Crafting smiles

Shop owner restores used bikes

BY SARAH COLBURN STAFF WRITER

Dave Sperstad never knows how many old bikes he is going to find sitting on his front lawn or outside of Touright Bicycle Shop.

Customers and community members alike know he takes in previously owned bikes to refurbish for people who cannot afford to buy one.

“I have gone out in the morning and there have been five more bikes than there were the night before,” Sperstad said. “They’re kind of like rabbits; they multiply.”

Sperstad launched Little Falls Bicycles, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to make it easier for people to donate the bikes. Through the years, he estimates he has given away more than 100.

“I enjoy seeing people smile, and everybody smiles on new bike day,”

Sperstad said. The existence of the program is spread by others; Sperstad does not distribute fliers or posters, does not have a donation drop box or even a sign. People know he will take in bikes and do his best to repair, refurbish or recycle.

Sperstad cleans each bike and makes needed repairs and maintenance. Or, when a bike is too far gone, he salvages the pieces, removing wheels or bike seats that could be helpful on other donated bicycles. Then, Sperstad coordinates with someone who picks up the remainder for recycling.

Occasionally, a bike may end up on the sales floor, but that is not the end goal. All the bikes that come in need labor to improve the quality for the end-user to ensure they receive something of value.

“Sometimes, I might put stuff into it, new or used parts as necessary, to make it safe and legal to ride,” Sperstad said. “I may actually sell it and justify that because what