True Cyclery is a “listen first” business dedicated to cycling enthusiasts like you. My small studio reflects this, in lieu of product inventory and overhead, there are two chairs strategically canted to inspire a rousing discussion. By listening to your story I can do what I do best, evaluate your needs, provide sincere advice, then determine the next best steps to get you there – be it a new bike, component upgrades, repairs, bike fitting, or matching you up with a shop that will better serve you and your needs.
Naturally, True Cyclery is not for everyone. We fall woefully short on things like instant gratification, discounts, and clearance models. By offering a no pressure environment, thirty plus years of industry experience, and partnering with the very best suppliers, I’m confident I can help you make the right decision for maximum enjoyment, long term.
Since 2015 True Cyclery has been located at 138 Bradley Street, in the East Rock neighborhood of New Haven. We’re open 9-5 Monday through Friday, but are flexible to your needs including occasional weekend appointments. On and off street parking is available. True Cyclery is a one man operation, so reaching out before visiting is appreciated as I may be tied up with other appointments, repairs, UPS/FedEx runs, test rides, etc.
I look forward to hearing from you.
True Cyclery was founded by Karl Borne, the guy above in the red jersey and the way too short socks on his favorite ride of the year, the Kancamagus in New Hampshire.
With a freshly typed resume in hand, I raced down Center Street on my brother’s hand-me-down Schwinn World Sport to the cat’s meow of shops, Alpha-Lo Bicycles. I was hoping to acquire a job that would teach me about bikes while engulfing me in cycling paraphernalia all hours of the day. With a limited skill set, but slightly better than average grades, it was worth a shot. I cannot remember the interview but I’m confident my answers weren’t terribly deep or thought provoking. Much to my surprise, I was hired on the spot. I was the happiest sixth grader in town, the year was 1989.
Since that time I have worked in four other bike shops, led bicycle tours, helped coordinate Bpeace’s Pedal For Peace charity ride, enjoyed ten years at Seven Cycles the world’s largest custom bike manufacturer, helped get two bike shops up and running including the unique, non-profit Lawrence BiciCocina. I have completed the Serotta International Cycling Institute’s fit program, and enjoy helping people get the most out of their cycling experience. In late 2015, I was awarded a spot in the Entrepreneurship For All Winter Accelerator program, where I learned invaluable information about running a business. During that program, I was paired up with three mentors, Annette Reynolds, Rafael Fonseca, and Kevin Oye, who continue to provide expertise, and support, to this day and I feel lucky to have them.
Each of my adventures helped get me a little closer to my dream of opening a bike shop. In July of 2015, the time was right. After thirty plus years of research on cyclists and the equipment they love, I am excited to have founded True Cyclery, a bicycle retail experience like no other.
