Inside 43215: Downtown Lifestyles
What happens when an enterprising bike messenger decides it might be fun to open a bike shop downtown? B1Bicycles, 124 E. Long Street.
Open since May 5, the shop offers full service and specializes in almost any non-mountain style of bike you can think of – namely, fixed-gear, track, commuter, road and city. And unlike most fixit places, B1’s website lists a slew of services and their respective prices.
B1 also sells fames by four companies that are popular among bike geeks in the know: Surly, a fave among the cool kids; Masi, the legendary company that started in Italy and was formally introduced to the U.S. by the main character in the movie Breaking Away; Jamis; and KHS.
In addition to building a clientele among his fellow messengers, owner Casey Karnes hopes to encourage more downtown workers to commute on two wheels and to promote “bike culture” in Columbus. “As the city offers more destinations, more people will ride downtown,” he said.
With no other places serving cyclists in the neighborhood, downtown is the perfect place to set up shop.
“I like the spot,” said Karnes. “It’s cool. It’s good.”
B1 Bicycles is open Monday, Tuesday, Saturday 10am – 5pm; Wednesday – Friday 10am – 9pm; and Sunday 12 – 5pm. 614-222-0017
