Even though he only bought Pine Mountain Sports in June, Rafe Lehner says he regularly notices longtime customers who walk into the west side Bend bike shop.
And they recognize him.
Lehner worked at Pine Mountain in 2013, shortly before opening Mountain View Cycles in downtown Hood River the following year.
Lehner, who co-owns Pine Mountain with his business partner and wife Lydia Lehner, told the Source that that familiarity was one of the reasons they wanted to helm the shop, which Dan and Michelle McGarigle opened in 2000. No fewer than six employees are still at the shop since Lehner’s stint 13 years ago.
“The shop culture here is still really strong,” Lehner told the Source, adding that several have worked at the mountain bike and gravel bike shop for more than two decades. “I think that says something about how amazing Pine has been. To retain employees that long in retail is pretty rare.”
Not for nothing, this is the third consecutive year that Pine Mountain Sports has won Best Bike Shop.
Lehner isn’t patting himself on the back. In speaking about winning the readers’ poll, he’s quick to credit the crew, steered by general manager Jason Marshall, for not only fostering a work culture worth showing up for, but the regular customers who make it happen.
Lehner says the shop’s approach to customer service begins with a straightforward question: What are your goals? He says that’s key in recognizing how to proceed. Is the customer just getting back into regular riding? Are they a former racer who wants to get back to speed immediately from the couch? (Consider an e-bike.) Tackling the High Cascades 100 or the Oregon Timber Trail? We’ve got you — right this way.
For the time being, Lehner splits his time between Bend and Hood River, where he lives with his family — five days here, five days there.
“It’s really fun reconnecting with people,” Lehner said. “I think locals love to see the same faces. We’re really dedicated to Bend and the people who work here really love it.”
Runner-Up: Sunnyside Sports
Pine Mountain Sports
288 SW Century Dr., Bend
pinemountainsports.com
541-385-8080
Mon-Fri 10am-6pm / Sat 9am-6pm / Sun 9am-5pm
This article appears in Best of Central Oregon 2026 and the Source August 13, 2026.
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