GNO Cyclery: Bikes and More

Sarah Ravits

GNO Cyclery: Bikes and MoreOne of the advantages of living in New Orleans is that it’s almost always a decent enough temperature to be outside.

Jessica Forrester, a sales associate of GNO Cyclery says the store, which is owned by Billy Ruddy, is prepared to meet all bikers’ needs, whether they’re experienced or beginners. The store also offers competitive pricing and a helpful staff.

“The entire population of New Orleans is represented in our store,” says Forrester. “We see high-end bike riders, and also a lot of students and families, as well as riders whose primary or only means of transportation is their bike.”

Forrester says that the most popular bike is a hybrid, a “cross between a durable and versatile mountain bike, and a lightweight and efficient road bike. These bikes are quick and ideal for pavement, but can still cut through grass, gravel and hard packed trails, and take the abuse of our roads.”

Forrester says the front of the store is packed with all the apparel and accessories to get started. (The most important accessory, however, is a simple: “Wear a helmet,” says Forrester.) Featured brands include Trek, Cannondale, Gary Fisher, Electra, Orbea, and Redline. GNO Cyclery has been in business since 1991, and it offers full-service for repairs and maintenance in addition to sales of equipment and bike clothing.

With humble beginnings in the French Market, Sabai Jewelry Gallery is celebrating 20 years in business as a unique jewelry store that uses rare and unusual stones, minerals and fossils. No longer in the French Market, Sabai occupies locations on Magazine Street and in the French Quarter.

Owner Terrie Day is a designer, along with manager Sharon Bender. “We mostly design in New Orleans,” says Day. “Then we send our designs and stones to Bali and Nepal to our workshops and we display them for sale when upon their return.”

The jewelry has a worldly appeal; many of the designs are influenced by other regions and cultures. (Even the store name “Sabai” is a Thai word meaning “happy” – “the way we want our customers to feel!” says Day.)For example, one of the latest popular jewelry lines is inspired by the practice of yoga.

Day is an avid traveler; she journeys to Asia for outside inspiration. She also makes three trips to New York a year to look for designers, and she attends rock and mineral shows in places including Tucson, Ariz.

This month, Sabai will be getting a new shipment of goods in – make sure to check out “lots of Druzy [a type of crystal] and bolder opals,” says Day.