Job Posting – Shop Helper

Job Title: Shop Helper
Pay Rate: $8/hour
Hours: 15/week
Duties: A shop helper at Wheelhouse Detroit is an integral part of a busy, multi-faceted bike shop. S/he will assist with renting bikes; customer service; 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 availability.
Send resume and three references to info@wheelhousedetroit.com.

Mid-May Musings

It’s mid-May, and we already have a couple of updates to our E-Blast so, rather than clog your mailbox, we’ll make use of this bloggage thingie.

This Friday, May 16, is Bike to Work Day! The routes and timings are mapped out HERE. There will be a leader and sweepers on each route provided by Wheelhouse along with other event supporters. After the ride, there will be swag galore in Grand Circus Park from 7 to 9 a.m.

The annual Ride of Silence is set for Wednesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. We are meeting up at Shelter 2, and this year there is a new route. More info HERE.

We continue to add more tours to our summer schedule. Stay up-to-date on our Tours Page.

NEW BIKE IN STOCK! The Origin 8 Intersect is a sleek city steed of 7 speeds. Deep V rims, 700×28 tires. $429.

We got s a nice write -up in BLAC Magazine recently. Here’s a link to a PDF of the article: BLAC0514

That’s all for now – hope to see you soon!

Movement + Wheelhouse 2014

One of our favorite weekends of the year is theMovement Electronic Music Festival held over Memorial Day weekend. We love to get as many visitors onto a bike as possible, as we truly believe it is the best way to see the city.

To that end, we are offering discounts to anyone wearing a Movement festival wristband all weekend long. So whether you are looking for a quick ride to Eastern Market for lunch, a trip to Belle Isle for a swim, or want a bike for transportation the entire weekend, we’ve gotcha covered!

MOVEMENT FESTIVAL-GOER RENTAL RATES (CRUISERS)
$10/2 hours (reg. $15)
$18/half-day/4 hours (reg. $25)
$25/full day (reg. $35)
$40/2 days (reg. $50)
$60/3 days (reg. $75)
$75/full week (reg. $99)

You can call 313-656-2453 to reserve a bike at these rates. We’ve even developed a self-guided tour you can ride on your own! Check it out on the Movement Blog HERE.

We also offer a techno-themed tour that delves into Detroit’s epic electronic music history.

The tour will be on Monday, May 26 from Noon until 4 p.m. It’s about 16 miles, and takes riders past historic electronic music sites like The Music Institute, Underground Resistance HQ, and the Packard Plant. The tour price is $30; with bike rental, it’s $40. This “long” tour is recommended for more experienced riders.

If you are on Facebook, you can check out a great album of photos taken on one of previous Long Tours. As you can see, the stop at Underground Resistance HQ is pretty amazing.

We are also offering a Music Heritage tour on Saturday at noon that will cover not just techno, but Motown, punk, soul, rock and many of the city’s historic venues.

If you are looking for a break from music altogether, we are offering our popular Auto Heritage Tour on Saturday at noon. It includes a stop at the Packard Plant and the Model T-Plex, and offers a great overview of the industry.

You can register for any of of these tours at wheelhousedetroit.com/tours. Most of our tours sell out, so don’t wait too long!

Looking forward to seeing you at the Wheelhouse over Memorial Day weekend!

WH @ North American Bicycle Week

There’s so much biking goodness planned for the next four days here in Detroit, courtesy of the First Annual North American Bicycle Week. Here’s a little post to let everyone know some of the happenings over the next few days.

Thursday, March 26

Head up to Palmer Park at 6pm for People for Palmer Park‘s inaugural ride of the year. Or head to the Boll Family YMCA at 7pm for the NoAm Launch, with speakers that include Todd Scott from the Detroit Greenways Coalition and Beth Savan from the Toronto Cycling Think and Do Tank.

 Friday, March 27

Wheelhouse will be open on the RiverFront 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Our friends at People to Educate All Cyclists (PEAC) are hosting a ride that takes off from the YMCA at 9am and American Cycle & Fitness will be hosting demos at Eastern Market from 1 to 5pm. Back Alley Bikes has a basic mechanic class at 3:30pm.

Saturday, March 28

Wheelhouse will be open at Eastern Market from 8am to 4pm and the RiverFront from 11am to 7pm.

Plus, we’ll have a booth at the Detroit Bike City EXPO at COBO Hall from 10am to 6pm. Wheelhouse will be offering an extra-special discount opportunity: Buy a $50 gift certificate for just $40. Buy a $100 gift certificate for $80. This can be used for service, retail, rentals or tours so, if you’re thinking of booking a large group or buying a bike this year, well, this is simply an excellent opportunity!

Sunday, March 29

Wheelhouse is open from noon to 5pm at the RiverFront and we will be raffling off one Detroit Bikes A-Type bicycle! Entry can be gained to the raffle by making any purchase of $25 or more through March 28. Note: Gift certificate purchases made at the EXPO on Saturday are eligible for raffle entries. One entry for $50; 2 for $100.

And, we’re looking forward to the Alley Cat Race! It’s at 4:30 and the meet-up is at Eastern Market Shed 5. More info here.

Monday, March 31

Wheelhouse is open from 11am to 7 pm at the RiverFront. Last day to drop off your bike for a $35 spring tune-up special.

Have a great weekend in Detroit! Any questions? Ping us at FB or Twitter or email info@wheelhousedetroit.com.

March E-Blast

Spring is springing!

March may indeed be the cruelest month, but it has the potential to be the kindest. Just picture the daffodils bloom, hear the birdies chirp and feel the sweet breeze on your face whilst pedaling. No wonder so many poems reference The Ides.

We have so much coming up in this early spring, here’s just a tantalizing taste.

First things first: Our Riverfront location reopens on March 21. We will be open four days a week, Friday through Monday, until it gets a bit warmer.

We will continue to carry the following brands and products: the locally manufactured Detroit Bikes; Sun cruisers, comfort hybrids & adult trikes; Origin 8 urban commuters; Kona hybrids; and the classically-styled Brooklyn Cruiser. Plus, tires, helmets, auto racks, bike racks, frame & floor pumps, tools, lights, water bottles & bottle cages, bags, locks, pedals, bells, handlebar grips & tape, tubes, baskets…and if we don’t have what you are seeking, we have a wide range of distributors that we work with, and a quick turn-around on special orders.

We are proud to feature American-made brands, including Wald baskets (KY); King Cage bottle cages, flask cages and bells (CO); Kabeltek lock cables (AZ); Wilson Bohannan padlocks (OH); Greenfield kickstands (NY); Walnut Studiolo leather accessories (OR); Detroit Cargo bicycle luggage (MI); Jogalite lights (NH); Park Tool bicycle-specific tools (MN); Trixie & Milo Fine Flasks (OR); panniers from Ironweed Bicycle Products (OR); Green Guru upcycled panniers and pouches (CO); and embroidered wool Walz Caps (CA). We are also carrying t-shirts (Wheelhouse, Detroit Bikes & Tour de Troit) and even pedal-powered natural soaps!

GROUP RENTALS & TOURS

Beautiful weather might seem a million years away, but you can prepare for your warm-weather fun now by booking a group rental or tour for your school, work or church group; pre-wedding excursion; or team.

Group rentals start at just $10 per bike for two-hours with advanced reservations, and we do offer even more of a discount for schools and Scouts.

Our tours start at $180, all-inclusive, for six people. Popular options include Eastern Market, Architecture, Belle Isle and the Near East Side, which takes in Lafayette Park, the Heidelberg Project, and the whole of the RiverWalk.

More info on group tours here and rentals here. We can even arrange to deliver groups of bikes to your event location. Email bookings@wheelhousedetroit.com for options, procedures and rates.

SPRING SPECIALS

Tuneup Time! ‘Tis the season to get your beloved bicycle in tiptop shape. Bring ‘er in by March 31 and receive a tune-up for just $35 (Reg. $50). Word to the wise: Don’t wait ’til May to get your Spring tune-up. Do it now so you’ll be ready to ride on the first supremely beautiful day. Better yet, start your daily riding now so you’ll be bathing-suit ready come summer!

Spring Tours All tours in March and April are 5 bucks less than normal. That’s $20 per person or $30 with a rental bike. (Yes, we are trying to bribe you onto a bike.) We have Eastern Market, Architecture, Corktown and Belle Isle on the early season roster. Find out more and register at wheelhousedetroit.com/tours. It doesn’t hurt to check back regularly, as we are gradually adding the entirety of the season’s tours.

Detroit Bikes Raffle This is your last weekend to be entered into a raffle for a Detroit Bikes A-Type. How do you land such a golden ticket? Simple: Any in-store purchase of $25 or more gets you an entry. We will announce the winner the weekend of March 29.

So Many Reasons to Ride…

We can’t even hardly keep up with all the Detroit bike action. But we try. Here’s a handful of things on the docket…

March 27-30 – North American International Bike Week: Wheelhouse is excited to be part of the 1st Annual NABW. On Saturday, we’ll have a booth at Cobo Hall for Detroit Bike City and we’re kicking off our tour season that morning. The whole weekend is jam-packed with rides, shows, demos and more.

Cycle Into Spring: Explore the exciting Conner Creek Greenway with Tour de Troit and Detroit Eastside Community Collaborative. Third Annual.

June 15, July 20, August 17 & September 7 – Bicycle to the Ballpark with the Detroit Tigers: Yes, there are four dates this year!

September 20, 2014 – 13th Annual Tour de Troit!

There’s so much more in the works — and we’ll always do our best to let you know. Can’t wait to see you ride up to the shop with rosy cheeks and an enormous smile.

 See you soon!
Kelli, Karen, Tatiana, Dave, Joan & the Wheelhouse crew

February E-Blast

It might be cold outside, but spring is right around the corner! Let’s be honest, this weather does not inspire thoughts of riding bikes for most of us. So we are offering a couple of reasons that might just entice you to visit our cozy Eastern Market container, cold be damned! February Price Freeze! ALL BIKES are $50 off and everything else is 20% off for the month of February! PLUS, a raffle! Every sale over $25 will be entered into a raffle for a DETROIT BIKE! Prize will be awarded in March. One entry per purchase.

Location: Shed 4, Russell @ Division Hours: Friday & Monday, 11AM to 6 PM; Saturday, 8AM to 5PM; Sunday, Noon to 5PM We are featuring the Detroit Bikes A-Type commuter bicycle, a minimalist bike with three-speed internal gears, a lightweight chromoly-steel frame and a durable, matte-black powder-coat finish made right here in Detroit. Wheelhouse will also be offering an “A+” model that includes American-made lights, lock, kickstand, mirror, bottle cage and bell for the consumer that wants to ride away with a bike that is fully-loaded. The A-Type retails for $550; the A+ for $700. Other featured brands include Wald baskets (KY); King Cage bottle cages, flask cages and bells (CO); Kabeltek lock cables (AZ); Wilson Bohannan padlocks (OH); Greenfield kickstands (NY); Walnut Studiolo leather accessories (OR); Detroit Cargo bicycle luggage (MI); Jogalite lights (NH); Park Tool bicycle-specific tools (MN); Trixie & Milo Fine Flasks (OR); panniers from Ironweed Bicycle Products (OR); Green Guru upcycled panniers and pouches (CO); and embroidered wool Walz Caps (CA). We are also carrying t-shirts (Wheelhouse & Tour de Troit) and even pedal-powered natural soaps! Photos of the space and many of the products can be found here. We will reopen at our Riverfront Location on March 14, 2014.

GROUP RENTALS & TOURS Beautiful weather might seem a million years away, but you can prepare for your warm-weather fun now by booking a group rental or tour for your school, work or church group; pre-wedding excursion; or team. Group rentals start at just $10 per bike for two-hours with advanced reservations, and we do offer even more of a discount for schools and Scouts. Our tours start at $180, all-inclusive, for six people. Popular options include Eastern Market, Architecture, Belle Isle and the Near East Side, which takes in Lafayette Park, the Heidelberg Project, and the whole of the RiverWalk. More info on group tours here and rentals here. Emailbookings@wheelhousedetroit.com for options, procedures and rates.

Upcoming! We are hard at work planning for an amazing spring, summer and fall. One fun thing on the docket is several tours that we are conducting for the National Trust for Historic Preservation Main Street Conference when it’s in town in May. We are making sure that these guests experience a wide range of what Detroit has to offer, including Ponyride, Green Garage, N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art and even a sneak peek at Batch Brewing. Dates to save: May 10, 2014 – Cycle Into Spring September 20, 2014 – Tour de Troit June 15, July 20, August 17 & September 7  – Bicycle to the Ballpark with the Detroit Tigers (Yes, there are four dates this year!)   We hope you are managing to stay warm this winter, and that you come visit us very soon!

January E-Blast

Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Shop January 2014 E-Blast

Happy 2014 from your friends at Wheelhouse Detroit!

It’s not just the holidays this year, people. We are open all year long…This winter, in Eastern Market, four days a week…in a shipping container no less…where we’re selling Detroit Bikes and American-made bicycle products all winter long.

Location: Shed 4, Russell @ Division
Hours: Friday & Monday, 11AM to 6 PM; Saturday, 8AM to 5PM; Sunday, Noon to 5PM

We are featuring the Detroit Bikes A-Type commuter bicycle, a minimalist bike with three-speed internal gears, a lightweight chromoly-steel frame and a durable, matte-black powder-coat finish made right here in Detroit. Wheelhouse also offers an “A+” model that includes American-made lights, lock, kickstand, mirror, bottle cage and bell for the consumer that wants to ride away with a bike that is fully-loaded. The A-Type retails for $550; the A+ for $700.

Other available brands include Wald baskets (KY); King Cage bottle cages, flask cages and bells (CO); Kabeltek lock cables (AZ); Wilson Bohannan padlocks (OH); Greenfield kickstands (NY); Walnut Studiolo leather accessories (OR); Detroit Cargo bicycle luggage (MI); Jogalite lights (NH); Park Tool bicycle-specific tools (MN); Trixie & Milo Fine Flasks (OR); panniers from Ironweed Bicycle Products (OR); Green Guru upcycled panniers and pouches (CO); and embroidered wool Walz Caps (CA). We are also carrying t-shirts (Wheelhouse & Tour de Troit) and even pedal-powered natural soaps!

Photos of the space and many of the products can be found here.

We will reopen at our Riverfront Location on March 14, 2014.

GROUP RENTALS & TOURS

Beautiful weather might seem a million years away, but you can prepare for your warm-weather fun now by booking a group rental or tour for your school, work or church group; pre-wedding excursion; or team — like WSU Warriors Womens Basketball players, who rode with us last year!

Info on group tours here; rentals here; or email info@wheelhousedetroit.com for procedures and rates.

LOOKING AHEAD
Since we opened in 2008, cycling opportunities in Detroit have really exploded (which is a GREAT thing!). We have more bike lanes, more rides, more advocacy…People often ask Kelli and Karen what they do over the winter and, to be honest, the answer is “work on more bike stuff!”

We’ve got so much in store for 2014, including helping out with the 13th Annual Tour de Troit (the event that inspired us to open the Wheelhouse!); expanding bike parking opportunities with the Detroit Tigers and continuing with Detroit City FC; a robust roster of tours; maintenance classes and group rides; and always more and better retail offerings…(we do have some new product lines coming, well, on-line, so stay tuned!

A couple of bike events coming up: The 2nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bike Ride on Monday. It’s free, but requires registration, which can be found here. And then on the following Monday, author and blogger Elly Blue will be at Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Co. talking about her latest book, Bikenomics: How Bicycling Can Save the Economy. More info here.

Thanks for your interest and see you soon!