Cool bikes. $10 an hour. Includes lock, helmet

Forgot your bike, but want to take a ride around downtown Sault Ste. Marie to see the sights?

No problem.

Just drop in to Algoma Bicycle at 360 Queen Street East.

Proprietors Paul de Beer and Brad Phaneuf have started renting out cool Townies by the hour, the day or the week.

A Townie is a super-comfy, easy-to-ride bike that's completely adjustable to anyone's size.

Phaneuf and de Beer (shown on a couple of Townies) also throw in a lock and helmet with every rental.

Rental cost for the bikes is $10 for an hour, $30 for a day and $100 for a week.

The Townies offered for rent will be available in men's and ladies' styles and feature a covered chain and large, soft saddle.

Another feature people like about the Townie is its pedal and saddle configuration.

"The pedals are just slightly ahead of the seat," says Phaneuf, "so you can stand with your feet flat on the ground and pedal with your legs at the optimum extension for comfort and efficiency.

The shop did a soft launch last year and things went very well.

So this year, the duo has decided to ride into the endeavour with both wheels blazing.

Not only does the rental program give visitors who may have left their cars at home a chance to see the downtown from a comfortable, open-air perspective, it gives Phaneuf and de Beer a chance to show off their wares.

It's a chance to 'try before you buy,' says Phaneuf.

It's also a chance for people who think they've forgotten how to ride a bike to get their feel for wheels back.

And, it's an opportunity for people who usually sit behind a wheel to experience the road from a cyclists' perspective.

"We're hoping it will build some awareness and maybe a little compassion," Planeuf tells SooToday.com

Algoma Bicycle Company just celebrated its one-year anniversary. Planeuf and de Beer are currently exploring the idea of expanding their stock of snowshoes and cross-country skis for the winter season.

But cycling is their passion.

Both are active riders who participate in and organize several local events.

They also like to travel to events out of the Sault and compete to keep their skills sharp and to see what's out there to bring home to Algoma Bicycle Company.

"We're passionate about bikes," said Planeuf.

"It just seemed natural to open a bike shop," adds de Beer.

Having the shop downtown, at heart of the Hub Trail, is a bonus that appealed to them.

For more information, visit the Algoma Bicycle Company website.