THEURBANREALIST
  • UR LIFE & STYLE
    • UR FASHION
    • UR FIT
    • UR CULTURED
  • UR HOME
  • UR BEAUTY
  • UR TRAVEL
  • UR AESTHETIC
  • UR PETS
  • UR ABOUT
  • UR DISCLOSURE
T H E U R B A N R E A L I S T

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST

THEURBANREALIST
  • UR LIFE & STYLE
    • UR FASHION
    • UR FIT
    • UR CULTURED
  • UR HOME
  • UR BEAUTY
  • UR TRAVEL
  • UR AESTHETIC
  • UR PETS
  • UR ABOUT
  • UR DISCLOSURE
  • LOS ANGELES
  • UR INSPIRED

UR INSPIRED: Meet Ely Khakshouri, Founder of Critical Cycles

  • September 25, 2018
  • 3 minute read
Pin it
Share
Tweet
Share
Share
Share
Share

 

Interviewed by Danasia Fantastic

If you live in a major city, chances are you or someone you know uses a bicycle as their main source of transportation. I mean what’s not to love about biking? Getting where you need to go faster than on foot and working out at the same time is always useful- and fun! Critical Cycles came across my radar a couple of months ago when I was looking to purchase a fixie for my boyfriend’s birthday. What caught my eye about this brand was how awesome their bikes looked and how ridiculously affordable they were. I ordered him the fixed speed with the pursuit handle bars and he absolutely adores it! The bike arrived 95% assembled (yes, you read that right), and it works like a dream. I recently interviewed the founder of Critical Cycles, Ely Alexander Khakshouri and discussed passion, lessons learned and entrepreneurship.

DF: Tell us how bikes became your passion.

EAK: I got my first fixed-gear and loved how much control I had and how it makes you feel one with the bike. From there I got interested in road biking.

DF: What has been the most rewarding experience since starting Critical Cycles?

EAK: It’s really rewarding to work in an industry where people love what they do. They love the products that they make and sell.

DF: What has been the toughest lesson you’ve learned since starting Critical Cycles?

EAK: I remember a specific instance early on where a customer opened their box and there was an empty packet of cigarettes in there with the bike. That really hit me, because every part of the experience is so important. The lesson was about the importance of having boots on the ground in manufacturing to ensure that we’re always putting out a great product. We made some major changes after that.

critical cycles first

DF: What words do you live by?

EAK: A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

DF: Even though you’re only 27, you’ve been selling bikes since you were 19. Any advice for first time entrepreneurs?

EAK: 1. Surround yourself with good people. Focus on the importance of good hiring.

2. When it comes to design, you have to trust your instincts and can’t be afraid to take risks.

3. Tell it like it is. Sometimes it might sting a bit, but it’s really important to communicate directly.

Critical_Cycles-Harper_SS-Lifestyle_Images_for_Site-06_large

DF: What’s your favorite thing about living in Cali?

EAK: What I love about living in California is the dichotomy. On one side you have the state’s geography which makes it a big, beautiful playground for all my favorite hobbies – snow, water, riding my bike – we have it all. At the same time I live in one of the world’s biggest economies and am surrounded by incredible opportunities and a pool of talented, interesting people. I don’t think there are many places in the world that can offer that combination.

 

DF: What are your three places to hang, visit, bike to in LA?

EAK: Favorite bar: MA, the back room at Estrella Restaurant

Favorite Place to eat: Sweetfin Poké

Favorite place to ride the bike: climbing Mandeville Canyon

 

Be sure to check out Critical Cycles website, Instagram and Twitter!

Share
Pin it
Tweet
Share
Share
Share
Share
Danasiafantastic

Danasia Fantastic founded TheUrbanRealist in early spring 2013. She loves good cocktails, great conversation and doing what she wants.

JUST FOR YOU, BOO.
choosing a countertop material
View Post
  • UR INSPIRED

The 6 Most Important Facts to Know When Choosing a Countertop Material

  • Danasiafantastic
  • September 30, 2020
View Post
  • UR INSPIRED
  • UR LIFE & STYLE
  • UR MEN

UR CREATIVES: Meet Alex McBride of The 5th Co.

  • Danasiafantastic
  • December 10, 2016
View Post
  • UR INSPIRED
  • UR LIFE & STYLE

The 10 Best Quotes Guaranteed to Get You Motivated

  • Simone Danielle
  • November 7, 2016
View Post
  • UR INSPIRED
  • UR LIFE & STYLE
  • UR MEN

UR CREATIVES: Meet Editorial Photographer Ron Hill

  • Danasiafantastic
  • November 8, 2018
View Post
  • UR INSPIRED
  • UR LIFE & STYLE

UR CREATIVES: Meet Garrett Hilgendorf of Elk Head Clothing

  • Danasiafantastic
  • September 27, 2016
View Post
  • UR FIT
  • UR INSPIRED
  • UR LIFE & STYLE

4 things you need to know before becoming a Vegetarian

  • Kimmy Ducasse
  • August 14, 2019
View Post
  • UR INSPIRED

#URMUSEMONDAYS: Who is Raf Simons?

  • Danasiafantastic
  • April 4, 2016
View Post
  • UR INSPIRED

3 Real-Life Villains Who Lived Long Enough to See Themselves Become Heroes

  • TheUrbanRealist Mag
  • August 5, 2015

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

TheUrbanRealist
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Policy

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

You can adjust all of your cookie settings by navigating the tabs on the left hand side.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Cookie Policy

For More information about our privacy, affiliate, and cookie policy, please click here: