Re: [RBW] Re: New Portland bike shop

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 19:54:23 -0700

I live in Los Angeles County, and one thing I always notice when I go down to San Diego to ride is the greater number of San Diego riders who are still riding that awesome bike they got in 1990 or 1995 or something like that. I'm talking something like that expensive Litespeed of the late 90's still being ridden quite athletically now with its "outdated" threaded stem. I see more of that in SD than in LA.

 

-Jim W.

-----Original Message-----
From: Esteban
Sent: Mar 25, 2012 7:28 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [RBW] Re: New Portland bike shop

Actually, we have nearly triple the population of Portland, and a huge number of riders here in San Diego.  Lots of commuters, but its more spread out and less "cultural" than in Portland or along Valencia St. in SF or certain neighborhoods in Brooklyn.  We have a lower percentage of commuters, but sheer numbers would be competitive at the least.  Of course, we have an absolutely, perhaps unmatched, group of roadies, mtb'ers and triathletes (and some of the best riding anywhere for these pursuits).  And we have a lot of people with a lot of money - the kind of folks who spend $10K on a bike every couple of years.  Its an untapped market for a "coffee shop" kind of commuting/shopping bike.  Its just a matter of getting people to make the connections - maybe Grant's book will help, or the upcoming San Diego Bike Summit next weekend, or all the new paint being applied for bike lanes and sharrows around San Diego.  But just because folks don't look the part (fenders, fancy bags, beards [that would be me]) doesn't mean they're not committed commuters.  

San Diego is probably like a lot of cities in that what people want is the cultural aspect of cycling that makes it feel more like a movement than a bunch of people making their own decisions to ride for fun, transportation, or exercise.  That's what is happening in lots of cities.  What Velo Cult was successful at was making it feel real.  Think about Box Dog in SF - they have done fantastic because they have the good parts & service, but also because they ride - A LOT - the kind of riding that gives people ideas.  Randonees, mixed-terrain rides, etc - the kind of riding that leads popular taste rather than follows it.  We need more blogs and shops and retailers who do what Riv does - lead.  

With commuters and utility riders, I frankly think a big barrier to community is the dork factor that comes out.  I'm not talking bike nerd stuff - but seriously wonky dorky vehicular cyclists (often men) who are just turn-offs to so many new riders.  The more I think about advocacy and fun and "community," the more I think "just ride the damn bike and invite others."  Sorry for the thesis here - maybe some thoughts for me to develop elsewhere.

On Sunday, March 25, 2012 6:57:59 PM UTC-7, Michael_S wrote:
Micro-brews on tap?  never had that down here, although Station Tavern next door is the best.   I miss them even  though I just moved to San Diego permanently. I had been there many times.  I'm sure they will do well there, I believe there is a larger population of the cyclist they best serve.  

~mike
Carlsbad Ca.

On Sunday, March 25, 2012 9:15:47 AM UTC-7, velomann wrote:
I attended the grand opening of Velo Cult here in Portland last night.
I have a feeling this is going to be my new favorite bike shop. Heavy
emphasis on Riv-ish and classic bike lore, with nary a carbon racing
bike in sight. In fact, when you walk in the door you have to look
around a bit to find any merchandise - parts and bikes are all towards
the back. Lots of Nitto, Brooks, Velo-Orange, and On One (who also
just moved to Portland). New bikes appear to be Surly, Raleigh, and
All City cycles. The main attraction, though, is the space. Appears
designed more as a shrine to the classic mountain and road bikes owner
Sky Boyer has on display, including an original Steve Potts, early
Bontrager cross bike, a beautiful Follis tandem, and lots of stuff I'm
forgetting. The place is seems designed more to hang out and talk
bikes than to sell you something - though there's plenty to buy.
Surprisingly, Portland doesn't really have a shop like this - most of
our shops seem either race obsessed, fixie focused, or a hodge-podge
of everything on 2 wheels. I think they will do well here. And there's
microbrews on tap. Coffee and food coming soon, I hear.
Pictures here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/​​116897251123335733984/​​VeloCultGrandOpening

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