University Cycles Boulder: A History Woven into the Fabric of Cycling Culture
University Bicycles (U Bikes) in Boulder, Colorado, stands as a nationally recognized retailer with a rich history deeply intertwined with the evolution of cycling. From its humble beginnings in a basement to its current status as a thriving business, U Bikes has not only adapted to industry changes but has also actively contributed to the vibrant cycling community in Boulder and beyond.
The Early Years: A Foundation Built on Passion
The story of University Bicycles begins with its founder, Emerson, who started the business in a basement at 9th and Pearl in Boulder. In the same year, he moved across the street to a larger above-ground space at 839 Pearl St. Emerson bought the building in 1997. This early commitment to a physical presence in Boulder laid the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of the local cycling scene.
Growth and Expansion: Becoming a Retail Leader
Over the years, University Bicycles has experienced significant growth, solidifying its position as one of the most successful bike retail operations in the US. By 2020, sales were approaching $10 million annually, generated from a 9,700 square foot sales floor within a 25,000 square feet overall space. The COVID-19 pandemic further fueled this growth, with sales increasing by 38% as more people turned to cycling for recreation and transportation.
Leadership and Expertise: Guiding the Way Forward
The success of University Bicycles can be attributed to the vision and expertise of its leadership. Lester Binegar served as the General Manager/Operator/Bookkeeper for University Bicycles since 2006. He had been a rep in the industry for Fisher, Lemond, and Trek Bicycles. Before that, he was a mechanic for five years, and before that, he got a degree in business and anthropology. In a significant move, Beth Leibo, an industry veteran with 20 years of experience, was hired as General Manager. Leibo's career began in Austin and Houston, followed by her move to Colorado in 2009 to represent Polar Heartrate Monitors. She later joined Pearl Izumi and added Shimano to her factory rep job. Her deep understanding of the industry and her respect for U Bikes' operation and culture made her a natural fit for the role. Leibo is the fourth GM in the store’s history and the first woman.
Emerson highlighted Leibo's expertise, stating, "When you have the opportunity to hire an expert like Beth, you take it." Binegar expressed his enthusiasm for the transition, saying, "I’m ready to step back and let someone else take over while keeping an eye on the finances."
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Navigating Challenges: Adapting to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for retailers, including bike shops. University Bicycles, under the leadership of Lester Binegar, took proactive steps to ensure the safety of its employees and customers while continuing to serve the community. Binegar emphasized the importance of survival during this uncertain time, stating, "For us, it’s all about survival. And I certainly would tell anyone listening to this, you have to survive through this. So think long and hard about what that’s going to take."
U Bikes implemented several measures to adapt to the changing landscape:
- Controlled Customer Flow: Limiting the number of customers in the store to one at a time for repairs.
- Curbside and Delivery Services: Offering curbside pickup and delivery for sales products.
- Online Sales Platform: Launching a web store in just four days with the help of Smart detailing, enabling the business to sell online.
Binegar noted that the decision to remain open was driven by the belief that University Bicycles was essential to the community, providing health and transportation options.
Collaboration and Community: A Philosophy of Inclusivity
University Bicycles fosters a philosophy of being friendly towards all the fellow bike shops in town. Binegar emphasized the importance of collaboration, especially during times of crisis. "I have tried hard to tell everyone what we’re doing in terms of communicating with our vendors, how we’re staying safe, the way we’re changing our business because I want all of my competitors to make it through this too," he said.
This collaborative spirit extends to sharing information and resources with competitors, recognizing that a strong bike shop infrastructure benefits the entire community. University Bicycles actively sends business to other shops in town and vice versa, fostering a mutually supportive environment.
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Essential Service: Recognizing the Importance of Cycling
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the bike industry rallied to have bike shops declared essential services. Binegar acknowledged the risks involved in staying open but ultimately believed that it was possible to do so safely and help customers stay healthy and have transportation. He credited People for Bikes and the broader bike industry community for their rapid response in advocating for this designation.
The debate over whether bike shops should be considered essential highlighted the diverse perspectives within the community. While some argued that cycling was primarily a recreational activity, others emphasized its importance for transportation, exercise, and mental well-being.
A Museum of Cycling History: Showcasing the Evolution of Bikes
University Bicycles houses a Bike Museum with a cross-section of over 50 bicycles from 1888 to 2004. The museum displays a wide range of bikes, each representing a different era and technological advancement.
Some notable bikes in the collection include:
- 1888 Hickory Step-Through and Mens: Manufactured by the Hickory Wheel Company, featuring patented hickory wood wheels and ball bearing hubs.
- 1889 Columbia High Wheeler: One of the first bicycles produced in the US.
- 1895 Sterling Women's: Made popular by Annie “Londonderry” Kopchovsky’s ride “around the world” in 1894.
- 1938 Hawthorne Zep: Advertised as “Supreme beauty - deluxe equipment,” featuring twin Delta Silver Ray headlights and a built-in tail light.
- 1952 Schwinn Black Phantom: A classic model from the Phantom production run (1949-1959).
- 1968 Cinelli Track Bike: Representing Italian style and performance, manufactured by Cinelli since 1948.
- 1988 Andy Hampsten's Huffy Team Bike: Ridden by Andy Hampsten when he won the 1988 Giro D’Italia.
- Davis Phinney's 1989 Eddy Merckx Team Bike: Race bike of Boulder Colorado-native Davis Phinney from his time on the 7-Eleven professional race team.
- Dede Barry's silver-medal time trial bike: from the 2004 Olympic games in Athens, Greece.
The Bike Museum serves as a testament to the rich history of cycling and provides a unique opportunity for visitors to appreciate the evolution of bicycle technology and design.
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Embracing Innovation: High-Performance Bikes
University Bicycles stays at the forefront of cycling technology, offering a range of high-performance bikes designed for various disciplines. These bikes incorporate advanced materials, innovative suspension systems, and precision engineering to deliver optimal performance and rider experience.
Examples of these bikes include:
- Yeti SB120: A versatile trail bike with a new-gen approach to its shortest travel bike, featuring increased torsional precision and impact clearance.
- Yeti SB160: An enduro race machine built off one of the most winning race platforms in enduro history, honed for more speed and control.
- Specialized Chisel Comp: An alloy hardtail frame featuring D'Aluisio Smartweld Technology for lightweight and high-strength welds.
- Specialized Epic 8 EVO: A downcountry bike with progressive geometry, custom valved shocks, and biomechanical efficiency.
- Specialized Epic 8: Evolving the formula of fastest through capability, efficiency, and lightweight integration.
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