After 101-years, this California business is shutting down on August 31; owner says in an emotional note: Decision comes with …
After more than 101 years in business, a Bay Area institution is closing up shop. The century-old fixture of the Bay Area cycling community will permanently close its doors at the end of the month, marking the end of an era for one of the region’s oldest bike retailers. Hank & Frank Bicycles, which first opened in 1925, announced that its final day of business will be August 31.The shop began operations on East 14th Street in Oakland before relocating several times, eventually establishing its permanent home in Lafayette, where it has operated for the past 52 years. The business changed hands 57 years ago when Dale Dryer took over from original founder Hank. His son, Frank Dryer, grew up sweeping the floors and assembling tricycles before purchasing the Lafayette storefront from his father in 1991.
Why the 101 year shop is shutting down
Unlike many recent legacy business closures driven by online competition or rising operational costs, the shutdown comes as the building changes hands. The property’s new owners plan to convert the space into a dance studio, prompting the younger Dryer to choose retirement rather than relocate. Dryer noted that while he is saddened to leave the community, the timing felt right, particularly without a successor to carry on the family trade.Customer loyalty remained steady throughout the decades, bolstered by a longstanding promise of free lifetime tune-ups with every bicycle purchase. To honor that commitment after the storefront closes, Dryer has arranged for a neighboring independent shop in Walnut Creek to take over the lifetime service perk for existing patrons.Patrons and longtime cyclists are visiting the Lafayette location in its final days to purchase bikes, schedule tune-ups, and share farewell notes with the staff before the shop closes its doors for good on August 31.
What the note on shutting down says
Hank & Frank Bicycles Announces Retirement After 101 Years of Community ServiceAfter more than a century of serving Bay Area riders, families, and adventurers, Hank & Frank Bicycles will officially retire and close its doors on August 31, 2026. This decision comes with full hearts, deep gratitude, and an enduring love for the community that has carried us for generations.A Legacy Built on TrustFounded in 1925, Hank & Frank has been a rare constant in a changing world—a 101-years legacy stewarded by only two families. When Dale Dryer took over the business from Hank 57 years ago, he carried forward a tradition of craftsmanship, honesty, and neighborly care. Today, as we prepare to close this chapter, we reflect with gratitude on the generations of customers, employees, friends, and families who made this shop far more than a place to buy or service a bicycle.Why This Shop Has Always MatteredOur “why” has always been simple: to help people experience the freedom, confidence, connection, and joy that a bicycle can bring. Whether it was a child’s first ride, a family’s weekend adventure, a commuter’s daily route, or a lifelong cyclist’s next great bike, we have believed that every rider deserves care, respect, and guidance they can trust.We have had the privilege of watching children grow up on our bikes—then return years later to buy bikes for their own children. We have seen families ride through milestones, seasons, and lifetimes with us. From our original home on East 14th Street in Oakland, through several locations over the decades, to our final and beloved home in the City of Lafayette for the past 52 years, every community we have served has shaped who we are.With Deep GratitudeTo all of you—our riders, neighbors, friends, and extended family—thank you. Thank you for your trust, your stories, your friendly smiles, your loyalty, and your belief in what a local bike shop can mean to a community. You invited us into your lives at birthdays, graduations, weekend rides, first commutes, race days, repairs, upgrades, and ordinary moments that became lasting memories.Your support allowed us to do what we loved for more than a century: serve people well, stand behind our work, and help keep generations of riders rolling safely, happily, and confidently. That is a gift we will never take for granted.Looking AheadAs we look ahead, we also look forward to wishing Frank a joyful and well-earned next chapter. At the same time, we are actively seeking the right person to carry on this extraordinary legacy, and we will keep our community informed as that search continues.Between now and August 31, 2026, we invite you to stop by and be part of this final season with us:* Pick out your next quality bicycle.* Schedule service with our exceptional mechanics.* Share a memory, a story, or a simple hello.* Let us thank you in person for being part of our journey.It has been our honor to help keep you moving for so many years. More than anything, we hope you know how deeply grateful we are—for every mile shared, every relationship built, and every moment of trust you placed in us.With sincere gratitude,The Hank & Frank TeamHank & Frank Bicycles
