SHOP SPOTLIGHT: ACTION WHEELS/ BETHLEHEM, PA

Oct, 05 2011

How long have you been in business? 31 Years.

Can you explain how the idea for a store came to be? Larry D and his brother David wanted to start their own business. David just wanted to hang out and make some money so he ended up leaving six months after the opening of the store.

Who owns the shop? Larry D.

Who works there? Larry D., Rob Demasi, Mike Siedlecki.

Rob and Mike

What events have you done at the shop in the past few years? Sponsor Catty Woods jams, store demos, and other stuff at local skateparks.

What changes have you noticed in the scene since the shop opened? We started sponsoring BMX racing at a local track and had a good team. Names Like Keith Gower, Jay Lonergan might ring a bell, then freestyle got big in the late 80′s. Luc-E, Joe Rich, and others worked and rode for Action Wheels.

Top three best-selling Animal products: Edwin Grips, GLH/TWW Tires, Remix Stems.

Why carry Animal? Animal is a quality and innovative brand created by riders and the customers here are really receptive to that. They have always been great to deal with when putting in orders or product warranties.

What’s something you never expected to happen after opening the shop? I had to fire Joe Rich for cursin’ at me!

Any future plans for the shop? More BMX bikes.

How many trends have you seen come and go since you have been open? See above- freestyle really came and went pretty quick.

What is the best thing you gained or witnessed from owning/ starting the shop? Watching the kids having fun with BMX!

If you can have one BMX product that doesn’t exist yet what would it be? A good freecoaster hub.

Where do you see the shop in ten years? The best BMX shop on the East Coast.

Location: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Shop address: 530 W. Broad St.

Hours: Monday-Friday: 10am-7pm; Saturday: 10am-5pm; Sunday: Closed

Contact info: (610) 866-1113; info@action-wheels.com;  www.action-wheels.com