COMMUNITY CORNER
René Ramos and his son, Mario, at the shop (Photo – Scott Phelps)
René Ramos and his wife, Ana, immigrated separately from El Salvador. They had known each other back home, having grown up in the same small pueblo.
By Scott Phelps
René immigrated to the U.S. In the late 1980s. They reconnected at a soccer game where Ana’s brother was playing. Their relationship blossomed, and they soon started a family. Ana gave birth first to their son, Mario, and later to their daughter, Katherine (“Kat”).
A Family History with Bikes
René’s aunt’s husband worked at Helen’s Cycles, and asked if he would like a job there. René eagerly accepted, wanting to learn how to repair bicycles.
He remained at Helen’s Cycles for 18 years. The company operated multiple locations and became the No. 1 Trek bicycle retailer in the United States. René worked his way up to warehouse manager. Trek flew René, Helen’s owner, and other staff members to Milwaukee to celebrate the company’s achievement as the nation’s top Trek dealer.
Bicycles became a family affair. René helped his brother Rafael get a job at Helen’s Cycles. Later his son Mario’s first job, at age 17, was assembling new bicycles there.
Mario and Kat attended LAUSD schools before enrolling at North Hollywood High School’s Zoo Magnet and completing the Zoo Magnet program. The family still lives in Mid-City Los Angeles and commutes to the shop in Pasadena.
Starting a Bike Shop in Pasadena
Empire Bike Shop was founded by René and Rafael at 546 N. Fair Oaks Avenue. They signed the lease in late 2009 and opened the shop in 2010.
Rafael took the lead because he had been working in Pasadena bike shops and had more time to devote to the business. René, meanwhile, was driving an 18-wheel freight truck. Rafael and his wife ran the shop full time during those early years.
René grew tired of long cross-country trucking routes that kept him away from home. He switched to regional driving in California. Later, he sold his truck altogether and joined the business full time.
Rafael and his wife eventually opened their own business, Raffi’s Bicycle Shop, in Highland Park, where it thrives today. René and Mario took over the day-to-day operation of Empire Bike Shop.
The original Fair Oaks location is where I first discovered Empire Bike Shop and began bringing my own bicycles for repairs and service. It is also where Mario learned both bicycle repair and sales. Kat worked at the shop part time as well, helping wherever she was needed.
Recently Empire Bike Shop relocated to its current location at 41 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Unit 101.
A Commitment to Customer Service
René’s philosophy has always centered on outstanding customer service and affordability.
“I care more about providing good customer service and offering good quality bikes for a good price,” he says. He takes pride in offering quality bicycles at prices working families can afford.
Empire Bike Shop serves a wide range of customers: commuters who ride to work— many work in Old Pasadena restaurants—families buying bikes for their children, college students, recreational riders, and people looking for healthy exercise.
I have always appreciated their timely, friendly service and very reasonable prices. They consistently help without requiring an appointment and have generously shared their knowledge.
René explained that he’ll often recommend ordering the correct replacement part rather than letting someone buy the wrong size online just to save a few dollars.
“That, my friend,” he says with a smile, “is called customer service.”
Many customers converse with the family in Spanish. If someone simply needs air in a tire, they’ll gladly fill it free of charge and send them on their way with a friendly, “Está bien.”
During one of my visits, a Spanish-speaking grandfather came in carrying the small pink wheel from his granddaughter’s bicycle because his daughter had accidentally purchased the wrong inner tube. René quickly installed the correct tube and had him back on his way.
Another father came in looking for his son’s first bicycle without training wheels. He wanted one “just small enough to fit him, but not any smaller.” René patiently explained the available options and answered all of their questions. They purchased a bicycle for $279.99 plus tax and arranged to return the next day with a van to pick it up.
Mario explained that every new bicycle purchase includes six months of free adjustments, two complimentary tune-ups, and replacement of any punctured inner tubes for the cost of the tubes themselves.
Another customer picked up a repaired bicycle. Mario carefully reviewed everything he had fixed and explained what additional work would eventually be needed. When the customer asked whether Empire could handle those repairs, Mario assured him they could. The customer replied that he would return after his next paycheck, adding, “I really appreciate it.”
A Neighborhood Treasure
For me, Empire Bike Shop represents something increasingly rare: a family-owned neighborhood business built on honesty, expertise, fair prices, and genuine care for its customers. Whether you need a repair, a child’s first bicycle, or simply some air in your tires, you’ll be greeted with patience, respect, and the kind of personal service that keeps customers coming back.
Empire Bike Shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and is usually open Sundays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. They can be reached at (626) 578-9350.
René Ramos inspecting a bike (Photo – Scott Phelps)
These guys are fantastic! True professionals. I highly recommend them.