About Us
Cycle reCycle is a new way for area bicyclists to get cash for their bikes, or to trade them in towards a refurbished and precisely tuned used bike. Our shop is new, but our team is led by an industry expert with nearly 35 years experience as a bicycle mechanic and racer, Bill Ruffner.
Q & A with Bill Ruffner
Q: How did you get your start in the bike industry?
A: “When I was 10 years old, I started work in my family’s bike store. I was assembling bicycles in our garage after school then servicing repairs on the weekends in the shop. At 11 I began selling bicycles to anyone who visited our store.”
Q: What does your experience bring to Cycle reCycle?
A: “I think the used bicycle market, like any used market, is a scary place for consumers. They have no idea what the bicycle they’re considering buying has been through. With my vast experience I can quickly and accurately assess a bicycle’s condition and I simply will not buy or sell bikes that are unsafe or will perform poorly. My skill as a mechanic is extremely high and I’m able to tune the bicycles to perform as close to new as their current condition will allow.”
Q: Have you won any awards?
A: “My previous store was Metro magazine’s ‘Best Shop’ multiple times in the Bay Area. We were a ‘Top 100’ Trek dealer for all of the 10 years I owned it. Trek has 2200+ dealers and this is one of their most prestigious awards. I’m also a Trek Level 3 mechanic (their highest rating) and I’ve been certified in bicycle fitting at Trek’s Fit School as well as the Serotta Fit System.
On the personal side I founded a successful road racing team that I also ride in. I’ve had loads of Top 10 finishes and have ‘Podiumed (usually a top 4 finish) several times.”
Q: What do you love most about biking?
A: I’m a fitness fanatic and love working out. Road biking/racing is my passion. It pushes me to heights I didn’t know I had; I love the competition and the feeling of winning. Biking also provides me with a feeling of freedom. I can go wherever my legs can take me.
Cycling is something my family does together. We grow closer and create special memories every time we ride.”