The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
BANANAS FOR BIKES
Service shop specializes in showcasing, repairing, selling used vintage models
Duane Mierzejewski’s desire to open his own bike shop harkens back to his childhood.
An avid cyclist his entire life, the Euclid resident has raced bikes, participated in biking tours and commuted to multiple jobs, thanks to what he calls a classic, no-frills mode of transportation.
So it almost seems pre-destined that the 58-year-old bicycle buff would one day see his passionate hobby evolve into a full-fledged business — Bananas for Bikes, a play on words, Mierzejewski said, also serving as a tribute to the classic, elongated seat.
“It just made sense,” he added, noting that the hobby itself was becoming too time-consuming. “I decided to make bikes
“I decided to make bikes my business and to make this my living...” — Duane Mierzejewski
my business and to make this my living. I’ve come to meet more and more people who were and are doing the same thing, in numerous ventures. I had the money and the know-how, so why not?
“I also wanted to have a storefront place where people could bring their bikes in for repairs and other services, and to see vintage models and styles, everything from BMX and muscle bikes to rat rods and classics, like Schwinn Stingrays and Lemon Peelers. I’ve been into the old stuff for years and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
Bananas for Bikes opened in mid-May, and Mierzejewski has enjoyed steady success in a city he said is committed to green living and “sharing the road” with cyclists of all levels.
“The paths they’ve placed on the roads are great. It saves on gas and keeps people in shape. I see all kinds of biking activity, from seniors to little kids. More and more riders are taking advantage of what Euclid has done to become more bike-friendly. It’s exploding in a way that reminds me of when I was a kid.”
Coincidentally, Bananas for Bikes, at 21936 Lake Shore Blvd., operates in the former Euclid Bicycle Co. location which was open from 1972 to 1977.
Since 1993, there has been no bike shop in the area, Mierzejewski said.
“That really put the thought that I had a chance to succeed with this idea,” he added. “I started to find old bikes at yard sales, swap meets, Craigslist, you name it. I fix them up, hold on to them, trade them, sell them, buy and collect. I can do a lot in here; it’s a fun and creative outlet. And it’s been good to hear locals tell me they want to come here to support me and not anyone else miles and miles away. Our mayor even called the store an asset. That’s nice to hear.”
Mierzejewski, who previously worked in the pharmaceuticals and health care fields, experienced a rather seamless transition in his new venture, and said he wanted to fill a void in Euclid while reestablishing a connection to the region’s biking history.
“The old Murray Ohio Manufacturing Company was in the Collinwood area, at 152nd and St. Clair, so a lot of bikes were made here before they moved to Lawrenceburg, Tennessee,” he said. “Starting up, I’ve had a few detractors and concerns, but I knew I had to do this. Even with the major online retail presence, with repairs, and classic styles, you almost need a storefront to handle gears, brakes, tires, wheels. Bikes are different. You have to come in and see them. I’m not into packing and shipping. I’m not into eBay and the rest. I’m into hands-on and creating something unique. I’m just a local mom-and-pop old school bike shop.”
In the basement of Bananas, Mierzejewski’s burgeoning mini-museum dedicated to displaying a variety of vintage bikes, like the Murray-made Wildcat and the Schwinn Grey Ghost, to name a few, has piqued the interest of aficionados from all around, some of whom have offered money on the spot for particular models.
“I’m a collector, too, so I wasn’t quite ready to sell,” Mierzejewski said, laughing. “But I will continue to showcase these and other classics for fellow enthusiasts who appreciate them and for those who grew up with these ’60s and ’70s products.
“I’m learning what the neighborhood wants, so I happily adapt. I just like to provide a nice, dependable used bike instead of having people buy a new expensive one. I always thought this endeavor would work, not only for me, but for Euclid, and it has.”
For more information, go to www.facebook.com/ Bananasforbikes/ or call 216-860-1075.