Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Yojimbo's Garage Holds Big Sale To Stay Open

Competition is tough out there and it's taking its toll on Yojimbo's Garage,
1310 N. Clybourn. Owner Marcus Moore is planning a BIG SALE with the hopes
of preventing the closing of the venerable bike shop on Chicago's near
northwest side. The sale lasts until the New Year and is good on all
in-stock, non-consignment purchases priced more than $100. The discounts are
as follows:

15 percent off purchases at $100+
20 percent off $200+
25 percent off $300+
25 percent off all bikes

Tell your friends, your grandmother, your enemies. The more the merrier. If
you don't see something you want, just ask. If you want to make a
mega-purchase and don't feel that 25 percent is good enough, Moore is all
ears. The bottom line is that December sales will dictate the future of
Yojimbo's Garage. Get on your bike and get to Yojimbo's before the end of
the month. Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri - 8am-6pm; Tues and Thurs - 8am-3pm; Sat and
Sun - noon-4pm. For more information, call 312-587-0878.

One of the few times Bicycling magazine wrote anything worth reading was when they profiled Yojimbo's Garage. Looks like a great shop that would be a huge loss to your area's riders. I hope he survives.

It looks like there are a lot of Chicago riders on this board, so go support this guy! Your cycling buddies need hell-a-day presents, don't they? ;)

I wish I was in the area...I could use some misc. stuff.

PJ

Thanks for the heads up, I'll do what I can to help support another great independent shop.

Had I known about Yojimbo's when I lived up there, he would have gotten all my business.

Damn, damn, damn!

I just called Yojimbo's and talked to Marcus. I'm going to sticky this in the news and announcements section too- a store like this should NOT be closing down. I swear, if it closes, I will have NOPLACE to go. In the meantime, I think I may look for some grants or something he may be eligible for, and I already offered up my geek computer brother's services if he wants a webpage or just wants flyers or brochures.

This is terrible, and not fair at all. Anyone in the Chicago area needs to go by that store and support it. First, we may lose the velodrome, and now we may lose Yojimbo's too? What the heck is Chicago coming to?

I'm going to call over to the folks who sponsor the bike show and ask what they can do, and I think the Chicago Bicycling Federation ought to step in, since he does what he can to support them. I'm also going to put a call in to the City and talk with some of the folks I know there and see if they can do something. I mean, a company that's opened in Cabrini Green ought to have some kind of city tax help- my company is out in Englewood and we get incentives for being out there.

Shoot. Can anyone else think of something we can do?

Koffee

i live in philly but my family is from chicago, so i'll be there over the holidays. i'll definitely stop in at this place(never been). i'd love to pick up a nice frame to use come spring time. sounds like a cool store; look forward to going there.

dan

i live in philly but my family is from chicago, so i'll be there over the holidays. i'll definitely stop in at this place(never been). i'd love to pick up a nice frame to use come spring time. sounds like a cool store; look forward to going there.

dan

It is the best store around. I don't go to any store anymore- just Yojimbo's. The only time I don't go to Yojimbo's is when they say they don't have what I want. Then that's the time to get it someplace else.

They are right off Division on Clybourn- like 2 blocks north of Division. It's easy enough to get there, so please do go!

Koffee

If you don't live in Chicago and still want to help, I'm sure Marcus will ship your purchase anywhere you'd like, just give him a call. Tell him Mayonnaise sent ya.

Not really in need of anything but am interested in helping in some way. What do they carry?

It's a regular bike shop. They carry bikes and frames, messenger bags, tools, bike accessories....

Best thing to do is call Yojimbo's- give them a ring tomorrow and see what they've got, and if they have anything you need, he'll get it to you.

Koffee

{an email from Yojimbo**

that's right, it's time for the...

1st ever TOUR da TUBE CRISPY CREME COUCH POTATO MARATHON!!! *(with giveaways!)

It's time to dust off the old videos and bust a gut,
Yojimbo's Garage is having Open House!
Every Sunday in December!
Shop hours are as normal- noon-4pm... *
But there will be no repairs at that time,
only sales, race video watchin' and donut eatin' during business hours!
So come on by, stick something in yer maw, courtesy of YG,
watch some racin' by the big boys, and girls,
AND DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE FREE DRAWING!!
(which will only be available during sundays)
That's right, one entry per person per day, no purchase necessary.
One name will be drawn each sunday after the feature video

But the videos don't stop at 4pm!
4pm is when the real customers are kicked out,
we friends get locked inside, the lights get turned down,
and the feature film gets slipped into the VCR! *(or should I get a hold of a DVD player?)
The feature film will be voted on by those attending,
from a selection in the shop vaults, or brought by a guest.
The feature will be bike related or themed, but not about bike racing per say.
Everyone will chill out for a bit,
snacks and beverages will be consumed,
the film will roll, the drawing shall be drawn, and then I'll kick everyone out!
Good Times!

Yojimbo's Garage
1310 N. Clybourn
312.587.0878

-----FAQs-----
Andrew: During the Open House, you're just asking people to come by and visit?
YG: *Yes. *And if they feel inclined to buy anything, they should get to it!... *Until 4pm, when all retail functions cease.

Jeremy: *Are you going to have donuts, and other edibles, available during the Open House?
YG: *Yes.

Nico: *So, you say you're having a free drawing? *I don't need to purchase anything at your store? *And I can be anyone?
YG: *That's right. *No purchase necessary. *You can be anyone you want to be.

Mike: *You're going to hold a separate drawing each week in December?
YG: *Yes.

Sparky: *Can I use a pseudonym to enter the drawing more than once on the same date?
YG: *No.

Rebecca: *Can I enter the drawing if I'm out of town on Sunday?
YG: *No.

Rebecca: *Even if I'm competing in the National Cyclocross Championships?
YG: *Sorry. *Feel free to have your parents come by. *Or your sister. *Or all three... How's that for good odds?

Alan: *Do I have to be a member of XXX Racing to enter the drawing or attend the feature film?
YG: *No.

Brian: *What, exactly, were you expecting to give away?
YG: *I'm not sure yet. *I was thinking about a few of the things that have been sitting around the shop... *I don't know... *A poster? *A video? *Maybe one of my old aero "helmets", perhaps one of the old pro team jerseys.

Sean: *a world champion's jersey?
YG: *No.

Vince: *What will you do with the entries that don't win, once the giveaway has concluded?
YG: *I will burn them with fire.

Nicole: *Do I need to RSVP for the feature showing?
YG: *No, please don't RSVP. *No RSVPs will be accepted.

Adrian: *If I show up after the film starts, will you still let me in?
YG: *No. *After 4pm, the doors will be locked to entry, and no one will be granted admittance.

Reid: *Do I need to attend the feature to win the giveaway?
YG: *No.

Gareth: *Will there be ample bicycle parking inside the shop?
YG: *This I fear not so, dear friend. *The overwhelming popularity of Yojimbo's Garage on sunday evenings in December will have us feeling like 9 cross racers wedged in the team van after a long day in the snowy Rockford hills; slowly lumbering Chicago bound, cold, wet and ready to throw the bikes out the window.

Michael: *How many people are going to be allowed to watch the film?
YG: *That number shall be known and enforced by me who holds all privileges concerning discrimination, including but not limited to coolness factors, donut supply, hometown, age, jersey color, giftbearingness and scent.

Nick: *So, we're just going to be sitting around, eating, drinking, laughing, watching. *Pretty much- just having a good time?
YG: *Pretty much.

Joe: *Which videos do you have at the shop?
YG: *Tons of race footage. *As far as possible feature selections- I have American Fliers, Beijing Bicycle (DVD),Breaking Away, Messenger, Pedal, Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (DVD) and We Are Traffic.

Kris: *Can I bring my own video cassettes?
YG: *Yes.

Jefferson: *Do you have a DVD player?
YG: *No.

George: *Can I bring my own DVDs and DVD player?
YG: *Knock yourself out.

Jason: *Can I bring my dogs?
YG: *Not inside, during the feature film.

Brandon: *Are you going to have comfortable seating?
YG: *No.

Bill: *Can I bring my own chair?
YG: *Yes.

Tim: *Can I bring my own snacks? *Oh, and some to share?
YG: *Of course.

Josh: *Can I bring my own beer?
YG: *As long as you are of legal age, and can handle yourself well, yes.

Randy: *Are you going to count the calories consumed?
YG: *No.

Zach: *Can I sleep on the couch?
YG: *Only during the feature film, but you'll have to go home for the night.

Damn, after reading this, I want to buy a ticket to Chi Town for a long weekend just so I can attend one of these Sunday Events.

L8R

Just went there to finish off my XMAS shopping. Haven't been there yet? GO NOW!
FYI-Marcus also has some goodies on eBay under the seller name 'mdad49'

I'm actually working on putting together the scam to get the money from relatives so I can get that bike I've had my eye on there at Yojimbo's. I'm hoping to have my act together in the next two weeks myself. If I get it, then we should hook up for a cold ride, 165!

Koffee

That would be awesome! 3 birds, 1 stone.
My friend skitbraviking should have his bike soo too...maybe we could all go freeze.
Marcus thanks everyone for their help and kindness!

That would be awesome! 3 birds, 1 stone.
My friend skitbraviking should have his bike soo too...maybe we could all go freeze.
Marcus thanks everyone for their help and kindness!

Yea! I can't wait to freeze
On my single speed.

:D

I was in there yesterday and told him that I was there specifically because of the posts on here about his place. I think that he got a kick out of that.

I'll definently head back he was super nice and let me poke all through the place basically(and talk his ear off.)

Might be time for a new set of wheels for that winter bike.

Thanks again everyone for the heads up.

I was in there yesterday and told him that I was there specifically because of the posts on here about his place. I think that he got a kick out of that.

I'll definently head back he was super nice and let me poke all through the place basically(and talk his ear off.)

Might be time for a new set of wheels for that winter bike.

Thanks again everyone for the heads up.
Must have missed ya!
I was there from 1230-230

I think that I left there about eleven fourty five or so. He was letting me check out this cool CoMotion frame he has with the break apart couplings for letting it fold up. I thought he was really cool for doing that considering he was right in the middle of tuning a wheel.

I could have spent much longer there, but there were some other things to do yesterday.

Dang.... break apart couplings! I didn't see that bike when I was in there! Then again, I wasn't looking at frames, I was looking at that Fuji...

:D

Koffee

Which Fuji? The Roubaix?

I can't remember.... dude, it was hanging on the left as you walk out the door. I just looked at it for a moment or two, then got my bike and flew out of there (this was about a month ago too).

Koffee

It was his personal bike I believe. They were some sweet couplings. I don't know that I really need them that much though. It can be pricey to add them after the fact and it's best done when a frame tubing is being chosen.

Yojimbo's/Marcus are in the latest edition (Dec 19) of the Chicago Reader. Section 1, pg. 31.

What is the name of the article?

What is the name of the article?
"Active Cultures: bikers find balance at Yojimbo's Garage"

hey if someone could save, scan, or xerox that article for me that'd be really cool. donuts could be involved?! I can't get a copy of it where I'm at now.

I heard yojimbo's was just moving to a new location??

jeff

Gosh, I hope they aren't moving. I think where they're at is great! But then again, maybe I'm just being selfish because it's so easy to get to from downtown.

Better they just move to a new location than close down altogether anyway.

Koffee

Here is the article, in the Chicago Reader (December 19, 2003) by Anne Ford (c)

Active Cultures: Bikers Find Balance at Yojimbo's Garage

When Marcus Moore started Yojimbo's Garage six years ago, he decided to do something most of his competitors didn't: open at 8AM. About half the bike shop's customers are bicycle messengers, as was Moore until 1995, and the early hours make a difference to them. "I know what it's like to work all day, have something happen to your bike, and then have to have it ready before work the next day," says Moore. "When I was messengering, the earliest a bike shop was open was at 10AM, and that pretty much guarantees you're going to miss half a day of work."

Moore's familiarity with the practical needs of his customers has made Yojimbo's a favorite among messengers, bicycle commuters, and othes for whom biking is a primary means of transportation. "Marcus will help you out in any way he can," says one messenger. "He'll loan you a wheel or a bike if yours is broken, which is huge because you can't work if you don't have a bike."

In 1997 Moore was splitting his time between working as a carpenter and as a mechanic at Village Cycle and, later, Upgrade Cycleworks. He noticed that many local bike shops seemed to focus on sales rather than maintenance, and decided there was a gap to be filled- and besides, he says, "I needed a decent job."

Behind a nondescript door on Clyboourn near Cabrini-Green, the compact garage is a cyclist's vision of Ali Baba's cave. Every inch of the unheated space is filled with new bikes as well as frames, whels, rims, bike clothing, and hundreds of small parts and accessories. The customers waiting for Moore's assistance mill about in heavy jackets and trouser legs rolled up to midcalf; a fat orange cat named Gary wanders out now and then in search of a lap. Underneath framed photos of cycling teams sits a stack of well-thumbed books: Bicycle Track Racing, No Brakes!, The Back Pain Book.

Moor works efficiently without moving particularly fast. With a disheveled blond beard and an intent, quiet demeanor, he looks a little like a monk. He named the shop after the Kurosawa film that inspired the Man With No Name westerns. Yojimbo is Japanese for "bodyguard," or, loosely interpreted, one who looks after other people's needs.

Moore's influence reaches deep into the local bike racing community as well. In 1999, inspired by a race he'd been to in Toronto, he and his friend Patrick Babcock founded the XXX Racing-AthletiCo Team. He hardly knew anything about racing at the time, and remembers it as an intimidating process. "There are a lot of strategies in bike racing that aren't evident unless they're explained to you," he says. "You show up to a race, and you see all these guys on these really nice bikes that cost thousands of dollars that are all shiny, and they've got their uniforms, and they know things you don't know." But with the help of Randy Warren, a program director at the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation who's coached cycyling for 16 years, the tema quickly increased both in size and skill. Nowadays the 70 members regularly compete at velodromes across the norht central United States. There are several state champions in their ranks, and they've placed in the top three in about 100 races this year.

Moore is also the founder of one of the local bike community's most popular events: the annual Tour da chicago, a six-race winter competition in which bikers race through traffic on downtown streets. About 150 people participated last year, with an average of 30 riders per race. The last and best-loved event, "the Stairmaster," requires racers to dismount and run up and own multiple stiarcases around the Loop. The tour's legality is questionable- its organizers have never sought a city permit for racing through the traffic-filled streets- but no one's ever been arrested. The only casualties so far have ben the few teeth a racer lost when he ran a stop sign and slammed into a van a couple of years ago.

XXX member Gareth Newfield says Moore's knowledge of the messener and racing communities translates into practical benefits for his customers. "I want a bike that's going to hold up to potholes on Chicago streets, but that when I get to a race will still be fast," Newfield says. "There are a lot of shops who totally understand that I want this bike to hold up to the brutality of riding across Chicago's industrial section year-round. And there are other shops that can hook you up with somethhing fast. Marcus really knows both."

But it may not be enough. Yojimbo's is struggling. He says times are hard for small bike shops, which are increasingly forced to compete with the Internet and large retail chains. Chris Stodder, co-ownerr of North Aven's Rapid Transit cycle Shop, concurs. "It's been a tough time, especially as we go into winter," he says. "I talk to other bike dealers and they agree. We're fighting like hell for market share."

Yojimbo's sales have been periodically sluggish the last few months' and right now Moore's stuck with too much inventory and too many bills. In an attempt toboost sales, he's discounting all purchases over $100 until the end of the year. If tht doesn't work, the garage may ave to close.

Moore doesn't know what he'll do next if tht happens. After being his own boss for six years, he's not sure he wants to work in someone else's shop again. But he's optimistic that the busines can survive a little longer. "If I were only to look at the books," he says, "I would have closed the doors a long time ago."

Yojimbo's Garage is at 1310 N. Clybourn; hours are 8 to 8 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8 to 3 Tuesday and Thursday, and noon to 4 Saturday and Sunday. Through December 31 all in-stock, nonconsignment purchases over $100 get a 15% discount; purchases over $200 are marked down 20 percent, and those over $300 are marked down 24 percent. Call 312-587-0878 for more information. The sixth annual Tour da Chicago takes place in January through March 2004; see http://tour.chicago.il.us/ for more.

-Anne Ford
Chicago Reader/December 19, 2003/Section 1/page 31

Gentle Chicago Fixers,
anyone with a digital camera that can take a spin down to Yojimbos and post a photo?

Gentle Chicago Fixers,
anyone with a digital camera that can take a spin down to Yojimbos and post a photo?

Wish I had read this post before I left because I could have done it.

In any case: Marcus said he wouldn't be moving until if/and when the landlord sells his building.

Long live Yojimbo's! (But keep going in!)

I gotta find my digital- if I can, I'll take a pic and post it asap.

I gotta get there first, and I'm a little on the banged up side, so I haven't ridden hardly at all. :( I'll catapult my limp, sorry body on a bike real soon and get down there.

Koffee

P.S. But I'm no fixie, neither! The pic will have to do regardless....

Anyone go to the festivities last night? I was out in the 'burbs

Anyone go to the festivities last night? I was out in the 'burbs

Naw... was pulling out just before it got underway. But I did get my new lock and an good set of street tires. Good to finally get to that place.

Naw... was pulling out just before it got underway. But I did get my new lock and an good set of street tires. Good to finally get to that place.
I am glad to hear you made it there to help Marcus. And that you found some goodies!

Hey Chi-town Fixers, etc...
I hung out with Marcus a bit today and he said tomorrow is an "open House" day. Go check it out. Things are doing well, but let's not let the momentum fade. This IS a team effort. Got a few bucks buring a whole in your wallet but trying not to drink ****ty beer anymore? GO TO YOJIMBO'S and buy something. ANYTHING! Tubes, new bag (a few nice looking Baileys in there), spokes, tires, a new bike, whatever. Get in there and pick a little something up. No excuses...don't let a great shop close. This is something we can do.
Tomorrow will also have a movie and doughnuts. Instead of waiting to give something back to the cycling community, be proactive and give something first. Go to Yojimbo's.
Thanks for reading

Went to the Open House though didn't know it was so when I went. A friend and I checked out Yojimbo's for the first time, chatted with Marcus, very cool place. Attached is a photo. Not quite a panoramic but you get the gist. Oh, and everyone is watching last year's Tour De Chicago. And! Marcus serves up Krispy Kremes, doesn't get better than that.

I must get in there and buy some bags! That's my vice- I've already bought one cool messenger fanny bag from him, and he has the most unique, coolest messenger bags I've ever come across.

That really is such a cool place. Thanks for the pic.

Koffee

Which one? The RELoad lock holster/hipbag combo?

What does he sell under on Ebay? Not that I've got money burnin a hole in my pocket.. but you know..

Which one? The RELoad lock holster/hipbag combo?

Ummm.... lemmie look.

*runs to bag*

Ok, it's the Reload bag. I LOVE it! Every time I came into the shop, I'd see that bag calling me like the Sirens- finally, I just came in one day and decided to buy it. I couldn't let it just hang there anymore. It seemed criminal for me to not have it.

I carry it with me everywhere. I love taking it on days when I do centuries and I don't want to carry much with me- I can still carry my lock, my CO2 cartridges, my spare inner tube, a small first aid kit, my Alien Topeak, and a couple of other necessities. It's the best bag I've gotten yet, but he has many more bags I've been salivating over.

Koffee

What does he sell under on Ebay? Not that I've got money burnin a hole in my pocket.. but you know..
mdad49