TURNERS FALLS — After more than a year of twists, turns and bumps in the road, Sadie’s Bikes will shift back into gear on Feb. 4.

Owner Nik Perry said “it’s been a really interesting last year” following a tenancy that turned sour at the shop’s previous 42 Canal St. location, which opened in early 2020. Just prior to fully moving out on Oct. 27, 2021, Perry was approached by New Hampshire real estate developer Tom Cusano, who offered Perry storage space and a garage just across the canal that Perry could lease as his new brick-and-mortar location.

“I feel like Tom is really a generous and kind person,” Perry said. “I think he’s really stuck his neck out for us.”

After a couple months of thought, Perry agreed to a deal with Cusano on Feb. 1, 2022. He said that at the time, he hoped to open a month later on March 1, 2022, but “lots of things came up in the renovations,” such as COVID-19-related delays and the challenge of getting a building permit to convert large garage doors into window space.

“We were just starting with something that was rough and having to polish it was really hard,” Perry said of working on the 750-square-foot space.

Nearly a year later, Perry is applying the finishing touches to his new storefront. The hard work was well worth it, he noted, considering the shop’s location.

“I actually really love where this building is,” Perry said. “It actually was a major thoroughfare.”

Although “it’s going to have its limitations,” being 150 square feet smaller than the former space, the new shop is going to be “as organized and tight and full as possible,” Perry said. Aside from having a “huge offering of bikes,” the store will house what Perry has been dreaming of since he was stationed across the canal: vibrant, community-focused programming.

Perry intends to begin with a set of three classes, all booked by appointment. Offerings include lessons on how to fix flat tires and how to make bicycle adjustments mid-ride without tools, as well as a “what do you want to know?” lesson honed to the customer’s interest. Those interested in scheduling a class are encouraged to call 413-475-3429, email nik@sadiesbikes.com or stop by the store, which will open on Feb. 4 and operate with tentative hours Tuesdays through Sundays.

Perry also hopes to continue his tradition of displaying vintage and locally made toys at Sadie’s Bikes. His new plan involves hosting monthly shows with toymakers who would “take over” the shop’s gumball machine. Each artist would fill small capsules with toys to be dispensed as prizes.

“I think we have a really fun shop here,” Perry said. “As I move forward, any way we can find to make it more fun and more approachable, we hope to do that.”

Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-930-4231 or jmendoza@recorder.com.

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