So resolutions are abound this time of year and my biggest is that pending any real job offers, I am going to open a bike store in Mission. It is going to be a lot of work and truly the patronage from the public last year has convinced me to move ahead. I don't know where the shop will be located yet, but I am calling around to various open store spots for possible rental space.
That being said my hand has healed as well as it probably will, and I can go back to doing repairs. I have an old Schwinn in my garage for repairs, but do not know where I am going to find all the parts to make it work again. Other than that I have time to repair bikes again, but my garage and therefore my shop is ice cold so I can't promise anything with any speed. I have been over coming this with a little propane heater but a pair of Coleman canisters only last a day so I can go through a lot. So if there is any work anyone needs I am going to charge an extra $6 to pay for the canisters for the day. I hope that isn't an issue.
In preparation of the store, I have been purchasing and thoroughly overhauling bikes to resale in the store. This will hopefully help me afford my first few months rent until I can convince a bicycle company to allow me to be a retailer. I have five bikes right now, and would like to get closer to the 20 bike range but we will see. I thought as a teaser I would let you know what I have found, these will not be available until the store opens so be advised. Remember that all these bikes have been completely overhauled including repacking bearings, drivetrain tuning, brake repair, and truing wheels. (Pictures to come)
2001 Jamis Aurora touring bike in nearly new condition. Absolutely ready perfect shape for your first tour. The color is kind of a purplish-blue. Only change to it was a Terry brand anatomic seat, everything else is stock. Highlights include 36 spoke Ritchey Wheels (Hub and Rims, offset rear rim), SLR Brifters, cantilever brakes, and Reynolds 520 frame and fork. Stout and ready for the long road including all the little touring and fender mount eyelets needed. Size is a 53cm.
1997 Specialized Rockhopper cromoly steel mountain bike in nearly new condition. This bike come in a Ferarri Red color and is ready for offroading, rail-trailing, campus life, or as a commuter conversion. One of the last high end steel frames that Specialized made, included Ritchey dropouts, fender and touring tabs, and modern threadless headset. Highlights other than the frame include gripshift, Shimano/Ritchey wheels, super knobby Specialized Team Tires, Specialized Strongarm Crank (made by Sugino), and V-brakes. Just a great bike, size is 17in.
Late 80's / Early 90's Schwinn World Sport ladies (or low slung top tube) road bike in nearly new condition. Would be an excellent commuter or campus bike. Beautiful deep blue, lugged, 4130 steel frame. Highlights include new tires, Shimano SIS 14spd drivetrain with stem shifters, ergonomic bend handlebars, and quick release wheels. I haven't measured the frame size but it is small, meant for someone less the 5' 8" to ride.
1984 Vintage Trek 500 Road Bike that is currently being restored. I am in the middle of rebuilding this bike now and it is going to turn out great. It will be like owning a Rivendell Roadie or Bridgestone road bike, except this model was made in the USA in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Frame is in good shape, but definitely shows some surface rust in spots from its age, metallic silver paint job. Made of Reynolds 501 steel on a classic lugged frame. The Mallaird hub bearings / race and headset bearings / cups are in excellent shape and have been repacked with Paul's Waterproof Grease for long life. Rear hub is the infamous Heliomatic hub. Most of the bike will remain stock with exception of a new seat, tires, tubes, cables, housing, and maybe a chain. Just a really cool old Trek that upon finish of the restoration, I am going to send pictures to Vintage-Trek.com for permanent record. Size is a 22.5in (or 57cm). Click the first link for the original Trek catalog details.
Early to mid 80's Schwinn World Traveler ladies road bike that is up next for restoration. Grey in color from the Panasonic made frame Schwinn era. Frame is lugged 4130 steel. Everything is in good shape just needs a good cleaning. Bike would be at home as a commuter or campus bike. Size will be 19in (or 48cm).
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Very cool! KC needs a used bike shop, I think. Lawrence has the great Recyclery, but KC not so much... Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHow many open storefronts are there on Johnson Drive waiting for you? Or maybe just take over the empty Circuit City on the hill in Merriam and open the Bike version of CarMax?
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