Cycling Claremont: The Velo...

Stopped in at The Velo today at the end of my ride up in the hills and canyons; I have been doing this most weekends lately, just to say hello and see what is new there. The Velo is the self-styled (and rightly likely so) "world's smallest bikeshop." But what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in character. Dale is the shop owner and loves to talk bikes, old or new. The Velo is not your typical bikeshop; you will not find any new, hot-off-the-assembly-line carbon-fiber beauties here. No, instead Dale and The Velo have tapped into a niche within the cycling market. The bikes for sale at The Velo all have histories - some have faded past glories, while others were ridden once then abandoned to the dark recesses of an overcrowded garage. Some came from yard sales, some are traded, and others bought. All are cleaned up, refurbished, given new components when necessary, and finally given a second chance at life. On any given day one might see early-era mountain bikes, once-proud road machines with names like Motobecane and Peugeot, and what I like to call errand bikes complete with baskets attached for trips to the Sunday farmers' market or running from class to class during the week. For a connoisseur of bikes this is a must stop shop, as true classics also pass through here, like the immaculate steel Colnago with decorative lugs, chromed fork and other fine detailing which was recently sold. The Velo is right in Foothill Boulevard, a prime spot. Dale sets up his workstand out front (seriously, there is not room inside the shop), with a small table and chairs. These are almost always occupied by friends of the shop; it is a great place to sit and talk bikes with an eye to everyone who passes by. Dale has plans too - think coffee - he will have to get some more chairs though; I predict even more people will be stopping by for a visit during their rides.


Update 10/2010: Felt like this post was in need of an update. Lately there have in fact been many newer model bikes hanging from the hooks or in the rack out in front. From carbon road bikes, to all-mountain work horses and full-squish downhill rigs. Some of these are practically new, but for one reason or another their original owners need to sell. You can find some good deals. There are frequently brand spanking new single speed / fixed-gear bikes right out of the box, and parked next to college cruisers, equally fresh.