General Merchandise/HBC

Entrepreneur Opens Bike-Friendly 'C-Store'

A Convenient Cycle offers bike accessories, repairs, snacks, more
PORTLAND, Ore. -- When 30-year-old Edwin Skaug realized convenience stores aren't exactly convenient for people who ride bicycles (they typically lack bike parking and they don't sell any bike essentials), he figured he'd open one up that was. The result, reported BikePortland.org, is his new business, A Convenient Cycle.

Skaug's new shop, which officially opened for business on Monday, is part bike shop, part convenience store. To Skaug, it's all about helping out fellow riders. He sees the shop as a "pit stop" where [image-nocss] folks can roll in, borrow a tool, grab a set of brake pads and a bag of chips, and quickly be on their way.

Alongside a new set of tires and other bike accessories, customers will find toilet paper, batteries, toothpaste and munchiesall neatly tucked into a compact, 300-sq.ft. space.

In addition to basic bike commuting and personal hygiene essentials, Skaug is a mechanic who can also do bike repairs and tuneups (but only by appointment, since space is limited).

Skaug said the original idea was to try and get a grant to install more bike parking at local convenience stores, but it seems his entrepreneurial spark got the best of him.

This little store isn't the only enterprise in his plans. He's also got an old Dutch cargo trike that he plans to load up with cycling sundries (while his girlfriend minds the store) and set up shop at various high-bike-traffic locations (unfortunately his plans are on hold while he works out permitting issues with the City of Portland).

A Convenient Cycle is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Skaug said he will be serving free morning coffee for the next few weeks.

Click herefor additional details.

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