Robby Fenstermaker in his SE Madison
Avenue location in August 2009.
(Photo © J. Maus)

Portland-based used bike shop The Recyclery has closed two of their four locations. The Ladds Addition and SE Madison Avenue shops are now closed, while the St. Johns and downtown Portland locations will remain open.

Owner of The Recyclery, Robby Fenstermaker, confirmed the closures via telephone today. I got in touch with Fenstermaker after several people contacted me saying he had closed all four locations and was planning to leave town with customer bikes awaiting repair. When I shared those allegations with Fenstermaker, he got upset and said that, “After being slandered and totally treated like s***, I’m doing everything I can to keep the stores open.”[Read more…]

Our story about public accusations of illegal activity by The Recyclery bike shop has sparked a lot of dialogue. Yesterday, I spoke about this issue with Portland Police Bureau Sergeant Troy King who works in the PPB’s Special Property Investigations unit.

One of Sgt. King’s main responsibilities is enforcing Portland’s Secondhand Dealer regulations. I asked Sgt. King if his office has had any dealings with The Recyclery and/or if they’ve received complaints about illegal purchases or sales of stolen goods at that shop.
[Read more…]

Robby Fenstermaker, owner of
The Recyclery.
(Photo © J. Maus)

A flyer that has been posted far and wide on the streets of Portland contains allegations that the owner of local used bike shop chain, The Recyclery, “knowingly purchases” and then sells stolen goods.

The flyer contains serious accusations and names The Recyclery’s owner Robby Fenstermaker as being responsible for the alleged “fencing operation.” Fenstermaker says he’s aware of the flyers and maintains the allegations are likely the result of sour grapes due to the success of his business.
[Read more…]

The Recyclery is moving out of this location.
(Photos © J. Maus)

Popular used bike shop The Recyclery is leaving their current home in a Quonset hut on the corner of SE Madison and SE 7th and opening up at two other bike-friendly locations in the coming weeks.

I caught up with shop owner Robby Fenstermaker at their Madison location (they also have a small store in downtown Portland on SW 11th) yesterday to learn more about what’s going on.

Fenstermaker said he loves the SE Madison location, but its cavernous ceilings were impossible to heat in Portland’s icy winters. I asked if increased rents or other financial issues forced the move. “No” he said “it’s just really cold”. But if he has it his way, Fenstermaker might maintain a presence at this location. He’s talking with the landlord in hopes of occupying the building in the back (southern end) of the lot. That area currently houses the shop’s storage and repair facilities.[Read more…]

At The Recyclery – 1417 SE 9th Ave. in Portland

Poster for the Old School BMX show.
(File photo)

For many Generation X’ers, BMX bikes were the gateway drug into a lifetime love of bicycling. I can still remember following my older brothers to the local dirt jump track and coveting brands like Hutch, G.T., and P.K. Ripper.

That’s why this event poster pinned to the door of The Recyclery in southeast Portland caught my eye.

The event is being put together by members of a popular, locally-based BMX website, BMXMuseum.com (I wrote about it last year).[Read more…]

Once per month bicycle swap meets. Entry is free, vendor space $20, some glass cases will be rented out for for $10. Spaces are limited and running out, so reserve yours soon.

Dr. Elvis Panther will be spinnin’ the tasty tunes.

@ 1417 SE 9th Ave., Portland (The Recyclery)
1:00pm

Come for a day of massive bike swap overdose.June 16th
DJ Elvis panther will spin the tunes.
There will be beer,food and bikes,lots O bikes!Gates open at 1:00 p.m. entry is free, vendor spaces are $20. For more info or to reserve a space call 503-734-8831.
The Recyclery
1417 s.e. 9th ave.
portland or 97214
www.therecyclery.com
Hours are monday-saturday from around 11:00am. to 7:00 pm.ish.
Robby, therecyclery at yahoo daht comm, 503-734-8831

The Recyclery is having a huge store sale! Everything in our shop is on sale, with prices negotiable.

The sale spans November 13 – 18.

Help keep your local bike store alive!

1417 Se 9th Ave, at Madison

Hours are 11am to 7pm, Monday – Saturday 503.734.8831

Thanks to a tipster, I just found out that The Recyclery, a used bike shop formerly located at SE 46th and Hawthorne, is moving to SE 9th and Madison. This new location is much larger and is right across the street from The Lucky Lab Brewpub.
[Read more…]