Hey everybody, got something you should know

[stretch]

first off, i hate being the bearer of bad news, but i have to tell.. so to everyone that lives in michigan and/or knows of cycleworks, its gone now.. i talked to their neighboring uphosltery shop, and got a tidbit from the owner. i guess eric owed rent, didnt have the money, and got the boot. last time i saw him, he was cleaning out all his stuff.. im not too sure of the details, but ill find out more and let those who are concerned know. good thing i got the stuff i wanted before the doors got locked...

 

[Chainsaw]

Eric and I became friends a few years back at the Ann Arbor Swap Meet. He was one of a few local bike shops that fully embraced the custom bike movement and he was always there with knowledge and parts discounts for Gigs and me. I know he helped out some of the other Freaks with their builds and often gave away his used parts to those who needed them.

He was/is also known around the nation and Canada for his skills and knowledge of restoring all types of bikes. Over the years I've met many collectors who have known and dealt with Eric. Never heard anything bad about him or his work. I'm sure he'll pop up again real soon.

I think that his closing was more from the work ethics of his employees. Over the years he's had some real clowns who would rather play on customer's bike or goof around instead of working. On two seperate instances I had two of my beasts destroyed by his employees while he was out of the shop. One was on the seat post on Nok Nok busted off at the frame and the other was some very heavy and strong extended forks on my old Ratasia bike. This bike was eventually given to Eric to display at his shop. Last year someone stole it. It wasn't mine anymore but I was still pissed.

He also allowed employees and friends to hang out at the shop and work on their toys. His shop was always full of wild creations in the making. Because of this, there was always plenty of people in the store but very few buying or working.

I wish Eric all the best and I'm sure he'll rebound fast. He's a great asset to our hobby and over the years he's become a good friend.

 

[stretch]

well heres their website, this has true info. only 6 grand man...
http://www.cycleworks.biz/index.html

 

[Chainsaw]

Thanks Stretch, I also posted it on FBN. Eric may have closed up shop, but I don't think he'll disapear into the darkness. He loves this hobby too much to walk away completely. Hopefully one of us will hear from him soon.
In my heart ... Cycle Works will always be open! Rmember the great times and all the cool bikes! :wink:

 

[stretch]

we'll just have to see him at ann arbor. no way he'll miss that. :lol: i know he will keep on with the hobby, the stash he had going.

 

[ChadB]

When is the Ann Arbor swap meet?

 

[schwinnmesa]

That's a bummer.

When is the Ann Arbor swap meet?

4-25-10 :wink:
http://www.ann-arbor-bicycleshow.com/

 

[stretch]

cant wait to get out there man.

 

[Bigcam59]

well in this booming economy, I'm sure the landlord will be able to rent the building out in no time... :|
Seriously, I wish Eric the best of luck. May the new year bring better things