Openings, closings, expansions: A bike shop news roundup

Green Garage made a move.
(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland)

In a city with something like 70 bike shops, change is the only constant. With a few noteworthy happenings bouncing around my head recently, I figured it was time to round them all up into one post. If I miss anything, feel free to drop me a line and I’ll add it to a future roundup. Here goes…

A small move for Green Garage (now featuring billiards while you wait)
Green Garage (FB) is a small, one-man service shop on N. Interstate at Mississippi (across from Widmer Brewery). The other day I noticed his signs moved one door over so I peeked in to find out what was going on. Owner Bill Fasano says he moved into the space next door to get more room and get better organized (his previous space also got rented out by a medical marijuana business). The space he’s in now was a former bar and lounge so it has some interesting qualities. Besides the bar (which comes in handy for after-hours hanging out and events), Green Garage is now the only bike shop in Portland where you can play a few games of pool while your bike gets serviced.

The Veloshop leaves downtown location after 10-year run

Well known local racer and shop owner Molly Cameron has consolidated her businesses and has closed down The Veloshop on SW 9th just south of Burnside. The Veloshop had been at that spot since Molly opened it in 2002; but as she built up her new business in northwest — Portland Bicycle Studio — Molly decided it made more sense to bring everything under the PBS umbrella. Now, after a three-month process of moving The Veloshop and expanding the PBS space, she’s now going full throttle and business is great.

“The Veloshop is closed,” she told me this morning, “But I really didn’t close The Veloshop. I’ve still got the same staff and we’re doing everything we’ve always done.”

PBS specializes in helping clients find their perfect bike. Molly and her four-person staff offer custom fittings, wheel-building, personal shopping, and a full menu of professional service (they’re known as one of the best places to glue on tubular race wheels), and expert sales of bikes from Parlee, Ridley and Ritte Racing. The studio shares a space at 1420 NW 17th Ave with Upper Echelon Fitness. Molly recently began renting the space next door to Upper Echelon and knocked down a wall to expand her operation’s footprint.

A Better Cycle celebrates 5 years in business

A Better Cycle, the worker-owned shop at 2324 SE Division Street is celebrating their fifth year in business. This Saturday the shop is hosting a grand re-opening. A post on their blog says, “We have made some pretty interesting changes to our little love child we call A Better Cycle. We want the opportunity to re-introduce ourselves. Please come by if you can.” This shop has gone through a lot of changes since they opened back in December of 2007. At first they didn’t even sell new bikes, instead focusing on repairs and custom built used commuters. Now they’ve got a great selection of locally made accessories and they’re a full-fledged dealer of Civia, K.H.S., and Surly. Roll over on Saturday to see their new look.

— For coverage of local bike shops, browse our Bike Shops story tag.

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car owner and driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, feel free to contact me at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.

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Todd Boulanger
Todd Boulanger
11 years ago

Congrats and good luck to all.

And Molly – wow! – 2002…so long ago…I remember your previous shop on MLK at Fremont…that lonely outpost of bike back before gold and platinum status.

CaptainKarma
CaptainKarma
11 years ago

Isn’t against the law to shout “Free Beer!” in a crowded theater?
Haha, seriously, ABC is the best.