(Photos © Jonathan Maus)
A new bike shop has opened its doors in Southeast Portland.
Last Saturday was the first day of business for A Better Cycle located at 2324 SE Division Street (just east of Seven Corners intersection).
I stopped on my way to work this morning and met co-owners Aaron Truman and Tim Weeks. Aaron and Tim are just two of six co-owners, (five of which are former employees of The Recyclery bike shop). The other owners of the shop are Clinton Garner, Ian Mitchell, Rachel Dominguez-Benner, and Ben “Sauce” Applebaum.
Aaron Truman (R) and Tim Weeks (L).
|
|
The small shop doesn’t sell any new bikes and instead focuses on used bikes, parts and repairs. “We don’t have much floor space, so we try and keep a wide variety of bikes available.” A quick look at the selection showed a few vintage road bikes, several commuter-ready mixtes, and some flat-bar mountain bikes with slick tires.
My personal favorite was an old Fuji that Aaron rebuilt into a bomber commuter bike. It’s got big, 28″ tires, a two-speed “kick back” coaster brake hub, and swayed-back riser bars.
The location has a large patio area and garden space in front that Aaron and Tim plan to use as a gathering spot. “We’ll have a picnic table out here by spring,” says Tim, “and we’ll be planting edibles.”
The wooden sign and many of the fixtures inside were handmade and the owners plan on welding a large gate out of old bike frames.
A Better Cycle is open 7 days a week, 8-8 on weekdays and 10-6 on weekends. Stop by and check it out next time you’re in the neighborhood.
See a few more photos of the shop in my gallery.