Portlanders are reacting with shock and unhappiness on the information that Fats Tire Farm, an area bike store that opened its doorways 40 years in the past, has determined to name it quits. The store made the announcement to their prospects through e mail Saturday and feedback are pouring right into a publish on their Instagram account yesterday.
“After 40 (!!!) years in enterprise, we’ve determined it’s time to name it a wrap, and finish on a excessive observe. And let’s be trustworthy, this man wants a break!!” reads the announcement, referring to retailer proprietor Park Chambers. “It’s been a tremendous run, and we’re going out holding our heads excessive. Thanks for being part of our group right here on the Fats Tire Farm! We’ll see you out on the path!”
Chambers, 55, purchased Fats Tire Farm from its former house owners in 1997. He opened Hood River Bicycles in 2014, and has since modified the title to Fats Tire Farm Hood River. I haven’t heard if the Hood River location can be closing, nonetheless its web site and Instagram make no point out of the closure or “retirement sale.” Chambers opened twenty first Avenue Bicycles in 2007 after which closed that enterprise in 2018. He additionally owns suspension service enterprise Traction Works, which was once a separate retailer however is now housed in Fats Tire Farm’s Portland location. It’s unclear if he plans to maneuver that enterprise to Hood River or shut it down as properly. (I’ve reached out to Chambers and can replace this publish if/once I hear again.)
Fats Tire Farm is a beloved store and group house. It’s not simply the store’s longevity that has endeared it to so many, however it’s repute for top of the range service and choice. The store has at all times been carefully tied to off-road biking because of its laser give attention to promoting mountain bikes (no drop bars to be discovered!) and its location on NW Thurman Highway, only a brief climb from Forest Park.
Followers of the store are flooding an Instagram publish concerning the closure with reminiscences and properly needs. “I really like this store with all my coronary heart. You guys have opened the door of the mountain bike trade to me and with my first store job,” wrote one fan. “I actually admire on a regular basis you’ve shared with me on the paths, only a actually particular group of people! I’ll miss coming in to speak path plans, have a look at lovely bikes and shoot the shit,” shared one other.
There’s an enormous sale deliberate to filter out remaining stock. Starting tomorrow (3/18), get 20% off all 2025 bikes, 30-50% off equipment and as much as 50% off earlier mannequin yr bikes.
This information comes just some weeks after West Finish Bikes introduced their closure. The lack of Fats Tire Farm means the one year-round bike store in all of downtown Portland is the Trek Bicycle Portland Slabtown location.
UPDATE, 3/17 at 5:30 pm: Store proprietor Park Chambers says he’s searching for a purchaser. So if you recognize somebody who needs into a longtime bike enterprise, get in contact! “The biking group has been superb to me and the workers over time, and I’m going to overlook a lot about it,” Chambers shared with BikePortland right this moment, “I’m hoping to go the enterprise on to somebody who appreciates the group as a lot as I do; the outpouring of help has been unbelievable.”
