Portland’s cycling community is losing a key player as West End Bikes, a prominent bike shop located in downtown Portland, announces its closure after 14 years of service. The store, known for its high-end bicycles and premium cycling gear, is holding a closing sale, marking the end of an era for cyclists in the city center.
Image: Exterior of West End Bikes Portland on SW Washington Street in December, showcasing its storefront and location.
West End Bikes first opened its doors in 2011 at the corner of SW Harvey Milk and 11th Avenue, quickly establishing itself as a go-to destination for cycling enthusiasts. Co-owners Mark Ontiveros and Mike France envisioned a “palatial” showroom that would house top-tier bikes, and with the support of Specialized Bicycles, they brought this vision to life. The shop became renowned for its impressive selection of high-end road bikes from prestigious brands including Wilier, Pinarello, and local favorite Sage Cycles. Complementing the bike selection was a curated collection of premium apparel and parts, with Ontiveros leveraging his experience as head apparel buyer at River City Bicycles to stock brands like Outlier, Assos, and Velocio.
Image: A throwback photo from January 2011 of West End Bikes co-founders Mark Ontiveros on the left and Mike France on the right, highlighting their partnership at the shop’s inception.
In 2022, West End Bikes relocated to a smaller space on SW Washington Street due to renovations of their original historic building. This period also saw a change in ownership, with Ontiveros selling his shares and later joining Lakeside Bicycles in Lake Oswego. France continued to lead the shop with a new co-owner until the recent decision to close.
Announcing the closure on Instagram, West End Bikes stated, “After 14 years of following our passion, the time has come to slow the roll.” Mike France further clarified in a comment that retirement plans had been in motion for some time, signaling a planned conclusion to this chapter of West End Bikes.
The departure of West End Bikes will create a significant void in downtown Portland’s bike shop landscape. Following the Trek Portland store’s move to the Nob Hill/Slabtown area last year, the closure of West End Bikes will leave a 1.7-mile stretch of downtown Portland, from NW Raleigh and 20th to SW Harrison and 6th (Portland State University Bike Hub), without a dedicated bike shop. This absence creates a “bike shop desert” in the heart of the city, potentially impacting access and convenience for urban cyclists.
Image: Map depicting the area of downtown Portland that will become a bike shop desert after the closure of West End Bikes, emphasizing the geographical impact.
Currently, West End Bikes is holding a closing sale with discounts across their entire inventory of bikes and products. Cyclists looking for deals on high-end bikes and gear should visit the store before it closes its doors permanently. Further details about the closing sale can be found on their Instagram page.
The closure of West End Bikes marks a significant change in Portland’s cycling retail scene, particularly for downtown Portland. While the owners are moving onto new phases, their legacy as a purveyor of quality bikes and a hub for cycling enthusiasts will be remembered.
