Nov 30 2008
Local Bike Shops
It is that time of year when people start asking me about bicycle, camera, or computer related gifts for friends and relatives. When asked, I am going to suggest any gift from a local business. In this time of economic troubles I believe it is more important than ever to support our communities by shopping and doing business with local establishments.
Your local bike shop is a wealth of information and you can not go wrong shopping there. They make their money on accessories and repeat business. So if you are in the Portland/Vancouver area and decide to purchase a bike or bike related gift, please make your selection from one of the local bike shops listed below. Each of these are small to medium size stores with a knowledgeable staff and offer excellent personal service. I know, I have done business with each of these businesses.
- Bike N Hike
- Bicycle Repair Collective
- City Bikes Coop
- Clever Cycles
- Coventry Cycle Works
- Weir’s Cyclery
And lets not forget two bike parts and accessory suppliers who are local to Portland and do business on the web.
I listed them in alphabetical order, but Weir’s is my personal favorite. So do your community and yourself a favor by not shopping at a big box store.
I generally at shop at my LBS. I do sometimes buy from Bike Tires Direct. I have a bike with 27″ tires and my LBS doesn’t always carry a good selection of that tire size.
cyclingred:
I too have a bike with 27″ tires.
It’s a 1984 Centurion LeMans and my dad has the 1985 version.
Bike Tires Direct does mostly online business, but has a small store front near the airport and bike path. I normally order online then do will call for pickup. Very nice people and good service each time I have been there.