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.
















The past couple of mornings have brought temperatures in the 30’s. I like it when I am heading out on to the road, just getting my cadence going, can see my breath, and feel the cold on my face. There is just no better way to start my day.
Last night on the evening news there was story about UPS hiring bicyclists to make their deliveries by bike in the area. Apparently UPS is hiring 28 bike delivery employees to make deliveries during the holiday season rush. The company has purchased a small fleet of mountain bikes equipped with a 200 pound capacity trailer and lights.