Century-Old Bay Area Bike Shop Announces Closure on August 31
Hank & Frank Bicycles, a Bay Area retailer founded in 1925, will close its Lafayette store on August 31 after more than 101 years in operation.
After a century of serving cyclists, Hank & Frank Bicycles will cease operations at its Lafayette location on August 31, ending a legacy that started in 1925 on Oakland's East 14th Street. The shop changed hands 57 years ago when Dale Dryer took over from founder Hank, and his son Frank Dryer later purchased the Lafayette storefront in 1991. The closure is prompted by the sale of the building to new owners who plan to convert it into a dance studio, leading Frank Dryer to retire rather than relocate.
He expressed sadness but noted the timing was appropriate given the lack of a successor. Customers will still receive the shop’s lifetime tune-up guarantee through an independent retailer in Walnut Creek. In its final weeks, patrons are visiting to buy bikes, schedule services, and share farewells.
Why it matters
The shutdown marks the end of a locally cherished business that has been part of the Bay Area cycling community for over a century.
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