Santa Monica has long been a haven for cyclists, and for decades, two bike shops stood out as pillars of this community. These weren’t just places to buy a bike; they were institutions run by passionate individuals who shaped the local cycling culture. Let’s take a nostalgic ride back in time to remember Bruns Multiprizes and Cycle & Sport Shop, two iconic Bike Shop Santa Monica destinations.
Bruns Multiprizes, a family-owned establishment from the 1960s, was the brainchild of Mr. Bruns, a man of intriguing backgrounds. An engineer, rumored to be from the aerospace industry, and a former prize fighter, Mr. Bruns was a character as memorable as his shop. His imposing physique – a fist the size of a cantaloupe – was matched by his strong opinions, especially when it came to bikes. He had a deep-seated aversion to Japanese components and was an ardent admirer of Campagnolo and European quality. This preference extended throughout Bruns Multiprizes, which wasn’t just a bike shop in Santa Monica; it also offered cameras and musical instruments, the latter being his wife’s domain, specializing in stringed instruments.
Mr. Bruns’s passion for cycling extended beyond commerce. He was a keen photographer of races at the Encino Velodrome, adorning his shop walls with blown-up action shots. While some might have perceived him as cranky, his dedication to quality and European craftsmanship was undeniable, making Bruns Multiprizes a unique Santa Monica bike shop experience.
Not far away, at the corner of 4th & Broadway, stood Cycle & Sport Shop, another legendary name in Santa Monica bike shops. Founded in 1937, it was later acquired by Pete Zamora and his family. “Mr. Pete,” as he was affectionately known by the Santa Monica Cycling Club, was more than a shop owner; he was a community figure. By day, he was a tool & die maker at Douglas Aircraft Company, a major employer in Santa Monica. Cycle & Sport Shop served as the unofficial clubhouse for the Santa Monica Cycling Club, a testament to its central role in the local cycling scene.
Mr. Pete’s expertise as a tool & die maker proved invaluable to his bike shop Santa Monica. He often encountered bikes needing repairs requiring specialized tools, which he expertly crafted himself. His repair area was a treasure trove of homemade tools, reflecting his deep understanding of bicycle mechanics. His son, Ernie, a skilled mechanic and violinist, eventually took over the shop. Ernie was renowned for his repair skills, focusing on fixing components rather than simply replacing them – a necessity in an era when spare parts were scarce. He was also celebrated for building exceptional spoked wheels, trusted by Olympic team members who lauded his work in letters of appreciation.
Sadly, Ernie’s spinal arthritis led to the sale of Cycle & Sport Shop in the 1970s. Today, the location of this once-vibrant bike shop in Santa Monica is occupied by a Van’s Shoe Store. While time moves on and businesses change, the legacy of Bruns Multiprizes and Cycle & Sport Shop endures in the memories of Santa Monica cyclists and residents, representing a golden era of bike shops in Santa Monica where passion, expertise, and community spirit were at the heart of the ride.
