POTSDAM — Jean-Pierre Lavigne fills a void within the village with a boutique-fashion motorcycle shop he opened on Aug. 7, one that he hopes will construct a following.
Owner and operator of the brand new Cycles Endurance & Sports at 25 Market St., Mr. Lavigne has extra than 30 years in international cycling, from traveling across Europe via motorbike, competing as triathlon and World Cup cyclist, after which operating as an instructor.
After Ted C. Prahl closed the doors of his Tread Mill Bikes, previously at fifty-five Market St., the 51-year-vintage Mr. Lavigne is bringing a motorbike shop returned into the network. However, that’s now not all. Likewise, he is bringing a repair to keep to cater to motorcycles, such as the ones bought outdoor his save, skis, and snowboards. Ice skate polishing is likewise available, as well as backyard and avenue hockey fashion tools.
Mr. Lavigne’s 19-yr-vintage son, Eirik, a SUNY Canton student, will assist him in running the shop, which is currently open from noon to six p.M. Wednesday to Friday and nine a.M. To three p.M. Saturday.
In terms of income, motorbike brands consist of Giant, Raleigh, LaPierre, their residence logo, Endurance, and elements and accessories from helmets for the riders right down to the tires they will be riding on.
The house, Endurance-emblem motorcycle is available in metal, alloy, and carbon fiber. The first two models are manufactured inside the organization’s manufacturer, based in Mr. Lavigne’s local Montreal. The carbon fiber version is manufactured in distant places but designed and painted through Mr. Lavigne’s Montreal enterprise.
“We are going to be a bit unique. We’re going to have extra of a European flavor to the street motorcycles,” Mr. Lavigne said. “They have more of a European geometry. It’s greater of an at ease, comfy trip.”
At the same time, as the marketplace needs extra a community-style motorbike, he goes to cater to the demands of the community, inclusive of the local mountain bikers and street bikers. He can also be offering offerings of professional motorbike fitting, which he’s finished in view that 1988.
“There’s a variety of street riders right here, so we have a terrific selection of (avenue bikes) everywhere from the $three hundred variety to unlimited,” he said.
Mr. Lavigne is shifting from his shop place at the previous Frederick’s Bikes, Kayaks, and Storage, 5235 Route 37; Malone, however, will go away a repair keep open in that place.
“Eighty percent of my commercial enterprise the ultimate summers got here from Potsdam and Canton, even with the fact that Treadmill changed into here,” Mr. Lavigne stated. “People were driving up and that they knew we have been promoting more midrange to excessive-stop (motorcycles) and the upkeep, we did Walmart motorcycles, in which I sense humans sense intimidated about bringing their Walmart motorbike to a bike keep (however) we’ll restoration them.”
But Mr. Lavigne said he also wants to be engaged with the network, using his years of experience, which commenced while he welded his first bike and took it to Europe, wherein he cycled through 9 nations in four-and-a-1/2 months. After that, he participated in a triathlon in 1987-88 and mountain cycling from 1992 to 1997. He was worried in World Cup cycling and went directly to schooling, including triathlete and Iron Man victor Lisa Bentley, he said.
Starting in the spring, he stated he desires to begin preserving clinics to build on that enjoy and hopefully develop a biking network.
“So if we can begin to introduce the one’s types of adventures, whether it’s to be a racer, a commuter, or to go a journey, we can surely help you because of the enjoy that I have and what I’ve carried out in my lifetime,” he said. “We’re in reality going to attempt to recruit children and show them a unique sport. It’s a non-impact recreation, and you’re exterior, and that’s the principal component, getting children outside and driving bikes.”