Photos by Laura S. Wilson
The new bicycle shop opens in Katonah, bringing with it an inventory full of beloved brands and gear, not to mention custom fittings.
Bringing its Brooklyn brand of cool and its emphasis on fit to Katonah, Acme Bicycle Co. (215 Katonah Ave) is riding the wave of biking popularity to the trails and streets of Westchester.
The shop, which opened in mid-April, is co-owned by Colin Tanner and Jonathan Blyer. A Westchester native, Tanner recently moved back to the area, so the partners decided to open a second store (their Brooklyn location just celebrated its 10-year anniversary). The zeitgeist is apparent when you first walk into the Katonah shop: You can relax on a comfy chair or sit at a “bar” as you enjoy a canned, cold-brew coffee or soda from the mini-fridge while admiring the striking bike photography. The store is all clean lines with light-wood accents and funky lighting. What you won’t find at Acme is what Tanner describes as “massive inventory.” The store carries such brands as Serotta, Moots, and Open Factor, favored by enthusiasts. “The experience here is about slowing down the process of buying a bicycle, so everyone is set up correctly,” Tanner explains. Customers make appointments for the fit process and benefit from the pair’s knowledge and desire to ensure that “people get the most out of their bikes,” says Tanner.
The items that cyclists need when they hit the road are displayed against a wall, with an emphasis on quality over quantity. Acme is a Rapha outpost/partner, carrying the brand’s high-end cycling clothing, shoes, and accessories. “These are what customers need to get a feel for and, again, what needs to fit properly,” Tanner says. Blyer and Tanner recently began leading rides with their customers and in the fall plan on hosting in-studio events.
