have brake control. The two sides of the sociable are totally independent of each other allowing for a smooth ride over rough terrain.

ìJim really thought things through when engineering the sociable,î Dugelman said. ìHe really paid attention to safety and maintenance issues. We have competitors out there that make a similar product that is less expensive, but our customers come to us and say they can see why theyíre cheaper and itís because of the quality of the product.î

JTB offers options for sociables such as a headlight, hand cranks, tire liners for those who may ride over terrain that would lead to more flat tires and even a bell. JTB also offers a transport carrier for the sociable that connects to a 11?4î and 2î tailor hitch receiver.
Like all bikes there are times when a JTB cycle will need maintenance. With the shop in Hugo most people would take their JTB cycle there, but they can be serviced at any bicycle shop across the country.

Dugelman says JTB sells fun, quality and service.

ìWhen people ask what weíre selling and I explain it that way they have a puzzled look on their face at first, but when they think about it they understand it,î Dugelman said. ìThe first reaction of people after riding one of our bikes is that theyíre fun.î

JTB has sold 100s of bikes since 1993 and their best form of marketing thus far has been referrals from past customers.

ìOur customers are still our best salesmen,î Dugelman said. ìThe number one request from our customers is for marketing materials because when theyíre riding people ask them about their bikes and where they can get one.î

Life changer

While most people who buy the sociable or JTBís tricycle recumbent are looking for a more relaxing way to bike, some are cyclists with special needs.

ìWe have people come in here with a family member who has a special need and because of our bikes they can go cycling with their family for the first time in their life,î Dugelman said.

After a family goes on a free rental ride of a sociable or trike, Dugelman says the most common reaction is tears.

ìPeople get very emotional,î Dugelman said. ìThey have a sense of independence they havenít had before.î

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Forest Lake Times
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Forest Lake, MN 55025
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