MPH Cycles (Houston) has relocated from Park Row to Hempstead Tx.

[p6x]

13 hours ago, PJPR01 said:

It's been several years since I've stopped into Mike's place in Hempstead...we had a few guys drop in one time for a little rendezvous.  He's not too far off the route we do from time to time from Hempstead to Belleville, we swing right by the road to his house.

Agreed, it's a bit of a stretch to get there, and logistics are a bit more of a challenge.  I'm lucky to have a motorcycle trailer stored at a friend's place so I could drop off a bike there if needed.  Let me know if that becomes an issue for you...easy enough to arrange it.

Perhaps he can only do so many jobs...did you get the idea that Mike would be doing the work or Davey from time to time?

I went to the former MPH Cycles Inc. place yesterday, with the Le Mans just to stretch its legs since the Quota seems to be the one I always revolve around.

It is still operating as Mike Haven Automotive. I don't know if Mike still has an interest in that place, but it is open and running for cars exclusively.

The Hempstead setup does not look like a real business, rather like someone with some extra space offering services. When I went there, Davey was working on a BMW, on a little patio in the front of a shed. This is why I got the feeling they were winding down their activity. Sort of selecting what they want to do, and how they want to do it.

I may be wrong, but the new setup does not give you the feeling they want to resume what they used to do at the previous location.

Davey is the one working on the bikes; Even at the old location, Mike seemed to only work on the cars. But he did provide expertise when necessary.

The distance is not the main drawback. But they are not in town, they are in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by farms. I understand they are working from home, it is very convenient. It also probably fits their new business model. But looking at it, they are not setup yet.

Edited April 22 by p6x

[mikehaven]

MPH cycles is a real business, but not a retail bike shop.  What you saw at Park Row was remnants of my days as dealership. Thats not coming back, we are 2 old guys doing what we do best. The "shed" mentioned is an air conditioned 1500 SF steel building, with a 750sf carport  with lifts for working on running bikes out of the AC.Not a dirt floor donkey barn.

While at Park Row, I was engulfed by cars, as quality MB/BMW techs are  as rare as quality Guzzi BMW techs. Davy is here 5 days a week, while he prefers analog repairs, we both  know when his talent is best utilized elsewhere and then I take over the electronics and computer work if needed. .

I sold the name of the business at the time I sold the building. (12 31 2024)  I have no involvement in the operation of the car shop. And yes we have chosen to do what we like ,on bikes we like for people we like. One of the luxuries of having a successful career is an enjoyable semi retirement.  Mike Haven