All I need is a track in the background

...and right here in Comet's journal is where you'll read the exclusive preview!!

We triathletes are quite fortunate here in Austin, Texas to have a swimming specialty store, a running specialty store (RunTex is number one in the country from what I've seen!), quite a few bicycle stores, and even a triathlon-specific store (Austin Tri-Cyclist). Starting Saturday, February 7, Austin will have the only thing better than that. We'll have two triathlon stores!

Let's welcome John Cobb's bicycle sports to our great triathlon community!

Saturday afternoon, I got word (from effendi who got it from TTT) that the new triathlon shop was having an open house. Although they weren't open for business yet, you could go in and have a look around. To me, it sounded like the perfect opportunity to check it out, so effendi and I hopped in the car and drove over to investigate.

The best athletic stores in town are located a close distance to the Town Lake Trail, so it's no suprise that John Cobb's bicycle sports is on Barton Springs, sitting between my favorite Chuy's and Wanfu Too (a dangerous combination). If you are headed west on Barton Springs, cycling or running towards Zilker Park, you can't miss the gigantic red sign on your right. One might find the sign to be obnoxiously large, but it's actually been there quite awhile. It originally was used as a movie projection screen. (Notice that it's slanted!) There does not seem to be a parking lot, so if you came by car, you have to park along the street. The street off Barton Springs is Sterzing St (which leads to Toomey Rd!) As you walk up, please don't trample the freshly planted grass. The first thing we noticed was a bright red landscaped border with white stencils of a runner, biker and cyclist. Too cute!

We were greeted right away by Adam Reiser, one of the store partners. Then we were given the exclusive deluxe tour by Jack Murray. He pointed up towards the poster-photos on the wall, all photographs by Kreutz Photography. He showed us the metallic signs for the restroom and dressing rooms which were made just for the store. He explained how so many other triathletes in the community assisted in making the store such a great place. I don't remember who it was that created the signs, but I think her cards are available on the counter. (Didn't take notes, sorry!) In the back, the dressing rooms were quite nice and the curtains were decorated with the front of some local race t-shirts. I do remember that ultra-runner-triathlete-Ironman Mark "Triple Lindsey" did the woodwork for the rooms. Behind the dressing rooms is a room full of spinning bikes. There's a lot of bikes in that little room, but you'll feel like you're right in the middle of the peloton as you cycle away!

In the back, there will be a bike maintenance area as well as an office for Jon Hill, producer of the Dirty Duathlon series. Hanging from the ceiling were quite a number of bike frames. Since I'm not a bike expert, I don't remember any of the brands that Jack listed. They are selling brand names that are not also being offered for sale at Austin Tri-Cyclist. Therefore, I didn't hear any of the more common names. Guess I need to be more of a tri-bike expert to recognize the other ones! After visiting the running store, RunOn in Dallas, I was especially impressed that even though this shop didn't have the quantity of socks that RunOn offered, they had a much wider selection of great-looking socks. Solid colored socks are for department stores, not athletic ones! I didn't snoop around too much, but I did like the selection of apparel being offered. They even had some bike jerseys I hadn't seen before! I don't remember seeing any wetsuits or hearing what brands they'll be selling, but I'm sure they'll be offering those, too. In front of the store was a bike fit machine where I assume your bike goes when you get it fit! Also in the front was a nice counter with a sweet looking Odwalla fridge, which Jack promises to fill with Odwalla drinks! All I ask is that he offer Summertime Lime when it's in season.

Before we leave the store, my favorite thing (second to the Odwalla) was the Internet Bar. Three barstool chairs with cute little footies lined up against a table where there will be Internet accessible computers. I didn't see Oscar's name on any of the chairs..... yet. You'll have to check out the chairs. I love them! Also find out who made them. It's the same woman who made the signs. If you can't tell by now, I'm quite impressed with what they've done with and how they've decorated the building they have. As of last Saturday, there was enough room to move around, but still plenty of triathlon goodies to be found everywhere.

In font of the store, there is some lovely bench decking for which to rest your tired athletic body. Again, created by another member of the triathlon community. Same with the landscaping.

I think that's about it... except for one last final cool thing. Keep your eye out for the outdoor shower. I'm sure come the warmer weather, runners and cyclists alike will appreciate it!!

I encourage you to go check this store out. They're opening their doors for business this Saturday. If you're a member of Austin Triathletes, you just might hear the buzz about it at the next meeting which is Monday, Feb 9. Be sure to show up with first-hand experience!


Location and Contact Information
John Cobb's Bicycle Sports Austin
1800 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78704

512-472-5646
Map!