I just got home from vacation (been gone since Saturday) and on my way into town I noticed fresh paint on an old building at the corner of Killingsworth and Vancouver.
Upon further inspection I noticed this sign in the window, “Coming Soon: Cycling Center”
Turns out the owner is Ben Bartlett, a 50 year-old retiree who lives down the street. He decided to open the Cycling Center because he noticed many older riders’ needs weren’t being addressed at existing shops.
He mentioned on the phone that he’ll be selling the Biria brand, a cool line of European city bikes that are known for their low “EZ Boarding” design. He’ll also focus on cargo and utility/commuter bikes since he’s just a block or two away from Portland Community College.
Ben also hopes to sell some electric bikes as well as a few trikes, which are the preferred bike of seniors and others who aren’t comfortable on standard two-wheelers.
Good luck with the renovations Ben and welcome to the neighborhood!
Ben,
Good luck with your business. It is nice to know that one can get a bike repair in that area between PDX and Vancouver now.
We have had 3 Biria’s in our city fleet for 3 years. (They were some of the first in the US – from their Interbike debut.) They are a great frame design for the elderly and those with limited leg mobility (bike commuters recovering from road injuries). Though I would suggest you spec them with the highest quality accessories. (This was the short comings of the first set shipped to the US.)
As for electric bikes, our pair of Giant Twist fleet bikes (step – thru frame) have been excellent for those seeking a bridge vehicle betweeen their car and bicycling a regular commuter bike. A VERY solid ebike – one that pedals as well without power too! Though sadly Giant has stopped distributing them for a cheaper model…so get one while you still can.
(As recently reported in the A to B magazine – UK.)
– Todd
Ben,
I have been to your shop since it opened and I was very impressed. It was nice to see such a great variety of different bikes. I saw bikes that I have never seen before. I live in Seattle, but I will be back to purchase a bike soon. I have my eye on a Biria. Good Luck Ben!
Ben,
I suggest you get yourself a new staff, your current pair repeatedly ripped me off! You patched my tire, and it went flat a few blocks later. your store was closed, and when I came back a few days later, I got charged again! The mechanic said \”I didn\’t fix it, so I can\’t say what happened\” Is this really how you want to treat your customers?
It\’s really disappointing that these kinds of practices, more appropriate for an auto shop than a bike shop, should be fostered right in my own back yard.
Toby
Hi ben and Jan, Steve g here your cousin, love you guys, sorry about mom. Steve