Longtime Bicycle Biz Shutters Locations In Bristol, Torrington

Bikers Edge, which has had bicycle shops in Bristol and Torrington for years, has closed.

Staff announced the closure in a message on Facebook this week.

According to the announcement, the stores closed as of Feb. 9.

“I have some unfortunate news for our cycling community,” the message said. “Specialized Bicycle Corporation of Morgan Hill California has closed Bikers Edge permanently.”

Specialized, or SBC, the business’ parent company, did not immediately respond Friday to a request for comment on the reason for the decision.

The Bristol location was locked and the windows were covered Friday. Its sign indicates it had been in business since 1972.

Callers to the Bristol and Torrington locations get an automatic message informing them the stores are closed, and referring them to SBC.

“SBC is one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world and seems to have underestimated our market with their purchase back in 2021,” the Facebook announcement said.

All of the employees have been let go and are now looking for new jobs, according to the announcement.

“Just wanted all to know as there really was no warning to any of us,” the announcement said. “These stores performed well and had a hold on our local communities for over 54 years. I'm hopeful we will find another person to fulfill the needs of our cycling family swiftly as the warmer season soon will be upon us.”

Several customers responded to the announcement on Facebook expressing disappointment.

Melanie Wentworth Dumont wrote, “Bikers Edge will always remain a fixture in memories as it marked a number of chapters in the life of a family. Christmas and birthday pictures often have a bike in them purchased at Bikers Edge.”

Jackie Michaud Albert said, “Some of my greatest memories as a little girl was going to Biker’s Edge with my father to pick out a new bike. Sorry to hear.”