Big Shark Bicycle Company Receives 2nd National Top 100 Bicycle Retailer Award

By Jo Ann Vatcha

April–May 2006

Big Shark Bicycle Company storefront on Delmar.

Historical April–May 2006 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.

Bicycle Retailer and Industry News has named our own Big Shark Bicycle Company as a Top 100 Bicycle Retailer for 2006.

According to this national industry trade paper, which surveyed over 5,500 bicycle shops, the criteria for selecting their top 100 Retailers for 2006 were: market share, community outreach and store appearance.

All the bike manufacturers get a vote, so it is clearly a great honor to be selected. Mike Weiss’ Big Shark Bicycle Company has been serving bicycle riders in the St. Louis area for thirteen years, and have grown from a tiny 800 sq. ft. spot in the Loop to a spacious 3,200 sq. ft. storefront, also in University City, to their current location in the City of St. Louis, with over 7,000 sq. ft.

With eleven manufacturers to choose from, a customer can find a bike for whatever their needs may be. Big Shark owner Mike Weiss states their philosophy: “We want all of our customers to be infected with our passion for the sport.

We really want our customers to have a great time cycling and try to do as many things in the community that promote participation as possible.

We actively promote over fifty events per year and keep trying to creatively come up with more fun things for our customers and us.” For example, on Thursday evenings during the summer, they sponsor competitive bike races in the remodeled Veladrome (the only one in St. Louis!) in Penrose Park, Kingshighway just south of Highway 70. Closer to home, on April 30, 2006, the “Tour of St. Louis” race, the only bike competition to take place in Forest Park, will take place. For more information, call 862-1188. Viewing it instead of riding in it could be a great family activity, rather like seeing future Lance Armstrongs up close and in person. Mike Weiss has actively participated in the renaissance of The Loop by moving east, relocating two years ago into the City of St. Louis next to the Pageant Theatre. Big Shark is experiencing growth and stability while offering unique and high quality products.

They are located at 6133 Delmar in a beautifully renovated former car showroom, designed by Kiku Obata and Company. Their hours are M-F 10 am – 8 pm, Sat. 10 am – 6 pm, Sun. 12 pm – 5 pm. Their very informative website is: www. bigshark.com. Or phone 862- 1188.