Happy 30th anniversary, Alki Bike and Board! New WSB sponsor

Alki Bike and Board is celebrating its 30th anniversary of family ownership, and has joined the WSB sponsor team for the occasion. Here’s what proprietor Stu Hennessey wants you to know about his Admiral District business:

It has been 30 years since the Hennessey family bought what was the Alki Bike Shop on Alki Beach. Since those days, much has changed, including the location. In 1991, the bike shop moved to the Admiral District for easier customer access and a bigger building. The name Alki stayed with the company as they settled into the current location at 2606 California Ave. SW.

In the meantime, much has changed about bicycle use, and the need for a simpler and healthier way to get in and out of West Seattle became the foundation of bicycling in West Seattle. The shop that once sponsored competitive athletes now serves the growing population of daily commuters, family riders, and baby boomers who have changed their riding style as they get older.

Being one of the first Electric Bike shops in a city that has a lot of hills, Alki Bike and Board has created what is now known as a Seattle Proof Electric Bike that will handle Seattle’s hilly terrain without wearing out in a short time.

Every January, the Alki Bike and Board repair shop offers half-price bike tuneups through March 1st. This is a good time to get ready for spring before the repair rush gets fully started.

The Hennessey family members that you will meet when you visit the shop include Julian Hennessey, his mom Gabi Hennessey, and dad Stu Hennessey. Another son, Patrick Hennessey, now lives in Leavenworth, Washington, where he has become a leader in promoting a variety of year- round outdoor sports that include downhill mountain biking and speed kite-flying.

The Hennesseys are the fourth owners of the Alki namesake bike shop since it was first opened by Rex Clark in 1936.

Alki Bike and Board is at 2606 California SW, online at alkibikeandboard.com.

We thank Alki Bike and Board for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

A-Red January 26, 2018 (11:48 am)

Thanks for all you do for the West Seattle community. I am a grateful customer over the 20 years I’ve lived in West Seattle.

Dave Gamrath January 26, 2018 (2:26 pm)

Stu is one of the most active people I know in West Seattle and gives back to our community in many ways. He really does walk the talk (or in his case he “rides” the talk, leading us to a better community), and we are very fortunate to have Stu as a neighbor and local business owner.

Al January 26, 2018 (3:44 pm)

Stu and the staff do a great job with every thing they do! Ride on Stu!!!

blbl January 26, 2018 (4:14 pm)

LOVE Alki Bike & Board. They are the reason I try to shop local as much as possible. Wonderful service, experts in what they do, and they’re great neighbors and community members. I treasure the memories of my little girl getting her first (then second and third) bike there and proudly testing it out on the sidewalk in front of the store.

MJ January 26, 2018 (4:23 pm)

Congrats! Stu and Fam :)

Blinkyjoe January 26, 2018 (5:04 pm)

Love this shop! Stud is fantastic.

Duwamesque January 26, 2018 (5:23 pm)

Now this is one WSB sponsor I can enthusiastically endorse. These guys have saved my bacon more times than I can count. Fast, reliable, affordable service. Their prices on gear are competitive even in the internet-centric marketplace. Hope they stick around for another 80 years!

22blades January 26, 2018 (5:33 pm)

Thanks to Stu & Crew! My go-to bike shop. I always feel like he goes out of his way for a solution over salesmanship. Another thing I really appreciate is that he makes you feel comfortable asking questions, however basic or advanced it may be; no attitude here… Again, thanks for your shop & involvement in the neighborhood.

MJ January 26, 2018 (5:47 pm)

Stu and crew are very knowledgeable folks. I have been using his shop for years!

Don Brubeck January 26, 2018 (9:13 pm)

Thank you Stu and family for all you do for West Seattle.

Support your local bike shop!

Ridin' that Yellow Bike January 27, 2018 (12:18 am)

I am so grateful to Stu and everyone at Alki Bike and Board for keeping me rolling. This shop is a genuine community asset – always generous with their expertise and skill. Because of their responsiveness, I am able to bike (almost) everywhere and leave that car in the garage. Over the years since customizing a bike for me, I have relied upon Stu, Gabi, Julian and Eric for all maintenance and repair services… such great neighbors!

Curate January 27, 2018 (12:55 am)

LOVE businesses like the Hennessey’s! They are becoming few and far between in this day and age. So grateful for this one.

Guy Olson January 27, 2018 (12:46 pm)

Thank you Stu!! Thanks for all that you do for our community!!

Maria January 27, 2018 (1:19 pm)

Ride on! I recall it was the Alki Bicycle Company early on, because we could call it the ABC shop. You would see the ABC Bicycle Tour van around town as they would use it for everyday things when not on recreational tour outings.

Elissa January 27, 2018 (6:54 pm)

Congratulations Stu and family!!! This is SO awesome and I was in today and didn’t even know…. CHEERS!!

ps- if you are going to need ANY thing bike, this is the ONLY shop you should want to support! Great customer service, mastery of everything bike and amazing active community members!!

sekai rider January 28, 2018 (2:26 pm)

Love this shop too, they take good care of my handsome old bike, and they are SO no nonsense. Thanks for supporting us bikers on ride your bike to work day (that’s what it used to be called) every May!

Valerie January 29, 2018 (10:34 am)

Congratulations Stu & family!

You guys are the best and supportive business not only for your fabulous bike service but the community support you do professionally and personally.

Stu and staff has gone out of his way to help me and provide advice that keeps me healthy and keep my car off the road. I really appreciate you guys!!!!