Nic Ponsor, owner of Criterium Bike Shop in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a local expert in bicycle sales and service.
Nic Ponsor, the owner of Criterium Bikes, located in Colorado Springs, embodies the spirit of endurance, both in his personal life as an Iron Man competitor and in his dedication to the cycling community. Having conquered the challenging 2021 Iceland Extreme Triathlon, Ponsor’s journey with Criterium Bikes began in 2004 when he relocated from San Diego. By 2013, his commitment and passion for cycling led him to purchase the shop, driven by a clear vision: to strengthen its community ties and elevate the bike riding experience for everyone in Colorado Springs.
Ponsor understands that the cycling industry thrives on personal connections. Bike shop owners are deeply embedded in their communities, interacting with customers and fostering relationships. When he took over Criterium Bikes, the early days were lean. Without the resources for support staff like bookkeepers or janitorial services, and facing the complexities of setting up employee health insurance, Ponsor navigated the challenges head-on, expanding his business acumen along the way.
Today, Criterium Bikes’ growth allows Ponsor to give back significantly. He actively conducts community workshops and serves as a mentor to aspiring cyclists and business owners. His commitment extends to board positions with Kids on Bikes, a local organization, and the Retail Advisory Board for Specialized Bicycles, showcasing his influence at both local and national levels. Furthermore, Ponsor shares his expertise by lecturing at District 11’s bike tech program and leading educational sessions at Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort.
Bike technician expertly servicing a bicycle at Criterium Bike Shop, a trusted bike repair shop in Colorado Springs.
The Observant Approach to Running a Successful Criterium Bike Shop
For Ponsor, the cornerstone of success in the Criterium Bike Shop business is simple yet profound: observation. “Keeping your eyes and ears open and watching and listening at what’s going on inside the shop,” he emphasizes, is crucial for discerning what strategies are effective and what needs adjustment. This attentiveness allows Criterium Bikes to continually refine its services and offerings to meet the community’s needs.
Reflecting on his early days in the cycling industry in the late 90s, Ponsor candidly admits his initial lack of mechanical expertise. To bridge this gap, he proactively sought knowledge from experienced mechanics. “I would take every opportunity to pick the brains of the mechanics I worked with, and my own bike would be my test subject,” he recalls. This hands-on approach and eagerness to learn ensured he mastered the intricacies of bike mechanics before working on customer bikes.
This journey from novice to expert instilled in Ponsor a deep appreciation for learning and teaching. He found fulfillment in sharing his accumulated knowledge, which led him to teach triathlon training classes at the YMCA. By developing a curriculum for beginner triathletes, he aimed to shorten their learning curve, drawing from his own experiences and mistakes. This dedication to education remains a core value at Criterium Bike Shop.
From Race Training to Business Strategy: Parallels at Criterium Bikes
Ponsor’s modesty belies his impressive athletic achievements. As a winner of multiple triathlons, including the challenging Iceland Extreme competition, and a top finisher in the 18 Hours of Fruita bike race, he applies the same strategic mindset to business as he does to racing. He sees striking similarities between training for a race and managing Criterium Bike Shop.
“When I sign up for a race, I lay out a plan to get myself ready to get to that race in good form. And then in the race, it’s planning and executing a strategy. Business is much the same,” Ponsor explains. He views both arenas as processes of learning from both successes and failures, adapting strategies based on outcomes. This iterative approach is key to the continuous improvement of Criterium Bike Shop.
For Ponsor, success is multifaceted, fueled by a competitive spirit and a deep-seated passion. He is driven by the thrill of pushing personal boundaries, discovering his true limits in endurance racing, and applying this same drive to his business. This perspective helps him overcome challenges, recognizing that both racing and business demand mental fortitude.
Interestingly, Ponsor doesn’t primarily identify as a businessman. His driving passion behind Criterium Bikes is not solely profit, but rather, a genuine desire to care for his customers and employees. His ultimate goal is to provide meaningful employment and contribute positively to the Colorado Springs community. He understands that the financial success of Criterium Bike Shop is essential to achieving these community-focused objectives.
Interior of Criterium Bike Shop in Colorado Springs, showcasing a wide range of bikes and accessories for all cyclists, from beginners to professionals.
Criterium Bike Shop: Connecting Colorado Springs Through Cycling
Colorado Springs’ strong cycling culture is something Ponsor deeply appreciates, and Criterium Bike Shop is woven into its fabric. His connection with Daniel Bird of Kids on Bikes exemplifies this community synergy. Their initial meeting at a youth homeless shelter, where Ponsor assisted Bird in establishing a bike program, evolved into a lasting partnership. Criterium Bikes actively supports Kids on Bikes, from enhancing their bike shop facilities to providing donations, reinforcing the shop’s commitment to youth development through cycling.
Another significant community initiative Criterium Bikes supports is the Bike Clinic Downtown. Originating before Ponsor took ownership, this free bike shop serves the homeless and working poor, providing essential transportation. For over two decades, Criterium Bikes has consistently funded the clinic, covering rent and supplies, and donating parts, demonstrating a long-term commitment to accessible cycling for all.
Ponsor highlights the selfless nature of the cycling community in Colorado Springs, where individuals and businesses readily contribute to common causes. Criterium Bike Shop stands as a testament to this collaborative spirit, actively participating in initiatives that promote cycling accessibility and community well-being.
The Universal Appeal of Bicycles at Criterium Bike Shop
Ponsor believes in the bicycle’s universal appeal, recognizing its diverse roles in people’s lives. From basic transportation to recreation, stress relief, and professional competition, the bicycle caters to a wide spectrum of needs and aspirations. This versatility is what makes the cycling industry, and Criterium Bike Shop, so dynamic and engaging.
This diversity also fuels the technical curiosity of Ponsor and his team at Criterium Bikes. The shop constantly encounters a range of bikes and mechanical challenges, from vintage models to cutting-edge prototypes. This constant variety keeps the work stimulating and ensures continuous learning. Ponsor mentions advancements like wireless Bluetooth shifting, high-tech suspension, and hydraulic disc brakes as examples of the ever-evolving technology that keeps Criterium Bike Shop at the forefront of bike service and expertise.
Ultimately, for Nic Ponsor and Criterium Bike Shop, the mission is clear: to get more people on bikes, more often. This overarching goal transcends mere sales. Whether it’s trail building, community education, or expert bike repair, Criterium Bike Shop is dedicated to fostering a thriving cycling culture in Colorado Springs, making cycling accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
The Maverick Observer is an online free-thinking publication interested in the happenings in our region. We launched in February 2020 to hold our politicians and businesses accountable. We hope to educate, inform, entertain, and infuse you with a sense of community.
