March 20, 2017

Meet Chris Duncan of Hoopty Bikes in Downtown LA

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Duncan.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was an ESPN X Games pro BMXer and mountain biker for 10 years. Some career accomplishments include being a character in a PlayStation BMX video game, setting 3 world records and doing the mechanics on all my competition bikes. I’ve conducted countless classes on mountain biking and urban cycling techniques, given speeches on the culture of BMX and done Q&A’s all over the world about bikes designed from my input. In 2007 after pro contest life I started selling restored vintage road bikes. After falling in love with that market I founded Hooptybikes in 2009 in San Francisco and in 2015 I opened the second location in DTLA. The creativity, mechanics and fitness of Hooptybikes is my portal to the love of daily cycling.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When I first started, finding vintage bikes was a challenge. These forgotten freedom machines had been collecting dust in garages for over 30 years. Even their owners forgot about them. First, I went to garage sales and had very little luck. Every once in a while I would find a cool bike to restore, but I needed another way. I started to network with other professionals like landscapers, carpenters and antique dealers. Eventually word got out I was buying these old bikes to restore and sell. The response is always positive. People love the idea of a forgotten bike finding a new home and the green business model of recycled transportation.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Hoopty Bikes – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Hooptybikes isn’t a conventional retail cycling establishment, it’s more like a salon or barbershop where your bike gets a haircut. Telling stories with a few laughs while bikes get serviced is the company culture. Customers kicking back and enjoying the show is always encouraged.

Originally we specialized in selling and repairing vintage bikes, but the demand for general repair and specialty services grew. We offer scheduled mobile or in shop repairs, assembly and detailing for all types of cycling. Mountain, road, urban, BMX, tandem, beach cruisers, kids bikes, exercise bikes etc…

The Mobile bike repair service is designed to remove the stress of the whole process and it’s offered for all our services. You don’t have to transport your bike to and from the shop. This saves time, money and avoids damage to your car caused from bike racks or trying to fit the bike in the car. With a mobile repair your bike is almost always completed the same day. (Unlike leaving your bike at a shop where it can take a week or more until it’s finished) Most of all, a professional bike mechanic with 30 years’ experience is doing the work that you can see, so you can relax and know it’s done right.

If you’re a year round cyclist having your bike tuned up every 4 months is highly recommended and our service is very comprehensive. 40 bolt safety inspection. Frame is checked for cracks. All moving parts are lubed. Wheels are trued. Headset, crank and wheel bearings are fine tuned. Shifting and brake cables are adjusted. Bike is detailed cleaned in all areas that build up with dirt and grease. (In some cases a drive chain cleaning service is highly recommended to enable smooth shifting. This procedure also promotes a longer chain and sprocket life thus saving money) Suspension parts are cleaned & lubed to preserve the seals and bushings.

Detailing and rust removal. This is one of our specialties learned from years in the restoration business and is the equivalent of your bike having a spa day. It’s very popular with all cyclists on the west side in Venice and Santa Monica. The salt spray is hard on everyone’s bike in that area. Your bike is an investment.

Out of the box bike builds are available by mobile and in shop service. Did you order a bike off Amazon and need it assembled? We have you covered. All packaging waste is recycled.

Packaging a bike for shipping or storage. If you’re going on your dream-bikecation we’ll dissemble it and box it up for safe travels. This service is also handy if you need to save space while storing your bike around other items.

Basic bike fit. When the components of your bike are ergonomically adjusted to your body you’ll get optimal performance and prevent stress related injuries. Fittings include proper seat post height, saddle position and angle to relieve pressure on soft tissue areas. The distance and angle your arms extend to the handlebars is inspected then stem height is adjusted accordingly. In some cases a different stem length is recommended to achieve the most comfortable position. Shoe cleats are adjusted for the correct power pedal position.

Customization labor is $75/hr. For example: Installing a group of modern components to a vintage frame would be considered a custom job. Building a bike from the frame up is also custom work.

For estimates and scheduling text a picture of your bike to ‪3103080252 or email [email protected] with a short description of what’s going on and if you want mobile or in shop service.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Yes, I do have big plans and goals for the future. I’m always looking to grow my business. If you’re a building owner or an industrial commercial real-estate agent and have a potential building, garage or workshop for a second Hoopty Bikes location in LA, let me know.

If any set designers or prop makers in the film industry need an authentic vintage 10 speed, all of my bikes are available for your projects. I can also provide on set technical assistance.

Providing more than just product information on social media is a major focus. My time in the cycling industry has benefited my life in many ways and I love sharing the experience and knowledge. Hooptybikes on IG has daily tips and tricks to entertain, educate and inspire. I look forward to growing that online relationship with our customers. So feel free to slide in our DM’s for any of your cycling needs.

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