MADISON, WI (BRAIN)—After 53 years in the bike business, working for companies including West Coast Cycle, Giant and, most recently, Pacific Cycle, Nick Andrade is calling it quits.
“It is time to retire. Yes, I know this is probably my fourth retirement from the industry but this one will stick,” wrote Andrade in an email.
“I have greatly enjoyed my years in the industry and have indeed been lucky enough to have been able to travel all over the world working with manufacturers, sales reps, and most importantly dealers, who I consider the backbone of the industry,” he added.
Andrade started in 1957 at Smith Bike shop in Lomita, California, as a wrench—a not very good one, he admits. He then was lucky enough to meet the Cohen Brothers, Howie and Leo, and was with West Coast Cycle for 20-plus years.
During that time he met King Liu and Tony Lo who asked him to help them start Giant Bicycle, Inc. here in the U.S. with Bill Austin. For 10 years he worked with Giant to build the company and the Giant dealer network.
His next stint was working with the Bianchi brand, followed by working with the folks at Trek Bicycle.
Most recently he worked at Pacific Cycle with Chris Hornung and the team of dedicated folks who worked diligently to represent Schwinn, GT and the Mongoose brands.
“I was a very lucky man to work with so many wonderful and talented folks over these 53 years. There are no regrets, only long-lasting, wonderful memories of so many dealers that I was able to visit, reps I was able to work with and for, many who remain friends,” Andrade wrote.
Long involved in cycling advocacy and having served as the industry advocate at Pacific Cycle, Andrade will continue to work to make a difference in the world in the non-profit area.
As his parting shot, Andrade encouraged cycling folks to get involved with advocacy at the local, state and also at the National level. Join with your fellow industry members and support the National Bicycle Summit in Washington, D.C., he pleaded. “Be a part of the change for the good the industry. You can and will make a difference just by your presence. Please take the time and join the group in Washington D.C., March 10-13.”
