TUSCALOOSA, AL (BRAIN)—“I’m bringing an old school-type feeling to it,” Queen City Cycles’ Jason Capley said of his new shop in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Indeed, outside signage in the style of a 1950s gas station beckons customers, while inside the decor is highlighted by vintage jerseys, cycling caps and posters.
Queen City, which held its grand opening Tuesday, is owned by 16-year local bicycle retail veteran Capley and business partner Dan Hall, who, in addition to being a former catfish farmer, also has shop experience dating back to the 1980s.
The 900-square-foot shop carries Jamis exclusively for now. “A lot of brands are covered by other shops here already,” Capley said. Bikes range from sub-$200 kids’ bikes to $1,500 road rigs. Capley also keeps a number of higher-end bikes as demos that customers can try out and order from him later.
He plans to organize group road rides from the shop, and he’s also been in talks with WAMBA—the West Alabama Mountain Biking Association—about sponsoring overnight off-road rides, perhaps in Tennessee.
In the meantime, a lot of familiar faces have been dropping by Queen City. “I’ve got an established customer base. I’ve been working on bikes for a while around here,” Capley said.
—Toby Hill
thill@bicycleretailer.com
