The word "bespoke" conjures up an image of refined sophistication that one does not usually associate with skateboarding, surfing and cycling, but there is a whole new generation of hip and posh sporting goods stores that fit this description. In lower Manhattan, the surf shop SATURDAYS, skate shop DQM, Nike store 21 MERCER, and bicycle store ADELINE ADELINE have all opened in the last few years designed with a cool and minimal aesthetic. In addition, there are online stores like RAPHA, which design and carry retro cycling apparel and sportswear reminiscent of the early days of the Tour de France. Even clothing stores like Antropologie are following suit carrying a limited edition Kai Malie stand-up paddleboard and Van Heesch Copper Bicycle that patinas with age. Below are a few of my favorite "Bespoke" sporting goods stores. I am NYC based but love to hear about others in the US and abroad!
Tribeca, NYC
Located in Tribeca, this very bespoke bicycle boutique sells only the most beautifully designed city bikes and accessories in the tradition of those seen on streets of Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and the English countryside. The store has a refined Scandinavian aesthetic that showcases these two wheeled works of art, in addition to a selection of helmets, bags and other accessories perfectly curated to compliment the bicycles they sell.
NIKE 21 MERCER
Soho, NYC
Tucked away in the middle of Soho, its hard to imagine this understated boutique is actually Nike store. 21 Mercer carries a specialized and hard-to find selection of Nike footwear and apparel, curated to appeal more to the design and fashion oriented customer than the athlete. 21 Mercer is home to the exclusive Nike Bespoke program, where customers can design their sneakers from scratch with almost unlimited design elements during a NIKEiD customization session. The boutique also carries limited edition pieces from the brand’s NSW line, a collection of refined and sophisticated off-field apparel.
NYC & Tokyo
In 2009, Saturdays opened its flagship store in SoHo as New York's premier downtown surf shop. Carrying not just surf gear and apparel, but books, fine art and other accessories, Saturdays represents the lifestyle of the urban surfer. The clean open design, espresso bar, and garden patio in back have established it as much as a hang out destination as a store. Saturdays now designs and produces its own menswear line designed to appeal to the surfer and hipster alike. There are also addional stores in the West Village and Tokyo.
http://www.rapha.cc/
Rapha Performance Roadwear is a premium sportswear and lifestyle brand focused on road bicycle racing, clothing and accessories. It is an online emporium of performance roadwear, accessories, publications and events, all celebrating the glory, culture and history of road riding.
East Village, NYC
When DQM first opened in 2003, on a nondescript street in Manhattan’s Bowery district, it had just twenty styles of sneakers, a few skateboards and five styles of house brand t-shirts. Founded by professional skateboarder Chris Keeffe, born and raised in New York City, DQM quickly found the support of the neighborhood and the downtown scene. Remaining true to its roots in skateboarding, DQM has grown to become one of New York’s premiere location for sneakers, menswear and skate goods, as well as a fully-fledged brand in its own right, with clothing and accessories sold in select locations around the world. In 2011, DQM opened its second store, The General, in partnership with Vans, in a landmark building in SoHo district, bringing one the most impressive collections of Vans to the East Coast.
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