Local cyclists and friends joined owner Palmer Martines Friday for the grand opening of PHX Bike‘s new location at 130 N. Central Avenue.
“We’re finally settled in and growing,” Martines said.
The grand opening party was a celebration to thank the people who helped him open the shop as well as to let others know the shop exists, Martines said.
Allan Casement attended the grand opening because he believes it is important to support downtown Phoenix businesses and would “like to see more people do that.”
Martines called his shop an “urban cycling boutique.” He builds custom BMX and road bikes in addition to selling lights, locks, helmets and more recently, clothing.
“Hard to find stuff is what I’m into,” Martines said. “It changes a lot.”
Martines opened PHX Bike 14 months ago in a smaller space in the same building that “was the size of (his) back room,” but moved his shop into the new location about 4 months ago.
When the building’s owner saw that Martines’ business was doing well, the two worked to create the current space by splitting a larger unit into 2 spaces. The new location is easy to find with a window and entrance right off Central Avenue.
Martines said that he chose the downtown space because it is where BMX riders go to ride. Among these BMX cyclists is Dimitri James, one of about 4 cyclists who spent time at the grand opening on the wide sidewalk in front of the store.
The group set up two small ramps in front of the store to ride and do various tricks and jumps on with their BMX bikes.
Those who weren’t out front riding or watching the cyclists on the ramps were inside the new PHX Bike shop eating and drinking.
Brett Cortright went to check out the new store and to see what had been added.
“Cycling is getting big out here, now,” Cortright said. “No one does what (Martines) does. He’s leading the game in Arizona.”
Cyclist of 7 years, Lauren Ripoire, agreed that PHX Bike is an important addition to downtown.
“There’s no other fixed gear and urban bicycling shop anywhere near,” Ripoire said.
Ripoire made use of PHX Bike’s products just hours before the grand opening party. Ripoire had purchased a bike frame from a shop in California and worked with Martines, who ordered the rest of the parts and finished building the bike that day.
Martines sells products that he has tested himself.
“I choose these things because they’re the best out there,” he added.
Martines feels like his service is another thing that sets him apart from bigger bike shops, especially in regard to commuters to the downtown area. A commuter that has trouble on the way into work can drop the bike by and pick it up after work, according to Martines.
“I’m into helping somebody right then,” he said.
Contact the reporter at alabril@asu.edu
