Hank & Frank Bicycles, a fixture in the Bay Area cycling community since 1925, announced it will close its doors for good on August 31. The shop, which has operated in Lafayette for the past 52 years, is marking 101 years in business.
According to the shop's website, the decision to close comes with "full hearts, deep gratitude, and an enduring love for the community." Customers are invited to visit the store before its final day to purchase bicycles, schedule service, or share memories.
The closure is not attributed to financial difficulties or online competition. Instead, the building housing the bicycle shop was recently acquired by new owners who plan to convert the space into a dance studio. This change prompted current owner Frank Dryer, whose father Dale Dryer took over the business from the original founder Hank 57 years ago, to retire.
Dryer, who spent his childhood working in the shop before buying the Lafayette location from his father in 1991, stated that he was "born into it." He expressed sadness at leaving but noted the necessity of retirement. "If I had a kid, his name would be Hank, and he’d be taking over the business," Dryer told the San Francisco Chronicle.
Throughout its history, Hank & Frank Bicycles has aimed to help people experience the benefits of cycling, from children's first rides to family adventures and daily commutes. The shop was known for its commitment to customer care, offering free lifetime tune-ups with every bicycle purchase. To ensure this service continues for its loyal customers, Dryer is transferring this perk to a local shop in Walnut Creek.
Customers have shared messages of appreciation for Dryer and the shop's decades of service. The shop's farewell message extended gratitude for "every mile shared, every relationship built, and every moment of trust."