Wauwatosa Plan Commission To Consider Secondhand Bike Store

WAUWATOSA, WI—The Wauwatosa Plan Commission will hold a public hearing and consider a request for a secondhand bike store at 1500 Underwood Ave. The Commission will meet 6 p.m. on Jan. 11.

Chris and Robin Brannin, owners of Tosa Bike Garage, LLC, want to open a bicycle specialty store offering retail sales of new and used bikes, parts and accessories, clothing, and maintenance, repair and custom bike build services.

"The primary goal of Tosa Bike Garage is to offer a better bike shop experience for the end customer. Having had many bad experiences in bike shops over the years, we want to change the approach of the traditional bike shop.

"By structuring primarily as an appointment-based model, it allows us to take the time to listen to the customer and their needs. It also provides us with the opportunity to make customers feel welcome in a space that generally feels exclusive to more “serious” bike riders," according to online documents.

Tosa Bike Garage will focus on the customer and provides a one-on-one, personalized experience for riders to ask questions and learn about bike maintenance and safety. The store will offer by-appointment consultations for service requests, maintenance and repairs.

Tosa Bike Garage will offer classes to customers and community members to educate about bike repair and safety. Classes may include topics such as how to change a flat tire, safe riding for kids, etc.

Owner, Chris Brannin, serves on the Bike and Pedestrian Committee for the city of Wauwatosa.

"This involvement is beneficial to helping the city build safer and more inclusive infrastructure for families, recreationalist, and commuters alike. On top of that, staying active in the cycling community as a whole will keep an ear to the ground of the needs and demands of current cyclists," the documents said.