Albany Bike Shop Is Historical

 There is a particular kind of heartbreak to living in New York City—and, I suppose, other large metropolises:  You could lose your favorite bookstore, cafe or bike shop. It might’ve been in the same location since your parents were born but it could close for any number of reasons, more than a few of which have to do with real estate markets.

I haven’t been in Albany in a while, so I don’t know whether the forces of capitalism and pure-and-simple change are as powerful as they are in my hometown.  But I’m happy to know that at least one of the town might get some help in ensuring that it can continue to serve its community.

The Downtube Bicycle Works and Cafe the capital of the Empire State since 1972.  That has just made them one of the first inductees into the New York State Historic Business Preservation 

The State’s Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation launched the NYSHBP earlier this year to “honor and promote businesses that have been in operation for at least 50 years and have contributed to their communities’ history . It is an “honorary program” which “provides educational and promotional assistance” to help ensure that businesses like Downtube “remain viable.”

After Harris Cylery in Newton, Massachusetts closed its doors last year, it’s hard to believe that any bike shop is safe.  But at least one can hope that the NYSHBP can help businesses like Downtube—and some other bike shops, cafes and bookstores I love—to stay open. Oh, if they had only been available for Gotham Book Mart.

Discounts—And Free Housing

 Listen to the news, and you’ll hear employers recount their woes in recruiting workers.  Some are offering incentives, such as cash bonuses  and flexible schedules.

And housing.  At least one employer—a bike shop owner—is offering his next mechanic free use of a house he owns.

Some might think that having some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery as a backdrop to one’s riding—and anything else in one’s life—might be reason enough to take a job at Cycles of Life in Leadville, Colorado.  And, of course, there are the added perks of industry discounts and the opportunity to blend passion and profession.

Turns out, those last two bonuses don’t carry as much currency as they once did.  Cycles of Life proprietor Brian Feddema placed a classified ad for a head mechanic/service manager nearly a month ago in Bicycle Retailer And Industry News (BRAIN).  He is offering free use of the 500 square foot house, within walking distance of the shop, in addition to pay of $20-25 hour and spring and fall performance bonuses, partly in the hope of casting a wider net.  “There is no one currently residing here in Leadville with the knowledge, skill set and drive we need,” he explained.

He once had a mechanic who stayed for seven years until “he moved away with his girlfriend.”  But, he said, mechanics typically stay for a couple of years because “most don’t consider it a profession.”

Jenny Kallista, president  of the Professional Bicycle Mechanics’ Association, said this is the first time she’s heard of an offer like Feddema’s. Ron Sutphin, the United Bicycle Institute president, “can only recall one recruitment offer that included housing.” That one, he said, “was some time ago, in Hawaii,” where the notoriously-expensive housing market is rivaled (at least in the US) only by San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles and perhaps a few other cities.

In addition to the reasons Feddema articulated, I can think of another why he’s offering free housing.  It has to do with another “perk” he can’t offer:  Bike mechanics and shop service managers can’t do their work remotely.