Vintage Bicycles, a heavenly experience

Okay so this entry is off topic for me but I had to post about it anyway. Today would be defined as one of those Great Days! After stuffing ourselves with Sushi Max, my mom and I headed to the coolest bicycle shop I've ever been to. Mind you I'm a HUGE fan of Jacks Bicycle shop in down town Huntington Beach and always will be, but I discovered a hidden and wonderful secret of a bicycle shop that I'm certain few other places could rival. Before going on at length I must give "Props" to my friend Michele who told me of this treasure. If it hadn't been for her I would still be sadly ignorant of this bicycle haven. Also, for those of you that don't know, that may be many if not most of you, I'm a bicycle enthusiast. They can't be just any ole' bike however, they've got to be "Beachy Cool" and these bikes fit the bill.

Upon Entry

Here's some of the goodies to choose from.

So the shop is in a most understated, almost seedy old strip mall in Westminster, CA. Apparently the owner of this shop has collected vintage bicycles for over twenty years but she has only been in this location for two. I think the shop originally occupied only one store in the mall but over the last two years it has needed to spread it's inventory into the store directly adjacent to it which can only be accesses through the back doors of both shops. The main restoration of the bicycles are done on the opposite adjacent structure (a home) that shares the same alley of the strip mall. This home is also where the owner lives full time. I imagine she must enjoy the bicycle scattered yard once the store is closed for the day, it appears to be a wonderful little sanctuary of pretty flowers, comfy outdoor seating and of course colorful bikes. There are hundreds of them in all shapes, years and sizes peppering her side and back yard not to mention the two store fronts. All three structures complete the shop.

Creepy alley pictured here, also shows the only entries into the adjacent shop and restoration/home area.

Quaint grounds of the home and bicycle restoration section

Why am I blathering on and on about this shop you ask? Well, if you or any one you might know are in the market for a truly unique, possibly even one of a kind beautifully cool vintage bike, then this is your place. The bikes here range in price from $125 for a basic, current day restored beach cruiser to extremely rare, late 1800's, early 1900's bikes in all states of restoration and price. The most unlikely bike that caught my attention as top billing was a 1963 1/2 Schwinn (first day production) sunset orange, banana seated goodie. If you're in the market for something like this it will set you back $5000! That's right, you read the price correctly, $5000. I wouldn't pay a price like that for this bike but I would consider many of the other beautiful, nostalgic ones they have in stock. The average price for a rare vintage bike was roughly $1,500, some were more some were less. They'll even custom paint your own bike if you bring them a pattern, how cool is that. I’m not sure how they determine the pricing for the bicycles but I can only assume Lynda (the proprietor) probably knows a bit about value on these bikes since she’s been in the biz for twenty years or more.

The $5,000 very rare 63 1/2 Schwinn

Pedals and name plates are just a few of the accessories offered.

This place was amazing, it's very shabby standing lent well to the overall feel of the bikes and the shop itself. This place is about vintage bicycles and parts and not about presentation. What you see is what you get, but it was all good by me. The staff I have to add were terrific, friendly, helpful, willing to answer any questions. They'll even give you a "tour" of sorts if you'd like.

The only down side to the store is there atrocious web site. It's practically none existent, there's only one poorly designed page, even the phone number is incorrect, BUT it does provide an address and a map and thankfully those are correct. I’ll have to drop a bug in their ear about an up and coming web designer that also happens to be a vintage bike enthusiast.

For all of you bicycle fans out there, this shop is a MUST SEE and Patronize.

Happy riding all,

Jane

A couple other samples of their goods.