June E-Blast

June is here, and with it wonderful weather for cycling...we hope! Keep reading for info about bikes, bike rides, bike tours and bike repair...You might call us single-minded here at the Wheelhouse.

The shop is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the following two exceptions: We are closed on Monday, June 24 due to the Fireworks and will be open holiday hours of 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Independence Day, Thursday, July 4.

RETAIL

As more and more people shop online and at big box stores, there is fear within the bike industry that the independent bike shop is an endangered species. Wheelhouse strives to offer a well-thought out selection of bikes and bike accessories about which our staff can knowledgably speak. We are confident that neither the world wide web nor Big-Marts can compete with us there. So shop smart, shop local, shop Wheelhouse!

We carry the following brands, all of which we believe to be of great quality and fairly priced: Sun cruisers, comfort hybrids & adult trikes; Origin 8 urban commuters & folding bikes; Kona hybrids & cyclocross; Brooklyn Cruisers; Continental, Kenda & Michelin tires; helmets from Bell, Giro, Lazer & 661; Michelin & Q tubes; auto racks from Saris (made in the USA!); bike racks from Topeak, Wald (made in the USA!) & Axiom; Park Tool floor pumps & tools; Knog & Planet Bike lights; bottle cages from King Cage (made in the USA!) & Dimension; Timbuk2 & Jandd bags; & locks from Kryptonite...plus pedals, bells, handlebar grips & tape; tubes; frame pumps; baske ts...whatever your cycling pleasure!

Investing in your bike by adding a rack or a basket, swapping out knobby tires for slicks or installing lights can make a huge impact in its functionality. Next thing you know, your butt is on a bike on the regular!

SALE! We're ready for all of our 2012 bikes to find good homes, so we are really slashing prices.

Origin 8 F1 single speed folding bike: REG $350 NOW $275

Dew Deluxe 49cm: REG $849 NOW $679

Civia Twin City single speed: REG $595 NOW $500

SERVICE

Wheelhouse's service feedback has been really great this year, between the efficiency of our new Point-of-Sale system and the excellence of the work that mechanic Dave Burke puts into every bike. So what are you waiting for? Bring that ride in for a tune-up that will get you back on the road in better shape than ever!

Our full menu of service prices can be found here. Please note that, in almost every case, service requires that you drop off your bike. We also offer Service Delivery! Yep, we can pick-up and/or drop-off your wounded cycle anywhere in Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park and the inner ring suburbs. For pricing, please visit our Service Page.

TOURS

Tour season is in full swing! We pride ourselves on offering an authentic experience that will be informative to visitors and lifers alike. Oh yeah, and they are fun! Please scroll our Tours Page for details and to make reservations.

We also offer private tours, which are great as a corporate team-building exercise, staff outing, non-profit fund-raiser, conference activity or pre-wedding excursion. A downloadable PDF with more info can be found here.

RENTALS

We have expanded our rental fleet, adding more cruisers, some comfort hybrids, an adult tricyle and an additional kids trailer. Online advance reservations available for a 10% discount. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends, as we sometimes do run out of bikes at peak hours.

WEEKDAY WALK-IN SPECIAL: On Tuesdays and Thursdays, a 2-hour cruiser rental is half-off, just $7.50. Fine print: cruisers only, no reservations, subject to availability.

GOT GROUP? We offer discounts to groups of six to 20 with advance notice and a deposit. More info available at Wheelhouse Group Rentals and Schools & Scouts. We can also deliver bikes to your event; inquire at info@wheelhousedetroit.com.

EVENTS

It's great to see so many health-oriented businesses sprouting up around town, and we are partnering with several of them for some fantastic fun-n-fit activities through the summer months. We have Wheelhouse Workouts every other Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m., a free 12-15MPH ride; bi-weekly Endurance Thursdays, a free group ride that will be paced at 15-18MPH from 6-8 p.m. held in partnership with Detroit Endurance Lab; and a series of fitness tours with True Body Fitness. More info here.

Our Basic Maintenance Classes w/Fender Bender are back! This two-hour class will teach you some introductory mechanics like how to change a flat and will go over some basic rules of the road and commuting tips. Classes cost just $5 and include a patch kit. Dates for the rest of the year are Jun 27 - Jul 11 - Jul 25 - Aug 8 - Aug 22 - Sep 12 - Sep 2.

As biking becomes more and more visible as a form of transportation, more and more events are adding bike parking as an amenity, and we are happy to help out! You'll find us at Detroit City FC home matches at Cass Tech (next up: tonight vs. Zanesville FC at 7:30 p.m.) and Riviere 28's Soiree on the Greenway on July 18...more to come!

We are a proud sponsor of two upcoming rides that are raising funds for some deserving causes.

On June 22, suit up for the Fourth Annual Compuware Motor City Bike Ride, which offers 20-mile fun ride and a Metric Century (62-mile) option. The event raises funds for the Danialle Karmanos Work It Out Foundation in support of youth health and wellness. Find out more and register here.

The Second Annual SASHA Center Detroit Bike Tour Fundraiser is set for June 23 at noon. We'll take off from the Wheelhouse and enjoy a casual ride through the Greater Downtown area with stops at organizations that assist survivors of sexual assault -- key to SASHA's mission. It also includes a lunch stop at Goodwells! Find out more and register at their website.

Hope to see you soon and that you're having a great summer!

Thanks, Your Friends at Wheelhouse Detroit

April E-Blast

Hi everyone, It feels like we are still waiting for spring to begin, doesn't it? Now is the best time to bring your bike in for service, before you want to ride it, so it's ready for you when the weather turns. Plus, a basic tune-up is on special for just $40 for the rest of the month!

RETAIL

Wheelhouse carries the following bicycle brands: Sun and its urban offshoot, Origin 8; Kona; and, new for 2013, Brooklyn Cruiser and Detroit Bikes. Brooklyn Cruisers (pictured) come in single-, three- and seven-speeds and will begin arriving next week. Detroit Bikes, much like the Model T, are manufactured here and come in one color: black. They're expected to be here in July.

Every bike purchased from Wheelhouse is assembled by a trained mechanic, professionally fit and granted one free tune-up – with no expiration date. Prices slashed on all 2012 bikes and 2013 bikes are now arriving!

Want to ride more? You might need lights, a rack or fenders to make your ride safer and more comfortable. And guess what? We stock a full range of top bike accessory brands such as Continental, Topeak, Planet Bike, Bell, Giro, Axiom, Saris, Kenda, Park Tool, Knog, Michelin, Timbuk2, Kryptonite, Master Lock, Pedros and Jandd. What do you need? A tube, tire, saddle, bag, basket, pump, mirror, helmet…We’ve gotcha covered!

TOURS & RENTALS

This weather has caused us to postpone the start of our tour season a week, so we'll kick off the season with a tour of Belle Isle on April 20. Visit wheelhousedetroit.com/tours to read up on our offerings and make a reservation.

We also offer private tours, which are great as a corporate team-building exercise, non-profit fund-raiser, conference activity or pre-wedding excursion. Group rentals are also available at a discounted rate with an advance reservation. A downloadable PDF with more info can be found here and you can email us at info@wheelhousedetroit.com to set something up.

COMING UP...

There are so many amazing things approaching on the horizon...May will see the start of our fitness rides and maintenance classes and the Detroit City FC will kick off its season...June is Detroit Up North, River Days and the Motor City Bike Ride...July will be Bike the Bridge...and Tour de Troit is September 21...whew!

Also, stay tuned for info about our 5th Anniversary party in early May...You're invited!

Warmer weather is on its way, and we are looking forward to another great season here on the Riverfront.

Thanks, Your Friends at Wheelhouse Detroit

1340 E. Atwater Rivard Plaza, Detroit RiverFront Detroit, MI 48207 313-656-BIKE (2453) www.wheelhousedetroit.com Follow us on Twitter @wheelhouse_det Become a Facebook Fan of Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Shop!

June E-Blast

Hello there, Wheelhouse friend! Please accept our apologies for being so super late with our monthly e-blast but, guess what? We've been busy! So here's a brief note to get us through the Fourth of July holiday and then hopefully we will get back on schedule!

We are open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the following exceptions: We are closed on Monday, June 25 due to the Fireworks. We will be open holiday hours of 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4.

2012 Detroit River Days Festival If you are visiting the shop this weekend, please be mindful that that the 2012 River Days Festival will be in full swing, happening June 22-24, 2012! Thousands of Detroiters and visitors will be visiting the Detroit International Riverfront with the return of the this fantastic festival, so anticipate pedestrian traffic on your ride over, or increased vehicular traffic if you are driving (please note that the Rivard Plaza parking lot adjacent to our shop is closed for festival staging).

Tour Info Be sure to visit wheelhousedetroit.com/tours to read up on our complete roster of offerings and to make a reservation as many of them do sell out. We cap registration at 15 riders to ensure a safe ride and that everyone can hear the guide!

We also book private tours, some with families and friends, others for work outings. Just a heads-up, we are now booking for the end of July and beyond, so keep that in mind if you are planning an outing. Give us a call at 313-656-2453 or email us at info@wheelhousedetroit.com to set one up!

Classes & Workouts! Mark your calendars for our bi-weekly bike maintenance classes taught by our friends at Fender Bender! The two-hour Tuesday workshops includes instruction on how to change a flat, patch a tube, adjust your seat and handlebars plus some trouble-shooting tips, Rules of the Road discussion and commuting guidelines. Classes cost just $5 and include a patch kit. Remaining dates are June 26; July 10 and 24; August 14 and 28; and September 11 and 25. They start at 6 p.m. sharp and are first-come, first-serve.

Every other Wednesday, join us for Wheelhouse Workouts, a 20-mile fitness ride at a moderate pace (12 to 15 mph) with a varying route. This ride is offered in conjunction with our friends at FitnessWorks, who will kindly provide participants with a rest and water stop. Remaining dates are July 18; August 1 and 15; and September 5 and 19. This ride is FREE!

Wear Wheelhouse! Our sharp Wheelhouse t-shirts are available at the shop for $15, or you can pick one up online here for $20 (as modeled by Wheelhouse's own Adam Bedell, starting defender for Detroit City FC).

Other Great Bike Happenings Coming up on June 30 is The Thunderdrome! a two-wheeled race (both motorized and non- in several different classes) that takes place at the until-recently abandoned Dorais Velodrome in northeast Detroit. It costs 5 bucks to spectate, and that enters you into a raffle for this new bike provided by none other than the Wheelhouse! It should be a fun event to ride or watch!

Registration is open for the Eleventh Annual Tour de Troit. This year, the date is September 15. Early bird registration is open through June; the price starts to jump after that! More info in future editions about the Colin Hubbell Memorial Ride (August 11), Jcycle II (August 19) and Compuware Motor City Bike Ride (August 25).

Don't forget! Wheelhouse provides free bike valet at all Detroit City FC home games, which are held at Cass Tech. You can find us on the south end of the field. The remaining games are 23 and July 1, with playoffs expected. If you haven't made it to a match yet, you are really missing something special. We love Le Rouge!

Here at the Wheelhouse, we strive to provide a great offering of bike-related retail stock and exceptional bike service. We turn bikes around typically in one to six days and are still carrying an array of new bikes and bike accessories at what we consider to be fair prices!

Thanks for your patronage, Your Friends at Wheelhouse Detroit

May E-Blast

We believe our monthly email missives are truly the best way to stay up-to-date with Wheelhouse goings-on. Check out our latest and, if you agree, sign up at wheelhousedetroit.com! Hello there, Wheelhouse friend!

We are now fully entrenched in our seven-day-a-week summer schedule. We are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The only day we will be closed this month is May 30, when we'll take a belated day off for Memorial Day. Otherwise, come by during our posted hours and we promise that we will be here rain or shine!

Retail+Service Looking for a new ride? Look no further! We have hybrids and cruisers starting at just $300. We carry Kona, Origin 8 and Sun. For an updated list of bikes currently on the floor, head over to Bikes for Sale.

We stock a wide variety of accessories that can make your bike prettier, tougher, more utilitarian…whatever you desire it to be! We carry pumps, lights, racks, baskets, saddles, pedals, fenders, bells and helmets...and if we don't carry it, we get special orders in weekly.

Never let it be said that we put the cart before the horse: we finally have t-shirts! Featuring our street/spoke logo in white on black and retailing for $15, you'll want to buy a spare!

Tune-ups are back to regular price: 50 bucks. We pride ourselves on quality service and a quick turn-around, so drop your bike off and, when you pick it up, we believe that you will be highly satisfied with the results. And if you are not? We promise to rectify the situation.

Tour the city with Wheelhouse! We blast into our peak tour season with our May roster, which includes at least three tours a week. This weekend features Architecture (5/5 10 a.m.), Underground Railroad (5/5 1 p.m.) and Grandmont Rosedale (5/6 11 a.m.). The rest of the month features Urban Agriculture, Eastern Market, Hamtramck, Belle Isle, Midtown/Woodbridge, Murals of Southwest Detroit, Automotive Heritage, Southwest Detroit/Fort Wayne, Public Art and our favorite Memorial Day Weekend treat: Techno in the 313. Be sure to visit wheelhousedetroit.com/tours to read up on our complete roster of offerings and to make a reservation.

Our tours are a fun and healthy way to explore the city, and we believe that even life-long Detroiters will learn a thing or two on them! To make sure that we have accurate and up-to-date information, we partner with community organizations and then share a portion of the proceeds -- over $6,000 to date -- with the group that helped us design and execute the tour. Some of our partners include People for Palmer Park, Bridging Communities, Automotive National Heritage Area, Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, the Sierra Club, Villages CDC and the Belle Isle Conservancy.

We also offer private group tours, which are great as a corporate team-building exercise, non-profit fund-raiser, conference activity or pre-wedding excursion. Group rentals are also available at a discounted rate with an advance reservation. Give us a call at 313-656-2453 or email us at info@wheelhousedetroit.com and we'll set something up!

Fender Bender Maintenance Classes Mark your calendars for our bi-weekly bike maintenance classes taught by our friends at Fender Bender! The two hour Tuesday workshops includes instruction on how to change a flat, patch a tube, adjust your seat and handlebars plus some trouble-shooting tips, Rules of the Road discussion and commuting guidelines. Classes cost just $5 and include a patch kit. Dates are May 8 and 22; June 12 and 26; July 10 and 24; August 14 and 28; and September 11 and 25. They start at 6 p.m. sharp and are first-come, first-serve.

Wednesday Wheelhouse Workouts Every other Wednesday, join us for Wheelhouse Workouts, a 20-mile fitness ride at a casual pace (12 to 15 mph) with a varying route. This ride is offered in conjunction with our friends at FitnessWorks, who will kindly provide participants with a rest and water stop. Dates are May 16; June 6 and 20; July 18; August 1 and 15; and September 5 and 19. This ride is FREE!

Other Great Events There is a great number of exciting rides in Detroit this year, and we wanted to make sure that we at least inform you of the ones in which we are involved!

• Ride of Silence: An annual, national, slow-paced bicycle ride that honors those cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. The 10-mile Detroit Ride of Silence will be on May 16 at Belle Isle leaving from Scott Fountain promptly at 7:00 pm.
• Cycle Into Spring: Join the Detroit Eastside Community Collaborative for this inaugural event on May 19 to raise funds for the Conner Creek Greenway. The 20-mile route will begin and end at Maheras Gentry Park on the shores of the Detroit River; sites include Mt. Olivet Cemetery and Chandler Park. The ride costs $25 or $35 with lunch from Slow's Bar B Q. Join us on the Eastside for a fun ride for a great cause! Registration is open.
• Detroit Up North Ride: We're hitting the road to Port Austin! There are one- and two-day options for this 150-mile haul and you can also choose to camp with us if you so please. Get the deets here and register here.
• Tour de Troit: Registration is open for the Eleventh Annual Tour de Troit. This year, the date is September 15. We're looking at 5,000 participants this year, so lock your spot in early!

We will have more information on other rides we support in future E-Blasts, including Cycle for Literacy (June 16), Bike the Bridge (June 17), Colin Hubbell Memorial Ride (August date TBD), Jcycle II (August 19) and Compuware Motor City Bike Ride (August 25).

One last thing: Wheelhouse will be providing free bike parking at all Detroit City FC home games, which will be held at Cass Tech. The matches are set for May 12 and 26; June 2, 16 and 23; and July 1. We are super excited to support Le Rouge!

See you soon at the Wheelhouse…and on the road!

Looking forward to a great summer, Your Friends at Wheelhouse Detroit

1340 E. Atwater Detroit, MI 48207 313-656-BIKE (2453) www.wheelhousedetroit.com wheelhousedetroit.wordpress.com Become a Facebook Fan of Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Shop!

March E-Blast

Here is our March E-Blast. It has info about the upcoming season and special tune-up prices and bike sales. If you like what you read, you should sign up on our website! We send out emails once a month that let you know what's up at the Wheelhouse and in the greater world of Detroit cycling. Happy spring, dear Wheelhouser!

We are so thrilled to be kicking off our 2012 season this weekend! We officially open our doors at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 16 and we'll be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through April -- we go to a seven-day-a-week schedule beginning May 1. Roll on down and say hello!

Show your bike some love Whether your trusty cycle has spent the winter lonely and unused or you took full advantage of the mild winter, it more than likely needs a tune-up! This weekend only, we are offering an extra-special deal in honor of the 3rd Annual Marche du Nain Rouge, which will take place Sunday, March 25 at 1 p.m. in the Cass Corridor. Drop your bike off and utter the magic phrase, "Get that Nain off my back!" and a full tune-up will run you just 35 Bucks!

For the remainder of our spring season, a tune-up will cost $40 and in May, it jumps up to our regular price of $50.

A tune-up entails a complete inspection, adjustment and lubrication of your bicycle. We adjust gears and brakes, true wheels, adjust the headset and bottom bracket and check all nuts and bolts. We will also lube your bike as needed. We will perform all repairs necessary to put your bike into the best shape it can be for safe and reliable operation. If your bike needs any new parts, we will let you know, but parts and installation labor are not included in the initial fee. We recommend tune-ups once a year at a minimum for all bikes.

Shop local, shop Wheelhouse! In the market for a new ride? Our 2012 stock will be arriving in the next month, so we have slashed prices on any 2011 bikes that remain in stock including an Origin 8 Cutler 7-speed for $255 (Reg. $330) and a single speed for $225 (Reg. $299); Sun Drifter 7-speed step-through in blue for just $310 (Reg. $360); single speed Sun adult trike in white for $330 (Reg. $370); Origin 8 Brutus for just $375 (Reg. $500); Kona Smoke for $350 (Reg. $429); and Kona Jake for $599 (Reg. $899).

We also have a robust selection of tubes, lights, bags, racks, locks, helmets, tires and more so come by and shop Wheelhouse for those accessories your bike has its heart set on!

As featured in National Geographic Traveler! Over the last four years, we have learned what works and what doesn't in terms of bike touring and are committed to fun, informative and safe outings that enhance the communities that we visit. This year, we have over 90 tours on our calendar. Where will we pedal? Southwest Detroit, Hamtramck, Eastern Market, Belle Isle, Indian Village, Palmer Park, the Conner Creek Greenway....and many other fascinating Detroit neighborhoods. What will we discover? Architecture, Urban Farming, Automotive Heritage, Public Art, Underground Railroad History...and lots of other compelling aspects of Detroit's history -- and present.

Last year, most sold tours out, so we recommend visiting our Tours Page today to peruse our calendar of offerings and reserve your spot today. You can also download a handy-dandy one-pager listing here.

We also want to make sure you know that we do private group tours, which are great as a corporate team-building exercise, non-profit fund-raiser, conference activity or pre-wedding excursion. Group rentals are also available at a discounted rate with an advance reservation. Give us a call at 313-656-2453 and we'll set something up!

What's in the works for 2012 At the shop, you'll see a mix of familiar and new faces. Of course, Karen and Kelli are back, along with Alex, Ron and Rob and our team of amazing tour staff: Brian, Mike D., Todd, Patrick, Mike G., Paul, Marc, Tiffany, Melissa and Jeremy. You'll also be meeting some new employees, including Sarah, Tatiana and Mari in the coming weeks, so be sure to stop by and introduce yourself!

We have a ton of plans for the season, culminating with the Eleventh Annual Tour de Troit, which is set for September 15. There's also the inaugural Detroit Up North on June 8 and Compuware's Motor City Bike Ride on August 25 for starters, so we will be sure to let you know about registration opportunities for them as well as others that are still in the works.

We will also be hosting a FREE bi-weekly Wednesday night ride in partnership with FitnessWorks. Also bi-weekly, but on Tuesdays, we'll be holding low-cost maintenance workshops in partnership with Fender Bender. More details to come!

Last but not least, we are super-excited to be a sponsor of Detroit Bike City at Cobo Center on March 24. We will have a vendor booth at the show and will also be providing free attended bike parking. Hope to see you there!

In closing, we can't thank you enough for your past support of Wheelhouse, and are really looking forward to another year exploring the Motor City on two wheels.

Sincerely, Your Friends at Wheelhouse Detroit

1340 E. Atwater Detroit, MI 48207 313-656-BIKE (2453) www.wheelhousedetroit.com wheelhousedetroit.wordpress.com Become a Facebook Fan of Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Shop!

Misc. Musings

• This weekend holiday hours: Monday, July 4, noon to 5 p.m. Closed Tuesday, July 5. Regular hours resume June 6.

• Don't forget to sign up for Compuware's Motor City Bike Ride! It's a great ride out to Metro Beach and Back plus lunch! Raises funds for kids health and wellness.

• Will be updating our Bikes for Sale page this week, but for now you should know we've got a new ride in stock: The Origin 8 Brutus. It's got a single speed/fixed gear hub and a wicked dark night blue paint job. $500.

• This weekend's tours are all sold out, so press forward to July 9 if you are looking for one!

• We've been busier than ever, thanks for your support!

4 Upcoming Rides

Wheelhouse is involved with four (4!) upcoming Detroit bike rides. Here are the deets! Ride of Silence - May 18, 7 p.m.

The Ride of Silence is an annual, slow-paced ride that takes place at hundreds of locations across the country -- and world. It is designed to memorialize cyclists that have been killed or injured while riding. It is a slow-paced, quiet 10-mile ride. It starts at 7 p.m. at Scott Foundation on Belle Isle. Please arrive a bit early to get situated and sign a waiver. The RoS is free and no pre-registration is necessary.

Bike the Bridge 2011 - June 12, 6 a.m.

Bike the Bridge is your only opportunity to ride across the Ambassador Bridge! The ride is set for June 12, but you must register by May 27! Head to Eventbrite to do so!

Colin Hubbell Detroit Bike Ride - June 18, 9:30 a.m.

Join us for the 3rd Annual Hubbell ride, which benefits the Colin Hubbell Fund. There are two options, an eight-miler and a 25-miler; both rides start and finish at Traffic Jam's parking lot on Canfield in Midtown.  Register at Eventbrite.

Compuware Corporation's Motor City Bike Ride - July 16, 8:30 a.m.

In its second year, this fun-filled, one-day ride raises funds for DKWIO to provide healthy programming for Michigan youth via Danialle Karmanos' Work it Out Foundation.

Riders start from Campus Martius Park, with a “Ride Rally” from 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. The team will then ride to Metro Beach, where lunch will be served between 11 a.m. and noon. After lunch, riders will return to Campus Martius Park for a celebration!

There are only spots for 150 riders, so don’t wait to register. Sign up Compuware Corporation's Motor City Bike Ride 2011.