REI Flagship Store - Seattle. Add the foie gras.

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As an outdoor hobbyist, you can find me at my two Vegas REI locations weekly. Whether I'm looking to modify my Hydroflask, picking up CO2 canisters, or stocking up on energy gels for an upcoming ride, it is always a pleasure to visit my REI. So upon landing in Seattle with no particular plans, it made sense for me to bolt straight to the REI flagship store. After downing a local beer and eating some poutine, of course.


The flagship store can be easily spotted from the I-5 southbound lanes with its towering glass structure. It's an easy trek from the Capitol Hill light rail station, which I rode to from SeaTac Airport, baggage in hand.

With 2 floors, an indoor rock climbing wall, and tons of gear for the outdoor enthusiast, this particular store is a dream to visit. Although REI stocks thousands of items for any outdoor occasion, I was here for one thing: cycling. In particular, mountain bikes to test ride on their on-property test trail.



The test trail has some decent features that allow riders to get a good understanding of how a particular bike would handle. The trail provides ample opportunity to test out a bike's steering, suspension, and brakes. It's surreal that this simulated forest exists in the middle of a busy city.




I opted to test ride this hardtail from REI's in-house Co-Op brand. With its front suspension fork, 1x drivetrain, wide handlebars, and hydraulic disc brakes, I conquered the test trail with ease. Later on, I switched into a Co-Op full suspension bike and realized that a bike with the extra suspension components was a little too much to deal with. Within just an hour visit to the REI flagship, I found that a hardtail mountain bike was what I'd prefer in the future.

Being able to test ride several bikes on a controlled test trail without traveling far outside of a city is a sweet blessing to the people of Seattle. It is a resource that I envy while living in Vegas. If you live in Seattle or you are a visiting outdoor enthusiast, the REI flagship is a must-visit. The beer and poutine from Quinn's Pub on 10th and Pike is also a blessing and a must-visit. Add the foie gras for the extra $5.


REI flagship at sunset 

Location: 222 Yale Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA

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