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Hamtramck Sign Variance
Wheelhouse is applying for a signage variance from the City of Hamtramck Zoning Board of Appeals and is seeking community support via an online petition.
Hello Hamtramckans!
We are applying for a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals for a sign to be painted on the south-facing (Florian corner) of our building. The existing signage ordinance allows for just the business name and address or phone number. We are asking for the variance so that our sign can include a little bit more information about our business as well an image of a bicycle with our logo inside the wheel.
We have worked with Detroit Sign Painters to develop an attractive sign in line with the historic nature of Jos. Campau. We believe it will be an asset to the business district as well as provide Wheelhouse some visibility -- the trees in front of our building are awesome but can make us kind of hard to see from head-on. We also have no problem with signing a binding agreement with the city and/or our (supportive) landlord specifying our responsibility for removal of the signage if we were to move out of our current location.
The hearing is set for July 5, and we are reaching out to Hamtramck residents, workers and business owners to sign a petition so that we can demonstrate public support for the sign.
The petition can be found HERE.
A mock-up of the sign painted on the side of our building:
Nice, right?
This photo shows the trees blocking (in a good way!) our front facade:
Trees, you are making signage kinda difficult, but we promise we love you.
If you are a zoning nerd, the ordinance can be found HERE (pages 77 to 88 are relevant). We have spoken with the city inspector and city planner in preparation for the hearing and so that we can be sure that we understand the ordinance. If you have any questions whatsoever, do not hesitate to reach out to Wheelhouse's owner, Kelli Kavanaugh at kelli@wheelhousedetroit.com. She is very responsive to email.
We really appreciate your consideration of support. We love Hamtramck and only want to see it get even better!
Get Rolling This Memorial Weekend!
We've got a lot going on this weekend, so this is the spot to find out all the latest information!
HOURS & LOCATIONS
RIVARD PLAZA
- Friday & Saturday 10am-8pm
- Sunday & Monday Noon to 5pm
HAMTRAMCK
- Friday & Saturday 11am-7pm
- Sunday Noon to 5pm
- Monday CLOSED
EASTERN MARKET (RENTALS ONLY)
- Friday 10am-3pm
- Saturday 9am-3pm
TOURS
- Techno (Extended): Friday Noon to 4pm
- Belle Isle: Saturday 10am-1pm
- Music Heritage: Saturday Noon-4pm
- Techno: Sunday Noon-3pm
More info and reservations HERE.
BIKE PARKING
We are also offering free bike valet at Movement Festival. The location is near Mariners' Church on Jefferson just east of Bates and the festival's main entrance. (See #8 on the festival site map.)
We are also offering complimentary bicycle parking at the Detroit City Football Club's match against Glentoran FC on Saturday! Find us at the east entrance. #DCTID
Rentals at Eastern Market!
Wheelhouse is providing bicycle rentals at Eastern Market for the 2017 season! Explore the Murals in the Market and the Dequindre Cut. It's so easy!
We are located at 1454 Wilkins between Russell and Riopelle, just west of the new entrance to the Dequindre Cut.
Hours:
- Friday 10am-4pm
- Saturday 8am-4pm
Rates start at $10 for 1 hour; helmets and locks are included at no additional charge. We accept cash or credit card; we will make a copy of a photo ID and do require a credit card deposit for all rentals.
We will be adding Tuesday and Sunday hours when the Market season expands and will also be facilitating online reservations in due time: stay tuned!
Wheelhouse Detroit Bicycle Rentals in Eastern Market are presented in partnership with the Eastern Market Corporation.
Now Hiring Shop Help!
Job Title: Shop Helper
Pay Rate: $9/hour Hours: 10-32/week. Evaluation and raise after 30 days.
Location: Shifts are available at both Rivertown and Hamtramck locations.
Duties: A shop helper at Wheelhouse Detroit is an integral part of a busy, multi-faceted bike shop that services a diverse clientele with a strong focus on customer service. S/he will assist with renting bikes; general inquiries; minor mechanical issues such as changing a flat tire; restocking inventory; cleaning…and whatever else needs to get done!
Skills: The most important thing necessary for this job is the willingness to jump in and get your hands dirty! Scared to talk to strangers? Need not apply. This job can be high-energy and it can be fun. It can be stressful and it can be quiet. A successful candidate will be quick on their feet and nimble of mind. Must have weekend and holiday availability.
This job is the starting position at the Wheelhouse and, depending on your skill-set, can lead to another position at a higher wage fairly quickly (ie, Tour Sweeper, Mechanic or Retailer). Most shifts are 5-7 hours a stretch. No uniform is required, although we will provide you with a couple of t-shirts. No open-toed shoes. Fancy clothes are not recommended.
There will also be opportunities to pick up Bike Parking shifts, which also pays $9/hour and sometimes comes with free event tickets (ie, Movement Festival, Detroit City FC matches). It's probably the most fun you can have working.
This job is at-will, part-time and seasonal. Season is May-September.
Send resume and three references to info@wheelhousedetroit.com.
Spring Sale = March Madness!
To celebrate spring's arrival, Wheelhouse has a 25% off sale on cruisers & kids bikes from Sun, Origin8 bicycles, Chrome panniers & backpacks, Walnut Studiolo leather goods and all winter apparel!
Celebrate the coming of spring with our Major March Spring Sale! Selected bikes and accessories are 25% off!
Sun Bicycles: Colorful lightweight cruisers. Perfect for rollin' slow and comfy. Many color options. Single speed, 3-speed and 7-speed. Some with fenders. All with cushy seats. Used starting at $150; New starting at $289...LESS 25%. A few kids bikes on hand, too. Sale applies to in-stock 2016 cruisers & kids bikes only. Kids bikes start at $180 reg. LESS $25!
Origin8 Bikes: Street-smart quick ride. Option of riding single speed or fixed gear. Starting at $345...LESS 25%. In-stock Fix8 & Intersekt models only.
Chrome Industries: Panniers & Backpacks. Street-tested. Guaranteed for life. US-made. Starting at $160...LESS 25%.
Walnut Studiolo: Quality leather accessories including hand grips, 6-pack carrier & bottle strap. US-made. Starting at $24...LESS 25%.
PLUS...WINTER GEAR! Face it, you'll get a month of usage out of any winter gear you buy now and you'll start the next winter with some fresh stuff. 25% off sale includes the Weatherneck tear-away balaclava, knit caps, wool socks, winter gloves, bar ends and pedal covers.
Scroll through the slideshow to see some of what we have for sale!
New to Wheelhouse: USED BIKES!
The additional floor space we now are luxuriating in at Wheelhouse Detroit - Hamtramck means that we are able to add used bikes to our array of offerings. What does this mean for our customers? That we will be able to offer more quality bikes at even more affordable prices!
Some quick facts about our used bike program:
- With a few exceptions, the used bikes we carry will be targeted specifically towards the urban rider.
- We are sweeping the state for great deals on well-maintained unique bikes with quality components. Think Raleigh, Cannondale, OG Schwinn, Trek, Specialized, etc. You are not going to find Big Box reboots.
- Some of our rental fleet will become available for purchase.
- All bikes will receive a thorough going over by a professional mechanic prior to being offered for sale.
- Just like with our new bikes, all used bike purchases will come with a complimentary tune-up that can be used at any time ($50 value).
- This one is important: We are committed to stocking quality used bikes from legitimate sources at a fair market price. What does this mean? This is not a pawn shop. We will not be taking bikes of questionable provenance EVER.
If you are interested in trading in your bike towards the purchase of a new one, we can talk! We do ask that you provide proof of purchase or that the bike is registered with the City of Detroit or the City of Hamtramck and that the bike is one that was purchased at an IBD (independent bicycle dealer AKA a bike shop) not a big box store. We are not trying to be bike snobs, but we are also committed to quality.
You may as well know upfront that you should not expect to receive store credit equal to the resale value of the bike. As with most consignment-type operations, our internal costs must be accounted for, including staff time (both mechanic and administrative), insurance, taxes, and much, much more. If you are looking for the most cash possible out of your bike, by all means take it to Craigslist. But we promise to be fair and help you chip away at the purchase price of the bike of your dreams!
To see what we currently have available in terms of used bikes, check out our website. Questions? Email us at info@wheelhousedetroit.com.
Grand Opening of Wheelhouse Hamtramck!
WHEELHOUSE DETROIT OPENING HAMTRAMCK STORE ON BLACK FRIDAY
Hamtramck’s cycling headquarters to feature “Made in the USA” products
Hamtramck—November 17, 2016—Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Shop’s Hamtramck location will open its doors on Friday, Nov. 25 with a wide array of city-oriented bicycles, accessories and active wear with an emphasis on Made in the USA products.
The 2,600 square foot store at 9401 Joseph Campau at Florian St. is the second Wheelhouse location. The first store, located on the Detroit Riverwalk in Rivertown, opened in 2008.
Owner Kelli Kavanaugh will mark the grand opening with a party for the community from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25 with food and drink courtesy of Amicci’s Pizza, Motor City Brewing Works, Cellarman’s, Al Haramine and Polish Village Café. The store opens for business that day at 11 a.m. and will feature opening day and Small Business Saturday specials.
To mark the grand opening, a mural is being painted live by local artist Ria Noriega on Friday and Saturday on the building’s rear exterior wall.
“I look forward to Wheelhouse making a contribution to the growing and vibrant Hamtramck business district,” said Kavanaugh. “I chose this location because of its diversity and walkability, along with the welcoming nature of the existing retailers in the community.”
Kavanaugh worked with Hamtramck apparel maker Sarah Ayres of William + Bonnie on a new line of cycling clothing for professionals who cycle to work. It will be carried exclusively by Wheelhouse Detroit. Ponchos, dresses, skirts, knickers and caps in a variety of textures and patterns are currently in stock with more to come from the collaboration.
Wheelhouse Detroit features Kona Bikes, Brooklyn Bicycle Co. and Opus Bike. In terms of American-made products, shoppers can find bicycles from Detroit Bikes; bags from Green Guru, Alchemy, Chrome Industries, Ironweed and Timbuk2; vehicle racks from Saris; locks from Kabletek; lights from Fortified; Park Tools; caps from Walz; and bottle cages from King Cage. “My goal is to highlight the many cycling brands made in the USA,” said Kavanaugh. “So much of the industry has moved overseas and there are some great products made here.”
Wheelhouse also offers a professional service department that aims to be fast, fair and communicative. The new shop will allow for a wide range of parts to be on hand with the goal of a quick turn-around, and weekly special orders will be placed as needed to ensure total customer satisfaction.
Wheelhouse Detroit was named one of America’s Best Bike Shops by the National Bicycle Dealers Association in 2015 and 2016. Criteria included customer service – with visits and calls from secret shoppers included as part of the analysis – community advocacy and staff knowledge and expertise.
Wheelhouse worked with numerous local businesses on the expansion, including Christian-Hurttienne Architects; building owner John Grossi of Amicci’s Pizza; neon designer Signifier Signs; vinyl printer Vector Lab; Good Guy Electric; East Bay Painting; and web designer The Work Department. The growth is made possible with the assistance of Invest Detroit’s Urban Retail Loan Fund and Technical Assistance Grant.
In addition to selling and fixing bikes, Wheelhouse provides rentals and offers tours. Some of Wheelhouse Detroit’s most popular tours include architecture, automotive heritage, Belle Isle, Corktown, Eastern Market, Hamtramck, Haunted Detroit, Music Heritage, Public Art, and Urban Agriculture. Wheelhouse is the city's largest bicycle touring company.
The shop’s winter hours are Sunday 12-5 p.m., Monday 12-6 p.m., Thursday 12-6 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
For more information, visit Wheelhouse Detroit’s website at www.wheelhousedetroit.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Colleen Robar, Robar PR, 313-207-5960, crobar@robarpr.com
2016 Floor Models SALE!
We've marked down all 2016 floor models! All bikes are professionally assembled and include one free tuneup (Value = $50).
2016 Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Lorimer 14" - $449 (Reg. $499) - Double-butted chromoly steel frame. Puncture resistant tires. Quick release wheels for easy transport.
2016 Origin 8 Fix8 54 cm- High Tensile steel frame with flip-flop rear hub - Ride fixed or as a single speed. Super deep 50mm rims make this bike a real looker. $345 (Reg. $395).
2016 Sun Fritz 5 - $490 (Reg. $540) - High tensile steel frame with chromoly triangle. Sturmey Archer 5 sp. internal hub. Fenders and rear rack included.
2016 Sun Cruz 7 - $350 (Reg. $400) - 7sp. light weight aluminum frame, fun to ride.
2016 Sun Matrix 20" - $140 (Reg. $190) - High tensile steel frame with low stand over for small riders. Single-speed with coaster brake and a handbrake up front for a true learning experience. A bike that can be passed down the family tree.
2016 Kona Dew 52cm Matte Black - $449 (Reg. $499) - 24sp. aluminum frame. Perfect for commuting and joy riding. A staff favorite!
2016 Dahon D7 20" Obsidian Black- $479 (Reg. $529) - Folding light weight chromoly frame. 7sp Shimano drive-train. 20" wheels make this a sweet street ride.
Detroit Bikes A-Type - $650 (Reg. $700) - Made in Detroit! Chromoly steel frame. 3 sp. internal hub with a coaster brake.
How to drive like you don't want to murder cyclists
It's been a rough year for cyclists in terms of injury and even death across Michigan. The tragedy in Kalamazoo that killed 5 and injured 4 riders got national attention (deservedly), but close to home, things have been far from chill. Two regular riders were severely injured near Palmer Park late in June (good news, they both appear to be slowly recovering) and, that very same week, a woman lost her life in a hit-and-run on Grand River near the Boulevard.
It's human nature to take a limited data sample and run with it...in this case, concluding that biking is becoming less safe would not be unreasonable but, that is most likely incorrect. What is probably the case is that, as we are seeing more and more bikes on the road, there are going to be more accidents. What is most troublesome to me, as someone who bikes most days but also drives, is how poorly these modes are working together. Or not.
It is often cited that a third of Americans ride their bikes at least once a year. I am gonna hazard a guess that, when riding said bike, they don't want to be struck down by a car.
I also think it safe to presume that the vast majority of these cyclists also drive a motor vehicle, even if occasionally.
It would also be safe to assume that even if someone doesn't ever ride a bike, they are related to, work with or otherwise like or love someone that rides a bike. Let's also assume they don't want said friend or loved one to die when they are riding their bike.
So why do so many drivers -- many of whom have at some point in time, ridden a bike -- drive like they have murdering cyclists on the brain?
(I know someone out there is now exasperatedly saying, "But, but, but, cyclists break the rules all the time. They are annoying." And they do. And sure they can be. But, first of all, they are the vulnerable road user in this scenario, ya know, not being motorized and weighing a bit less than a couple of tons. And also, shut up and listen. You might learn something and not murder someone that happens to be on a bike some day. Do you really want to kill someone just because they rode their bike annoyingly? No, that would be super cold and mean and horrible, right?)
Read on for a few tips that might help a cyclist not die and keep a driver from committing manslaughter or worse. A real win-win, no?
Put your cell phone down. Period. 'Nuff said.
If passing a bicyclist, give them 5 feet of distance. This is not yet a law (although the good folks at the League of Michigan Bicyclists are working on that), but it is courteous and safe. If there is another vehicle to your left -- headed in either direction, depending on the setup of the road -- simply slow down and wait until you can safely pass with some room. This actually is the law in almost half the states in the union, and apparently life has gone on, so just slow your roll and wait until it's safe to pass that cyclist!
Don't drive in the bike lane. I don't care if you are in a hurry to get to the casino, just don't. Ever.
Don't park in the bike lane. Total douche move.
Use your blinker. Blinkers are not optional and they are more than just about telling motor vehicles behind you what is going on...they let pedestrians and cyclists in any nearby vicinity know what you are up to. This is important stuff and again, more than just being polite.
When there's a stop sign or a light change, look like you are actually going to stop. I can't tell you how many times I have skidded to a stop because a car looked like it was going to blow a stop sign or speed through a pink light...and then they stop on a dime. No they didn't technically do anything wrong, but dude, you scared the crap out of me. Guessing you didn't mean to, so head's up: it is really thoughtful and cool for you to ease into an appropriate stop so that I know you are not trying to kill or maim me.
When you do stop, stop at the so-called stop-line. A lot of time, drivers pull way forward up to or even past the curb line to either get a jump on their green light or see if they can pull off a right turn on red. This is mostly uncourteous to pedestrians who lose their crosswalk, but creeping up means you might not see me on your right, which can be dangerous. So please, stop where you are supposed to and thank you.
Drive the speed limit. This one is so obvious, but bears stating. Roads where the speed limits are 30 or lower are the safest for me to ride in because if heaven forbid, I do get hit by a moving vehicle, my chances of dying lessen significantly.
When you are parking, look for cyclists. This goes for when you are about to open your door and when you are pulling in or out of that parallel parking spot. I can't tell you how many times I've made eye contact with someone in the parking lane and really startled them because they had no idea I was there.
Golden Rule: When in doubt, give the cyclist the right of way. Remember, they are the vulnerable road user and we've established that you don't actually want to injure or kill them, so it's just the right thing to do.
I plan on updating and editing this post as I remember/think of more things or receive feedback, so please let me know what you think in the comments.
Drive & Ride Safe - Kelli Kavanaugh
River Days Parking, Access & Hours of Operation
It's that time of year again: Riverdays! This is an exciting time of the summer down here on the Riverwalk, but it can make parking and access to the shop a bit more difficult.
Parking is not available at the lot adjacent to the shop. Options are numerous and are detailed HERE.
Please approach the bike shop via the VIP Gate, located off of Atwater just east of Rivard. When you approach the gate, please tell the security guard that you are visiting Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Shop. They SHOULD let you in. If they don't, you can call the shop at 313-656-2453 and someone will run over to help or you can ask for their supervisor. If you are riding your bike, please dismount and walk it as you approach the entrance.
We do ask for your patience and understanding. Sometimes, a large event can be somewhat of an inconvenience, but we think it's worth it!
Wheelhouse Hours of Operation during Riverdays:
- Thursday, June 23: 10am-4pm EARLY CLOSURE FOR SHIMMER ON THE RIVER
- Friday, June 24: 10 am-8pm
- Saturday, June 25: 9am-8pm
- Sunday, June 26: 10am-5pm
- Monday, June 27: 10am-5pm EARLY CLOSURE FOR FORD FIREWORKS