Blinders blinked in fishbowls
as party-goers milled about.
(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland)

Leave it to Portland to throw a party for a new bike light.

A sneak peek at Knog's new Blinder model attracted scores of bike shop owners and employees from around the region to a party in a cavernous art studio in northwest Portland Friday night. The shindig was hosted by Cyclone Bicycle Supply, a parts distributor based in Portland that supplies bike shops throughout the country.

Cyclone's Director of Sales, John Byfield, said the party served a dual role — to introduce the Blinder and to say 'thank you' to the hundreds of bike dealers he serves. With a full spread of finger foods, plenty of free beer, and a DJ, Byfield expected a healthy turnout from the over 200 shops he'd invited from throughout the Pacific Northwest. (more...)

Job Title: Store Management
Company/Organization: Performance Bicycle
Job Description:
Performance Bicycle, the nation’s leading retailer of bicycling products, is actively seeking experienced, guest oriented Store Management Associates to join the Performance team in the Portland market. We are actively seeking store management personnel who understand cycling and know how to guide our guests toward getting the best out of themselves and their equipment.

Store Management personnel have the responsibility of making sure the store and the associates are ready for our guests and are accountable for building and maintaining an exciting, well-merchandised store environment, ad set-up, plan-o-grams and seasonal change over; all aspects that encourage our guests to come back to our store for all their needs. Provide detailed information, education, and support to ensure that our guests have a great cycling experience.

Applicants for Store Management positions should have the following qualifications:

• 2 to 5 years retail management experience
• Outdoor industry and specialty retail preferred, bicycle knowledge and retailing a plus
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent organizational abilities
• A “hands-on” style of management
• The ability to manage and motivate employees

Performance Bicycle offers competitive wages, a comprehensive benefits package including a generous employee discount program, and opportunities for advancement. This is a great opportunity for a rewarding career in the cycling industry!

How to Apply:
Email your resume to retailhr[at]performanceinc[dot]com or visit one of our stores:
9988 SE Washington St
3850 SW Hall Blvd, Beaverton

Job Title: Bike Builder
Company/Organization: Bike Gallery
Job Description:

Bike Gallery is now accepting applicants for our central Bike Assembly Department. This is an entry level, seasonal position and offers the following:

• Full time hours available during the season
- Some weekend hours available
• The opportunity to further develop existing mechanical skills
• A production oriented work environment with no customer contact requirements
• Tools and work bench provided

Requirements include:
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Reliable, hardworking and team oriented
• Capable of working while standing for extended periods
• Capable of lifting 50 lbs. to shoulder height
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks accurately and efficiently
• Ability to perform detailed tasks based on verbal instructions

Preference will be given to applicants with previous experience assembling bicycles and training is available.

Bike Gallery is an equal opportunity employer.

How to Apply:
Send a resume and cover letter to resumes[at]bikegallery[dot]com

Cycle Oregon participants doing
their part for Oregon's economy.
(Photo © J. Maus)

Portland and Oregon's bike economy has gotten a lot of play in the media and in advocacy circles, but the size of our bike economy is peanuts compared to Wisconsin's. According to a study released today by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, bike-related tourism and industry pumps $1.5 billion to that state's economy each year.

"Recreational bicycling" had the largest impact, accounting for $924 million. Of that amount, the study says, $533 million is direct spending and $391 million is due to "indirect and induced effects, such as increased purchases of supplies and labor by restaurants and hotels serving cyclists."
(more...)

Most kids' bikes available in the US,
like these spotted at Tour de Ladd this fall,
aren't fitted out for city riding.
(Photo © J. Maus)

After an exhaustive search for a good city bike for my son, I have concluded that kids bikes in general are in a sorry state. Either they are poorly constructed and will last only a year or two or they are overengineered and just not equipped for a city-riding kid.

By the looks of the offerings on the US market, it appears bike manufacturers think that kids mostly go off road and need mountain-type bikes, or that all kids need is a way to cruise around their cul-du-sac with no gears and just foot brakes. (more...)

The WheelBurro with a carriage attachment.
(Photos by H2M2)

(more...)

Trek CEO John Burke says Trek
sales are up...so far.
(Photos © J Maus)

The mountain of bad economic news in this country seems to get steeper with each passing day. But amid the slowdown, there are some signs that bike-related industries are still rolling along with ease, at least for now.

Signs from the local, national and global bike industry indicators are mixed. In this story, we take a look at some of those signs and ask several industry players how things are going.

Bike Europe, a trade magazine that covers the bike business on the other side of the pond, reported last week on Taiwan's export numbers. Overall, their exports are down 5.5 percent over last year, but bicycles are one of only two "industry sectors" that are up (the other is pharmaceuticals). (more...)