There is no doubt that Jakob Wolf-Barnett, the Operations Manager for Revolution Cycles, has a passion for biking. A tri and duathlete, it is probably fair to say that the only time Jakob is not on a bike is when he is commuting between Revolution’s five stores. Jakob’s career with Revolution Cycles began in 1999. He took a hiatus in 2001 to finish up school and spend some time doing sales, but couldn’t stay away from Revolution for too long. “What brought me back to Revolution,” Jakob says, “is my respect for the owners and the attraction of working with such a dynamic and growth oriented company.” And with five stores to-date, including the recent addition of the City Hub in Crystal City, it is clear that the owners of Revolution Cycles have a mission to get every butt in Arlington on a bike.

The City Hub is a partnership between Revolution Cycles, the Crystal City Business Improvement District and Vornado/Charles E. Smith. The concept of the Hub developed when Revolution owner, Mike Hamannwright, Jakob and Angela Fox, President of the Crystal City BID were trying to figure out ways to work together to make Crystal City greener. With Revolution’s previous experience in corporate bike share, creating a community based bike share program that would be accessible to anyone who worked or played in the Crystal City area seemed like a natural step and perfect partnership. The goal is to help and encourage the Crystal City community to take more trips by bike. In mid-March the City Hub opened its doors at 220 Twentieth Street.

The City Hub is a particularly great and exciting opportunity for Revolution Cycles because it allows them to blend their retail and bike share experience. It is a full service bike sharing, rentals, accessories and repairs shop. Unlike traditional bike share programs, the City Hub is unique because it allows for interaction between the riders and the store’s employees. “The Hub is really a community based idea,” Jakob says. “We want new riders to have a positive biking experience, so we will spend the time to teach them how the bike functions. When riders are done all they have to do is return the bike and we take care of all the maintenance.”

Designed for residents and visitors, the Hub carries a maximum of 100 Trek Allant bikes at a time and is averaging about 30-40 bikes per day. The 7-speed Trek Allant is a commuter bike, perfect for all terrain and all levels of riders. It comes fully equipped with a handlebar bag, rack, and lock. For a one-time registration fee of $20, participants in the bike share program are given 3 hours of access to a bike on any given day. After three hours, a rental fee kicks in. “If you live or work in Crystal City, bike share is clearly the way to go, it is such a great deal,” Jakob says.

Now a month into this enterprising venture, The Revolution Cycles team could not be any happier with the success of the Hub and the enthusiastic response from the community. For the future, the Revolution team plans to start doing social rides out of the Hub 2 to 3 times a week. For $10, biking enthusiasts can participate in “Hub Spin,” a 5-mile ride that includes a happy hour and raffles. They are also looking to work with Crystal City businesses to create corporate and team building rides stationed out of the Hub.

Jakob manages all five Revolution Cycle locations, is heavily involved with the corporate bike share program, is responsible for getting more businesses on board and plans event for the stores. Needless to say, he is very busy, but “having a blast.” Jakob and Revolution Cycles objective is to make riding an accessible, easy way of life. They want to show people that whether they are looking to get fit or spend time with their family, it can fit into their lifestyle. The City Hub’s mission is to support that cause as much as possible.

Jakob Wolf-Barnett - Revolution Cycles City Hub
Phone: 703-415-4560
220 S. 20th St.