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Proteus Bikes is now Bigger, Better and Closer

Laurie and Jeff Lemieux at Proteus Bicycles

Good news for Greenbelters who cycle! This past weekend the beloved Proteus Bike Shop moved from its old location on Route 1, where it had stood out for its funkiness since 1972, to its snappy new digs a bit closer – the old Mom’s location in the Hollywood Shopping Center on Rhode Island Avenue in College Park.

Above are just two of the Greenbelters behind Proteus: co-owner Laurie Lemieux and her husband Jeff, who’s an avid cyclist and occasional contributor to Greenbelt Online. Another Lemieux – son Paul – also lives in Old Greenbelt and works in the store.

(About a year ago he sold me my snazzy new Kona Dew Plus, a popular choice among Greenbelters, I’ve learned.)

Owners and employees of Proteus Bicycles
Photo credit: Alan P. Santos Photography

In this photo, staff and owners gather on opening day. Standing from left are Colin Eustis, Paul Lemieux,Johnny Huntzingerm, co-owner Ben Bassett, and Laurie Lemieux. Buddy McLaughlin is crouching.

Bigger Space = More Bikes and Events

Proteus now has about 5,000 square feet of space, compared to 3,000 at its previous location. So now it can:
  • Offer two more brands of bikes: Salsa and Specialized.
  • Hold even more clinics and classes. For example, Laurie holds Women and Bicycles free clinics for the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, plus skills classes. Paul does free fix-a-flat and basic bike maintenance classes. Master mechanic Laura Murray does intensive fee-based bike repair classes (class fee includes books).
  • Indoor bike parking for customers.
  • Zeke’s coffee stand at the front of the store.
Bicycles at Proteus Bicycles
Photo credit: Alan P. Santos Photography
Grand Opening Coming Soon
After the New Year’s the shop will be ready for its Grand Opening, with as yet undisclosed goodies and happenings.
Interior of Proteus Bicycles
Photo credit: Alan P. Santos Photography

 

Interior of Proteus Bicycles
Christen Voight at the counter. Photo credit: Alan P. Santos Photography.

 

Follow Susan Harris:
Susan started blogging about Greenbelt soon after moving here in 2012, and that blog has grown into this nonprofit community website. She also created and curates the Greenbelt Maryland YouTube channel. Retired from garden writing and teaching, she continues to blog weekly at GardenRant.com.

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