When it comes to bikes, David Yapp wants to keep the wheels turning.
Yapp recently founded Recycled Cycles Bike Shop, operating out of a storefront at 32 N. Huron St. in Ypsilanti, to buy, refurbish and sell gently used bikes back to the community. "There are so many bikes already out there, it just makes sense," Yapp says. "And maybe not everyone wants a brand new bike -- maybe it’s something classic they enjoy."
Recycled Cycles also accepts donations of used parts to be refurbished or sold, and repairs bicycles. Not only is purchasing a used bicycle usually more economical, but it also holds the opportunity to make the bike unique to the rider, Yapp explains. "Anything that can be of value, we'll save," he says. "We'll use it for the next bike, or a project bike."
Yapp draws from his 15+ year passion of "cycling and everything related," he says, including working in bike shops, racing, and riding all over the country. "This is what I know and this is what I love," he says. "It's really just a fun place to work for me."
He's hoping to manage the workload with volunteers and friends to start, but as the weather warms up and more people dust off their own bicycles, adding a small staff may be necessary based on growth. He also hopes to offer bike maintenance classes.
"There's nothing wrong with used bikes," Yapp says. "We're trying to reestablish a passion for refurbished bikes."
Source: David Yapp, founder, Recycled Cycles Bike Shop
Writer: Kristin Lukowski
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