NEW IN THE WOO: BREAK BIKE SHOP APRIL GODDARD In September of 2021, the owners of The Break Bike Shop at 872 Main Street in Fitchburg started the process of opening their own business in a spot that they had been eyeing for decades. Josh and Jackie Merchant, a husband and wife team, opened their doors for business in December of 2021, and have been going strong ever since. Both avid bikers, they were the perfect pair to develop this repair-focused shop, which also provides a specified inventory from manufacturers hand picked by the couple. Josh, who has over 20 years’ experience in the industry, explains that it had been his dream to open his own bike shop since he started working in one in 2003. He explains that being repair-focused means that the shop can work on literally any kind of bike that comes their way: From old, beat up bikes pulled from the Nashua River to ebikes, and everything in between. They pride themselves on not turning their customers away, no matter what the repair needs. The shop is even able to provide fully customized bikes at an incredibly wide range of prices. The focus on a select inventory is strategic, and is vastly different from the business model that most bike shops have taken on. Josh went on to explain that “We work with the internet and embrace people buying the exact bike they want. We keep a tight inventory so we are not in debt with any manufacturers which makes everything low pressure and fun - the way shops used to be”. They carry three types of bikes, and rent both traditional and e-bikes as well. Explaining further, he says, “ I’ve been riding bikes for a very long time so I know what works and what’s a waste of money. Everything I offer at my shop is what I would personally use and I think that goes a long way”. Josh and Jackie have also embraced their bike shop as part of their community, setting up social gatherings such as setting up weekly group rides and even pub crawls. Weekly rides have something to offer every cyclist, from road to bike trails and even mountain biking! In their shop, one thing that they stress is ensuring a welcoming and helpful atmosphere for every specific interest at every level. This 30 JU LY 20 22
thoughtful approach makes the experience at the shop unique and tailored to every customer that comes in the door. The Break Bike Shop is located on 872 Main Street in Fitchburg.
