“A Dublin institution”: Tributes paid as popular bike shop closes its doors — IrishCycle.com

Thinkbike’s bike shops on Lower Rathmines Road and Terenure Place have closed due to what its owner described as difficult trading conditions.

In a notice published on the Thinkbike’s website and social media account, the shop’s owner John Clarke, said: “After 26 years of serving the cycling community, Thinkbike Rathmines and Terenure have had to close the doors. With difficult trading conditions and the change in work patterns in a post Covid world, we are no longer able to continue.”

He added: “I would like to thank the ThinkBike team present and past for their wonderful service and our loyal friends and customers for all their support over the years.”

Customers and former staff have paid tribute to Thinkbike — the following is just a sample of responses on the company’s Facebook page.

James Coffey said: “A sad day for a Rathmines institution it will be a huge loss to the community. I have such fond memories over the years from the 1st shop beside my Father’s Barbershop where John started out and his hard work brought him to the new shop and then more recently the shop in Terenure.”

He added: “The quality and service John kept as standard will hard to come by, thanks for all the laughs over the years.”

A message signed as being from Martina, John, Dillon, and Erin Keane said: “John, I am so shocked to read this. Got my first bike from you when I came to college in Dublin. Then my husband followed by the children. It was nothing short of a highly professional service and super friendly. Nothing was an issue for you. Best of luck for the future and really hope we see you pop up again locally.”

Alex McElwee said: “So sorry to hear this John Clarke. It was a pleasure to work at ThinkBike for as long as I did. It’s a shock to see what felt like a Dublin institution close its doors. Wishing you and the family the very best of luck as you look to understand what’s next.”

Damien Ó Tuama said: “Like everyone else here John, I m really sorry to read that news. Very tough. Such a shame. I wish you the best with whatever new venture lies ahead of you.”