A beloved Bristol bicycle shop announced that it abruptly closed its doors on Monday after 54 years leaving many longtime customers in shock.
Bob Desmarais, who ran Biker’s Edge, located at 99 Main St. in Bristol, said that they were given no warning of the closure ahead of time. The store was bought out by Specialized Bicycle Components Inc. in 2021.
“I have some unfortunate news for our cycling community. As of Monday, Specialized Bicycle Corporation of Morgan Hill, California has closed Bikers Edge permanently. SBC is one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world and seem to have underestimated our market with their purchase back in 2021. They have made the same decision of Bikers Edge in Torrington. All the employees have been let go and currently seeking other job opportunities. Just wanted all to know as there really was no warning to any of us,” Desmarais posted on social media.
Bikers Edge was founded by the Casey family in 1972 and evolved into a Specialized bike shop with a second location in Torrington. Desmarais said the Torrington location is also permanently closed.
Biker’s Edge, located at 99 Main St. in Bristol, closed abruptly on Monday as staff say they were given no warning. The store was bought out by Specialized Bicycle Components Inc. in 2021. (Stephen Underwood/Hartford Courant)
According to Desmarais, employees at the Bristol and Torrington locations were given no heads up of the stores’ closures.
“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,” Desmarais said.
The social media post announcing the closure of the bicycle shop received nearly 300 reactions and almost 100 comments from past customers as of Friday. Many said they are sad to see the beloved store close after more than 50 years in the community.
“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. Thanks Bob and the Bikers Edge Family for always caring and making a difference,” said a customer on Facebook.
“The Bikers Edge crew became our family and still are ’til this day. I remember getting my first bright red Specialized as a young girl. It meant everything to me and to our family to have that as a hobby to share. All the trips to Vermont, pizza nights, hanging out in the shop while my dad or my brother worked, dad coming home with broken fingers from Monday night bike rides haha! I’m really sorry to hear the end of BE. I’m grateful for the experiences,” another customer commented on Facebook.
“So sorry to hear this, you all were always so kind and helpful to all of my families needs from first bikes for our kids to transitioning to the ‘big bikes.’ Thank you for all you’ve done for our community and wish you nothing but the best in your next chapter,” said another customer.
Others lamented on the changes the store underwent after the purchase in 2021.
“Bob Desmarais it wasn’t ever going to be the same after corporate bought you out. But my family rode bikes we got from you for a lot of years. Always felt like family there,” a customer said.
The former Bikers Edge in Bristol on Feb. 14, 2026. (Stephen Underwood/Hartford Courant)
Bristol Mayor Ellen Zappo-Sassu said that she was saddened to learn of the closing of the longtime Bristol business.
“We were dismayed to learn that the corporate entity that purchased Bikers Edge a few years ago abruptly pulled the plug on this business, which has a loyal following for both biking and disc golf,” Zappo-Sassu said.
The Courant reached out to Specialized Bicycle Components but did not hear back in time for this publication.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com.
