Proud owner of a Makeshift Double Roller (Tandem w/ Rohloff #1022101) We LOVE riding it. From the fit to receiving our bike from the back of the truck a few weeks later, I can't really imagine getting a new bike any other way. Thanks Dan Smiley, Alder and Teresa!
Super cool tour, I've never even heard of these folks! Tandems are as cool to see in the wild as limousines! 😂 Their shop is especially interesting, it's not a huge production, and 5 hours for a full bike is very impressive to me! These folks are real craftsmen.
Our Erickson tandem came from there. We're the second owner. In the late 80's, when NE 45th was stripped down to the brick, was bumpy as heck and was on my daily commute, I broke a dropout on my commuter bike. R+E replaced the dropout. When that bike later got a broken bottom bracket casting, R+E told me that was terminal. Custom was more than I wanted to spend at the time, but I bought a mass produced frame, R+E checked alignment, adjusted rear dropouts, installed the headset, and painted it a custom color. I built it from there. That bike has over 20,000 miles on it so far. It's the only bike I've ever owned that never needed a headset adjustment, which shows the difference when the job is done right.
We have a long history with R+E Cycles. My wife and I bought our first tandem at R+E in 1990 (a Burley Bongo). They built us a custom tandem that we rode across the US in 1998. Today, we own our 2nd custom Rod tandem with titanium joints which has served us well here in Italy for the last 10 years. I'd also like to say that, R+E Cycles is more than a bike shop. When Dan and Estelle owned the shop and still, today, there's a passion and sense of authenticity that makes R+E an incredible place! One more thing: our condolences about Estelle. RIP!!!!!
We bought our first tandem from Dan & Estelle in '93 (a Burley Rock n Roll Softride). We have a Rodriguez tandem and a Phinney Ridge in the stable today. RIP Estelle.
When my wife and I received our Rainier's about 10-years ago, we deceided to go ride Lopez Island. When we got in line with our bicycles for the ferry in Anacortes, there were 3-other riders around us with R+E bikes. One had bought theirs two years earlier, another had theirs for 11 years and the last one was over 20 years ( I think he said 25 years ). Anyways... our bikes have been great to this day, and I know they will be for years to come! Love the video!
Fantastic guys and fantastic bikes. I rode mine all over Southern Africa, SE Asia and some in SE Europe, even while stuck in Vietnam for Covid, and it was my one reliable possession that I knew I could count on. Quite emotional, really. You simply must visit them.
Very interesting man running his business with joy and passion. They might not have a million of customers in a queue, but seeing all these frames - they are definitely there. So, yes, I wish them many more to visit the place.
What an amazing video, about an incredible company. Hearing the details of how they produce Just in Time bicycles is so inspiring. Thanks for making this video.
Rescued a Rodriguez bicycle from a junk removal truck. I needed a bike and saw this one on the truck. I thought a kid just slapped a sticker of his name on the bike. Knowing now that is a custom frame, I’m going to restore it with campy full set…..great video, keep up the excellent videos.
It is a great video ! keep pluggin away... Pretty damn inspiring what people create in their lives.... Amazing people ,,,, Every community needs such hard working passionate people.
Bought many things at R&E but sadly never a Rodriguez nor Erickson. Got my first helmet there back in the 80's -- an original Skid Lid with visor. I still own Dan Towle's wife's used Sekai 5000 -- lovingly maintained Suntour Superbe and bladed Rigida rims! Top rung stuff back then.
I used to hang-out there back in ‘80, maybe ‘81 when I lived in Magnolia. Spent a little time talking with Angel when I was building my custom Aluminum bike. Seems like yesterday, not almost five decades ago. My wife and I stopped-by (1983?) and afterward walked up the street a few feet. A store was advertising a poster by Linda Berry, “Poodle with a Mohawk!” We suspected the poster would become a cult classic, and it has! I’m still a young man living in Seattle but the calendar, and postal zip code says differently.
PS: the 13 pounder steel bike,, can you share some details of it..steel brand Reynolds/ columbus/ Tange…..model name , etc etc… extremely interested on this bike…..
Do you have a Rodriguez bicycle? What did you think of the tour? What else do you want to know?
I own a rainer
Had two when I worked there in the 90's. It is GREAT to see Dan and hear him tell about his shop. It has apparently changed quite a bit. Great video.
Proud owner of a Makeshift Double Roller (Tandem w/ Rohloff #1022101) We LOVE riding it. From the fit to receiving our bike from the back of the truck a few weeks later, I can't really imagine getting a new bike any other way. Thanks Dan Smiley, Alder and Teresa!
Super cool tour, I've never even heard of these folks! Tandems are as cool to see in the wild as limousines! 😂 Their shop is especially interesting, it's not a huge production, and 5 hours for a full bike is very impressive to me! These folks are real craftsmen.
Yeah, I love the real "home-made" part of it and you can be sure they know what they're doing.
Our Erickson tandem came from there. We're the second owner.
In the late 80's, when NE 45th was stripped down to the brick, was bumpy as heck and was on my daily commute, I broke a dropout on my commuter bike. R+E replaced the dropout. When that bike later got a broken bottom bracket casting, R+E told me that was terminal. Custom was more than I wanted to spend at the time, but I bought a mass produced frame, R+E checked alignment, adjusted rear dropouts, installed the headset, and painted it a custom color. I built it from there. That bike has over 20,000 miles on it so far. It's the only bike I've ever owned that never needed a headset adjustment, which shows the difference when the job is done right.
The mixte style tandem is pretty sick tbh
Great tour! What an amazing shop they’ve got. Thanks for bringing all these amazing local bike shops to us.
You're welcome! Feel free to suggest the next shop or connect them with me. I"m happy to welcome any requests
We have a long history with R+E Cycles. My wife and I bought our first tandem at R+E in 1990 (a Burley Bongo). They built us a custom tandem that we rode across the US in 1998. Today, we own our 2nd custom Rod tandem with titanium joints which has served us well here in Italy for the last 10 years. I'd also like to say that, R+E Cycles is more than a bike shop. When Dan and Estelle owned the shop and still, today, there's a passion and sense of authenticity that makes R+E an incredible place! One more thing: our condolences about Estelle. RIP!!!!!
Had no idea they made their own machines for building the bikes too. Very cool and interesting. I would love to get a custom bike someday.
We bought our first tandem from Dan & Estelle in '93 (a Burley Rock n Roll Softride). We have a Rodriguez tandem and a Phinney Ridge in the stable today. RIP Estelle.
20 years ago I bought a Rodriguez Ultimate Travel Bike. Sweet ride. Thanks for the video. Love your content.
When my wife and I received our Rainier's about 10-years ago, we deceided to go ride Lopez Island. When we got in line with our bicycles for the ferry in Anacortes, there were 3-other riders around us with R+E bikes. One had bought theirs two years earlier, another had theirs for 11 years and the last one was over 20 years ( I think he said 25 years ). Anyways... our bikes have been great to this day, and I know they will be for years to come! Love the video!
Fantastic guys and fantastic bikes. I rode mine all over Southern Africa, SE Asia and some in SE Europe, even while stuck in Vietnam for Covid, and it was my one reliable possession that I knew I could count on. Quite emotional, really. You simply must visit them.
Very interesting man running his business with joy and passion.
They might not have a million of customers in a queue, but seeing all these frames - they are definitely there. So, yes, I wish them many more to visit the place.
Fascinating place!
That was an awesome tour. I really enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing it.
What an amazing video, about an incredible company. Hearing the details of how they produce Just in Time bicycles is so inspiring. Thanks for making this video.
So awesome! Thank you for this in- and oversight. Great shop!
got my dream bike from here a few months ago. Fun shop and amazing bikes.
Rescued a Rodriguez bicycle from a junk removal truck. I needed a bike and saw this one on the truck. I thought a kid just slapped a sticker of his name on the bike. Knowing now that is a custom frame, I’m going to restore it with campy full set…..great video, keep up the excellent videos.
Great video! I have heard of R+E because I own a tandem. Great folks and a sharp operation!
That's an impressive operation. I am drooling over the Emco machines.
It is a great video ! keep pluggin away... Pretty damn inspiring what people create in their lives.... Amazing people ,,,, Every community needs such hard working passionate people.
Excellent video and a great tour of a cool shop.
Bought many things at R&E but sadly never a Rodriguez nor Erickson. Got my first helmet there back in the 80's -- an original Skid Lid with visor. I still own Dan Towle's wife's used Sekai 5000 -- lovingly maintained Suntour Superbe and bladed Rigida rims! Top rung stuff back then.
Closer to perfection, Rodríguez.
I used to hang-out there back in ‘80, maybe ‘81 when I lived in Magnolia.
Spent a little time talking with Angel when I was building my custom Aluminum bike. Seems like yesterday, not almost five decades ago.
My wife and I stopped-by (1983?) and afterward walked up the street a few feet. A store was advertising a poster by Linda Berry, “Poodle with a Mohawk!” We suspected the poster would become a cult classic, and it has! I’m still a young man living in Seattle but the calendar, and postal zip code says differently.
My Phinney Ridge changed my life, love Rodriguez!
My first touring bike was made by R+E Cycles in 1990. It had a pearlescent white paint finish. Loved the frame.
Good job man! Pretty cool video, definitely getting a custom frame someday.
well if you're mentioning which shops to check out... would be neat for ya to make a vid about Free Range! That place is dope.
Good video. These people live the life for sure.
Go visit Bill Davidson Bicycles in Fremont.
Every city should have a Rodriguez bicycle store.
That was my LBS in about 1982. Didn't even know there was a downstairs, though.
That was awesome! Thank you very much for this
You're very welcome!
There is a video "Building a Custom Bicycle" on the CptnCrud channel from a few years ago
👍👋 Great place!
Curious to know what components they used to make that 13lb steel road bike.
Good point! We should have went into a proper component deep-dive. Fancy Cane Creek Rim Brakes at the least though!
Fantastic video. Do they build forks for their bikes?
I guess the question is what is the price range? I can start saving
PS: the 13 pounder steel bike,, can you share some details of it..steel brand Reynolds/ columbus/ Tange…..model name , etc etc… extremely interested on this bike…..
Why have I not heard of R+E until now?!
My next bike will be a Rodriguez. Or a titanium frame bike. Or an e-bike. Or…
Are you saying for you or for me? Haha
@@BestSideCycling for me! Even though I’m still trying to finish building the last bike I bought lol
For a followup, you should go in and get a fit and a test ride.
Haha I definitely have some ideas if they're interested in :) maybe some tandem shenanigans as well
Did you get any waffles?
I did lol it will be another quick video about bike and pike
Rad piece of PNW history
0,3mm strong? A lot of Frambuilders would say that is not enough!?
I love my Rodriguez Competition! 💪❤️. I can’t attach a pic… @hawkeye1824