Universal Cycles has set up shop in Northwest Portland. The company was founded about 10 years ago as an online retailer based in San Francisco and online sales remain a large part of their business today. They’ve been in Portland for 5 years, but their previous storefront was just a tiny place out near the Airport.
On Saturday, I poked my head into their new space on NW 18th and Thurman. Wow. It’s a beautiful and spacious store (more photos here) that will add exciting new energy to the bike scene. The ceilings are high, there’s a ton of wood and of course lots of bike gear filling the aisles. They’re still setting things up but they’re open for business and welcoming customers (old and new) with a smile.
I met Retailer Manager Josh Sweet and he seemed thrilled with the new store and the future. He said they’re on “a 5-year plan” and they hope to grow with the booming neighborhood. As for bikes, Josh said they’ll be selling Surly, Salsa, Turner, Yeti, and they also carry Look road bikes and Fort cyclocross frames.
The shop’s open Monday-Friday from 10-6, so stop in and say hi to Josh…and don’t forget to pet the shop cat, Ham.