In my spare time, I enjoy browsing through the aisles in grocery stores or through racks in clothing shops. However, this is an experience that is fairly universal, as shopping for food and clothing is done out of necessity, rather than out of luxury. Therefore, I decided to test out the waters of an unfamiliar place by visiting a bicycle store.
I have actually never been to a bicycle store before. When I was little, I bought my first bike at a large sporting goods center, and while I was studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark (aka cycle central), I bought my bike from a sweet grandma who was selling hers on the Danish version of eBay. Therefore, I had no idea what to expect on my visit to this new territory.
According to Google Maps, the shop that I chose to visit was tucked away in a little neighborhood near Fenway. As I made my way down the street, I recognized familiar sites—REI, the Elephant Walk (one of my favorite restaurants), and the view of the Pru. On my stroll, I couldn’t help but appreciate the rays of the sun that had been missing from the gray winter months. However, the bright rays ended up flushing out the teal façade distinguishing the bike boutique, and I almost missed the entrance to the store. A doorbell jingled as a tall man scootered out the door on his white and teal ride. Ah, here it is—Superb Bicycle Boutique.
I proceeded to enter the store, yet struggled significantly with the door (it swung outward). Doesn’t it make more sense to have the door swing in to the building, so it is continuous with your flow? I am easily annoyed when I have to take a step back to accomodate doors that swing outwards. I digress.
As I clambered in, bright teal walls emphasized by the beaming natural light invited me into the space. The dainty, scallop-shaped shelves coupled with the vibrant colors reminded me of the cupcakes on display at Sprinkles. The lady at the front—she looked about my age, with a thick cat-eye and multiple piercings—smiled and asked if she could be of any assistance. After nodding in her direction to indicate that no, I was just here to browse, I began my journey around the store. To be completely honest, I had no interest in the bikes. To me, the pattern of the wallpaper and the color scheme were more interesting, but I felt awkward poring over the walls.
Ah, finally done with the bike section. The change in scenery gave me an excuse to genuinely be interested in the accessories, as I shuffled through the biking outfits and examined the u-locks on the sale shelf. Oh! I see backpacks! I immediately shuffled over to the section and found myself looking up at the desired item of interest. Man, I hate it when I can’t reach the items I want to look at. Why is it so high up?! Why am I so short?! But as I held my gaze upward, I was surprised to see interesting patterns on the beams. I leaned my head back further (I don’t know why I didn’t just turn around and look up) and saw several chandeliers.
Yes, chandeliers.
In a bicycle store. I was more captivated by these shiny adornments than the bicycles on display, so I completed my procession around the store with my gaze held up. I didn’t even notice the maintenance shop on the floor below or the two people staring at me, trying to figure out what about the ceiling was so fascinating.
The layout of the store was easy to follow (basically a donut with the bikes in the center and all the accessories lining the walls), but the restrictions of the space made the placement of the products very awkward (re: backpacks at unreachable heights). Supposedly, those who come to the store to purchase new bikes are allowed to ride them around the store, but I don’t see how that is possible given the size limitations (and the “luxurious” ambience. Squeaky bike tires in a room with chandelier lighting and Beaux-Art couches? Nope, don’t think so.)
After coming back home and doing more research on the store, I found out that Superb was the sister shop to Cambridge Bicycle on Central Street. I had always been frightened by the original store because it seemed grungy and unapproachable, but decided to venture over to do a comparison of the two stores. However, when I reached the storefront, I was unable to convince myself to enter. One peek into the space revealed a cluttering assortment of bikes and dudes in tight black skinnies, tattoos, and multiple piercings. The lack of enticing features in the store coupled with my unfounded fear of ear gauges encouraged me to move on.
If you’re looking for a place to get your bike serviced/repaired, check out Cambridge Bicycle (qualified by the various “Best of Boston” stickers on the window). However, if you’re looking for a place to be amazed (or stretch out your neck), Superb Bicycle Boutique is the place to go.