More than 100 years after Hank & Frank Bicycles first rolled onto the scene along East 14th Street in Oakland, its legacy of serving the East Bay riding community in downtown Lafayette is coming to an end.

    The business has been about more than just bikes; it’s been about forging relationships with generations of riders over the century. 
    “Generations of riders have trusted the shop for everything from first bikes to race-ready builds, from quick fixes to long conversations about the joy of riding,” said owner Frank Dryer.

    The business’ last torchbearer, who his father, Dale, started training and mentoring at age 9 to one day carry the business forward, is retiring. Frank Dryer, 61, still hopes to be able to pass on the bicycling institution to a new worthy operator, but the building at 3377 Mt. Diablo Boulevard has been sold and Dryer will douse the lights and lock the door for the last time on Aug. 31. 

    “I will cry when I have to leave,” said Dryer. “It’s something I got to do, not had to do.”

    Hank Stahl was the original owner with his partner Frank in 1925. After Stahl passed away, his widow sold the business to Dale Dryer. It has always been a family story, built on hard work, trust, and a deep love for serving the community.

    Hank & Frank Bicycles has called Lafayette home for 52 years. When Dale Dryer took over the business from Hank 57 years ago, he continued a tradition rooted in craftsmanship, honesty, and neighborly service.

    “We’ve watched kids grow up on our bikes, and now their children are riding our bikes,” said Frank Dryer, who followed in his father’s footsteps when he transitioned to the helm of the business, first as full-time employee in 1985 and then formally buying it in 1991. Even then, Dale still worked for the business until his passing. “Serving this community has been the honor of a lifetime.”

    The shop’s customers, ranging from families, lifelong cyclists, first-time riders, and everyone in between, have always been committed, loyal, friendly, and wonderfully diverse, said Dryer. 

    “What has made that relationship special is that we have never viewed our role as simply selling whatever is in stock,” he continued. “Our goal has always been to listen, educate, and help each customer make an informed decision based on their needs. We wanted every visit to feel valuable, personal, and trustworthy.”
    
    Dryer has seen tremendous changes in the bicycle industry over the years, with a notable shift going from in-store experiences to online convenience. This accompanied the evolution from BMX to mountain bikes, hybrids, children’s bikes, and now electric bikes. He noted bikes today are lighter, more efficient, more accessible, and far more specialized than they were decades ago. Components, frame geometry, shifting systems, and electronics have all improved, allowing riders to find equipment that fits their specific goals and abilities. 

    “Even with all that change, one thing has remained true: cycling is still one of the most enjoyable, affordable, and low-impact ways for people of all ages to stay active,” he said.

    But, of all the changes he has observed through the years, how customers gather information and make purchasing decisions stands out. Dryer noted how years ago people came into the shop to learn, compare, ask questions, and enjoy the experience.

    “Today, many people begin that process online. While that convenience is helpful, it also makes the knowledge and service of a local bike shop more important than ever,” said Dryer said. “A bicycle is personal, and having the right guidance can make all the difference in safety, comfort, and long-term enjoyment.”

    Liz Voelker, whose family lives in the Happy Valley area of Lafayette, expressed shock with hearing the longtime Mt. Diablo Boulevard retail fixture was shuttering. 

    “It is always sad when a small business closes in a small-town community like Lafayette,” she said. Equally so, as a parent of kids 8, 10 and 12, this place holds notable family memories. “It is a rite of passage coming to the bike store and picking out your bike and growing into a new one,” she said.

    Looking forward, Dryer sees the bicycle industry as still having a bright future. 

    “There will always be bike shops selling quality bicycles,” he said. “People who are buying bikes online will need to have them assembled properly and they will need to be serviced eventually.” So, there is a real opportunity for the next generation to step in. 

    “This is not a lost industry,” Dryer said. “In many ways, now is the perfect time for someone with energy, curiosity, and vision to help take it to the next level.”

    To that end Dryer also encouraged the community to stay connected with their local bike shops, whether someone is learning to balance and pedal for the first time or being professionally fit for long-distance rides, “(the folks behind the counter) truly care about keeping riders safe, confident, and excited to ride.”

    And, for more than 100 years, Hank & Frank Bicycles has done just that.