if this is the same guy i'm thinking of, he has a pretty bad reputation for not knowing how to assemble bikes. he was selling fuji tracks at blowout prices, like $375 or so, but wasn't tightening the lockrings properly. i'm sure by now hes figured it out, but according to craigslist it looks like he had to clear out his inventory since hes not an authorized fuji dealer anymore. however, i may be mistaken. a guy i know did just buy a bike from him recently, though, and it's holding up fine.

his motives are admirable, but the execution seems poor. bikes not bombs operates under a similar agenda, but manages to do just fine and is actually in boston. being a nonprofit might have something to do with their success, though. shops like cambridge and boston bicycle don't do a lot of high end sales, it's mostly repair and accessories. my friend who works there tells me that these $250 jamis mtb's are selling pretty well. but they do offer higher end items. diversification isn't necessarily bad, and by alienating the enthusiasts this shop owner is really doing himself a disservice.