Cyclepath Bike Store will open a second location on Northwest Thurman Road, seizing a possibility to take over the historic location of Fats Tire Farm.
When information broke in March that Fats Tire Farm would finish its run at NW twenty seventh and Thurman on the base of a well-liked entry to Forest Park after 40 years in enterprise, it deflated spirits throughout town. Dropping one more bike store in that a part of city, particularly one with a legacy like FTF, was a troublesome capsule to swallow for off-road biking lovers across the area.
Cyclepath proprietor Michael Jellinek confirmed with BikePortland at the moment that he and Fats Tire Farm proprietor Park Chambers (in photograph beneath) got here to an settlement and formalized the deal on the finish of final week. Calling it a “considerably pure match,” Jellinek additionally plans to rent a number of former Fats Tire Farm staff and can be posting job listings on BikePortland for extra employees subsequent week.
Jellinek gave props to Chambers for serving to make the transition occur. “He was extremely supportive and actually made this complete alternative work. He was gracious and excited to move the torch and we will’t thank him sufficient.” Chambers purchased Fats Tire Farm from its former homeowners in 1997 and plans to retire.
Not solely will Portland retain a motorcycle store at this location, Cyclepath West will provide a wider collection of bikes and equipment. Fats Tire Farm was legendary for his or her laser concentrate on top quality mountain bikes, however Jellinek says he plans to inventory a mixture of mountain, gravel and street bikes (just like what they carry at their Martin Luther King Jr retailer). Along with bikes, components, and all of the trimmings, Jellinek plans to reap the benefits of Forest Park’s proximity and can inventory a collection of path trainers and equipment as effectively.
“Our intention is to hold on the superior legacy of the devoted crew at FTF whereas including some variety by way of choices,” Jellinek says.
From a enterprise perspective, Jellinek sees a possibility to serve cyclists on the west facet. “When our pals at West Finish Bikes [a shop near W Burnside that closed in February] and FTF closed their doorways, we obtained flooded with new faces coming from northwest. Our service queue went from two weeks to 6 weeks. That’s not ultimate. Splitting up the labor between the neighborhoods appeared like an awesome resolution.”
Prospects can anticipate a a lot completely different aesthetic as soon as Cyclepath is all moved in. Jellinek and his crew are already engaged on customized fixtures and shows from business companions like Chris King, Speedland, ENVE, SRAM and others. Portland-based YouTuber and artist Dustin Klein has already accomplished some customized portray within the store and the outside will get a brand new mural that Jellinek says will, “pay homage to Portland, Forest Park, and our biking group.”
Increasing to a different location in a down financial system and amid tariff turmoil within the bike business takes quite a lot of braveness and optimism. “It’s nerve-wracking,” Jellinek acknowledged, “Nevertheless it’s proper for the group and I feel we will meet quite a lot of want. I’m stoked!”
The brand new Cyclepath West is anticipated to open in two weeks. Keep tuned to the store’s Instagram account for information and updates.
— CyclepathPDX.com
