Local bike shop charms customers

By Alexa Dijulio

Alex LaRiviere's bicycle shop, Faber's Cyclery, might resemble a bicycle junk yard or graveyard, but first appearances are rarely what they seem. The extensive piles of wheels, handle bars, brake levers and any other bike part one could think of actually have an organizational system. It works like this: LaRiviere knows where things are.

A sign on the weathered wooden walls -- which looks like it might have been hanging there since the building was constructed 123 years ago -- reads, "I don't do payroll, I do bikes." What the sign fails to mention, though, is how thoroughly Faber's does bikes. LaRiviere repairs, builds, orders and loves all types of bikes. "I work on everything," he said.

Jessica Reimer, a junior at Santa Clara, stumbled upon Faber's when the girls in her house went bike shopping at the San Jose Flea Market. They drove by the store and decided to wander in. After talking to LaRiviere and checking out his impressive collection of bikes, the girls decided to come back the next week when a new shipment came in. They left with five retro, reconstructed, functional, cheap bikes, all of which were in the $50 to $70 range.

LaRiviere has owned Faber's Cyclery, located in downtown San Jose on South First Street, for 29 years, but the shop has been in the same historical building since 1921. Recently, however, the shop has been under some legal pressure and is in danger of closing.

Faber's is currently involved in a lawsuit with its landlord over insurance coverage for the historical, although somewhat rickety, building. The trial in July will determine whether or not the shop will stay in business. LaRiviere said that if he loses the lease and the land is sold to a high-density housing realtor, as the landlord has in mind, he will not open up another shop.

Lisa Gibson, a new customer at Faber's, said, "I had no idea what a professional this guy was." She just recently acquired a broken bike and brought it in to be fixed. LaRiviere gave her all of the parts she needed for $9 -- and now she can actually bring her bike to a complete stop without dragging her foot on the cement.

Reimer, whose bike is grey with a white seat and cruiser-style handlebars, said, "They are old bikes, but he does a good job with them. He said if we ever had a problem we could always bring it back and he'd fix it for free." Reimer was happy that she found Faber's because of its charm, character and local value. "It is nice to support small businesses," she added.

"For students, the most important thing is being able to get an economical bike," LaRiviere said, acknowledging the tight budget that so many students have. If money is not an issue, Faber's can also order you the new bike of your choice. The turn-around time for ordering and delivering is usually between one and two weeks, LaRiviere said.

If you don't know what you are looking for in a used or reconstructed bike, the regulars at Faber's will help you out. Allan Bee, 30, who has been coming to the shop since he was nine, hangs out regularly and would never mind handing out advice.

"That guy doesn't even work here," joked LaRiviere, pointing at Bee.

While the variety and eccentricity of bikes at Faber's could intimidate a new rider, it is not a place to feel uncomfortable. LaRiviere brought out a $1,200 antique bicycle whose front wheel is at least 10 times the size of the back wheel and asked Gibson if she wanted a shot at riding it. Gibson's friends were in hysterics as they watched her attempt to mount, ride and then dismount the bicycle with LaRiviere chasing behind her, steadying the bike any way he could.

"The ground was so far away!" Gibson finally said, after composing herself once she was safely standing on the sidewalk.

Bicycles on campus can be a handy commuting device, even if they do create the awkward decision-making situation of which edge of the sidewalk to scoot toward when you can hear the spokes gaining ground from behind you. Regardless, LaRiviere said he would love to set students up with "safe bikes that are economical."

The shop is only open on Saturdays, but if you want to avoid the crowds, call LaRiviere to set up an appointment during the week. While other bike or sporting shops might line El Camino and Saratoga Avenue, Faber's can provide both an experience and a sweet ride.

If you want either one of these things, get to Faber's soon. You might find exactly what you are looking for, whether it is in the atmosphere, the endearing owner or perhaps even a bike.

Contact Alexa Dijulio at (408) 551-1918 or adijulio@scu.edu.