Back Bay Bicycles Closing Comm Ave. Shop, Seeking New Lease

BOSTON, MA — A longtime Back Bay bike shop is liquidating its merchandise after losing its lease, but looking and hoping for a new location nearby.

That's according to Back Bay Bicycles' general manager, David Haas.

Haas said the shop has been at its current location, 362 Commonwealth Avenue, for eight years, and has had a spot in Back Bay for the past quarter-century. Three weeks ago, he said, they learned they're losing their lease, and have been selling off their inventory since.

Losing its current space is a tough blow, not only due to the dearth of affordable new space, Haas said, but because that Comm Ave./Mass Ave. corner is itself an advantage.

"It's the perfect intersection," he said, capturing the full range of business, from "millionaires on one side of the street and college kids on the other."

He's speaking quite literally.

A recent night saw suit-wearing diners and a swanky wedding party outside the Eliot Hotel and Harvard Club on Back Bay Bicycles' side of Comm Ave. Just up the street, fraternity brothers in matching t-shirts tossed a Frisbee around one of the grassy medians. And that's not to mention the steady flow of commuter traffic. Meanwhile, outside the shop, flashy signs announced Back Bay Bicycles' closeout sale.

Despite the challenges plaguing brick-and-mortar retailers in general, Haas said thanks to the cross-section of demographics at that location, Back Bay Bicycles has been doing well, particularly now that the students are back in town.

Haas, who enjoys riding his Cannondale Jekyll down the Lynn Woods and Middlesex Fells trails, said Back Bay Bicycles loses its lease Jan. 1. By then, he said, they must find a new location or close their doors for good.

Back Bay Bicycles owner Dan Houston, who also operates Papa Wheelies bike shop in Portsmouth, NH, could not be reached for comment.

Photo via Back Bay Bicycles Facebook