Coming to Chicago in March 2014: A bike shop geared for women!
Located in Bucktown at 2113 W. Armitage, BFF Bikes is a bike shop created by two passionate women cyclists who know firsthand there is an unmet demand from a growing and underserved market: women who bike or are interested in starting.
Eager to get more involved in cycling and promoting women's involvement in cycling, Vanessa Buccella and Annie Byrne (that’s us!) decided to take their love for bikes to the next level and turn it into a career. Both women are involved in outreach efforts and are active in the women's cycling community, so they know what it takes to grow women's love for the sport. BFF Bikes was created to not only be a shop but to provide a community.
We’ve been carefully planning, researching, and learning everything we can about the industry and are on schedule to open the shop in March 2014. However, an important piece of that plan is raising funds to help fill our financing gap. That’s where you come in!
Opening a business is expensive...
We’re building this business from the ground-up and excited to help grow the community. But we can only do so much on our own, so get involved! We need $12,000 to help with our start-up costs—namely the build-out of our space and mechanics’ workstation. BFF Bikes will be a full-service shop for all your repair and maintenance needs. At the same time, we want to create a welcoming and fun place to hang out.
To fill our financing gap we are turning to our supporters and future customers! We have several great perks available to you—get a taste of BFF before we even open!
The Perks
We have a selection of perks to show our gratitude for contributions at all levels. Whether you can give $10 or more, we can't wait to open up and be your BFF! All perks are outlined below, and in more detail on the side. They will be available to pick up in the shop or we will ship to you if you are outside of the Chicago area (excluding the bikes!).
For all those who contribute: Have your name on our Wall of BFFs! We want our first BFFs who help this shop become a reality to have their name on our Wall of BFFs. We're also offering a 10% discount on your first purchase! Come on in and meet the BFFs! We'll also be organizing a ride for all our contributors--- what better way to get to know the BFFs then while riding a bike?!
Party time! All those who give $20 or more get an invite to a thank you party on February 22nd at Intuit.On top of whatever other perk you choose, join us for an evening of art, drinks, and dancing. Once you give we'll send you a link to RSVP for the party. Space is limited so don't wait!
BFF Racing Tifosi Hat + Cap Set: Not a single soul who's spied the BFF Racing kit has had a subdued response. Most have needed the letters O.M.G. and made use of CAPSLOCK. While the kit itself is reserved (this year at least) for the women of BFF racing, this perk will get you the team cap & socks & make you the sharpest looking tifosa (or tifoso) while cheering for BFF Racing this spring and summer! Get both through indiegogo for a discount! $30 for the cap + socks!
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Original BFF T-Shirt: As a special thank you, this t-shirt is only available through the indiegogo campaign. As the first bike shop of its kind in Chicago, this is surely going to be a piece of history! T-shirts are American Apparel's most popular cut-- men and women's styles available in grey and orange.
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Keep your bike!: We proud to be carrying Abus locks and love we can offer you a perk to help keep your bike safe and secure. Abus offers a variety of high security locks and we have two style available as a perk. Choose between the classic u-lock or the Bordo, which gives a bit more flexibility.
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We’ve got your back(side)!: We are so excited to be carrying clothes from Riyoko. Coming to you from Canada, Riyoko is the epitome of style and function for women who bike. Riyoko's shirtband is a real problem solver-- no more free shows when wearing low-cut pants, and you can wear it to help keep your pants from getting worn out!
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Pedaling with a Purpose!: Whether you are brand new to indoor riding or are a trainer-guru, spice up your winter routine with Pedaling With a Purpose! Led by Kristen Meshberg, a category one racer and number one badass, these classes will make you stronger and faster. Get a three class pack only available through indiegogo! Now in it’s 10th year, these high energy group classes are held in Chicago, Hinsdale, and Oak Park. To see all details and and learn more about this PWP, visit: pwppedalingwithapurpose.blogspot.com
Tune-Up! In addition to the sweet selection of products and accessories, BFF Bikes is a full service shop. Make sure your bike is ready to roll this spring with a tune-up from our expert mechanics. We'll make sure your stead will keep you going and answer any questions you might have.
Public Bikes!: We are also super psyched to offer Public Bikes! Headquartered in San Francisco, Public Bikes provide the perfect combination of a great value, high quality, practical bicycle. Oh and they are easy on the eye too. We're taking orders now for the most popular models-- the C7 and V7. Once we’re open, you can come in and we’ll help you choose the model (C7 or V7!), size and color that suits you best.
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The Impact
In addition to helping us create a beautiful and functional space, your contribution is helping us build a community. It’s called BFF Bikes for a reason! We love biking and we know biking is the most fun with friends. Whether you are a brand new cyclist or an old-timer, if you ride for exercise, recreation, or transportation, we can’t wait to meet you and go for a ride!
Other Ways You Can Help
We know not everyone can contribute to our campaign, but you can still help! Help us get the word out and share this campaign with your friends! Sign up to be on our email list for all the latest and greatest news by emailing us at bffbikes@gmail.com.
