McLain Cycle & Fitness opens Specialized Concept Store

Northern Michigan's premier Specialized dealer has decided to build upon its 31 years of success – McLain Cycle & Fitness officially opened their Specialized Concept Store on April 30. After 31 in business, over 23 of those as a Specialized dealer, Bob and Kris McLain decided to focus one of their two locations, completely on the Specialized line.

Bob McLain stated, “Being in the bicycle industry for so long, we have been exposed to several different bicycle lines. We can say, with certainty, there is no bicycle company out there that can match the quality, innovation, fit and loyalty to its dealers”. Kris McLain added, "We didn't need to think twice, about becoming a concept store. Our partnership with Specialized, gave us a chance to renovate our store and develop an even stronger presence and devotion to the Specialized products and to our customers".

"Traverse City is a destination playground for Michigan. We have so many great mountain bike trails, scenic road biking and superior recreational pathways for all cyclists. The Specialized line appeals to all ages and abilities. Our riders expect quality products and a quality shopping environment – and the concept store brings this to them", Kris said. Bob enthused, "With us becoming the first Specialized concept store in Michigan, we are quite the buzz! We are pulling customers from all corners of the state and Canada, in to the store. We were very pleasantly surprised that we just had our best May in 31 years."

"McLain's is a highly respected retailer, in Michigan and has been in business for over a quarter century", Bill Schouman, Specialized Bicycle Components Northern Regional Sales Manager highlighted. "They are located in one of the best cities in Michigan, for road and mountain biking. As an enthusiast, Bob McLain appreciates the fine detail that goes into every Specialized product we offer and he understands that Specialized positions itself to be best in class, in every product we distribute", Schouman added. "McLain's is one of the best examples of a dealer being closely aligned with our company. The McLain's staff understands how each model has been created and is positioned, to bring the best product possible to almost every price point in both bikes and equipment." Schouman continued, "When trying to fill the needs of a customer, it is logical to walk the customer through a single product line, to find the best product for them."

“From a business perspective, the McLain family appreciates how we are never satisfied with the status quo, as that is similar to how they run their business”, Bill Schouman pointed out. “The McLain's are always looking for ways to make their business better. The Specialized Concept Store is the next logical step to make the shopping experience better at their store. For a business that was already quite successful, it is remarkable that a better environment was created within the same four walls."

Bob McLain started in a high school work study program, in the 9th grade and worked for the only bike shop in Traverse City. He continued to work there, through high school and in college, took classes that he felt necessary to start his own business. The rest is history…

To celebrate the complete remodel, McLain's had a four-day schedule of events, from April 30th – May 3rd. Kicking off the grand opening was a VIP party that attracted 350 celebrants. The response was nothing short of amazing with rave reviews for the new layout, look and focus. The mood was festive with food, prizes and socializing which made it a true community event.