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Luring a bike shop to Millvale/Sharpsburg

It seems that with all of the planned development along the Allegheny and the extension of the trail that there should be a nice bike shop to take advantage of what I expect to be a lot more bike riders/commuters entering the scene. Does anybody have any information about bike shop developments in Millvale/Etna/Sharpsburg? Alternatively, is anybody aware of an existing bike shop that may be interested in moving to that area or opening up a second location? I'm looking into moving my kayak shop to Millvale or Sharpsburg. However, the kayak business does not really support a dedicated retail establishment. Partnering with a bike shop sounds like synergy to me.
rhainan
2016-02-25 08:59:47
Offer it candy and tell it that its mother said it was OK.
mick
2016-02-25 15:53:25
Perhaps luring was not the best word to use. Enticing? Attracting? Partnering with? It all sounds like a craigslist ad. Non smoking vegan friendly Kayak shop seeks LTR with a like minded, green friendly retail transportation affiliate. Bike mechanical skills a definite plus.
rhainan
2016-02-25 16:12:02
There's probably a way to go about this; perhaps work with the local Chamber of Commerce? I'm not an entrepreneur but I think you would probably want to put together something like a business plan. It would be supported by documenting the amount of cycling going on in the area, potential customer base, etc. Then you'd probably want to approach potential investors -- something like that. You're basically looking for a business partner, so you're an investor, and you need another investor. There are people who have money they want to invest. You just need to present a credible case to the right people. I think that if somebody was willing to put up the money to create a new shop it wouldn't be too hard to find the people to run it. The connection to another local shop like say Pro Bikes is helpful but probably not essential. Maybe you could interest someone at the Pitt or CMU business schools in doing this study.
jonawebb
2016-02-25 16:22:21
I'd also scout around the town itself. Do you need to be close to the river for the kayaks? There aren't a lot of spots walking distance from the river, unless you can set up a shop somehow in that spot where the rowers congregate. In the town itself, there must be plenty of little hole-in-the-wall spots to set up shop. Does Love Bikes still have its tiny spot in Lawrenceville off the alley behind Arsenal Lanes? Great example of a tiny shop. I swear my living room is bigger. But if you're just trying to get a toehold, you don't need to start with a 2,500-sqft store.
stuinmccandless
2016-02-25 21:54:17
All good ideas and suggestions. The input is appreciated. If anybody is or knows an aspiring bicycle entrepreneur or knows of a shop that might be looking to relocate, please pass this message along to them. I picture the bike shop I have in mind to look something like this (take it with a grain of salt, I'm a kayaker that happens to cycle): Being on or very close to the trail it would focus primarily on the city/commuter/e-bike/touring market. There are plenty of other shops to get your carbon fiber racing machines and aero wheels at. It would have to be a small place, maybe a 1-2 person shop. Possible bike rentals in the summer? I know a kayak guy that can help subsidize the rent and offers free labor. I'm business savvy enough to know that this is not a money generating machine. It is a lifestyle choice that could pay for itself while offering something the local community needs.
rhainan
2016-02-26 07:41:44
This might be too far up for you, but Dirty Harry's is in Verona
sgtjonson
2016-02-26 09:10:21
Dirty Harry's is a great shop and I don't think they need the help of a fledgling kayak business. A key piece of the puzzle is access to the existing or planned extension of the bike trail plus somewhat easy access to the Allegheny Pool 1. There is a lock/dam in between Aspinwall and Sharpsburg that forces kayakers to choose which way they want to paddle on the river. If you put in at Verona/Oakmont (great places to paddle) you cannot reach further down the river than Aspinwall. If you put in anywhere from Sharpsburg down you have access to the North Shore, Southside and the Point. Millvale has great access to the river, an established paddling/rowing scene and the existing trail. Sharpsburg has great access to the river and should have the trail at some point in the near future. I think you will have a hard time recognizing Millvale, Etna and Sharpsburg in five years the change is going to happen that fast.
rhainan
2016-02-26 09:34:05
Kayak Pittsburgh used to have rentals from the millvale riverfront park, I think that only lasted a summer though. I'm not sure they got enough business there. It might be viable, especially if the trail is extended up to sharpsburg.
benzo
2016-02-26 10:12:15
This would be really cool, two of my favorite things, cycling & kayaking.
ka_jun
2016-02-26 10:24:47
I go through Millvale to get to the trail all the time. There are a couple of small buildings between the road and the river that don't seem like they're used much. At one point, there was a skateboard park of some sort (affiliated with Mr. Small's?), that's been gone for several years. I don't know who you'd have to talk to to get access, but that's the building I'd start with. In Millvale itself, there was a motorcycle repair shop at the corner of Farragut Street and Black Alley that I know the tenant is vacating soon. That's a very long hike from the river, but might be ideal for a bike repair shop. Really, your best bet is to walk or bike around town and knock on doors.
stuinmccandless
2016-02-26 10:47:36
Why don't you check out Sharpsburg's Island Marina? That is where I would start. Go to Sharpsburg and take a turn towards the river on 13th Street. I know Sharpsburg is looking for something to go in there and want to get business going. I think Sharpsburg is very cheap right now and when the Aspinwall Riverfront Development goes in, I think Sharpsburg will benefit from that. I think Sharpsburg is a good deal right now. Etna's riverfront park and the continuation of the trail looks like it is going to happen with that large grant they just got. I know Sharpsburg wants a trail going through and there is a new brewpub opening there, so that is a good start. Millvale doesn't have as much riverfront, but the RR tracks still create an issue, but still Sharpsburg has a better situation than Millvale when it comes to riverfront. Everyone keeps talking up Millvale, but I think Sharpsburg is a deal right now. Better access than Millvale, just no one knows it... YET.
gg
2016-02-26 10:49:20
There is a new initiative underway in several Allegheny River communities, including Millvale. Called The River Town Program, initiated by Pennsylvania Environmental Council. The goal is to attract visitors and businesses to the area interested in river recreation. I am assisting them with this work, and would be happy to help. Let me know how best to reach you if you are interested.
cathymac
2016-02-26 10:50:22
Cathymac, you are just the person I need to talk to. Is this the same organization as ARTEZ? I emailed them earlier this week and have not yet gotten a response. I PM you with my contact info.
rhainan
2016-02-26 12:20:01
That building in Millvale by the park looks like it is owned by the boro. I see workers in there sometime. Probably storage. There is a kiddie train out front now.
edronline
2016-02-26 21:16:58
Yinz missed Geoff's motorbike place (now in Uptown)! Slag Heap Site says they work on bicycles, check out the barter list, and Geoff's helped tons of folks at Free Ride over the years.
neds
2016-02-28 21:40:45
Geoff's place is the one I referred to earlier (Feb 26 2016 at 10:47am). So his old Millvale place is likely available. He's worked on my Suzuki a couple of times.
stuinmccandless
2016-02-29 10:50:08