Not everyone is brave enough to launch a new business at the height of a global pandemic, but that’s just what partners Shaughn Ryan, Alison Ryan, Roman Trugillo, and Cary Westmark did when they opened Sunset Cyclery in July 2020. And it seems that was exactly the right thing to do, especially since many people were looking for opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature when the rest of the world seemed to be shutting down.
Located just minutes from some of the state’s best trails, Anthem provides the ideal backdrop for a mountain bike shop. The owners are all long-time Anthem residents and outdoor enthusiasts who saw a need to continue to provide support to area cyclists when the community’s only other bike shop was on the verge of shutting down. One of the partners—a regular customer of the previous business—encouraged the team to launch and move into the space vacated by the other bike shop. That first location, in the plaza on the northeast corner of Gavilan Peak Parkway and Anthem Way, helped Sunset Cyclery gain traction with customers of the shop that previously occupied the same space.
Before long, the bike shop had gained a loyal following among area cyclists. By the summer of 2022, it had outgrown its smaller footprint and had to relocate to a much larger location on the west side of town.
Focused on Service
The primary focus of Sunset Cyclery’s business is service because, as co-founder Alison Ryan puts it, “Bikes require a lot of maintenance to keep them in the best working order.” The shop's services include everything to keep riders on the trails, from routine maintenance and tune-ups to customizations that create one-of-a-kind rides. The staff will even get bikes ready to ship if customers are moving or want to purchase and send a bicycle as a gift.
For the cyclists who prefer to self-service their bikes, they’ll find all they need at Sunset Cyclery, from tubes and tires to brakes, seats, and pedals. And of course, all the specialized tools are available as well.
When it comes time to purchase a new bicycle, the shop boasts a wide selection. Sunset Cyclery specializes in mountain bikes and BMX and carries trick scooters as well; plus, all the accessories riders need to stay safe and look cool on the trails are readily available. Prefer a road bike? While there isn’t a large supply at the store, one of the helpful team members is happy to order whatever your heart desires.
Steeped in Community
All the partners at Sunset Cyclery are avid outdoor enthusiasts. Roman and Cary were friends and coworkers previously, and Cary met Shaughn at the former Anthem bike shop. Alison had previously managed a retail location with running shoes in Flagstaff, so she brought not only her passion for fitness but also her sales, operations, and management experience.
Eager to support the next generation of cyclists and keep the excitement going for area youth, Sunset Cyclery stays actively involved in the community. No surprise with such an energized group of partners. Their efforts so far have included:
- Supporting a local Scout troop in acquiring their cycling merit badges. That entailed providing classes to teach the boys basic bike maintenance and safety.
- Sponsoring the Boulder Creek High School mountain bike team and providing internship opportunities for its members at the store.
- Providing opportunities for group trail rides, which were started last year and will continue in 2023. You can view scheduled events on Meetup under Anthem Cycling Group.
- Hosting summer bike safety classes for the Anthem Community Council. The partners even donated two workstations for DIY bike mechanics. Outfitted with seven BMX-specific tools, the workstations are slated to be installed at the Sk8 and Ride Park in 2023.
Additionally, as a member of the Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce, Sunset Cyclery hosted a ribbon cutting at its new location last summer and is active at area events such as Anthem Days and AutumnFest. That passion to give back continues through a discount for first responders and teachers. Sunset Cyclery is also proud to have won the 2021 Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Impact Award.
Visit Sunset Cyclery at 42407 North Vision Way, Suite 113 or online at https://sunsetcycleryaz.com
Sunset Cyclery supports beginners to advanced riders with all the parts and service they need to keep them safe and their bikes in tip-top shape.
“Bikes require a lot of maintenance to keep them in the best working order.”
