The new Toga bike shop on 63rd and 1st Ave is open for business. It is a Specialized Bicycle company Concept store. They pretty much only have Specialized bikes, components, and Clothing. They had 1 Guru Triathalon bike but that was it as far as other brands go. They have everything from kids bikes to the Langster track bikes.

Staff is very helpfull and friendly. They have a bike rack inside when you walk in to park your bike which is really sweet.

Check them out if you are ever around that area.

Actually DJ, I'm trying to get a bike rack installed on that corner as well, but those damn pennysaver metal containers sprung up like mushrooms and are covering the entire corner.

Now if they just happened to disappear one day.....;)

Seems pretty impressive based on this pic: http://togabikes.com/index.cfm

:D

I went there a couple days ago. I didn't like it. It was basically a Specialized showroom, and even then, they didn't have anything very interesting.. Why would i want to go to a bike shop that only sells ONE brand?

It was basically a Specialized showroom, and even then, they didn't have anything very interesting.. Why would i want to go to a bike shop that only sells ONE brand?
Specialized is one of the top 4 bike manufacturers, and they make tons of accessories, so in theory they should have at least one of whatever it is you're looking for.

If you already happen to want a Specialized, it kind of seems like the place to go as (again in theory) they should have a deeper catalog of those bikes. Who knows, maybe they'll have something special going on when they're fully up and running. (Or not. ;) )

Plus, while this may not be why you would want to go, I'm guessing they must have a real sweetheart deal with Specialized. It can't be easy to open up a new bike shop in Manhattan....

I went there on Tuesday. Seemed more like a bike showroom than a bike store. Bought some tire levers for a buck tho.

Guys-
It seems they are just getting their stock together....they are a real bike shop. The guys there are very friendly and knowledgeable and they will service bikes purchased there or elsewhere. They even took a look at my new Dahon folder (which I purchased online) and made some adjustments to the wheels and chain, and they refused to accept any payment for it. Nice. Although it seems they have only a limited inventory of those specialized bikes in the shop (e.g., like my Dahon..), they indicated they order and service anything from a variety of their authorized dealers.
Plus they have some very reasonable prices for tools, accessories etc.

I just can't see the charm of a single brand bike shop. Was always bored with Schwinn shops back in the day and will likely avoid the new Toga as well. Add to that the fact that Specialized is one of the price-fixing brands (e.g. you are unlikely to get a deal) and it becomes even less attractive. I've always enjoyed the shops with an idiosyncratic assortment of stuff, some not easily found elsewhere.