It started in a basement in 2006 and then moved up to street level three years ago.
Now downtown business APEX Cycles & Service is taking another step forward by moving into an even bigger shop at 912 Fifth Street, Suite 105 this fall.
Owner Aaron Curtin, a UC Davis alum who first came to Davis in 1997, originally opened the store in a 150 square foot basement of a photo studio art gallery at 603 Fourth Street in 2006. He moved to the store’s current location at 338 G Street a little over three years ago and the newest shop is set to open on Sept. 1.
The store will still feature bikes for sale, bike repairs and other trinkets, but will also have a dedicated shop space and separate showroom. The space is also occupied by in Suite 100, and Casa Verde Designs in Suite B.
“We’ve always been in a small location, tucked behind something,” Curtin said. “It’s finally time to grow out.”
Curtin said he originally began helping people fix their bicycles on a part-time basis, as he worked in two different shops as a professional mechanical bike builder. He said he became so busy with referrals in July of 2007, that he quit his other jobs to work full-time at the shop.
“It grew, and grew and grew,” he said. “At that point, I wanted an actual retail location.”
Curtin said he gets old customers who have literally become lifelong customers come in and say how great it is to see the business grow out from the basement.
“I started this business on a whim to help friends and friends of friends who knew me from working at other shops and it has grown into a viable business because of the support of the community,” he said. “I do this to help other people and others have been really helped me grow too, so I really appreciate it.”
Community involvement and family ownership have been a major theme for the business.
Curtain said APEX’s name is even rooted in family ties. He said the name is built off letters from everyone in his family, as the “A” stands for his and his son’s names, both Aaron, the “P” for his wife Princess and the “EX” for his son Alex.
His kids have attended school in Davis and he said he’s volunteered at bike safety Bike Rodeos and at the Davis Livestrong Challenge events. He’s helped with bike safety checks, tuning bikes, working as a mechanic and donating helmets.
“I’m happy to oblige with helping with everything thing and anything bike related,” he said. “Whether it’s donation or professional help, I’m always willing to provide it. It’s something that’s part of my daily routine.”
Curtin said the hours will likely be extended once the shop moves to the new location since the new place has a parking lot, making it easier for customers to bring their bikes at later hours. He said they will open an hour earlier and close an hour later in order to make it easier for customers to have more time to get their business done.
A grand re-opening barbecue is set for September as well.
The store’s current summer hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment on Sundays. The store offers a bike pick-up and drop off service to those who can’t get their bikes downtown on their own.
For more information on the store, visit their website. Do you go to APEX Cycles? Share your experience below.
