Nic Barry

For Nic Barry, riding trails and carving down snow-covered slopes are far more than weekend pastimes—they represent a dedicated lifestyle centered on outdoor culture, mechanical excellence, and community connection. As the owner of Stache Bike & Adventure in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Nic has created a welcoming hub where cyclists, snowboarders, and outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels can find top-tier equipment, honest advice, and world-class mechanical service.



Nic established Stache Bike & Adventure to provide the Chippewa Valley with a modern, full-service shop that truly lives and breathes the sports it supports. Long before founding the shop in 2019, Nic developed his mechanical skills and retail expertise while working at Eau Claire Bike and Sport, a local landmark. His years on the service floor and behind the counter provided him with an intimate understanding of the regional terrain, seasonal gear transitions, and the unique mechanical challenges faced by Upper Midwest riders. Today, Nic blends that deep local experience with cutting-edge industry training to keep riders rolling smoothly all year long.

Mastering Bike Suspension: Precision Tuning for Every Trail

Modern mountain bikes, gravel machines, and e-bikes are precision-engineered vehicles, and no single component impacts ride quality, handling, and rider safety more than the suspension system. Nic has turned bike suspension into his signature area of expertise, investing in advanced technical education to become one of the region’s most qualified suspension specialists.

Backed by official Fox Suspension Academy certifications, Nic understands the complex hydraulic and pneumatic systems that govern modern forks and rear shocks. Rather than relying on generic factory baseline settings, Nic works directly with riders to dial in custom setups tailored to their exact body weight, riding style, and target terrain:

• Spring Rate & Sag Calibration: Setting up air springs and coil rates precisely so bikes maintain optimal geometry and travel balance over rocks, roots, and drops.
• Damper Tuning & Rebound Control: Adjusting high- and low-speed compression and rebound damping to eliminate pedal bob, improve small-bump sensitivity, and prevent harsh bottom-outs.
• Factory-Level Rebuilds & Overhauls: Conducting full lower-leg services, damper purges, air can maintenance, wiper seal upgrades, and bushing replacements using manufacturer-specified fluids and seals.
• Terrain-Specific Setup: Fine-tuning travel dynamics for everything from technical singletrack in local county parks to aggressive lift-served downhill runs across the Midwest.

A Lifelong Passion for Biking and Snowboarding

What truly sets Nic apart from typical retail shop owners is his authentic passion for the lifestyle. Nic spends his free time immersed in the outdoors—pedaling local trail networks, exploring gravel back roads, and chasing fresh powder during Wisconsin winters. Because he rides the same trails and hits the same slopes as his customers, his recommendations are never based on catalog sales pitches; they are forged through direct personal experience in the elements.

When the autumn leaves fall and temperatures plummet across the Chippewa Valley, Nic transitions seamlessly into winter action sports. At Stache Bike & Adventure, snowboarding is an essential part of the shop's identity. From selecting boards with the right camber profiles and flex patterns for park laps, backcountry lines, or all-mountain cruising, Nic and his team bring the same technical precision to board tuning, edge beveling, and hot waxing that they apply to high-end suspension servicing.

Comprehensive Gear and Community-First Service

Under Nic’s leadership, Stache Bike & Adventure has earned a proud membership in the National Bike Dealers Association (NBDA), partnering with premier cycling brands like Giant, Scott, Marin, Super73, Wilde, and Velotric, as well as renowned snowboard manufacturers like Burton, Lib Tech, Jones, CAPiTA, Bataleon, and ThirtyTwo. Nic curates an inventory that reflects quality, durability, and manufacturer warranty backing.

Nic believes that community bike-and-board shops should be accessible, friendly, and transparent. He has built an environment where seasoned downhill racers and first-time commuters feel equally valued and respected. From providing fast, same-day service estimates to offering dedicated discounts for local students, Nic is committed to lowering barriers to outdoor sports and helping the Eau Claire community stay active year-round.

Fuel Your Next Adventure with Nic Barry

Whether your mountain bike suspension is overdue for a factory overhaul, you are searching for your next ride, or you need your snowboard prepped for opening day, Nic Barry and the dedicated crew at Stache Bike & Adventure have the technical expertise and passion to get you geared up right.

Connect with Nic and the team at Stache Bike & Adventure today to schedule your suspension service, explore new gear, or claim your same-day estimate, and get ready to experience the outdoors like never before.