PHX Bike, downtown Phoenix's little urban bike boutique, is throwing a grand opening party for its new(ish) storefront on Central Avenue.
The shop has been in business for more than year (and in its current space almost three months), but owner Palmer Martines felt that the February First Friday would make an ideal time to show off and celebrate his new digs.
"I think there's a huge need down here (in Dowtown) and we sell some brands that can't be found anywhere else in Arizona," says Martines.
Located in The Hub building, just south of Adams on Central, PHX Bikes is the only shop Downtown to service bike commuters and ASU students. Have a mechanical on the ride in or need a quick tune-up? Palmer can have a bike ready before it's time for the ride home.
"Service is my thing," says Martines. "I usually can knock out typical service before lunch."
Martines is living every bike-geeks dream. Just a couple of years ago, he dropped out of his fairly high-profile job in construction to open his urban-based shop. The first space was tucked just behind the current spot but felt more like a closet than a retail shop.
Once the building owner saw that Martines and PHX Bikes brought in a number of clients, an offer was made to move the store to the space with the window and alter the existing floorplan to accommodate wrenching area and storage.
In addition to the bikes, PHX offers urban cyclist clothing by Copy, helmets from Lazer, grips and other bits from Cult, and all sorts of other accessories that has Martines' seal of approval.
"Everything has been really well curated before I put it out with a price tag on it. I'm very particular, but I have good, everyday stuff that I like."
And, as with any good shop, the space is anchored by a nice seating area in the form of a red couch.
The grand opening runs from 4 to 8 p.m. on First Friday, February 3. PHX Bike is located at 130 N. Central Avenue, just south of Adams.
