Recently we reached out to Derric Jennings at Bicycle Toy and Hobby to learn about this icon of the High Point, NC community. We were amazed to learn that this family-owned business is among the oldest bicycle shops in North Carolina.
Jesse Jennings founded Bicycle Sales and Service in 1927 while he was still employed by BF Goodrich. Starting with a small after-hours bicycle repair business, Jesse also arranged to sell some bikes out of his shop. It wasn’t long before Jesse left BF Goodrich to go all-in on his bicycle business, starting with Columbia bikes and then switching to Schwinn. The shop has remained under family ownership since 1927, making it the oldest bicycle dealer in North Carolina still operating under the same family name. Jesse Jennings retired in 1969 and passed away in 1971. His son and daughter in law, Danny and Dolly, took over the business and their sons, Dale and Derric, manage the day-to-day operation today.
After its founding, the shop began selling toys, leading Jesse to change the name to Bicycle Toy and Hobby Sales. By the 1960s, toys were no longer part of the business focus and it was known as “the Schwinn Shop”. When Schwinn went bankrupt, the shop returned to its legal name, Bicycle Toy and Hobby Sales.
The shop experienced strong sales as a Schwinn dealership and became one of the largest Schwinn dealers on the East Coast. The shop was eventually inducted into the “Schwinn Hall of Fame”, an honor bestowed to only a few dealers. One Christmas, the shop sold more Schwinn Krates (if you’re not a Boomer, google it) than the other North Carolina and South Carolina Schwinn dealerships combined.
In 1986, Bicycle Toy and Hobby added Trek to their lineup, and by the late 1990s, Trek became their primary partner. The Trek Fuel Ex is Derric’s recommended ride for the Watershed trails in Greensboro. Other shop brands include Electra, Haro, Batch, Sun and Pure.
Derric feels Bicycle Toy and Hobby is differentiated from other shops, due to its longevity in the Triad. Multiple generations of riders have come to embrace the family-run atmosphere, resulting in a level of trust between the shop and its customers. The owners love seeing people enjoy life outdoors, staying healthy and developing relationships through cycling.
What does the future have in store for Bicycle Toy and Hobby? In 2027, the business will celebrate its 100 year anniversary. Watch for upcoming announcements.
In the meantime, feel free to stop by the shop to view their collection of vintage bicycles and pedal cars, featuring bicycles from the 1800s to early Trek full suspension bikes. Located at 2000 N Main St. in High Point, it’s the largest collection of its kind in North Carolina.
Copyright © 2026 by Piedmont Fat Tire Society, All Rights Reserved.
Website by Dig Designs
