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.
Thanks for reading.
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Not enough places have shop cats! I can’t wait to check them out.
Josh “Sweet” (not Street) has many years of mountain bike experience giving him a wealth of knowledge. I know that prior to his position with Universal, he’s spent time at a local frame manufacturing facility as a master machinist, raced as a pro sponsored downhill racer, and taught BMX skills to young racers.
I tell anyone who’s looking for the best deals to go see the guys at Universal Cycles.
I like Universal. Nice guys!
Congratulations on the new shop!
Ham is just gorgeous!
I bought a cassette and brake pads from Universal via the Web a couple of weeks ago. I biked to the new store on the way to work and picked up the items — no shipping charges!
This may become my preferred mode of buying parts.