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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.
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!
Holiday E-Blast
Hey, everyone! Hope you are staying sane during this crazy season!
Our Eastern Market winter location is up and running and we'd love for you to come visit. We are selling Detroit Bikes as well as a variety of American-made bicycle products.
We're located in a shipping container (which, honestly, is worth a vist in and of itself) in Eastern Market's Shed 4, located near the intersection of Russell and Division (MAP).
Our hours through the winter are as follows:
Friday & Monday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. -- Saturday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
We're also open this Thursday, 12/19, from 5 to 9 p.m. in conjuntion with Eastern Market's Third Thursday. Shed 5 will be host to a bunch of local vendors, food trucks and beer...Plus a visit from Kris Kringle...Perfect for some last-minute shopping!
We are really pleased with the high-quality, reasonably priced US-made products that we've found to offer at our shop. They 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); pedal-powered all-natural Just Soap (MA); and embroidered wool Walz Caps (CA).
You can view a photo album that features many of our products HERE.
- Gift Certificate! You can buy a tour gift certificate online or you can buy a standard gift card good for retail, service, rentals or tours at the winter shop.
- T-Shirt! We have short- and long-sleeved t-shirts. You can buy in-person ($15/$22.49) or online ($20, short-sleeved only, shipping included). Our shirts are American Apparel brand printed locally by ESP.
Procrastinator Reward!
So you've waited 'til this weekend to do your shopping? Don't feel bad, you've just had other stuff on your plate. Now it's time for your just deserts!
From Thursday 12/19 to Monday 12/23, each purchase of $25 or over gets a choice of a $10 gift card to be redeemed in 2014 OR a handmade tree ornament!
Sincerely, Karen, Kelli & the Wheelhouse Crew
November News!
We have some exciting news to share: We will be open through the winter!
Our current Riverfont location at 1340 E. Atwater will remain in operation through Monday, November 25. Hours are Friday, Saturday & Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Then what?
Looking forward to another exciting chapter in the Wheelhouse story!
Sincerely,
Karen, Kelli & the Wheelhouse Crew
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!
October Mini E-Blast
Just wanted to drop you a real quick note before we get too far into the month! Our hours in October are Friday, Saturday & Monday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
RETAIL
Bike Sale! We are having a sale of all current floor model bikes. 20% off the following bikes:
Brooklyn Cruiser Driggs 3-speed 52cm in black and white; Willow 3-speed 52cm in blue. Was $579 NOW $463.
Origin 8 Intersect 7-speed 52cm. Was $425 NOW $348.
Kona Dew Deluxe 2012 49cm Was $849 NOW $543. Dew 56 cm in black. WAS $489 NOW $391.
We have Detroit Bikes A-Type in stock! The minimalist bike has three-speed internal gears, a lightweight chromoly-steel frame and a durable, matte-black powder-coat finish. Detroit Bikes manufactures each of its frames from steel tubing cut, coped, welded and painted in its 50,000 square-foot factory on Detroit's westside. The company also builds wheels and manufactures the bike's rear rack and chain guard on-site. It retails for $550, a significant fact because a mass-produced American-made bike at a modest price point is something that hasn't been in existence since the Reagan era. We do have a demo if you want to give it a spin.
We have other makes of models of bikes in-stock, including Kona Dews of other sizes and colors and additional Brooklyn Cruiser models. These remain at their regular prices; see our blog for more info. 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'd be happy to help you pick something out. We have a wide range of distributors that we work with, and a quick turn-around on special orders.
SERVICE
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! 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
Most of our tours for the month are sold out, but have no fear, we still have a few options for you!
1. Openings remain on our Halloween Haunted Tour!
2. Book a private tour (Haunted, perhaps?) with a group! Our rates start at $180 for up to six people, including bikes. Each additional person is $25/$35 with rental. Email info@wheelhousedetroit.com to get moving on setting one up! We have great availability on weekdays and a couple of weekend slots remain.
3. Join our just-added Detroit Beer Week Dining Tour! We will enjoy a delicious course at three stops: soup at Mudgie's Deli, sliders at St. Cece's and dessert at Jefferson House. The cost of $46 ($56 with rental) includes food, a beverage at each stop and gratuity!
Please scroll our Tours Page for more details and to make reservations.
We have some big news that we hope to announce before the end of the month. Until then, keep riding and hope to see you soon!
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!
August E-Blast, feat. Detroit Bikes Launch
We can't believe it is already August! This summer has been rolling by at a racing pace, but we wanted to take a quick minute to fill you in on some Wheelhouse happenings. Remember, we are here for you seven-days-a-week: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
RETAIL
We couldn't be more thrilled to be the local purveyor of the Detroit-manufactured Detroit Bikes. The commuter A-Type, pictured, is launching into the universe with a party at The Old Miami this Friday, 8/16, from 4 to 8 PM, featuring a performance by the Detroit Cobras.
The minimalist bike has three-speed internal gears, a lightweight chromoly-steel frame and a durable, matte-black powder-coat finish. Detroit Bikes manufactures each of its frames from steel tubing cut, coped, welded and painted in its 50,000 square-foot factory on Detroit's westside. The company also builds wheels and manufactures the bike's rear rack and chain guard on-site. It retails for $550, a significant fact because a mass-produced American-made bike at a modest price point is something that hasn't been in existence since the Reagan era. So this is pretty awesome.
We'll have ten bikes for sale at the launch party, and are also taking deposits for the next shipment. To receive an email with details about the shipment schedule and making a deposit, email info@wheelhousedetroit.com.
We will continue to carry the following brands and products: Sun cruisers, comfort hybrids & adult trikes; Origin 8 urban commuters & folding bikes; Kona hybrids & cyclocross; 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'd be happy to help you pick something out. We have a wide range of distributors that we work with, and a quick turn-around on special orders.
SERVICE
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! 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
If you've been meaning to take a Wheelhouse tour, now's your chance! We have a full season through the end of October. Curious as to what they're about? Check out this recent article in the Windsor Star, "Grab your bike and go see Detroit," or watch this CriticCar Detroit video of two visitors from Milwaukee that recently rode our Hamtramck tour here. Please scroll our Tours Page for details of our full roster of offerings and to make reservat ions.
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've got ya covered, whatever kind of Detroit cycling experience you are looking for. Chill ride along the RiverFront and Dequindre Cut? Cruiser, check. Bit of a workout while you loop Belle Isle? A Kona Smoke is ready for you. Explore Midtown without breaking a sweat? We recommend a Sun Ruskin. Balance issues? We've got an adult trike with your name on it. A romantic pedal? Try a tandem! Family outing? We've got kids bikes, trailers, tag-alongs and a baby seat. In town for a few days and want to ride like a local? Try a vintage Schwinn. Whatever your selection, booking ahead saves you a dime: Online advance reservations receive a 10% discount. And 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.
ETC.
The Tour de Troit is coming up quick, on September 21, so sign up now before the price jumps at the end of the month. We'll be back in touch soon with more info about all the great rides happening in September.
We don't want you to crash when you're riding around town, so we're proud purveyors of some great and healthy snacks, including locally produced Simply Suzanne Granola and Wyoming-based Kate's Real Food bars. Both are all-natural organic choices that will get you rolllin' again!
Hope to see you soon and that you're getting in many, many miles!
March 2013 E-Blast
We're back! Can you believe this will be our sixth year in business?!?!? We have a ton of exciting things in the works for you this year but, for now, we just want to say a quick "hello" and let you know what is happening in this early spring season.
SPRING HOURS
Through March, we will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Starting in April, we will also be open on Mondays and we'll go to seven days a week in May.
RETAIL
Wheelhouse carries the following bicycle brands: Sun and its urban offshoot, Origin 8; Kona; and, new for 2013, we are thrilled to announce that we will be adding Brooklyn Cruiser and Detroit Bikes to the roster! Every bike purchased from Wheelhouse is assembled by a trained mechanic, professionally fit and granted one free tune-up – with no expiration date. Prices now slashed on all 2012 bikes. 2013 bikes will begin arriving in April, just two weeks away!
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, fenders, pump, mirror, helmet…We’ve gotcha covered!
SERVICE
We have a couple of early-season specials on standard tune-ups:
Next weekend, we have a March du Nain Rouge Special -- a Tune-Up for just $35 with a small catch: you have to say, “Get that Nain off my back!” to get the deal! This is good only for bikes brought in March 22 to 24.
The remainder of Spring, we will perform tune-ups for $40, with the price resetting to regular ($50) starting May 1.
For the second year running, Wheelhouse is teaming up with Fender Bender to offer regular “Maintenance 101” classes! Learn how to change a flat and make adjustments to your bike. We’ll also review Rules of the Road and discuss commuting tips. Classes will begin in May and run through September.
TOURS
We will be returning all of our tours from 2012 – including Architecture, Belle Isle, Eastern Market, Public Art, Hamtramck, Auto Heritage, Urban Agriculture, Murals of SW Detroit and Underground Railroad – and we’re working on a couple of new ones too! Tours start at $25 per person or $35 with a bike rental.
Look for our calendar to publish in early April. In the meantime, if you’d like to schedule a tour for your group (work, church, school, family, friends, whatever!) shoot us an email at info@wheelhousedetroit.com!
RENTALS
Bike rentals start at $15 for 2 hours and $35 for a full day. We can also accommodate multi-day rentals and we do offer accessories such as child trailer or seat or an auto rack.
Group rentals are a great outing! We do offer a price-break for groups of six to 20 with an advance reservation. Email info@wheelhousedetroit.com to book your date!
RIDE
Starting in May, we will be hosting a couple of regular fitness rides. One will be at a 12-16 mph pace and is co-sponsored by the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy and Fitness Works. The other will be a 16-20 mph pace and will be co-presented by Detroit Endurance Lab.
Also stay tuned for Yoga + Ride with Midtown Yoga Shelter Sundays in May, the Ride of Silence (5/15), Detroit Up North (6/7 to 6/9), bike-parking at Detroit City FC home matches…and lots, lots more!
We look forward to seeing you and your bike very soon.
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!
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!
Detroit Bikes SW Bike Tour
From our friends at Detroit Bikes! Sunday, September 19th The Great Southwest Detroit Industrial (Wasteland?) Bicycle Tour Detroit Bikes! is always on the lookout for new themes for our rides. Mike Krzesicki, a Detroit Bikes regular, used his unique imagination and put together a southwest side tour. This isn't your typical suburban ride through pretty neighborhoods with picket fences bordered by flower beds. Rather, this route takes us through much of the industrial underbelly of southwest Detroit. Strangely, even poetically, residences are sprinkled throughout the heavy industry complexes. As I tested the route (on a motorcycle), the imagery of "little houses on the prairie" kept popping into my head. I am confident that you, like me, will ride away from this tour with a new appreciation of the industry that has powered our economy.
Detroit Bikes Pedal Cruise
Our friends at Detroit Bikes are leading their annual Pedal Cruise this Saturday, August 21. The ride starts right here at Rivard Plaza and will head up to 8 Mile and back. It's like the Dream Cruise. But for bikes. There will be refreshment stops at Kim’s Produce and Cornerstone Bistro. It will be a relaxed pace suitable for all. Helmets are required. Bring money for refreshments. The ride is free.
It starts at 9 a.m. and ends about 1 p.m.