|
Community Bike
496 Tremont St.
Boston
617-542-8623
communitybicycle.com |
Jamaica Cycle & Sports
667 Centre St.
Jamaica Plain
617-524-9610 |
Belmont Wheelworks
480 Trapelo Road
Belmont
617-489-3577
wheelworks.com |
Who we talked to |
RICH COOMBS, OWNER |
CHUCK KING, OWNER |
PETER MOONEY, OWNER |
How much does the average person spend on a bike? |
“I’d put the average
spender in the $500 to
$800 range. We carry
bikes from $200 all the
way up to $3,000.”
|
“It averages right
around $350.” |
“It averages about $300 to
$500. We can accommodate
family budgets and
those interested in
high-end bikes.” |
Why buy from a bike shop instead of a big-box store? |
“If you buy from a
shop you’re more likely
to get the bike to fit
your needs. Also, the
bikes are assembled by
professionals and will
last twice as long.” |
“Service, service, service.
The big-box and
department stores don’t
service bikes, even if
you bought it from their
store. We repair and
service any type of bike.” |
“You’re not going to get
extra attention from a box
store. Shops have higher
quality bikes, and if there’s
a problem you can take it
back and have it adjusted.” |
How far in advance is
it necessary for scheduling service? |
“It takes one to
two days for an
appointment.” |
“It’s first come, first serve.
The turnaround is
typically four to five days.” |
“Schedule one week prior
to an appointment.
The turnaround is
about four days.” |
Do you specialize in any type
or brand of bicycle? |
“Our primary brand
is Specialized, and
we also feature bikes
from Bianchi,
Diamondback
and Dahon.” |
“We specialize in
Diamondback,
Schwinn and GT.” |
“We specialize in Peter
Mooney hand-built frames
and custom bikes from
Serotta, Seven and I.F.
We also carry tandems
and recumbents.” |
What is the hottest trend in
the industry or is there any thing new in bike technology? |
“It seems like road
bikes are having a
resurgence.” |
“There’s so much stuff, I don’t
know. I guess the industry
is still trying to perfect the
automatic transmission.” |
“High-end bikes keep
becoming lighter,
stiffer and stronger.” |
What is the best local bike
path? Why is it your favorite? |
“The Paul Dudley
White path and
the Minuteman
Bikeway are popular.
I stick to the roads
and ride in Blue Hills
or near Walden Pond.” |
“The best trails are the ones
people don’t know about.
I’ve got two favorites: the
Blue Hills trails and
around the unknown
parts of Jamaica Pond.” |
“The paths that follow the
Charles River are beautiful
and the Minutemen Path is
popular. I like to head west
from Belmont to Lincoln,
Concord or Weston.” |
