Classic & Vintage - The Bike Gods must like me!

I can't believe it! As I post this a bike shop is moving into the unit next to mine. They'll be open for business within 30 days. The owners are a young couple and will be focusing on do it yourself repairs with an experienced mechanic to assist customers at three work stations. They are not going to be selling bikes, but will be renting out the work stations and selling parts. They will also have a small lounge area with coffee, energy bars, etc. They hope to attract the scores of riders that pass by their location on the journey down the coast.

Having seen my vintage bike collection they want to display a few of my bikes in the work area (out of the reach of the fixie crowd, insisted I :eek:)

Pictures to follow.

Wow, that ought to make the summer a bit more fun. Make sure to post some pictures when they are up and running if you can.

Wow, that ought to make the summer a bit more fun. Make sure to post some pictures when they are up and running if you can.

Definitely. I asked for and received the OK from the owners to take some pics. By the way, this posting is not meant to be an advertisement for them. I don't plan on posting any names, location, etc.

Definitely. I asked for and received the OK from the owners to take some pics. By the way, this posting is not meant to be an advertisement for them. I don't plan on posting any names, location, etc.

Tease! That sounds like a place I could waste hours upon hours reminiscing about the good ol' pre-index days.

wow thats a great idea, I hope it works out. what city do you live in?

wow thats a great idea, I hope it works out. what city do you live in?

Laguna Hills, in Orange County, Ca.

Whoa, Whoa, Whoa!!! Back up. The only co-op I was aware of was The Bicycle Tree based in Anaheim. Now you tell me that South O.C. is getting our own co-op? I'm guessing this will be somewhere off La Paz?

All this talk about boston and now california

You all make me want to move from this heat wave that will be taking over the desert in about a month....

As I post this a bike shop is moving into the unit next to mine.

What type of store do you run?

There is an old timer who's bike store morphed into this over the years. He doesn't charge for use of the stands, but he probably owns the property he is in and has decade's of cannibalizing failed bike stores to build up inventory.

Oh my goodness! Can I just say, FINALLY.

That's awesome. I'm vicariously very excited for you. I hope it turns out to be as awesome as it sounds.

your location reminded me of Marcel Calborne, who has or had a shop somewhere in that locale. He was known for his house brand "Celo Europa" many of which were re-branded Colnagos...ring any bells with the OC crowd?

is she hot?


... sorry, I'm in a mood

your location reminded me of Marcel Calborne, who has or had a shop somewhere in that locale. He was known for his house brand "Celo Europa" many of which were re-branded Colnagos...ring any bells with the OC crowd?

Marcel's shop is just a few miles away. The bike mechanic at the new shop once worked for Marcel.

your location reminded me of Marcel Calborne, who has or had a shop somewhere in that locale. He was known for his house brand "Celo Europa" many of which were re-branded Colnagos...ring any bells with the OC crowd?

I know his shop, and his dumpsters ;)

Found the place this week, and it's going to be cool! Here is the website, pics will be up when construction is finished.

http://www.orangecountybicycleservicegarage.com/

Wow that is a loooooooooong name lol, I'm going to stop by =)

Well, today was the Grand Opening of the Orange County Bicycle Garage! :) Prior to city officials and guests arriving for opening ceremonies I snapped a few pictures of the shop area. I'm looking forward to spending some time here and learning first hand about other areas of cycling.


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Very neatly set-up work areas. Nice work.

-Kurt

Nice work area - but it looks like you have some evangelizing to do. Only one road bike in there. :p

your location reminded me of Marcel Calborne, who has or had a shop somewhere in that locale. He was known for his house brand "Celo Europa" many of which were re-branded Colnagos...ring any bells with the OC crowd?

I once worked for Marcel Calborn a short time in Manhattan Beach before I went to work with Specialized. What a personality! Nice guy and at the time (early 80's) very old school. Once when a rider asked him what he thought about cyclometers he replied "Why do you want to go down the street looking like radio station?"

Nice work area - but it looks like you have some evangelizing to do. Only one road bike in there. :p



Not to worry. Several of my vintage bikes will be making the trip next door. Once there the hypnotic effect of chrome Nervex lugs will be all powerful. :eek: Anyway, a few more pics.



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Tell them to get a Stronglight crank puller...

I've never thought much about the economy of running a bike shop -- is more revenue from repairs or from bike sales or doodads? By eliminating the bike sales part, it means you have to live off repairs and parts/doodads. It would seem to me that parts might be the weakest part of this, since a good shop has to have a large and diverse inventory to serve all the different types of bikes they might see.


Tell them to get a Stronglight crank puller...
Yeah, I can see the big LED sign outside: “WE HAVE STRONGLIGHT AND TA CRANK PULLERS.” They'll be breaking the hinges on the doors.

I've never thought much about the economy of running a bike shop -- is more revenue from repairs or from bike sales or doodads? By eliminating the bike sales part, it means you have to live off repairs and parts/doodads. It would seem to me that parts might be the weakest part of this, since a good shop has to have a large and diverse inventory to serve all the different types of bikes they might see.


Yeah, I can see the big LED sign outside: “WE HAVE STRONGLIGHT AND TA CRANK PULLERS.” They'll be breaking the hinges on the doors.


Excellent points, Mr. Wahl. I'll be able to observe their business venture and follow their progress closely. Corey and Kelly have established a unique business model, unlike anything else in Orange County. Right now I'm enamored with the idea that I can walk twenty feet and be inside a bike repair shop, an area that is normally off limits in most shops.

I'll be able to observe their business venture and follow their progress closely. Corey and Kelly have established a unique business model, unlike anything else in Orange County.
What they need is an espresso machine and a liquor license to ensure profit margin. Margaritas, nachos and wrenching . . .

What they need is an espresso machine and a liquor license to ensure profit margin. Margaritas, nachos and wrenching . . .


Hmmm.... I think you're on to something, Charles. If we take your concept, partner it with my wife's business, which is home lingerie parties, I think we have an idea with great potential. :D

I've seen these popping up in SoCal lately..getting pretty popular. Some have volunteer mechanics that can help you out.

I would nick the liquor idea only because of liability and insurance worries.
But the java, drinks, long shelf-lived euro treats, and free wifi are all good incentives.

The closest LBS to me has direct access to a very popular bike trail. I never understood why he doesn't sell some kind of cool drinks on a 90 degree day like today.

Time for an update on my next door neighbor, OC Bicycle Garage. Business has been brisk and they are definitely established. I'm hanging out there whenever I get the chance. Today I stopped by and spent a few hours talking with an eclectic mix of people that came and went, dropping off and picking up their bikes.
Anyway I did manage to snap a few pictures.



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Competition G.S. - check.
Mondia - check.

-Kurt