SBR Multisports Fifteen years after most other major metropolitan areas got themselves a good tri-specific bike shop, New Yorkers—at least those in Manhattan—were still waiting. SBR Multisports appears definitely to be worth the wait. This shop is better known by some as Ultimate Triathlon. As of this writing, the shop is on 46th Street, but by the first of 2005 they take possession of their new digs, 4000 square feet on 58th, just off Central Park. It's hard to fathom the economics of Manhattan. Everything costs more, and everyone makes more. This creates a statis point for those who live there. Still, it's amazing how top-flite this store is, and how it is these people can pay the bills. But that's Manhattan for you. The upward growth curve, the plans for expansion, are mind boggling. On tap for the new store: an Endless Pool; six Computrainer stations; five G5 IMacs hooked up to a T1; and a concept store modeled somewhat in the mold of Niketown. The idea is to provide a cultural center for triathlon, for learning, socializing, and so forth.

Pros: Three F.I.S.T. certified fitters (owner Christophe Vandaele and sales manager Philip Fisher, formerly of Mission Bay Multisport), and Cliff Scherb. Very strong accessory lines, as in wetsuits: Orca, T1, Aquaman, Ironman, Zoot, XTerra. Strong tri bike lines: Cervelo, Felt, Kuota, Javelin, QR, Elite, as well as Aegis and Look. Full service department. But, for all that, they're not only interested in the high-dollar customer. Triathletes can avail themselves of the "$1000 package," that includes bike, helmet, pedals and wetsuit. And, there's the atmosphere promised in the new store. If it's anything like what's advertised, there will not be any endurance sports based retail outlet in America like this. We'll wait and see.