Today we’d like to introduce you to Alberto Chavez.
Alberto, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Bikanics USA is the result of the unexpected meeting of three bike adventurers. Close to two years ago, Javier and I had a serendipitous re-encounter. We graduated from college together and met 20 years later walking our dogs at the park in Sugar Land, TX. Shortly thereafter, Fernando, Javier’s long cycling, and enduro friend came to visit, and riding along the Brazos River we decide to start Bikanics USA.
Approximately 17 years ago Fernando founded BikeFix in Quito, Ecuador; a highly successful boutique shop specialized in servicing advanced and pro bikers. After the success, built on a passion for excellence in service, he opened BikeFix in Santiago, Chile, giving things a different spin. BikeFix Chile is a mobile business, where the shop comes to the client. Brainstorming over what would be the best way to offer our services in Houston, we decided that a similar setup was ideal for Houston. Together with Fernando’s advance industry knowledge, Javier’s experience in high-end brand marketing, and my experience in operations and adventure travel, we launched Bikanics USA in January this year.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I wonder if anybody has ever answered this question with a big “yes.” Entrepreneurship is by no means the path of least resistance… In fact, there is no chartered path at all, and you tune the business model along the way… With an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, and being a certified project manager, we did plan and structure things quite well, making the journey smoother… But it is a journey to the unknown, and only trial and error will bring you forward. Along the way we have tossed many of the tools and systems, which we originally acquired, making our operation lighter, simpler and more effective… Being adaptive to the continuously changing environment is fundamental.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
By coming directly to the client’s home or workplace, bicycles are serviced right away, saving time to ride and train. We enjoy our open door policy and the resulting exchange and synergy with our clients. It is a combination of teaching them about their bikes, sharing our know-how, learning from them, and casual conversation about all kinds of topics. Perhaps what we are most proud of is our linkage with the community. We are involved in a large number of events related to healthy living and cycling in general.
What were you like growing up?
Nothing that I have ever done has been over the beaten path… While studying mechanical engineering, I began leading land and underwater expeditions to the Galapagos Islands, which ultimately resulted in an adventure travel career. With a conservative South American background, I got married in Bombay, India. When Javier and Fernando, insinuated a business proposition, my first thought was “why not?” I have always been immersed in entrepreneurial environments, and most of my experience comes from developing things that did not exist before. A common denominator during the early years was the curiosity for understanding how things work mechanically, from opening up toys early on, breaking apart home hardware, repairing my bmx bicycle, to dismantling the teenage-hood 1976 Mini Cooper.
Pricing:
- $ 69.00 Basic Tune Up -Bike Inspection -Drivetrain cleaning and lubrication (on bike) -Gear adjustment and tuning -Brake adjustment -Headset, bottom bracket adjustment -Full bolt torque check and adjustment -Minor wheel truing (on bike) -Frame dry cleaning -Test ride
- $ 99.00 Intermediate Tune Up -Bike Inspection -Complete drivetrain cleaning and lubrication (dismounted) -Gear adjustment and tuning -Brake adjustment -Headset, bottom bracket adjustment -Full bolt torque check and adjustment -Full wheel truing -Frame dry clean -Test drive
- $ 189.00 Full Tune Up -Bike Inspection -Complete disassembly of frame and components -Complete drivetrain cleaning and lubrication (dismounted) -Derailleur hanger alignment -Gear adjustment and tuning -Brake adjustment -Headset and bottom bracket overhaul and adjustment -Full bolt torque check and adjustment -Full wheel truing and hub overhaul -Frame dry clean -Test drive
Contact Info:
- Address: 5120 Woodway Dr Ste 109
Houston, TX 77056 - Website: www.bikanics.com
- Phone: 832-209-9292
- Email: contact@bikanics.com
- Instagram: BikanicsUSA
- Facebook: Bikanics USA
- Twitter: BikanicsUSA
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