Friends and business partners Adam Potter and Danny Savitzky were able to see much of that evolution firsthand as owners of bicycle retail and repair shop Planetary Cycles, which they opened together in 1994.
Originally located along North Braeswood Boulevard, the store has moved twice to accommodate an increase in business, eventually settling at its current location across from the Meyerland Plaza in 2013, along the Loop 610 feeder road.
“The first location was 1,000 square feet, then we went to 3,000. This current one is about 9,000,” Potter said. “We tripled our size, so the next one will have to be 27,000 square feet.”
The store covers a wide net of cyclist needs from all-terrain mountain riding to urban and race biking to the unique three-wheel recumbent bikes, which Potter said provide support for riders with disabilities or those looking for a more relaxed ride.
“Recumbent bikes are something that my partner Danny and I were very interested in as youngsters,” Potter said. “We kind of built a few and eventually got into the business of manufacturing these. This keeps you active without having to be on a two-wheel bike; it gives you a chance to continue your cycling.”
The store also sells biking accessories and clothing, such as helmets, shoes, bike racks and spare tires.
The floor of the shop is staffed by 10 employees, four of whom are dedicated to the service and repair aspects of the business.
“I’d say everybody that works here has some affinity and love for bikes,” Potter said. “Some are very active cyclists; some just love bikes and love the technology and mechanical aspect.”
Suspended on display above the regular stock of bikes for sale are pieces of Savitzky’s antique bike collection. Little red tricycles hang across from an old Flying Pigeon, a bike Potter said is synonymous with the Chinese cycling boom in the mid-20th century.
Savitzky died in 2018, but his passion for the industry is imprinted in the store he pushed to start and grow almost 28 years ago. Now, Potter said he is looking to keep that passion alive.
“I can do something I actually love for a living and at the same time give something back to the community because something like riding is about physical and mental health,” Potter said.
Planetary Cycles
8715 West Loop 610 S., Ste. B, Houston
713-668-2300
www.planetarycycles.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., closed Sun.
