Some People You Should Know: Bicycle Store Pioneers
OAK PARK, Ill. (CBS) -- One family has owned the same bicycle shop for 100 years. They're celebrating that anniversary now and enjoying the public's renewed interest in bike riding.
The owners are some people you should know, CBS 2's Harry Porterfield reports.
This year, the Barnard's Oak Park Cyclery celebrates 100 years of doing business in west suburban Oak Park. From the day it first opened its door, the store has been owned and operated by the same family.
Jeff Hajduk, along with his brother, Greg, are the current proprietors of the business.
"Our uncles taught us, give the customer a fair shake, treat them like they're family and word of mouth will grow your business," Jeff Hajduk says.
The only Schwinn bike restoration shop in the Chicago area, the store receives an abundance of calls from cyclists who are looking to have their Schwinns restored.
The oldest bike in the shop is a 1933 Elgin, and it's valued at $3,000. Even the seat is a collector's item and could go for as much $800.
Like many businesses bicycle sales can be seasonal, but the economy -- and the price of gas -- is changing that.
"Just to make somebody happy, selling them a new bike or if they bring their old bike in. (You) put it back to life, they come in and they see it, their eyes glow, they're happy. And that makes us happy," Greg Hajduk says.
