(Photo: Splendid Cycles)
In the latest sign that the cargo bike movement is flourishing in Portland, Joel and Barb Grover (both former employees of Bike Gallery) have opened Splendid Cycles on SE 14th and Belmont.
The store specializes in hard-to-find cargo bikes. Currently in the line-up are bikes from Copenhagen-based Larry vs Harry and from local builders Metrofiets and Joseph Ahearne.
Splendid boasts the largest inventory in North America of the Larry vs. Harry “Bullitt” model, a front-loading cargo bike that is built for speed (as its name suggests). I test-rode a Bullitt back in November and found it to be a very fun bike (so did my kids).
Metrofiets is a custom builder based in Northeast Porltand that is most well-known for the Hopworksfiets Beer Bike. Splendid plans to carry a stock Metrofiets model.
(Photo © J. Maus)
Splendid is also the first dealer of the Ahearne Cycle Truck, a bike that is impressing a lot of people for its versatility, smooth ride, and load-carrying ability. The Cycle Truck was designed by Ahearne and is built by Co-Motion Cycles in Eugene, Oregon.
Splendid knows its bikes aren’t cheap, so they’ve got financing plans all ready to go.
If you wonder what vibe you’ll find at Splendid, they’ve posted five tenets that will guide their business:
Appropriate Transportation
We encourage bicycling, walking, transit, and car sharing; help reduce reliance on automobiles.Local Living
When possible buy local and support local groups; encourage awareness of local products and food options.Supportive Communities
We participate as an active member of our community giving back to those making Portland a better place; we create a place that is respectful and supports the health and well being of our customers and employees.Creativity
We value creativity and artistic expression.Watersheds and Wildlife
We honor, enjoy, and advocate for the protection of the environment in urban areas and beyond.
Joel Grover is the former buyer for Bike Gallery with 20 years of retail experience. His wife Barb was formerly Bike Gallery’s Community Outreach and Marketing Manager. Drop by and say hi to this fantastic duo next time you’re in the neighborhood. Good luck Joel and Barb!
- Splendid Cycles (1407 SE Belmont)
(503) 954-2620
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri. – 11am-7pm
Wednesdays- Closed
Saturday – 11am-5pm
Sunday – Noon-5pm
SplendidCycles.com
Thanks for reading.
BikePortland has served this community with independent community journalism since 2005. We rely on subscriptions from readers like you to survive. Your financial support is vital in keeping this valuable resource alive and well.
Please subscribe today to strengthen and expand our work.
I’ve been wondering what was going to happen to this storefront for over a year… what a great addition to the neighborhood!
Congratulations Barb and Joel!
Congrats Barb and Joel!
Way to keep on truckn’.
Aw, gee, now I really have no excuse not to do some one-stop cargo-bike shopping. Other than the “my husband will kill me if I bring home yet another bike” excuse, of course . . . .
Saw this on facebook yesterday. I had NO IDEA it was Joel and Barb! This is FANTASTIC news! Yay!!!!! My best to you Joel and Barb!
Yay Barb & Joel. I’m thrilled to see such genuinely nice people enter the cargo bike market!
That’s splendid news. Way to go!
Fantastic! I’m excited to check out the shop.
Best of luck Joel and Barb!
Barb and Joel are superstars! This is such great news for Portland.
Welcome to the neighborhood! I’ve been waiting, hoping beyond hope that this particular storefront would transform into something positive for the Buckman neighborhood. This exceeds my expectations! I’m looking forward to meeting you soon.
-Ian
Barb was a great partner to PBOT’s SmartTrips Business program when she was with the Bike Gallery, and I hope her and Joel much success in their new venture.
I ‘beta-tested’ the Trek electric assist bicycle for Trek and Bike Gallery and worked with Joel – he is a great guy. I wish him and his wife the best of luck in their new shop.
Are there any low priced models that you don’t need a finance plan for ?
Another bike shop is ALWAYS better than another bar !! Alcohol and wheels don’t mix !! Okay,there,the tiniest of the Portland minorities has spoken !!
This is awesome news. The more cargo bikes the better. Very smart hours of operation too.
Cargo bikes: think of all the BEER you can haul with one of those!
Congratulations! You are the right folks doing the correct thing with the right attitude and right values for our planet at the right time. Makes us very proud.
Lot’s of luck with your new venture.
You will sure save folks lots on gas!
It was fun to see you and the cargo bike in April. Now I can relate.