At Big Sky Cycling and Fitness, we love bikes and we love to ride bikes. We have a diverse staff with a breadth of knowledge and experience to better serve our customers. Most of our staff has been involved in the bike business for many years and for others, it's their life.
Jim Barnes, Store Owner
Jim began his first bicycle repair business in his neighborhood when he was just ten years old. He went on to work for George Garner's during High School. While studying Forestry at the University of Montana in Missoula, Jim worked at Big Sky Cyclery in Missoula, learning all aspects of the bicycle business. After college, Jim put his Forestry Degree to use by opening Big Sky Cyclery in Helena in 1986. Through the years, Jim has witnessed many changed in the bicycle industry, including the evolution of mountain biking, the introduction and evolution of disc brakes, carbon frames, and much more. Jim loves biking and he loves to help anyone he can have a positive biking experience.
Melinda Barnes
Melinda's background is accounting, having worked several years as an auditor and CFO. She can generally be found in the office buried in paperwork. Melinda loves to introduce people to cycling and develop their passion to bike. She organizes Kids' Mountain biking classes and the May Commuter Challenge, assists with the Dirt Divas clinic and the two shop-sponsored races, leads beginner women's rides, and will happily answer all the questions any new cyclist has.
Mike Walker, Sales Manager
Mike is the go-to person of the store. He knows the bikes and products inside-out and can answer about any question. If he doesn't know the answer, he knows how to find the answer. Mike has ridden all styles of bikes, including downhill, crosscountry mountain, road, and dirtjump. Though we thought he had settled on the brutality of riding a single speed 29'r, he has decided to give gears another chance.
Kevin Colvill, Service Manager
Kevin's career is bicycles and could be called a bike wizard. He wrenched at Big Sky Cyclery in Missoula while racing on the weekends. He moved on to owning his own shop in Missoula but eventually followed the trail to Helena. If there's a problem with a bike, Kevin can diagnose it and fix it. He knows bicycles inside-out and has the longevity in the industry to understand older bikes, while keeping up with all the new technology.
Ben Smith, Mechanic
Ben is our resident BMX expert and could do 360's over your children with no harm. Ben has a natural talent for mechanics and helps to keep the gears running smoothly in the shop.
Andy Ritchie, Mechanic
Among other places, Andy worked at Freecycles in Seattle, tearing apart and re-building used bikes. Andy is meticulous with bikes and will ensure yours is performing perfectly before it leaves the shop. He believes 100% in tubeless tires and will convince you it's the way to go.