International Cycle Works, a cycling industry research firm, has released a list of the Top 100 Bike Retailers for 2005. The list was compiled from the results of a survey of sales representatives from six of the leading bike manufacturers and six leading accessory makers. The criteria used to rank the stores included market share, community outreach, and store appearance.
Here in the Washington, D.C. area, three four five retailers made the list:
- City Bikes, Washington, D.C.
- Hudson Trail Outfitters, Gaithersburg, MD
- Spokes, Etc., Vienna, VA
- Revolution Cycles, Clarendon, VA
- Bike Doctor, Waldorf, MD
No surprise with City Bikes. If you are a mountain biker involved with MORE then you know City Bikes is very active in the mtb community. They have a competitive local race team and regularly sponsor advocacy programs. The Chevy Chase, MD store is always hopping on the weekends.
Spokes, Etc. is more of a road and casual riders shop from my point of view. They do have an excellent show room (in terms of presentation) and a great location along the W&OD trail. I have not been to their new Ashburn, VA location yet, but I hear it is more MTB focused.
Haven't been to Hudson Trail Outfitters in MD. I have been to several HTO's before, but they have all been more hiking and general outdoors oriented so I am a little surprised about this one.
Update #1
I am also surprised that Revolution Cycles (locations in Arlington and Georgetown) didn't make it since they are clearly one of the largest retailers in the area.
One of the largest bike retailers in the area, Revolution Cycles was a natural for the Top 100 list (so obvious, I missed it when I first reviewed the list). Revolution carries everything from the entry-level to the highest of high-end Lance Armstrong replica bikes. Their flagship store in the Clarendon section of Arlington is more than 11,000 square feet and well-stocked. Their second store in Georgetown is in a prime location and they have opened two new shops in Rockville, MD and Stafford, VA.
Update #2
While I have never been to the Bike Doctor in Waldorf, I am familiar with the chain. I have always been impressed with the number and quality of bike brands they carry. The Waldorf, MD Bike Doctor is one of six individually owned stores in the Bike Doctor franchise.
Who else should have made the list?
I found this via Cyclelicious. Check them out to stay on top of the latest news in cycling.
