Hank & Frank Bicycles to close after 101 years in Bay Area

Hank & Frank Bicycles, a Bay Area institution operating for 101 years, has announced it will permanently close its doors on August 31. The shop, which traces its origins back to 1918 in Oakland, has been under the ownership of only two families throughout its history.

The current owner, Dale Dryer, stated that the closure is due to retirement rather than economic hardship or competition from online retailers. The decision follows the acquisition of the shop's building by new owners who intend to convert the space into a dance studio.

After moving through several locations over the decades, the business had operated in Lafayette for the past 52 years. Dryer, who took over the business from his father in 1991, expressed sadness regarding the closure but noted the necessity of retirement.