SIC TRANSIT CYCLES in LOWERTOWN

Two Guys on a Vintage Bike Mission
Two young entrepreneurs are breaking into the bike business here in Ann Arbor. Michael Firn and Joe Bollinger have immersed themselves in the world of used and vintage bikes, doing repairs and making acquisitions out of a commercial garage in the Lowertown area that was a car detailing business not long ago. This is a part-time venture for them so far. They both work other jobs to survive, Joe at Detroit Edison and Michael at Pacific Rim. But they're also open seven days a week, 11am to 4pm. These are busy guys on a mission.






















Why the name Sic Transit? It's part of a Latin phrase, sic transit gloria mundi, which roughly translated means "so passes the glory of the world," or "so the glory of the world shall fade." But these guys are arresting that phase of the quick passing of bikes from our past. They're keeping the glory of these selected bikes alive. Or another way to interpret the phrase is they allow the glory of these bikes to pass in front of us as they wheel down the street. There are other places in town where these old bikes are sold, but few of those bikes are revitalized to any semblance of their past glory.

The emphasis at Sic Transit is to revive that previous dignity by restoring high quality vintage and used bikes. They like their bikes to be steel, lugged, and double butted with aluminum wheels when possible. Bikes from the 60s, 70s and 80s are their main focus. They also do conversions to single speed and fixed gear. "These old bikes are great for that," said Michael. "They have the horizontal dropouts, unlike most modern bikes." They have a few fixie examples for sale in the shop. But most of their sales are with their wide range of geared bikes.

All of their bikes are given a thorough once-over, replacing old and worn parts with high quality new ones. Each completed bike looks crisp and ready for its new life. There's obvious pride in what goes out the door. Joe, the more mechanically focused of the two, says "this is a great way to enjoy a bike. I have it for a short time, then I pass it on."

When asked what they don't sell, they chimed, "chain store bikes" in unison. They said that unfortunately they're basically made to be thrown out after their short life.


Their selection is growing. Michael spends time acquiring and says he loves the hunt. So far they have a nice range of mid-level bikes, mostly from the 70s and 80s from my quick survey of their offerings. A 1975 Schwinn Paramount, an early 80s Goldensports Zebrakenno, a 1985 Panasonic DX 2000, a 1983 Peugeot PFN 10, a Schwinn Prologue, a Bianchi Trofeo, and even a late model Cannondale Cyclocross 800 snuck amongst the old timers. Most of the current bikes are in the $250 to $500 range.

Joe wants to spend some time with the old frames and bring them into the 21st century with up-to-date components. The best of both worlds. But for now they're building the business one step at a time, bringing the old classic bikes back to life. They want to be known as a good neighborhood bike shop selling quality stuff that is functional for everyday use and abuse.

If you're looking to sell, they buy old bikes. They also plan on selling parts for older bikes. There's no website up yet. Michael wants the website to look good before they venture off into cyberspace, but even their emphasis on old technology needs to be marketed with new technology. It's only a matter of time.
The shop is located at 1033 Broadway in a brown brick building that actually faces Pontiac Trail. Check them out. They're growing and learning as they go and they'd probably be glad to get some feedback on what people are interested in and just chat about the vintage bike world.

Sic Transit Cycles 1033 Broadway Ann Arbor, MI 48105 734.327.6900 Every Day, 11am-4pm