[CR]Oldest Bike Shop

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Cinelli)

Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2005 14:25:05 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Jason Cloutier" <velo59@yahoo.com>
To: Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR]Oldest Bike Shop

I'm late to this party, but needed to offer another tidbit of information. There was a shop in Woonsocket, RI called Darling Cycle and Lock. They claimed to be the oldest bicycle shop in the country at the time they closed. During their going out of business sale the owner pestered me into making him an offer on the entire remaining inventory. I threw out a number and he said yes! I'm still unpacking boxes 6 years later.

Darling's started as a cutlery shop in the early 1870s. I think I remember seeing a picture of the original store dated 1871. Once bicycles were "invented" they must have started selling them along with other household goods.

Once Darling's closed I asked who was then the oldest bike shop. I was told that Beauvais Bicycle Shop in Taunton, MA, oldest.

Yes, I still have most of the stuff I bought from Darling's. No, there isn't any vintage lightweight stuff left, but there is still LOTS of stuff. If you're interested in talking about what I have, please send me an email off-list.

Sincerely, Jason Cloutier Pawtucket, RI

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