Ron Hinckley]
After 32 years, the owners of Northwest Bicycles have decided to move on. The well-loved shop in the heart of Northwest Portland (21st & Lovejoy) has been sold and a new bike shop will open in its place November 1st.
According to co-owner Ron Hinckley, the shop has been pruchased by the owner of Fat Tire Farm, a nearby mountain bike shop on NW Thurman. The new owner will renovate the space but will maintain the basic product mix and feel that has worked for Northwest Bicycles for over three decades.
I visited the shop last week and asked Ron a few questions:
What are you going to do with yourself now?
“I’m gonna ride my bike. My wife and I have a tandem and we’re going to do a tour in New Zealand and explore every corner of the state.”
What was this neighborhood like back when you first opened?
“See all these coffee shops? Those were all drug houses and bars. This was a really bad area…there were gun battles in the streets.”
How has cycling in Portland changed in the last 30 years from your perspective?
“In the ’70s there wasn’t much of a commuting community. That’s been the most exciting change. It used to be that only the die-hards rode their bikes to work. It’s amazing how many cyclists there are now. I give a lot of credit to the BTA.”
While owners Rob and Matt will move on, long-time shop manager Jose Cano and popular mechanic Hugh will remain.
You’ve still got until October 8 or so to bid farewell and say thanks to Matt and Rob for their service to the bike community.