For us there is always room for another neighborhood bike shop, In our perfect world they would out number Starbucks. Innovation has the kind of small friendly shop that makes you feel like you have come home, with a surprisingly large stock of pro level components and services. If you live on the Upper West Side or you are in the neighborhood come check it out. We spoke with the Store manager Camie Kornely:

NYVC: How did you come to Innovation Bike Shop?
Camie Kornely: We spent nearly a year finding the location….wanting something near the park and in a growing neighborhood where we could develop the business.

NYVC: And what is your background in cycling and business?
CK: Melito has been riding and racing his whole life and has built his cycling and his racing through his knowledgeable handling of bikes.

Ulises was once a racer and derives his knowledge from those racing years and is also a highly skilled mechanic.

I have a short racing history, but have rapidly progressed and is currently in the Melito School of Bike Machine Works. I’m also an exercise physiologist and can help customers along those lines.

NYVC: Tell me about the area you are in?
CK: The neighborhood is an eclectic mix of established Hispanic residents and a growing group of young families. It’s quiet and very friendly.

NYVC: How would you like to see the business grow?
CK: Obviously we would like to expand and we intend to develop our retail areas for triathletes and high end racers….we will have a CRCA team next year.

NYVC: What do you think are the strengths of your shop?
CK: Our strengths are our customer service….you know we have a pick up and delivery service throughout Manhattan….we will pick up your bike and drop it off….and we’re always open…9-8 during the week and 9-6 on the weekends. Melito is going to lead do it yourself workshops and Camie’s also a certified spinning instructor and will be leading spinning classes at the shop in the fall and through the winter.

NYVC: How have you seen the business change?
CK: I think bike shops are expanding into other areas, skates/rollerblades, snowboards, etc….we’re a bike shop, we know bikes.

NYVC: What do you see in the future for cycling and local bike shops?
CK: The market is pretty saturated…you need to know your market and hone in on it and bring something special or unique.

Innovation Bike shop
105 W. 106th St. near Columbus Hours: M-F 9am-8pm, Sa-Su 9am-6pm (212)678-7130
innovationbikeshop.com