Evan Guarr, a double alumnus of Case Western Reserve University with degrees in Chemical Engineering and Systems and Controls Engineering, has transformed a childhood passion into a meaningful business. From a young age, Evan immersed himself in the world of bicycles, spending his teenage years working at a local bike shop. Those formative experiences, where he progressed from basic tasks like taking out the trash to becoming a lead mechanic, nurtured not only his technical skills but also his love for the cycling community. This passion laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial venture, Clever Bike Goods.
Clever Bike Goods addresses a unique and pressing need within the biking world. Its flagship product, a tire lever designed for high-volume use in professional bike shops, is a modern take on a tool that was once an industry staple. The original product vanished when its manufacturer went out of business, leaving mechanics scrambling for a substitute. Evan, recognizing the tool’s significance, reverse-engineered it, applying his engineering expertise to create a more robust and efficient version. Using CAD design and in-house injection molding, he has crafted a tool that not only meets but exceeds the demands of today’s bike professionals. For Evan, this project is more than a business—it's his way of giving back to a community that has shaped him. “Bicycles have always been a big part of my life,” he explains. “This venture allows me to contribute something meaningful to the cycling community.”
The journey of Clever Bike Goods has been bolstered by the support of LaunchNet, a campus initiative dedicated to fostering student entrepreneurs. A microgrant from the program provided Evan with the resources to purchase machine upgrades and raw materials, enabling small-scale production without the financial strain of self-funding. “The grant has made it possible to move forward without having to sink all of my own money into the project,” Evan shares. This support has been pivotal as Clever Bike Goods prepares to ship its first batch of products, bridging the gap between prototype and market-ready innovation.
Marketing a niche product like the tire lever to professional bike mechanics required creativity and initiative. Evan attended trade shows, where he showcased engineering samples of the tool. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees expressing excitement about its return. “It was amazing to see people recognize it and get excited,” Evan recalls. These events not only validated his efforts but also helped establish Clever Bike Goods’ presence in the industry.
While the technical aspects of product development come naturally to Evan, navigating the business side has presented a learning curve. Through mentorship from LaunchNet, he has gained crucial insights into formalizing his startup’s identity and operations. “I’m not the most business-savvy person, so having someone to point me in the right direction has been incredibly helpful,” he says. With the guidance of an entrepreneur-in-residence, Evan has been able to tackle challenges and strategize for the future of his company.
Gratitude features prominently in Evan’s story. He acknowledges the invaluable support from mentors, colleagues, and organizations such as the Burton D. Morgan Foundation and the Veale Institute. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasizes the role of community and encouragement in bringing Clever Bike Goods to life. As the company approaches the launch of its first product, Evan’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the right support systems to turn an idea into reality. By reintroducing a beloved tool to the cycling world, he is not only filling a gap in the market but also creating a meaningful connection between his engineering expertise and his lifelong love for bicycles.