New Plymouth Bike Shop Sees Industry-Wide Supply-Chain Issues
The Twin Cities have an abundance of bike paths. In the west metro, perhaps none is more popular than the 63-mile-long Luce Line Trail.
“We see walkers and dogs and we see rollerbladers, skateboarders, and of course cyclists,” said Drew Frakes, manager of Trailhead Cycling.
For years, those cyclists haven’t had a convenient place to go in the Plymouth area to have their bikes serviced.
That is until now.
They just have to be on the lookout for the wooden sign that alerts them to the presence of Trailhead Cycling.
“Who builds a retail shop in an industrial park that really can’t be seen by a major thoroughfare? Well, Trailhead does,” Frakes said.
This independent bike store is a one-stop-shop known for sales, repairs, and customer service. Its opening was months in the making.
“With the pandemic, it’s been a challenge,” Frakes said. “And we had more delays than we could have ever possibly imagined, so it was a long time coming.”
A long time coming thanks to the supply-chain difficulties facing the industry. Demand exceeded supply in terms of the bikes themselves and the parts they need to make repairs.
“The industry as a whole is having a very hard time meeting demand,” Frakes said. “Right now, we’ve got a clear docket for repairs and we’ve got some fresh product in, whether it’s bikes, whether it’s parts, whether it’s accessories.”
Some experts estimate that it may be more than a year before inventory is back to normal levels. But for now, this Plymouth store is well-stocked.
Manager Drew Frakes (right) helps a customer.
Located Next to Luce Line Brewing
Trailhead Cycling is also conveniently located right next to Luce Line Brewing.
“Absolutely! We’re not going to be shy about leveraging having a brew pub as a neighbor,” Frakes said.
That close proximity to cold beer comes much to the delight of customers.
“It’s a great way to go! Have a beer, walk around, know that you’re bike’s getting serviced,” said Dan Rice of Champlin.
The combination of beer and bicycles is an easy way to build camaraderie, while giving cyclists in this area an easy excuse to explore what nature has to offer.
“This is just a crazy enough idea that might work,” Frakes said.
