In 2022, the Finlay family purchased Harley’s Bicycles at 620 North Main Street in Hutchinson, and in doing so continued one of the city’s oldest businesses that saw its origin 100 years earlier, in 1922.
Only four owners have owned and operated the business for more than a century. It is believed to be Kansas’ oldest bicycle store.
The business is managed by Andrea Finlay and her son Deven. Andrea’s husband, Tony, is a well-known person in Hutchinson and serves as executive director of the Hutchinson Recreation Commission. Tony’s day job keeps him very busy, but he often lends a hand after hours in what has become a family business. Andrea left a management position with Fee Insurance in 2022 to take over management of Harley’s Bicycles.
In September, the business will move south to 105 North Main Street, where Andrea says the store will take on a completely new look. With the move downtown, Andrea said it will give the business an opportunity to participate in more downtown activities, including Third Thursday.
In a Tuesday morning speech to members of the Hutchinson Executive Association (HEA) held at the bicycle store, Andrea and Deven explained the ins and outs of the bicycle business which has, from all accounts, undergone monumental change in the past half-century.
“As a lifelong bicycle enthusiast, managing a business like this seemed as if it would be a fun thing to do,” Andrea said. “Our son, Deven, is the company’s lead salesman and mechanic.”
A walk through the showroom floor provides the customer with a variety of bicycles ranging in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Andrea told of selling a bicycle in 2023 with a sticker price of $15,000.
Options include electric bikes, commuter bikes, mountain bikes, etc.
Deven said bicycle riding increased during the COVID-19 pandemic since people were limited on what they could do or where they could go. Having declined since then, he mentioned there remains plenty of interest in bike riding.
Deven’s repair work has attracted customers from as far as Stanton County located on the state’s western border with Colorado to Pratt, Dodge City, McPherson and Wichita. Harley’s Bicycles also does repair work on bicycles purchased at other stores, excluding electric models.
The Finlays take their claim as a full-service provider seriously and even accept repair jobs on wheelchairs and walkers. If possible, Deven completes repairs and the item is back on the streets in 24 hours whether it be a bicycle, wheelchair or walker.
There was once a time when cities with a population like Hutchinson supported several bicycle shops, but those times have passed. During the past several years, three bicycle shops in Wichita were shuttered. Harley’s Bicycles is the only business of its kind in Hutchinson, and a single store exists in Salina.
Deven said many customers are purchasing bicycles online. It is not uncommon for online purchasers to soon find themselves at Harley’s seeking repair.
“On these purchases, you get what you pay for,” Deven said.
Actually, the purchase of a bicycle is only a part of the transaction. Every bike rider needs what are called accessories.
A message on Harley’s Bicycle website states “Half of the fun is the gear used by riders” followed by a list of the Top 10 Accessories.
“So, you’ve got the bike, now you need the gear,” the website says. “Some of the accessories are essential, some are just fun, but they will all make your riding experience more enjoyable.”
“Those items include helmets, lights, hydration packs, t-shirts, shorts, tire inflator, locks, gloves, pedals and proper shoes.”
Hutchinson is well positioned to serve bicycle enthusiasts for generations to come because of Finlay’s purchase of Haley’s Bicycle.
Andrea mentioned the business will retain its name following the move to 105 North Main Street.
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