Bike shop owner appreciates support for move

MARION — After initially being not so pleased about his bicycle shop’s move to West Church Street from Marion-Mount Gilead Road, owner Jim Klaus did a 180 when he felt the support of friends, customers and neighbors.

“At first I was like OK, I mean, ‘I’m moving downtown. Waaaa!’ Now, I’m like,” said the proprietor of Spokes Bike Shop, his tone brightening, “‘I’m moving downtown.’ There’s a community downtown. I’ve been greeted by other business owners and other people. I’ve talked to the mayor, Lois Fisher, ... I’m getting a really good reception from the city leaders. Malcolm Smith, the city zoning inspector, was helpful. I just found everybody helpful. Nathan’s Barbershop brought over some halogen lights,” to help him get moved in.

He said he relocated his store from its original location at 1597 Marion-Mount Gilead Road to 137 W. Church St., in part, because he has “less overhead” at the new location, where Spokes reopened Tuesday.

“A bunch of customers and friends helped me the last two days,” Klaus said. “We moved the majority of the stuff in the last two days, and it was all volunteers. That speaks highly of how loved this store is.”

Spokes sells and services primarily Specialized bicycles along with Redline and Sun bicycles, and services all brands, he said. Its hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

“Another unique thing about our store is we know recumbent and tandems,” Klaus said, referring to the shifting aspects of such bikes.

Klaus said customers of his shop benefit by the expertise his staff provides.

“We’ve heard it all in cycling, so if they’re experiencing some difficulty or problem it’s best to consult with someone in the industry or who does it. So they should come into Spokes you’re not just buying a bike, you’re buying our advice, our service. So you’re not out there alone.”

While people may be able to purchase bicycles at a lower price online because “they don’t have any overhead,” he said brands such as Specialized won’t sell online because “they want their product to go through a dealer; I get bikes all the time that aren’t assembled correctly. So it’s safety. It’s like a car. You don’t buy cars online.”

For example, not all customers realize bikes come in a variety of sizes.

“What happens if you buy one online, and it’s the wrong size? What do you do?” he said.

Klaus said he’s enjoyed the community support since his move.

“It feels good and, of course, I want to return the favor,” he said, adding that he’s talked to young people that previously used the parking lot at the shop for skateboarding and BMX biking, and, “Of course, they can continue to do that.”

Jeff Youngs, who began bicycling in the late 1970s, said the move provides Klaus with about four times the square footage he had at his original site and will allow him to display more of his inventory.

He said any retailer might be a bit nervous about a relocation, but expressed confidence that Spokes will maintain its customer base and grow.

“With a bike shop, people are seeking out the bike shop,” Youngs said. “It’s not like you’re driving down the road and see a bike shop, and you just decide to whip in and buy a bicycle. So the people are going to find him. It really is a good location.”

For information about Spokes, call 740-386-2121.

jjarvis@marionstar.com

740-375-5154

Twitter: @jmwjarvis