Dec. 7, 2017 By Christian Murray
A Long Island City bicycle shop is closing next week after being in business 10 years.
L.I.C. Bikes, located at 25-11 Queens Plaza, is shutting down, hurt by Citi Bike and consumers buying online.
Colon Silvestre, the owner, said that many bicyclists used to frequent his store for repairs or lost parts but that business has declined. Furthermore, some residents would rents bicycles.
Many of these people have turned to Citi Bike, electing to pay an annual fee and not having to worry about flat tires, lost parts or warn out brakes.
Silvestre said that when Citi Bike moved into Long Island City in 2015 his business declined but with the expansion into Astoria it has suffered more. Citi Bike opened about 60 stations in Astoria this year adding to the 12 that came to Long Island City in 2015.
Additionally, he said, people are buying their bicycles or bike parts online, which has also put a dent in business.
He said that everything in his store is 50 percent off until he closes. He said most of the bicycles have gone although there are still helmets, tires and other parts left.
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9 Comments
oh my gosh a hipster bike shop went out of business because hipsters only shop online…Hmmmm
These guys were just asking for this. Overpriced parts and just very vague and rude. Made me feel like a real dummy when I asked what some problems on my bike were. Of course they blame everything else. Good luck finding work you chumps
Yes, we need more Citi Bike zombies invading the city. Tourists, hipsters, transplants… all doing their part to get in the way and ruin a once great place.
I think the rent was probably killing them too, it wasn’t just Citi Bike.
Very interesting, when one’s business fails, they blame it on everything else but themselves. Try renovating and/or reinventing yourself, don’t just give up!
Seriously dude? Outside factors such as the internet and Citibike are real.
I used to work a block away from this shop and would frequent it monthly for spare parts and such. Loved shopping for a local bike shop, even though it wasn’t where I bought mine (I live on Long Island).
These guys were always friendly and courteous. I’m sad to see them go.
I wonder about that,too. Sorry to hear about this; wishing all the best to L.I.C. Bikes staff.
What a shame. I wonder If it was just Citi Bike or Citi Bike plus an already high rent that led to this?
Why do you keep harping on high rent when the owner states that it was internet shopping and citibike that led to this shop’s downfall. If you have a fair rent but the customers aren’t there you will have problems.
Luckily we still have The Bicycle Repair Man on 35 Ave and 41 Street.
@MRLIC – surprised you didn’t make any mention of the bowling alley that used to be in that building in the 1970’s. (around the corner where the offices for the Floating Hospital are now located)