To speed up the process and reduce your wait time, please fill out the above SERVICE REQUEST FORM on your computer (CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE OR CLICK HERE), print it, and bring it with you to the shop. Thank you for helping us keep this wheel rollin’!
Additionally:
1) FOLLOW THE SIGNS: When you come to the shop, you will see signs in the parking lot directing you where to go, depending on whether you’re here for service or retail.
2) SERVICE CUSTOMERS: Please fill out, then print THIS SERVICE REQUEST FORM prior to coming out to the shop, and bring it with you to drop-off.
3) RETAIL CUSTOMERS: Please park against the concrete wall – one of our sales crew will come out and greet you.
4) NEW BIKE CUSTOMERS: If you are interested in purchasing a bicycle, in addition to Step 3 (above), please call ahead and schedule an appointment with Andy: (810) 225-2441, Dial 1.
Somehow it seems fitting that aluminum is the metal of choice for a 10-year anniversary, since it’s one of the most popular materials for manufacturing bicycles.
Although we can’t celebrate like we had planned, we ask that on April 15th, you raise your glass in a “shelter-in-place” toast to YOUR bicycle shop.
#stayHTBstrong
While you celebrate with us from afar, here are 10 Fun Facts about Hometown Bicycles:
1.90+ In the 10 years we’ve been in business, we have hired over 90 people. In many cases, this was their first job, and we’re really proud to see how our young crew have matured and evolved over time. And we’re equally proud to know that they still feel like part of the Hometown family.
2.8 Years Our longest-standing crew member is Chris Buddingh, who started with us in 2012. Chris has been with us through a world of changes. We’re so grateful that he decided to share his retirement years with us – thank you, Chris!
3.2 Shops Did you know that, at one point, Hometown Bicycles had a second location? It was a cool, little cabin in Whitmore Lake – the ultimate, small town bike shop.
4.Tax Day Our decision to open on Tax Day 2010 was intentional! During construction, one of our earliest supporters jokingly mentioned that “all businesses are… are tax collectors for the government.” After a good laugh, we decided “hey – April 15th it is!” Thank you, Wheelin’ Willie.
5.23,002 This is the number of repairs Hometown Bicycles has completed to date. We’re insanely proud of this accomplishment because we have been service focused since Day 1 – a concept that is revolutionizing the bike business.
6.Steve Reed Customer #1, and the only customer who has his photo on our number plate wall. Steve was the first customer to come in and give us the opportunity to fix his bike, and the coolest part – it was a recumbent. We envisioned our first repair being an ultra-sleek, highly technical machine. Instead, it was a recumbent cruiser… and that was perfect.
7.20-Hour Days Initially, through the build process, and being super excited, Dawn and I worked 20-hour days – painting, fixing, getting everything set up and ready to go. After opening on April 15th, we thought our 20-hour days were over. 10 years and 2 kids later, 20-hour days are still the norm!
8.3,212 This the number of bicycles we’ve sold since opening. Although bicycle retail isn’t our primary focus, we always believe in giving good advice and matching the customer’s needs to the right product. We’re happy that we have been able to help so many people find their new bike.
9.10595 This is the address of our current “bicycle adventure center”. In 2014, we had the opportunity to move to a new space, and help the shop grow. The new facility gave us the chance to hold better classes, better rides, better community events, concerts… and even create a business incubator! We’re really proud of this accomplishment.
10.100+ … is how long we’re planning on sticking around! We know that 2020 has been a tough year for everyone. It’s a weird way to celebrate – together, separately. However, let’s get over this hump, and we’ll look forward to another 100+ years of birthday celebrations.
Free Emergency Bike Repair UPDATE
Our free emergency bike repairs have definitely been a value add to our community. There have been a tidal wave of repairs coming in that we’ve been able to address immediately to keep people riding.
With Governor Whitmer’s most recent Order update, and with stricter rules in place, we are going to have to slightly modify how we are able to help.
1. Please REMAIN IN YOUR CAR. We will take your bike off and put your bike back on your car. We don’t want anyone congregating at our front door – any lingerers will be asked to leave!
2. Absolutely NO ONE IS ALLOWED IN THE STORE. We’ve had a few people sneak in. We get it – you love us. We love you, too, but please – even if our front door is unlocked, we’re trying our best to comply with the Governor’s mandate, and follow the CDC guidelines. Hang tight in your cars – we promise we’ll come out and help you.
3. Service is limited to EMERGENCY REPAIRS ONLY. We’ve had a few tune-up requests, and as much as we’d love to help, we are not able to perform “regular spring tune-ups” until after the mandate is lifted. Our goal is to simply make sure your bike is safe, and you are safe.
4. We’re limiting repairs to ONE BIKE PER CUSTOMER. We’ve had multiple people come down with a truckload of bikes. We love your enthusiasm, but our goal right now is to help as many customers as possible. Please help us do that by respecting this rule. (Note: If you have multiple emergency repairs, we will try our best to help you, but will only work on one at a time. In other words, 2 bikes = 2 visits.)
WHAT WE DEFINE AS EMERGENCY REPAIRS
Flat tires
Broken cables
Broken spokes
Brakes not functioning
Gears not functioning
There is NO CHARGE for labor – this is a volunteer effort. You will be charged for parts, if needed. We’d rather see you cycling safe than attempt a repair yourself that could have catastrophic results.
We are still offering online ordering – please see details below.
We’ve got your back, Hometownies
Hometown-to-You Ordering is Still LIVE!
We are SO excited to announce that, in partnership with awesome super-vendor QBP, you can now order bicycle parts and accessories from Hometown that will get shipped to your house in as quick as 2 days.
It’s really simple:
STEP 1: Call the shop between 10am-3pm every day – (810) 225-2441.
STEP 2: Dial 1 to connect with Andy, our sales lead. He’ll be able to answer questions and take your order.
STEP 3: Let him know what you want, and it will be shipped directly to you.
(Above: Celebrating Hometown’s 9th Anniversary in 2019)
The Big 1-0… Celebrating “Social Distancing” Style
What a ride! From a one-man service shop wanting to do something no other shop has done before, to 10 years later, 18 crew members, 14,000-square-foot building, and being awarded Michigan’s Best Bike Shop by THREE different organizations IN THE SAME YEAR!
April 15, 2020, Hometown is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary. While we’ve been known to throw some awesome parties, this year is obviously different. It’s tough to celebrate with you – the people who made us who we are – when we’re required to keep our distance. But just know that we’re grateful for your loyalty, and we’re forever honored that you support us.
#stayHTBstrong
Free Emergency Bike Repair
Over these past couple weeks, we’ve been swamped with Facebook messages and phone calls of riders in distress – needing quick fixes and emergency repairs to keep them safe and to keep them cycling.
So, in the interest of your wellbeing, during these unprecedented times Shaun is doing something unprecedented himself…
Starting TODAY (April 6th), Shaun will personally be offering FREE EMERGENCY REPAIRS every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am-2pm.
He’ll have a SAG station set up in front of the shop. You will simply drive up, Shaun will handle your bike following all CDC safety protocols, he’ll ensure your bike is safe to ride, and send you on your way. We ask that you stay in your vehicle.
Please understand, the shop is closed, this is a volunteer effort, and it is for CRITICAL, SAFETY-GEARED repairs only. There is NO CHARGE for this. We’d rather see you cycling safe than attempt a repair yourself that could have catastrophic results.
We’ve got your back, Hometownies
GoFundMe
With limited resources, and frustrating layers of bureaucracy, we need your help, Hometownies. Please consider supporting and sharing our GoFundMe:
We are SO excited to announce that, in partnership with awesome super-vendor QBP, you can now order bicycle parts and accessories from Hometown that will get shipped to your house in as quick as 2 days.
It’s really simple:
STEP 1: Call the shop between 10am-3pm every day – (810) 225-2441.
STEP 2: Dial 1 to connect with Andy, our sales lead. He’ll be able to answer questions and take your order.
STEP 3: Let him know what you want, and it will be shipped directly to you.
