Bicycle Habitat, already in SOHO and Brooklyn, has opened a new store in Chelsea at 23rd and 7th; I happened across it the day after it opened, on my way elsewhere.
According to staff, this location will be primarily for accessories and shopwork.
Zen Bikes is close by at 134 W. 24th, and has responded to the new competition by shackling some shocking pink bicycles on either end of the block.
My favorite shop, NYCeWheels, is a world away on the Upper East Side, but I’ve got to believe that there’s enough business for most of these shops, at least right now, which is increasingly looking like a golden era in city cycling.
4 replies on “Bike Shops, Springing Up All Over (NYC Version)”
I’m sure you’ve checked out Bfold? Literally floor to ceiling and edge to edge in fold ups.
Bfold is awesome, Harry, and I have the impression that the owner and staff are really good guys. Their stock of folders is incredible.
NYCeWheels is closer to where I stay in NYC, and I ended up ordering my B right after taking one of NYCeWheels’ Brompton tours, which is probably the best sales tool ever.
I didn’t find out about Bfold until later. When I checked them out, the owner (I think) was doing a really gracious job of dealing with an incredibly persistent and difficult customer who was insisting that he shouldn’t have to pay NYC sales tax. (I wouldn’t have been able to resist the temptation to slug the customer after round 5, if not before!)
I think any one would do fine at either shop. But don’t go asking the owner to illegally skip the sales tax — that’s just not OK!
If you buy a bike in NYC, you shouldn’t mind paying the taxes since .00000000001% goes to new bike lanes (on every other Thursday). Seriously, I’ve heard a good portion of their business goes to people coming in and wanting Bromptons shipped to far-away lands. Seems this can be less expensive than paying shipping fees, import fees and what-have-you when compared to buying a B in say, South America.
You’re absolutely right, Harry. After all, the customer was buying in New York specifically because it was too expensive to import the bike to his country. Sometimes humans aren’t entirely logical.