Manhattan Bike Shops?

[pinkbikes]

Hi. I've been a bit quiet on TE lately, mainly because my DH got a brain tumour and I quit doing pretty much everything but nurse him for the past few months. I had enough energy to come and read what was going on on TE now and again (enjoyed Catrin's experiences) but no energy left to post. Unfortunately the brain tumour got him and he passed away in late September.

So now DD and I are on our own (except for our gorgeous new Miniature Schnauzer Oliver, who is keeping us smiling) and we have decided to get away for our first Christmas on our own. I asked DD where she wanted to go for Christmas, and her response was "Paris or New York." Do you think we might have traipsed her around the world a bit too much for a twelve year-old? I was thinking somewhere a bit closer to home!!

But after a bit of a think, I decided on New York, because I have been there before (albeit 14 years ago) and people speak English there! These are both really useful things if you are planning a trip to the other side of the world with limited time to plan and execute. Besides - I REALLY loved New York the last time - it was the highlight of our trip.

So this time, our focus will be quite different, since we will probably shop more and look at architecture and history a little less than on my last trip with DH. DD likes history and architecture, but there is a limit to her patience when what she really wants to do is buy shoes with the money she has saved!

But all this shopping is no good if you can't buy bike goodies! And the Aussie Dollar is so nice right now that bike goodies are definitely on the shopping list. So what I really need to know is where to go in Manhattan (or somewhere easily accessible by public transport - I'll have a Metrocard) to find some good LBS for gazing on gadgets, clothes, really anything bike-ish that can separate me from my money! A girl can never have too many jerseys, right? A new bike seat? A nice pannier I can use as a carry-on to get home? Anything really! This isn't about what I NEED for my bikes (they lack nothing really) - more about some retail therapy to make me happy!

And maybe a NY Bikesnob something?

[PamNY]

I'm so sorry about your loss. How lovely that you and your daughter are planning something special for the holiday.

There are lots of bike shops in Manhattan. Here are a few that I know. All of these are easy to reach by subway.

http://bicyclehabitat.com/

http://www.paragonsports.com/
Large store with a bike section that's worth visiting. Lots of outdoor
clothing, too.

http://www.sidsbikes.com/

http://www.adelineadeline.com/
Downtown in Tribeca. Very, very upscale but fun. They have Yakkay helmets.

http://www.chelseabicycles.net/
Where I get repairs done. Small, crowded and funky, but nice people.

http://outlier.cc/
Outlier has a showroom in Brooklyn. I haven't been there, but it might be interesting if you are in Brooklyn.

Hope you have a great trip!

[Pedal Wench]

So sorry for your lost.

I know that REI is opening a new store in Manhattan this November! Fun stuff!!!

And, a friend's husband owns a shop: Al's Cycle Solutions

[pinkbikes]

I'm so sorry about your loss. How lovely that you and your daughter are planning something special for the holiday.

There are lots of bike shops in Manhattan. Here are a few that I know. All of these are easy to reach by subway.

http://bicyclehabitat.com/

http://www.paragonsports.com/
Large store with a bike section that's worth visiting. Lots of outdoor
clothing, too.

http://www.sidsbikes.com/

http://www.adelineadeline.com/
Downtown in Tribeca. Very, very upscale but fun. They have Yakkay helmets.

http://www.chelseabicycles.net/
Where I get repairs done. Small, crowded and funky, but nice people.

http://outlier.cc/
Outlier has a showroom in Brooklyn. I haven't been there, but it might be interesting if you are in Brooklyn.

Hope you have a great trip!

Oooh goody - thank you lots PamNY! I had seen Paragon in the guidebook but they didn't mention cycling in the many sports they catered for, so was unsure whether they carried any bike stuff. This gives me plenty of bike stuff to bore the DD with!

[pinkbikes]

And thanks to all of you for your kind thoughts. It was pretty crappy, but we are doing pretty well all things considered and we are looking forward to our trip. And yes - spending all those nice AU$ CC!

And yes badgercat - we LOVE the cold. In the past we regularly did house exchanges with Canadians for a couple of months over Christmas. We love to ski and they loved to get away to somewhere warm for the winter! So we will love wandering around in the cold of NY winter.

[Catrin]

Pink, I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I can't help with NY shopping ideas, but am glad that you and your DD are able to take this special trip. Hopefully for your sake there will be a favorable exchange rate

[Bike Chick]

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. How very sad for you

I can't help you with your trip--I've never been to NY but I hope you have a very enjoyable trip to the old U S of A!

[PamNY]

And yes badgercat - we LOVE the cold. In the past we regularly did house exchanges with Canadians for a couple of months over Christmas. We love to ski and they loved to get away to somewhere warm for the winter! So we will love wandering around in the cold of NY winter.

You might consider renting bikes if the weather is not too severe (and it usually isn't). I'll ask around about winter rentals if you are interested.

The greenway along the Hudson River is level, easy and beautiful. You can see the Statue of Liberty, the piers where cruise ships come in, Riverside Park, and the George Washington Bridge among other things.

[maillotpois]

Pink - I am so sorry for your family's loss. Big hugs to both of you.

I cannot imagine a more magical place to spend Christmas than NYC. You and your daughter are going to have a wonderful time. Be sure to have some hot roasted chestnuts out on the street and plan to spend plenty of time wandering through Macy's and Bloomingdales and all the decorated shops. FAO Schwartz would also be wonderful at Christmastime.

Oh - and ice skate at Rockefeller Center!

Have a marvelous time planning!

[nikkoblu2]

Pink...I'm so sorry to hear of the loss you and your daughter are experiencing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Even though I'm only across the river I don't do any cycling in the Big Apple. But, I just wanted to remind you to swing by Rockefeller Center and see the gorgeous Christmas tree and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Maybe a little hot chocolate...mmm.

Have a wonderful Christmas

[ccnyc]

I'm so sorry for your loss. And happy to hear that you and DD are doing okay.

Another bike shop to check out is http://signaturecycles.com/document/111633
Lots of bling. Lots of fancy clothing including women's.
It's literally right around the corner from Toga Bikes.

[warneral]

I can't help you with your question but I am sorry to hear of your loss. Have fun planning your trip!

[crazycanuck]

PB, i'm sorry to hear about your DH's passing .

HOpefully the Aussie dollar will keep rising against the greenback so you can buy more . (I love the exchange rate at the moment..can buy more Cliff stuff from REI )

I loved NYC & really want to go back but there are other places to see...

Have fun!

[OakLeaf]

Pink, I'm so sorry for your loss.

But no help on your trip. Hope you and your daughter have a great time.

[badgercat]

I'm so sorry for your loss (and the struggles you must have endured during the few months preceding). I think taking a special mother-daughter trip for the holidays is a wonderful idea.

I've only been to NYC once as an adult, and it was very brief and in the summer so I unfortunately don't have many ideas to offer. I would say if you tire of shopping (impossible!? ) spend some time in Central Park--I was amazed at how when I was wandering through it, I forgot I was right in the middle of the big city--but I'm not sure what that's like in the winter (or how fond you are of being out in the cold. I love it, personally, but I know it's not for all!

Here's hoping you find plenty of great places to shop and sightsee, and that the exchange rate stays firmly in your favor!