Map of bike shop statuses during the COVID-19 outbreak created by Chris King Precision Components and Portland Design Works [Read more…]

Most shops, like Upcycles in Woodlawn, have implemented serious distancing procedures already.
(Photo: Upcycles)

Amid a growing number of coronavirus infections and pressure from concerned Oregonians and public health officials, Oregon Governor Kate Brown has issued an executive order to encourage people to minimize physical contact.

The “Stay Home, Save Lives” order clarifies which type of businesses must close and how to go outdoors without violating the order. Bike shops are not on the list of businesses that are required to close. The Governor has also not prohibited or discouraged bicycling. In fact, “biking in your neighborhood” is among the things called out in her official statement — as long as you maintain six or more feet distance between yourself and other riders. [Read more…]

As the grip of coronavirus tightens around Portland, bike shop owners are caught in the middle. Stay open and risk the health of their workers and customers? Or close and give up much-needed sales revenue and leave people with diminished access to a vehicle that in many ways is needed now more than ever?[Read more…]

Veloce Bicycles Facebook post dated March 6th.

A bike shop with close ties to Portland is the latest to announce that it’s closing.

Veloce Bicycles opened in 2003 in Portland and was located on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard until 2017. Original owner Demetri Macrigeanis sold the business to current owner Brent Engstrom in 2011.

Engstrom announced earlier this week on the shop’s Facebook page that the shop will close and their last day will be May 31st. “After 17 Years in the Portland area, Veloce Bicycles is closing,” he said. “We have been very proud to serve our great customers throughout the years. Thank you all! Unfortunately due to various reasons we forced to close.”
[Read more…]

Corner of SE Clinton and 25th.

The former location of Clinton Street Video will soon be bike shop.

Joe Bike owner Joe Doebele says he plans to open a second location at 2501 SE Clinton late next month. The corner location will put him in the heart of a bustling Hosford-Abernethy neighborhood commercial district and right next door to Pedal PT, a cycling-focused physical therapy and bike fit studio. This section of Clinton is also a neighborhood greenway route and popular cycling thoroughfare.

Joe Bike moved into its current location on SE Cesar Chavez and Lincoln in 2012. Doebele says the new space on Clinton will become his main store with more space for an expansive showroom for new bikes and accessories. The old store will be reorganized into a repair and service-oriented location. [Read more…]

A bike shop no more.
(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland)

I never thought I’d write this: Portland has lost another bike business to Arkansas.[Read more…]

We’ll be seeing more Rivendell builds from Golden Pliers, like this pleasing Hunqapillar.
(Photo: Golden Pliers)

With all the doom-and-gloom news about local retail lately, I’m eager to share good news from the bike shop front.

Golden Pliers on North Skidmore and Interstate has been a bright spot ever since they opened two years ago. For a very small shop where the owners still put in most of the hours, Golden Pliers seems to have found a workable niche.

This week they announced news that will help expand that niche a bit: Golden Pliers is now an authorized Rivendell Bicycle Works (adding to their current offerings from Crust, All-City, Velo Orange, and Surly) dealer. Rivendell is a small but mighty brand from northern California that has retained its culture and values through many changes in the bike industry. Their steel bikes offer ride qualities and designs you can’t find from any other company, are wonderful for unpaved adventures and urban rambling, and they have a devoted Portland fan base. Their previous Portland area dealer, Rivelo, passed along the business when owner John Bennett decided to retire late last year.[Read more…]

Warehouse retail showroom in 2014.
(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland)

When Velotech announced the closure of their 10,000 square foot Western Bikeworks retail store in the Pearl District in September, gears were already turning to expand the company’s showroom at their warehouse location near the Portland Airport.

Tucked into an industrial park just north of Columbia Boulevard at 87th, the warehouse had always had a walk-up counter to represent their three brands – BikeTiresDirect.com, Western Bikeworks, and TriSports.com. For years there wasn’t much of a display and the space served primarily as Velotech’s offices, product warehouse, and bike assembly facility.

On Saturday (1/18) that will officially change as a new retail showroom is unveiled after significant renovations. [Read more…]

Universal’s Portland warehouse and retail showroom.
(Photos: Universal Cycles)

Another major Portland retail bike shop is leaving town. [Read more…]