Steve Clausse, the owner of Velobazaar, launched his business in January 2023, driven by a lifelong passion for bicycles. His roots in the cycling industry run deep, originating from his parents’ bike shop in Belgium in the 1970s. “I was born into it,” Steve recalls. His father, a racer, influenced his early exposure to the biking world. Later, the family moved to the South of France, continuing their tradition of running a bike shop, selling bikes, helping people, and doing repairs. Steve’s own cycling journey included competitive racing, which took him across various countries and even saw him as an alternate for the Tour de France.
Steve’s extensive experience working in bike shops worldwide, coupled with his education in computer programming, provided a solid foundation for starting Velobazaar. Upon moving to Pahrump, Steve noticed a gap in the local market when the only bicycle warehouse closed. “There was no other bike shop except for an electric bike company that sells only online,” he explains. This realization inspired him to open his own shop, addressing a growing demand for bike repairs and tune-ups in the community.
Velobazaar specializes in a range of services, including bike repairs, tune-ups, and custom builds. “People started just pulling some bikes from their yards, asking if I could fix them,” Steve shares. His shop also supports the community through initiatives like the Avery Foundation, which donated 175 bikes last Christmas. “I’ve been helping them get bikes, fixing them, and getting them back to the community,” he says proudly.
Steve’s shop carries niche brands like Chapter 2 from New Zealand, catering to road cycling and gravel biking enthusiasts. He emphasizes the unique, boutique nature of his offerings: “I didn’t want to carry a brand everyone has; I wanted something special.” This approach, combined with his consignment model, sets Velobazaar apart. “I’m pretty much more affordable because I can find some products that are used but in really good condition,” Steve notes.
Running a business comes with challenges, primarily the lack of time to manage both repairs and online listings. Steve has partnered with a retired individual to help manage the workload. “The biggest challenge is not having enough time during the day,” he admits. Yet, despite these challenges, the rewarding aspects shine through. Steve finds joy in helping customers, whether it’s fixing bikes for those without transportation or providing affordable options for the community.
Looking ahead, Steve plans to grow Velobazaar by acquiring a larger space to accommodate more inventory and provide a better customer experience. He also aims to organize gravel bike races in Pahrump, inspired by successful events in places like Emporia, Kansas, which transformed the local economy through cycling events. “That would be nice to have something like this going on in Pahrump,” he envisions.
Steve is also actively working with the Mountain Biking Club at Pahrump Valley High School to get more kids interested in cycling. The club, which accepts middle and high school-aged students, provides an excellent platform for young enthusiasts to learn and enjoy the sport. “We have a very good group of people there and we’re actually trying to recruit kids from November, December that start training in January for a race series in the springtime,” Steve says. His involvement with the club underscores his dedication to fostering a love for cycling in the next generation.
Velobazaar’s impact on the local economy and community development is significant. Steve’s efforts in organizing group rides and contributing to bike donations exemplify his commitment to the community. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to start small and reinvest profits wisely. “You have to have a product that is in demand and start small. Don’t get into debt,” he advises.
For more information about Velobazaar, visit their website at velobazaar.com. Steve’s dedication to providing excellent customer service and his passion for cycling make Velobazaar a valuable addition to the Pahrump community.
