Meet Michael Nikolaev of The Superior Bike Shop in Wynwood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Nikolaev.

Michael, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I came to visit Miami 1.5 years ago I was amazed at how many bike lanes there are in the city – even on the 195 and the McArthur Causeway! Also, the city is very flat and climate permitting to ride bicycles all year round.

I had been riding bikes for a few years by then, but in Northern Europe winter lasts longer that one would want and cycling in snow is not too much fun.

After doing some research, I found out that several really cool European brands that produce high-end bikes were not present on the US market. And I believed Miami with its cultural diversity and openness to the good things in life would be a great entry point.

Thus, the idea of The Superior Bike Shop was born – we teamed up with Schindelhauer and 8bar – great modern bicycle manufacturers from Berlin – and started work. Later on, we added Fabike who produce very cool carbon fiber and titanium bikes and Biomega with its great OKO e-bike to the grid.

Our vision was not only to bring new brands to the market, but also to offer our clients a totally different shopping experience. We did not want to set up yet another typical bikeshop resembling an outdated warehouse, but rater build a gallery-like showroom that would complement the craftsmanship and quality of the items we offer.

Has it been a smooth road?
A new business is never a smooth road. Developing and implementing a business plan are two very different things.

Sometimes people tend to be a bit more conservative and are not eager to try new things when they do not see a well-known brand attached, even if what you offer is technically better, aesthetically more pleasing and reasonably priced.

Summer in Miami can be hard on retail sales – not too many shoppers walk the streets when it is 90 degrees.

But we are working to develop our customer base, informing our potential customers of the unique things we have to offer and are optimistic about our products.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Superior Bike Shop – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The Superior Bike Shop is now offering Miamians a distinctive, and affluent, new way to travel the city with the opening of its first boutique in Wynwood. The new 1,500 square foot space, located at 2105 NW 2nd Avenue, features an elite collection of contemporary, hand-assembled bikes from Europe including Schindelhauer, Fabike, 8bar and Biomega.

These brands were handpicked based on their one-of-a-kind quality, performance and limited availability in the United States. Each bike is sculpted for performance, and every line serves a purpose. Seating is complimented by minimalistic materials to provide secure balance while ergonomic support ensures complete control. The lightweight frames offer easy transportation, and carbon fiber belts eliminate the unrefined mess of oil for a lifetime exceeding 15,000 miles. A focus on technical innovation has allowed to incorporate the most advanced technologies and time-tested design elements.

At Superior Bike Shop, customers can find frames designed for brisk city biking and made using super light-weight titanium, carbon fiber and aluminum alloys found only in professional sports until recently. But it is not only about technology and true craftsmanship – it is a lifestyle of freedom and perfection.

We believe that good bikes are meant to be enjoyed – be it on the road or as a piece of art at home. Our bikes come fully assembled with the best components on the market, so your bike will not need to spend time in a workshop and you will not need to do any upgrading – just take it out of the box, adjust the seat and handlebar, and you are good to go riding.

At our Wynwood location we tried to create an atmosphere worthy of the brands we offer. “The Superior Bike Shop experience is like stepping into art gallery, where the bicycles are appreciated for their design and technology and admired like pieces of art. Owning a bike from The Superior Bike Shop is a unique privilege as they are masterpieces designed to be comfortable, durable and timeless.

The Superior Bike Shop is the only US dealer for Schindelhauer and Fabike and the only dealer for 8bar and Biomega on the East Coast. Customers nationwide can now purchase all these brands on-line with free shipping anywhere in the continental US and Canada. Both men’s and women’s bikes are available, and the prices range from $1.5K to $7K.

Our Wynwood store guests are invited to experience the Superior Sprint – a 200-meter dash with results displayed in real time on a TV monitor – built with Schindelhauer Hektor low-spoke sports frames with Alfine crankshaft and Gates carbon drive or even rent some of our bikes for a ride in Wynwood or across the Venetian Causeway to South Beach that was recently rated one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Miami is very diverse, with a fantastic ocean, great food and people.

It is behind larger cities like Berlin, London or New York in contemporary culture and events – be it music, theater or art. And it still has some way to go in terms of urban biking.

Pricing:

• From $1500 to $7000

Contact Info:

• Address: 2105 NW 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33127
• Website: thesuperiorbikeshop.com
• Phone: (305) 504-1362
• Email: [email protected]

Image Credit:
Jörg Schindelhauer, founder of Schindelhauer bikes

Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.