In the vibrant city of Houston, nestled within a community of passionate cyclists, lies Urban Bicycle Gallery. More than just a bike shop, it’s a hub where two-wheeled enthusiasts converge, friendships are forged, and adventures begin. Founded by Tom Wurth and now helmed by Judy Tuttle-Wurth, Urban Bicycle Gallery has become synonymous with community spirit and a love for cycling. Judy’s journey, initially rooted in the beauty industry, took an unexpected turn into the world of bikes, proving that passion and community building transcend industries.
Judy’s career story began in salons at the young age of 18, a path she initially thought would be short-lived. However, over three decades later, she found herself deeply entrenched and thriving in the beauty industry. Her salon career was rich with experiences, from traveling and working at fashion shows to contributing to product line designs. After 37 years of making people feel good about themselves through hairstyling, opening her own salon seemed like a natural progression.
Simultaneously, in 2003, Judy’s husband, Tom, embarked on his own entrepreneurial journey, establishing Urban Bicycle Gallery. While seemingly disparate from the beauty industry, Judy recognized surprising parallels. Just as in her salon, the bike shop fostered deep relationships, evolving clients into close-knit friends. This sense of community, familiar from her salon chair, blossomed further amidst shared bike rides through city streets and country roads.
Judy Tuttle-Wurth, owner of Urban Bicycle Gallery and 3930 Ego salon, in Houston
Even while managing a long-standing salon career of over 20 years, Judy actively supported Tom with Urban Bicycle Gallery’s marketing and event planning. The shop quickly cultivated a strong cycling community, uniting diverse riders into a large, supportive family. The Urban Bicycle Gallery team became known for regular shop rides and active participation in major charity events, collectively raising over a million dollars for organizations like the MS Society.
Life took a challenging turn in 2012 with Tom’s sudden passing. Judy made the courageous decision to leave her 31-year salon career to take the reins at Urban Bicycle Gallery. Navigating the grief of losing her husband and best friend while simultaneously learning the intricacies of day-to-day bike shop operations was an immense challenge. Despite being involved in marketing, Judy was unfamiliar with bike mechanics, inventory, and the daily grind of running the business. She leaned heavily on the support of friends and employees to guide her through orders and shop management.
Overcoming these hurdles, Judy not only sustained Urban Bicycle Gallery but also expanded her entrepreneurial horizons. In November 2017, she opened 3930 Ego, a salon located conveniently close to the bike shop, marking her return to the beauty world.
Urban Bicycle Gallery, as Judy proudly shares, celebrated its 15th anniversary on January 31st. She describes the shop as specializing in “experiences and adventures,” catering to a wide range of cycling needs with road, mountain, cross, and city bikes. Urban Bicycle Gallery distinguishes itself with a laid-back atmosphere, focusing on the everyday rider while still supporting local racers. It’s a place where the community vibe takes center stage, making cycling accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
3930 Ego, while newer, embodies Judy’s long-held dream of creating a cozy and stylist-centric salon space. This open-concept salon rents chairs to stylists specializing in diverse hair and makeup services, fostering a collaborative and creative environment. 3930 Ego also features premium haircare lines like Orbie, R+Co, and Davines, reinforcing its commitment to quality and style.
Judy attributes her success to unwavering support from family and friends throughout her career, especially during the challenging past five years. She expresses gratitude to everyone who has contributed to her journey, acknowledging the strong work ethic instilled by her parents and the continuous encouragement from her personal and professional network.
Urban Bicycle Gallery stands as a testament to community, resilience, and the power of shared passions. It’s more than just a place to buy a bike; it’s a starting point for countless cycling stories and adventures within Houston’s vibrant urban landscape.
