MCBC Sponsor Profile The New Wheel Empowers People to Bike
MCBC continues to thrive thanks to support from our outstanding sponsors, who share our values and believe that bicycling should be safe, fun, and accessible. Over the coming months, we’ll highlight our business sponsors and encourage you to support those who support MCBC.
Do you want to join The New Wheel in supporting MCBC? Check out our sponsorship package and email Tom Boss (tom@www.marinbike.org).
The New Wheel is unique among bicycle retailers in their commitment to “elevating the experience of choosing to cycle” for their customers. Co-founders and partners Brett Thurber and Karen Wiener did not come to the bike industry by way of a passion for bikes. Instead, they became passionate about bikes in their search for how to make a difference for people in the Bay Area.
Their mission is not only to change how we get around, but to bring good things and fresh ideas into the lives of people in our community and California as a whole. They uphold their commitment to customers through careful selection of technology, top-notch service, and an unwavering optimism for the future of transportation and electric bikes in the Bay Area.
The array of products you will find at The New Wheel today are silent, sophisticated, incredibly easy to ride, and profoundly intuitive. Moreover, they are wildly efficient – some models will assist you for 100 miles or more on a single battery charge.
We sat down with the folks at The New Wheel to learn more about their business and passion for bicycling.
Tell us about yourselves. What should MCBC members know about your business?
Our business is designed to empower all cyclists, but in particular, folks looking to ride more and drive less. Electric bikes are wildly efficient and incredibly fun. While e-bikes have a long history of being shunned from recreational cycling circles, they are a welcome relief when it comes to reducing car congestion, eliminating pollution, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving quality of life, setting an example for future generations, the list goes on and on…
Cyclists are our passion and our core customer base. Service is our secret sauce, and we aim to empower cyclists to feel comfortable, confident, inspired and alive.
How did The New Wheel get its start?
Brett Thurber and Karen Wiener, co-founders of The New Wheel, did not come to the bike industry by way of a passion for bikes. Instead, they became passionate about bikes in their search for how to make a difference for people in the Bay Area. Brett grew up in San Francisco and Karen has a rich and interesting family history in Marin County. Brett and Karen met at UC Berkeley and joined forces after graduating to start The New Wheel.
Are there any specific MCBC projects or programs which particularly resonate for you and your organization?
The second location of The New Wheel at Larkspur Landing, which opened in June 2016, lies at the nexus of a major transportation renaissance for Marin County – the hub of the SMART train, countless bike trails, a new bike bridge, and the Larkspur Ferry terminal. The New Wheel sees their special brand of bicycle sales and service as yet another way to ease urban congestion and improve the quality of life in their home.
Which of MCBC’s strategic goals or long-term vision ideals are most important to you?
When it comes to cycling as transportation, The New Wheel realizes that we can’t do it alone. That’s why we support advocacy organizations like the Marin County Bike Coalition to help advocate for infrastructure, change policy, educate and inspire cyclists, and provide a community for all kinds of bike riders.
What is the most exciting aspect of your operation that you want people to know about?
The New Wheel business model has been compared to an automobile dealership of the 21st century, but our approach is uniquely crafted around the bike and the bike rider. Our array of services include guided test rides that ensure every curious consumer has ‘the ride of their life’ on their first ride.
Sales personnel at The New Wheel are part skiing instructor, part electric bike encyclopedia, and all about the customer experience. Think Genius bar, but for bikes. When a customer decides to purchase, The New Wheel offers 6 months of complimentary service and offers extended service packages that are affordable and incredibly easy to use. Service packages include routine tune ups, free flat fixes and even free roadside assistance, just like your car.
Thanks again to The New Wheel for supporting MCBC and helping to advance bicycling in Marin County!
VISIT THE NEW WHEEL >>
Look out for e-bike demos and group rides hosted by The New Wheel in partnership with MCBC. We look forward to participating in their Super Bicycle event May 4-5 and having them at Biketoberfest Marin in October!
Do you want to join The New Wheel in supporting MCBC? Check out our sponsorship package and email Tom Boss (tom@www.marinbike.org).
