With a full-service coffee shop, ample seating and a cozy den, JRA Bikes and Brew is more than just a retail store. Owners Vince and Tamera Gest opened JRA in May with the intention of creating a community hangout.
"I always wanted to own a bike shop," said Vince Gest. "My wife wanted a coffee shop, so we decided to marry the two." The coffee shop is staffed separately and opens at 7 a.m., and a bike shop employee is available for early morning purchases and repairs.
JRA is located near a popular trail network northwest of Los Angeles. "This is a great central hub for off-road and mountain biking," said Vincent. "But we're also located right on a popular road biking route that leads to a couple of the area's well-known climbs."?
The Gests designed their 3,300-square-foot store to be a comfortable place for cyclists and non-cyclsits to gather. "We wanted to create a bike shop that is not intimidating for the novice, where anyone can come in and feel comfortable immediately," said Vince Gest. "Which is why we placed the lounge area and fireplace right at the store entrance. By the time the customer makes it into the bike shop, the ice has been broken."
JRA Bikes and Brew is the second bike shop to open in northwestern L.A. County's Conejo Valley in the past three months. The Pedalers Fork, a bike shop, Moots Bicycles boutique and restaurant rolled into one, opened in April. Vince Gest said he has met with Pedalers Fork owner Robbie Shaeffer to discuss the new wave of cycling in the area. "We are excited to work together to grow and strengthen the cycling culture here," said Vince Gest.
JRA Bikes and Brew carries bicycles from Jamis, Turner, Niner, NeilPryde and Independent Fabrication. Its full-service repair department specializes in suspension service and tuning. No-drop group road and mountain bike rides leave from the store four times a week.
