Brick & Mortar Store that handle vintage & classic bicycles.. do they exist anymore?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: south kansas america
Posts: 1,910
Bikes: too many
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 411 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
140 Posts
Brick & Mortar Store that handle vintage & classic bicycles.. do they exist anymore?
I happened on an online bicycle store that used to handle quite a bit of classic and vintage bicycle parts and accessories, but I'd noticed that their whole business plan had been upended. They still sale "certified" used bicycles, but nothing more than a decade old. It got me curious as to whether ANY bicycle stores exist (especially in the States of America) that cater exclusively to classic and vintage stuff. I live near a city of 380K, and I know of one bicycle shop that consistently carries used bicycles, but nothing I would classify as "vintage or classic" when I last went through their doors. If you know of one, take a moment to tell me about it, including their whereabouts. Do you use them? Have you ever bought a bicycle from them? Thanks in advance for your response.
#2
Bikes are okay, I guess.
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Posts: 6,938
Bikes: Waterford Paramount Touring, Giant CFM-2, Raleigh Sports 3-speeds in M23 & L23, Schwinn Cimarron oddball build, Marin Palisades Trail dropbar conversion, Nishiki Cresta GT
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2647 Post(s)
Liked 2,446 Times
in
1,557 Posts
Velo Classique in Purcellville, Virginia.
#4
Banned.
Via Bicycle in Philly.
Lots of cool bikes, parts and stuff. Basically a bike nut whose collection got out of hand so he opened a store, been at 30 years or something.
19th century to modern they can probably fix you up or tell you were to go.
Worked there years ago in the South St store, haven't been to the new location.
Curtis is a character for sure - occasionally surly, always corny jokes, but knows his stuff.
Bikeville.com website appears down - Faceplace - ViabicyclePHL
Lots of cool bikes, parts and stuff. Basically a bike nut whose collection got out of hand so he opened a store, been at 30 years or something.
19th century to modern they can probably fix you up or tell you were to go.
Worked there years ago in the South St store, haven't been to the new location.
Curtis is a character for sure - occasionally surly, always corny jokes, but knows his stuff.
Bikeville.com website appears down - Faceplace - ViabicyclePHL
Last edited by Cyclist3098765; 08-23-20 at 03:00 PM. Reason: Info
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NW Burbs, Chicago
Posts: 12,045
Mentioned: 201 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3009 Post(s)
Liked 3,785 Times
in
1,405 Posts
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,072
Bikes: my precious steel boys
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 438 Post(s)
Liked 603 Times
in
359 Posts
Yes, frequently in larger cities.
I know of three in the Seattle area specifically (Recycled Cycles, 20/20 Cycles, Classic Cycle)
There's also co-ops, which, while not specifically "C+V" inevitably have a big ol box full of old parts to dig through.
I know of three in the Seattle area specifically (Recycled Cycles, 20/20 Cycles, Classic Cycle)
There's also co-ops, which, while not specifically "C+V" inevitably have a big ol box full of old parts to dig through.
Likes For sheddle:
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Menomonee Falls, WI
Posts: 1,832
Bikes: 1984 Schwinn Supersport, 1988 Trek 400T, 1977 Trek TX900, 1982 Bianchi Champione del Mondo, 1978 Raleigh Supercourse, 1986 Trek 400 Elance, 1991 Waterford PDG OS Paramount, 1971 Schwinn Sports Tourer, 1985 Trek 670
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 603 Post(s)
Liked 1,062 Times
in
534 Posts
Yellow Jersey, Arlington WI
Tim
Tim
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,831
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 106 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2336 Post(s)
Liked 2,806 Times
in
1,533 Posts
not focused on classic soleyl but totally well versed, appreciative and do fine work on classic is Silva Cycles in San Jose https://www.silvacycles.com/
there work on "old" bikes all the time
and nice guys, in an obscure location packed to the gills.
the are also dealer for rivendell and jones to give an idea of their range
there work on "old" bikes all the time
and nice guys, in an obscure location packed to the gills.
the are also dealer for rivendell and jones to give an idea of their range
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
#9
Senior Member
Curtis is a character-and-a-half! I visited the shop 20+yrs ago, when I was just kinda getting interested in maybe getting back into vintage bikes. I was definitely a little tentative, not really drooling, but, ya know, interested. Curtis gave me tour of the store, took me upstairs, showed me lots of really cool bikes, several in my size, and every time I asked: "How much you want for that one?" the answer was: "Oh, sorry, _that one's_ not for sale."
If you're a High Fidelity movie fan, it was like the guy trying to buy the same record from Jack Black's character, but the record was never for sale.
Saw a really sweet vintage Atala at Trophy Bikes/Philly that same trip, and McGettigan was willing to sell it to me, but stupid me had "to think about it." I thought about it a little too long, and 2wks later when I called to buy it, it had already sold. Or so I was told.....
[joke]What's up with Philly folks, anyway?[/joke]
Larry Black at College Park Bicycles, in College Park, MD is one of the best vintagistas around. His used bicycle listing has 4,758 entries, near as I can figure at least 3,000 are still unsold. He's been hoarding for 50yrs now. He sells new bikes as well, but speaks/services vintage fluently. Also a character, but he'd actually sell me a bike if I asked.
https://www.bike123.com/bike-list/
If you're a High Fidelity movie fan, it was like the guy trying to buy the same record from Jack Black's character, but the record was never for sale.
Saw a really sweet vintage Atala at Trophy Bikes/Philly that same trip, and McGettigan was willing to sell it to me, but stupid me had "to think about it." I thought about it a little too long, and 2wks later when I called to buy it, it had already sold. Or so I was told.....
[joke]What's up with Philly folks, anyway?[/joke]
Larry Black at College Park Bicycles, in College Park, MD is one of the best vintagistas around. His used bicycle listing has 4,758 entries, near as I can figure at least 3,000 are still unsold. He's been hoarding for 50yrs now. He sells new bikes as well, but speaks/services vintage fluently. Also a character, but he'd actually sell me a bike if I asked.
https://www.bike123.com/bike-list/
Via Bicycle in Philly.
Lots of cool bikes, parts and stuff. Basically a bike nut whose collection got out of hand so he opened a store, been at 30 years or something.
19th century to modern they can probably fix you up or tell you were to go.
Worked there years ago in the South St store, haven't been to the new location.
Curtis is a character for sure - occasionally surly, always corny jokes, but knows his stuff.
Bikeville.com website appears down - Faceplace - ViabicyclePHL
Lots of cool bikes, parts and stuff. Basically a bike nut whose collection got out of hand so he opened a store, been at 30 years or something.
19th century to modern they can probably fix you up or tell you were to go.
Worked there years ago in the South St store, haven't been to the new location.
Curtis is a character for sure - occasionally surly, always corny jokes, but knows his stuff.
Bikeville.com website appears down - Faceplace - ViabicyclePHL
__________________
Fuggedaboutit!
Fuggedaboutit!
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,693
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1946 Post(s)
Liked 2,004 Times
in
1,105 Posts
The Bicycle Stand in Long Beach CA. The owner is young but knows stuff and should be around a long time.
__________________
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
Likes For Classtime:
#11
Friendship is Magic
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 22,983
Bikes: old ones
Mentioned: 304 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26380 Post(s)
Liked 10,356 Times
in
7,194 Posts
Addisons's Bicycle Repairium – Bicycle Repair and Sales in Midtown Sacramento.
There's also a co-op, and one other place over in West Sac that has a limited selection of used older stuff.
They've gone mostly over to used MTB's and city transportation bikes. The co-op is also shut down due to pandemic concerns.
Likes For 3alarmer:
Likes For mprince:
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 3,438
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 872 Post(s)
Liked 2,269 Times
in
1,272 Posts
We have at least two that help with the c&v folks that I know of . Open Air in Ventura and Bill’s Bikes in Camarillo. The other place is The Hub, a co op in Ventura that I have donated stuff to before. They get interesting bikes and parts from time to time.
Likes For Kabuki12:
#14
Phyllo-buster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 8,842
Bikes: roadsters, club bikes, fixed and classic
Mentioned: 133 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2295 Post(s)
Liked 2,041 Times
in
1,250 Posts
Cyclesmith in Halifax has a better collection of vintage bikes than most on this list. You can see them hanging on the second story walls but they don't promote them as they make no money. Early Ritcheys, Masi, Cinelli SCs, etc. Frame tweaks or full on repairs, wheel building, full service shop. They probably having drooling towels.
Locally I have Banks bikes in Wolfville. Young smart men making a living. They don't carry old parts but they support those of us fixing our own rides.
Locally I have Banks bikes in Wolfville. Young smart men making a living. They don't carry old parts but they support those of us fixing our own rides.
Likes For clubman:
#15
Senior Member
Budget Bicycle in Madison, but expect to pay 2 to 4 times what the bikes are truly worth.
Likes For Dirt Farmer:
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Locust NC
Posts: 714
Bikes: 1992, Cannondale R900. 1991 Paramount pdg
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 62 Post(s)
Liked 172 Times
in
66 Posts
Came across this bike shop in Statesville NC last year. Newest bike in the place was at least 25 years old.
Two rooms like this
I think the owners father started this shop I 1953. Nice guy
Two rooms like this
I think the owners father started this shop I 1953. Nice guy
Likes For EddyR:
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,026
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4505 Post(s)
Liked 6,373 Times
in
3,665 Posts
We have many great shops in Portland, a few less now but still plenty. Several are C+V by nature and default, lots of old bikes in use.
River City Bikes, Universal Cycles, West End Bikes, Joe Bike, Gladys Bikes, Golden Pliers, Kenton Cycle repair, Community Cycle Center co-op and shop, Citybikes co-op and shop. Oregon bike shop, Bike Gallery and others.
I think most of these shops can and will get you there but I can't imagine relying on them at our level, we all know it can be a challenge even when you know what you need and are doing.
River City Bikes, Universal Cycles, West End Bikes, Joe Bike, Gladys Bikes, Golden Pliers, Kenton Cycle repair, Community Cycle Center co-op and shop, Citybikes co-op and shop. Oregon bike shop, Bike Gallery and others.
I think most of these shops can and will get you there but I can't imagine relying on them at our level, we all know it can be a challenge even when you know what you need and are doing.
Likes For merziac:
#18
verktyg
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 4,030
Bikes: Current favorites: 1988 Peugeot Birraritz, 1984 Gitane Super Corsa, 1980s DeRosa, 1981 Bianchi Campione Del Mondo, 1992 Paramount OS, 1988 Colnago Technos, 1985 RalieghUSA SBDU Team Pro
Mentioned: 207 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1036 Post(s)
Liked 1,237 Times
in
653 Posts
In the SF Bay Area there are a number of long time C&V oriented bike shops. In no particular order:
Cupertino Bike Shop, Cupertino
American Cyclery, San Francisco
Stone's Cyclery, Alameda
Bicycle Odyssey, Sausalito
Slough's Bike Shoppe, San Jose
Some local bike CO-OPs
Recyclery-Trips For Kids, San Rafael
Waterside Workshops/Street Level Cycles, Berkeley
They're all places where when you walk in with a C&V bike or looking for one or for old components, their eyes don't glaze over and they don't try to sell you a new zoomy model....
verktyg
Cupertino Bike Shop, Cupertino
American Cyclery, San Francisco
Stone's Cyclery, Alameda
Bicycle Odyssey, Sausalito
Slough's Bike Shoppe, San Jose
Some local bike CO-OPs
Recyclery-Trips For Kids, San Rafael
Waterside Workshops/Street Level Cycles, Berkeley
They're all places where when you walk in with a C&V bike or looking for one or for old components, their eyes don't glaze over and they don't try to sell you a new zoomy model....
verktyg
__________________
Don't believe everything you think! History is written by those who weren't there....
Chas. ;-)
Don't believe everything you think! History is written by those who weren't there....
Chas. ;-)
Likes For verktyg:
#19
Senior Member
On the north shore of Chicago, it would be way easier to provide a list of good shops that have closed in the past several years. There are still a few that I would call sympathetic to older bikes, but they don’t exactly feature them. Lucky for me I am easy on equipment.
Likes For due ruote:
#20
Full Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 253
Bikes: 1988 Specialized Rockhopper Comp, 2012 Goodrich Randoneuse, 2016 A-Train, 2022 Wilde Dream Engine, 2022 Salsa Mukluk
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 61 Post(s)
Liked 88 Times
in
36 Posts
I second Addison’s Repairium. I moved to Sacramento last year and was lucky to find his shop. He has a good collection of parts and bikes, and also it’s a joy to hang out and talk bikes with him and people visiting the shop, pre-covid, of course. The co-op, the Bicycle Kitchen, is also good but I haven’t spent much time there.
Back in Minneapolis, One on One in downtown has a huge basement full of vintage parts and bikes, although the main floor is fairly high-end new bikes with some vintage classics hanging on the wall.
Addisons's Bicycle Repairium – Bicycle Repair and Sales in Midtown Sacramento.
There's also a co-op, and one other place over in West Sac that has a limited selection of used older stuff.
They've gone mostly over to used MTB's and city transportation bikes. The co-op is also shut down due to pandemic concerns.
Back in Minneapolis, One on One in downtown has a huge basement full of vintage parts and bikes, although the main floor is fairly high-end new bikes with some vintage classics hanging on the wall.
Addisons's Bicycle Repairium – Bicycle Repair and Sales in Midtown Sacramento.
There's also a co-op, and one other place over in West Sac that has a limited selection of used older stuff.
They've gone mostly over to used MTB's and city transportation bikes. The co-op is also shut down due to pandemic concerns.
Likes For twolve:
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Seattle WA
Posts: 2,841
Bikes: 2009 Handsome Devil, 1987 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1978 Motobecane Grand Touring, 1987 Nishiki Cresta GT, 1989 Specialized Allez Former bikes; 1986 Miyata Trail Runner, 1979 Miyata 912, 2011 VO Rando, 1999 Cannondale R800, 1986 Schwinn Passage
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 796 Post(s)
Liked 522 Times
in
367 Posts
Also in greater Seattle; BikeWorks (Co-op) Aaron's Bicycle Repair (Rat city cycles - specializing in 3 speed hubs) , Alki Bike and Board
Likes For ryansu:
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Saratoga, CA
Posts: 821
Bikes: 1981 Bianchi Specialissim, 1976 Colnago Super. 1971 Bob Jackson. 2012 Kestrel 4000. 2012 Willier. 2016 Fuji Cross 1.1
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 275 Post(s)
Liked 940 Times
in
387 Posts
In the SF Bay Area there are a number of long time C&V oriented bike shops. In no particular order:
Cupertino Bike Shop, Cupertino
American Cyclery, San Francisco
Stone's Cyclery, Alameda
Bicycle Odyssey, Sausalito
Slough's Bike Shoppe, San Jose
Some local bike CO-OPs
Recyclery-Trips For Kids, San Rafael
Waterside Workshops/Street Level Cycles, Berkeley
They're all places where when you walk in with a C&V bike or looking for one or for old components, their eyes don't glaze over and they don't try to sell you a new zoomy model....
verktyg
Cupertino Bike Shop, Cupertino
American Cyclery, San Francisco
Stone's Cyclery, Alameda
Bicycle Odyssey, Sausalito
Slough's Bike Shoppe, San Jose
Some local bike CO-OPs
Recyclery-Trips For Kids, San Rafael
Waterside Workshops/Street Level Cycles, Berkeley
They're all places where when you walk in with a C&V bike or looking for one or for old components, their eyes don't glaze over and they don't try to sell you a new zoomy model....
verktyg
I was in there Saturday and asked for brake pads that would work for MAFAC Racers, they knew what they were and grabbed the Koolstop brake pads that fit. Then I asked about 5 speed freewheels. They have the currently made ones, used, NOS, and I was really surprised with this, they still have sprockets to rebuild freewheels. In addition almost everybody that works there has at least one vintage bike in their stable.
Likes For SwimmerMike:
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Posts: 5,393
Bikes: Too many to list
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1765 Post(s)
Liked 1,123 Times
in
746 Posts
My LBS, Buchanans Bicycles in Norman OKlahoma, is helping me liquidate some of my fleet --- a few items I am listing on here but these are the items that are somewhat lower cost and borderline not worth messing with shipping -- nice bikes, but pretty garden variety for the most part
After they put a few out, one whole wall of the shop looked like 1989 all over again -- LOL
These folks have helped me with more than a handful of restorations, and they have experience with things that are really obscure -- however, they also are well versed in modern high end stuff and everything in between. (its in a college town , and students are great at re-purposing decades old machines from one year to another ) I'd call their shop a must visit for anyone who ever finds themselves in the Oklahoma City metro area for any length of time
After they put a few out, one whole wall of the shop looked like 1989 all over again -- LOL
These folks have helped me with more than a handful of restorations, and they have experience with things that are really obscure -- however, they also are well versed in modern high end stuff and everything in between. (its in a college town , and students are great at re-purposing decades old machines from one year to another ) I'd call their shop a must visit for anyone who ever finds themselves in the Oklahoma City metro area for any length of time
Likes For DMC707:
#24
Senior Member
Likes For Narhay:
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Madison, WI USA
Posts: 6,146
Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2361 Post(s)
Liked 1,745 Times
in
1,189 Posts
^^^^ Sorta-vintage ('94-ish) Ford F150 right side of photo.