Boutique Bicycle Shop To Open In Old Seminole Heights

Bicycle aficionados will soon have a new stopover in Old Seminole Heights:

The local boutique bike shop will open its doors for business at 6112 N. Central Ave. on Thursday. 

Doors will remain ajar in the evening for a soft opening party starting at 7 p.m.

The cycling community, local businesses and the public are invited to attend the casual soiree and learn more about the new shop while sipping a craft beer or savoring an Italian biscotti.

Why Italian biscotti?

“Because Italy is the birthplace of bicycle,” said shop owner Jordan Miller. 

Born in Atlanta, GA, Miller, 28, has lived in Seminole Heights for over 10 years. 

He started racing bicycles during his childhood. As he grew up, so did his passion for cycling. 

A keen bicyclist, a long-time mechanic, consultant and bike collector, Miller aims to celebrate the sport and lifestyle of cycling with the establishment of  . 

“The business is a byproduct of the passion,” he said.

Located in a historic 1920s retail building space and next door to , the new shop will function as a sale and service space as well as a cultural hub for the cycling community. 

Custom-tailored bicycles, fitting specialty service and high quality cycling apparel will distinguish the new shop. From a manual fit machine on site for adjustments and custom-made bicycles to custom wheel craft, Miller hopes to tailor to the average biker as well as the pro while bringing together like-minded people. 

The shop fit machine will also enable Miller to serve folks with special needs, such as disabled vets. 

From commuter to track bikes, expect domestic manufactures as well as big international brands, such as the Italian Cinelli and the European-inspired Linus bike.

Specialty accessories will include hand-made saddles by England's Brooks brand. 

Miller plans to both get involved with the community and get the community involved in . 

He will organize social and professional group rides as well as hybrid biking and yoga classes. Cycling-related movies and events such as the Tour de France will be shown at the shop. 

With the current soaring gas prices, Miller expects his business will be off to a good start. 

“No question people are considering other means of transportation,” he said. “Cycling has gained lots of attention and popularity because of its ease and convenience.”

When asked about the benefits of bicycling, Miller likes to quote Elizabeth West: 

“When man invented the bicycle, he reached a peak of his attainments. Here was a machine of precision and balance for the convenience of man. And, unlike subsequent inventions for man’s convenience, the more he used it, the fitter his body became. Here, for once, was a product of man’s brain that was entirely beneficial to those who used it, and of no harm or irritation to others. Progress should have stopped when man invented bicycle.” 

Planning to go for a bike outing this weekend?

Miller suggests to venture to downtown from Seminole Heights for a fun and enjoyable ride. 

Start by going south on North Central Avenue and make a right on East Osborne Avenue. Go left onto North Highland Avenue which turns into North Tampa Street and continue into downtown.*

is not the sole bike shop in the area. 

Well-established Joe Haskins Bicycle Shop is located two and a half miles to the south on North Florida Avenue. 

Local bike guru Alan Snel said that the two stores can have their own unique customer bases. 

“Joe Haskins is a local bike shop legend and serves many bicyclists in the Tampa Heights area and Jordan Miller’s new shop can serve bicyclists from Seminole Heights while catering to more edgy urban bicyclists. Both Joe and Jordan have their places, and I expect Joe will continue to do well, while Jordan’s new store already has a buzz here in Seminole Heights,” said Snel. 

Stop by  Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Or visit www.velochamp.com, or become a fan at www.facebook.com/velochamp. 

For more information, call the store directly at 813-374-2424.

*This article contains a correction to the directions given for a suggested bike ride from Seminole Heights to downtown Tampa.