New Haven Independent

Posted by: JMS | November 26, 2008 9:12 AM

You would think with the recent gas price explosion that bike shops would be booming. Hope you can hang on and ride out the downturn. (Pun intended)

JMS

Posted by: Bill | November 26, 2008 10:38 AM

This is sad. Matt has done so much for our cycling community in New Haven. I suspect that his new location came with a much higher price tag for rent than his Wooster locale and this may have contributed to DGII's demise.

Like JMS, I find it ironic that business would not be more prosperous due to our current energy crisis. The recession coupled with the recent drop in oil prices has only increased American's short-term memory problems concerning energy. It seems that many of our fellow citizens, scarred by their experiences with the high cost of fuel have repressed those memories of $4.00/gallon gasoline.

Unfortunately for them, the cost of oil will eventually return to it's previous level and only increase from there due to various circumstances related to the production and distribution of this under-appreciated commodity.

These folks would have been smart to visit Matt's convenient downtown location to purchase an "alternative energy vehicle" before it was forced to close. There's still hope,though, because there's still the original Devil's Gear on Chapel St.

-Bill

Posted by: Mike on Quinnipiac | November 26, 2008 10:42 AM

This is sad news. As a daily bike commuter to and from downtown, more than once the DGII has been a convenient place to pick up a tube or a patch kit. Hopefully the main shop is doing well. I am lucky enough to ride past there on my commute, so I'll still have access to their excellent service, but not everyone gets down that way.

Support the best bike shop in town!

Posted by: anon | November 26, 2008 11:11 AM

City Hall could help by immediately giving a $2000 per year payment to all employees to ride bikes to work.

Many private employers in New Haven already do this, recognizing the enormous benefits to their own bottom lines. Employees who bike to work are far happier and more productive because of the physical activity - numerous international studies prove this. Also, they don't have to pay for parking.

The city could save millions on long-term parking, staffing and health costs by starting such a payment immediately, while encouraging a better environment and helping to keep local bike shops -- the essential fabric of a bike-friendly community -- in business.

Posted by: Kevin Ewing | November 26, 2008 11:16 AM

Every time I see a business that actually participates in community have problems... I just want to cry. :(

I've only been in New Haven a few years and DG has been part of how I identify the city. For me it is a part of what makes New Haven special. It is sad to see them suffer.

There has to be a business model in this 'New Economy' we're facing that allows the entrepreneur to benefit financially from their efforts and innovation but encourages community participation and engagement. How can we make money AND provide more than just our product/service?

I think one way is if we, as residents and members of communities, take the initiative and go find or create the businesses who provide the products and services we need then invite them into our neighborhoods. The economy is bad and money is short but it isn't going to go away completely. Business will continue to be transacted. Products and services will continue to be available and I believe our basic needs will continue to be met. I think we now have the unique opportunity to take back some of the control of the market economy.

Neighborhoods should start focusing on building strong neighborhoods. Neighborhoods should start working together more to build a strong city. And the way we start that process... by talking to each other. One to one. Face to face. Then when one of our small business institutions starts to get into trouble we can come together as a community design a plan to prop them up. Or if the need is no longer there, we can help them exit with grace and as little pain as possible.

Well, that's the world I'd like to see but I believe it is possible.

New Haven, we can do it!!! We have the talent, we have the technology, we have the resources. All we need is the will.

Posted by: Ben | November 26, 2008 11:44 AM

Bring it all to Upper State Street Matt.
;-)
We need more of you in New Haven, so hang in there!

Posted by: Cheri | November 26, 2008 11:47 AM

I'll be horrified if the main shop near Wooster Square closes.
I'm really surprised that this happened! I assumed that if the larger space was going to be too expensive, Matt wouldn't have moved...I loved the tiny shop.
I am hoping Matt can keep his main shop afloat for the good of all New Haven cyclists! It's become a real attribute to this city.
I'm wishing Matt and his staff all the best.

Posted by: anon | November 26, 2008 12:14 PM

I should add that the $2000 per year benefits, often given by the private sector, typically also apply to employees who walk and/or take mass transit.

Posted by: You B | November 26, 2008 1:01 PM

"Lonely Are The Brave"

Posted by: Justin Elicker | November 26, 2008 1:48 PM

Matthew and Devil's Gear are huge assets to the New Haven community. It's incredibly disappointing to see such a setback for individuals who are willing to take a risk to offer better services to our city. We're behind you Matthew and I'm confident Devil's Gear II will be back in a year or two. In the meantime, I'll be making the trek out to Devil's Gear I and I hope others do the same.

Posted by: Josh Smith | November 26, 2008 5:12 PM

This is truly terrible news. Whenever I had my bike fixed (three or four times this year), I used DG2 exclusively. It's sad to see that store go. I hope it will return once brighter economic days return.

Posted by: robn | November 26, 2008 6:27 PM

Matt has selflessly given much of his spare time to booster New Haven biking and arts events events... or maybe it wasn't completely selfless because one of is prerequisites is having fun... New Haven needs more good solid citizens like Matt Feiner.

Posted by: Streever | November 26, 2008 6:29 PM

This is really a sad day in New Haven cycling :(

(and of course Anon uses it to make up something--how many New Haven employers pay 2k per year to people who bike commute??? Come on be serious)

Posted by: abg | November 26, 2008 8:22 PM

what kevin ewing said

Posted by: Edward_H | November 30, 2008 1:19 PM

ANON

City Hall could help by immediately giving a $2000 per year payment to all employees to ride bikes to work.
Many private employers in New Haven already do this, recognizing the enormous benefits to their own bottom lines.

Do you mind naming some of these private employers? I want to put my aplication/resume in.

Posted by: William Kurtz | December 3, 2008 10:59 AM

Is this discussion dead already?

I'm curious about those employers, too.