Steamboat Springs — In a small kiosk on Lincoln Avenue, John Weinman is working hard to keep old vintage bicycles out on the road.

“There’s an artistry to them,” he said Friday as he worked in his bicycle shop to get a 55-year-old Peugeot bike back into working shape for a customer from Boulder.

Weinman started collecting English 3-speed bicycles a few years ago as a hobby.

Then it became an obsession.

Then it became a business when he built up a fleet of them to rent to passersby in Steamboat Springs.

For $22, anyone can rent a vintage bicycle for a full day from Wienman at his shop, which has easy access to the Yampa River Core Trail.

He even supplies baskets, equipped with everything but the food and drinks, to take on picnics.

Bikes can also be rented hourly.

The rental fleet includes 10 Rudges and Raleighs built between 1952-1970.

The Classic Crank bicycle shop isn’t all about rentals.

Weinman also repairs, restores and sells bicycles of all kinds and ages.

“I’ve got a tube for a 29-inch tire,” Weinman said.

He added his favorite part of his new business is sourcing bicycles.

Anyone looking for a specific bike can come to the Classic Crank and have Weinman find it and, if necessary, restore it.

“The most exciting thing is taking old bicycles and getting them back on the street and seeing the look on people’s faces when they ride them for the first time,” Weinman said.

Weinman hopes to expand his business by making his rental fleet available to groups such as wedding parties.

He’s also working to get kids’ bikes in the fleet.

In the winter, Weinman plans to continue repairs and also give people the chance to ride snow bikes.

To learn more about the Classic Crank, call 970-846-5112 or visit the shop at 635 Lincoln Ave. in Old Town Square.

To reach Scott Franz, call 970-871-4210, email scottfranz@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @ScottFranz10