TUSTIN, CA (BRAIN) Monday July 9 2012 6:41 AM MT—Tani Walling, owner of The Path Bike Shop in Tustin, plans to open a second location off Live Oak Canyon Road in Trabuco Canyon.
“We’ve been in negotiations for about a month, and just signed the lease July 1,” said Walling of the new shop. “We’re still planning, but generally speaking we should be open by the end of summer.”
Situated in the heart of Orange County’s mountain bike country, the new location will offer more demos and test rides. “There are literally mountain bike trails right outside the shop door,” noted Walling. “We have rental bikes that we plan to let people ride on the trails.” Walling also looks to do more repair work.
The Path in Trabuco Canyon will be a slightly smaller version of the original shop in Tustin, which Walling founded in 1998. He started in a mere 500 square feet in Tustin but has expanded into several neighboring suites over the years. The shop now occupies almost 5,500 square feet.
Walling stocks a variety of brands, and recently picked up Cannondale and Giant Bicycles. His wide selection of demo bikes and “eye candy” layout, however, are what draw customers from all over Southern California.
“All of our staff rides and we really try to be inviting,” said Walling of The Path’s atmosphere, which he hopes to carry over to the new location. “It’s all about welcoming people into the culture of cycling.”
