For decades, Goodale’s Bike Shop has been a cornerstone of the Nashua cycling community. From its humble beginnings to becoming a multi-location institution, Goodale’s has been synonymous with quality service and a passion for bikes. Now, this iconic Nashua business is entering a new chapter as it transitions to ownership under Trek Bicycle Corporation, a move that promises to uphold the shop’s cherished values while expanding its reach and resources for local cyclists. This change marks not an end, but a continuation of Goodale’s commitment to Nashua and the wider cycling world.
Goodale’s Bike Shop’s story is deeply rooted in Nashua history, dating back to 1919 when Walt M. Goodale first opened its doors in the Stearns block. Later, his son Roscoe Goodale took the reins, nurturing the business and establishing it as a fixture in the local community. It was during Roscoe’s tenure that a young Brad Hill entered the picture. In 1966, what started as a part-time job for a schoolboy turned into a lifelong journey. Hill’s dedication and entrepreneurial spirit were evident even then. Just five years later, in 1971, at the remarkably young age of 16, Hill purchased Goodale’s from Roscoe. His parents had to co-sign the paperwork, a testament to his youth, but also to Goodale’s legacy and Hill’s undeniable drive. This acquisition marked the beginning of Brad Hill’s nearly 50-year stewardship of Goodale’s Bikes Nashua.
Under Brad Hill’s leadership, Goodale’s Bikes Nashua flourished. He moved the shop to larger premises on Main Street in 1978, embedding it further into the heart of downtown Nashua. This era saw Goodale’s become more than just a bike shop; it became a community hub. Hill actively engaged with downtown leaders, contributing to the area’s vibrancy and development. Recognizing the growing demand and his ambition to expand, Hill opened a second location in Hooksett in 1997. Further expansion followed in 2002 when the Nashua store relocated to a sprawling complex on Broad Street, allowing for expanded sales, service, and warehousing. By 2005, Goodale’s Bikes Nashua extended its reach even further with a third store opening near the Steeplegate Mall in Concord. Throughout these expansions, Goodale’s maintained its commitment to customer service and community engagement, sponsoring events like the annual Veterans Ride and celebrating its centennial in 2019 with a grand gala.
Walt Goodale, Roscoe, and Herbert Goodale in a historic photo showcasing the founders of Goodale's Bike Shop.
After nearly five decades at the helm, Brad Hill made the “difficult decision to retire,” announcing the sale of Goodale’s Bikes Nashua to Trek Bicycle Corporation. For many local residents, the name Trek is familiar and respected. Trek has been a long-term partner with Goodale’s for 35 years, fostering a strong business relationship built on mutual respect and shared values. This pre-existing partnership provided Hill with confidence that Trek was the right choice to carry on the Goodale’s legacy. Crucially for the Nashua community and loyal customers, Trek has committed to retaining the Goodale’s name across all three locations and keeping the current employees. This ensures continuity and preserves the familiar faces and expertise that customers have come to rely on at Goodale’s Bikes Nashua. Hill emphasized that “Trek will continue to service all brands of bikes,” maintaining the shop’s inclusive approach to cyclists of all preferences.
A young Brad Hill with a selection of bikes in the early days of his ownership at Goodale's Bike Shop in the 1970s.
The transition to Trek ownership is anticipated to be seamless, with a temporary closure of the Nashua and Hooksett locations for remodeling before reopening under the Trek banner, still proudly bearing the Goodale’s name. The Concord location, temporarily closed due to the pandemic, is also slated to reopen under Trek’s management in the fall. This acquisition by Trek signals a strong future for Goodale’s Bikes Nashua. As Hill stated, “Trek has been an incredible partner of Goodale’s for 35 years, and I’m confident they will immediately become a central support network for all the cyclists in our community.” The core principles that defined Goodale’s – treating customers like family and delivering outstanding service – are expected to endure under Trek’s leadership.
Brad Hill and Roscoe Goodale pictured shortly after Hill purchased Goodale's Bike Shop in 1971, marking the passing of the torch.
In his farewell message, Brad Hill expressed gratitude to loyal customers, dedicated employees, and his family for their unwavering support over the years. He acknowledged the “four generations of my family who have worked alongside me,” highlighting the deeply personal connection to the business. As Goodale’s Bikes Nashua embarks on this new chapter with Trek, the legacy of quality, community, and cycling passion established over a century remains firmly in place, promising a bright future for cyclists in Nashua and beyond.
