Old news that may be new to some of you:
After a ~6+ year retail presence in West Seattle, Cycle University (aka “Cycle U”) has stepped away from bicycle retail to focus on their core expertise as a coaching and cycling school.
A new arrangement with Woodinville Bicycle culminated after about a year of discussions, when they took over Cycle University’s Harbor Ave. retail space in October 2015. Cycle U’s previous West Seattle retail space is now named Westside Bicycle, and Cycle U has retained the downstairs spin class space. You’ll see the names of both organizations on banners outside the building.
According to Woodinville/Westside Bicycle’s retail operations manager Mike Rabis, the new arrangement is a symbiotic relationship that “helps in both directions.” Folks who make a bicycle purchase over $1000 get a free Cycle U spin class which translates into a friendly introduction to fitness through cycling and bike skills.
Cycling retail is difficult, and businesses are constantly trying different approaches to compete at the local level. Some of the tactics local bike retailers are doing include West Seattle Cyclery‘s support at the NW MTB Series, and their repair and snack station on the downtown commute route; and Capitol Hill bike cafes at Metier and Peloton.
Woodinville Bicycle’s approach has been to engage with the community. They have a presence at most major cycling events, which includes providing repair services, taking pictures, and last cyclocross season they provided support to women new to cross.
Meanwhile, Cycle U is the only bicycling-focused training organization in the Seattle area. As coach Craig Undem said: “Cycle U is now back to its roots as a coaching and cycling school, and my love for the sport is renewed and stronger than ever.”
Most of the coaching and training happens at their Sandpoint facility, and they are in the process of refining what has been a successful business model. Cycle U has a rigorous fitness program in their ICE indoor cycling program, but they’ve also come to the realization that a lot of people come to their classes for the camaraderie. So, Craig and his coaches are re-writing the training curriculum to support the complete range of cyclists they work with–from newbies to experienced racers to randonneurs.
In addition to their ICE spin classes, Cycle U offers outdoor training camps, including their well-regarded Chelan Camp in the spring. In order to support new racers they are expanding their beginning race program which in addition to practicing new skills, is a way to earn upgrade credits. They also support a number of teams:
Junior: Focused on developing young riders ages 7-18 and coaching for all around success.
Multisport: Focused on triathlons and duathlons (run-bike).
Apex Racing: a premier northwest team focused on road racing for all men’s categories.
Cycle U Varsity Club: A NEW program to support families interested in cycling together
