All Bikes of Rye, Arizona
Every time I am in the neighborhood, which isn’t very often, I stop off at All Bikes in Rye, Arizona. Rye is sort of near Payson. Not many people live there. The town has a cafe/bar and a bike shop . . . of sorts.
I’d never been there when they were open until last week, when my friend L and I stopped through. She had heard me talk about this place and was eager to see it.
It is definitely a site to behold. There are thousands of bikes there, piled hurdy-gurdy and ten feet high, with narrow little rows between. Recently the folks there seem to have branched out into motorcycles, electric wheelchairs, baby strollers, and other wheeled contraptions. Here’s one row of the place:
Unfortunately our experience there was dampened by the irritating behavior of the proprietors. They followed us around like we were going to steal something (even though there is only one exit to the place), yelled at us whenever we touched anything, and when we asked the cost of something, they invariably did one of the following:
1. Told us it’s not for sale.
2. Asked, “How much will ya gimme for it?”
3. Quoted a price astronomically out of proportion to the item’s value.
I always felt like there was something a bit off-kilter at that place, and now I’m pretty sure. I think a whole lot more bikes go in than come out. It’s a pity, too — in among the piles of Huffys there are a few real gems, rotting away in the yard. But I fear they will never see the light of day.
–Erik Ryberg
November 11th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
So … are they running a business, or does the proprietor just have a thing for piling as many hundreds of bicycles in a few acres as possible?
November 12th, 2008 at 11:13 am
How does one acquire that many bicycles and not ride or sell any of them?
November 12th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Great story, Erik. I’d never heard of this place. The proprietors sound very much like the slack-jawed yokels out of “The Simpsons.”
November 13th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
I saw this upon touring. Strange I can pick up a new bike, but cant buy water.
November 14th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
On the way to the Mazatzals!
November 14th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
I didn’t know anyone besides me ever went to the Mazatzals. Nice place, huh?
EBR
November 16th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Erik, I had the same experience when I went out there with a friend a few months ago. I gotta say that we had really high expecations before going there and thought that we were about to stumble upon some real treasures. The sight of all the bikes, motorcycles, and all of the other junk is definitely a sight to see but considering how poorly taken care of everything is (95% of the bikes have spent the past few years rusting in the arizona sun) and how drugged up the folks that run the place are (asking $60 for partially assembled Wal-Mart Huffys), I’ll never go back there again. Everything about the place was a turnoff. For the record, I love Bicas and most other places where I can dig through piles of old parts be they in good shape or not, but All Bikes just doesn’t get it. Their prices are insane, they don’t know how to treat customers, it doesn’t really seem like they want to sell anything despite the trailer park conditions that the folks appear to be living in, and the place is 3-4 hours from Tucson. Even if it was just around the corner from my house, I don’t think I’d ever go back. Until they start giving away piles of bikes that ought to be ridden instead of rotting, I’ll be hard pressed to ever say anything good about that place. And that’s my two cents.
November 18th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Wow. It reminds me of the old Mad Hatter Books and Records (first on Broadway, then on Campbell). Sliding piles of great book and records, and the guy was so crusty and surly. When he was in a good mood he wouldn’t let you touch any merchandise unless you promised to buy it first. When he was feeling less sociable he refused to talk, and just sat in the back and glowered and farted really LOUD until the customers left.
Chicago Store has a touch of the same fairy dust.
January 14th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
I am really kicking myself in the head for not doing this internet search for information on All Bikes before I made the somewhat wasted trip up there today. (01/14/2009). Although the short trip was well worth it just to see this massive helter-skelter collection up close. I can remember seeing the early stages of this bone yard 25+? years ago on my trips up north and always wondered who what and why. Today was the first time I’ve actually visited the place in a search for some 1958 Schwinn Corvette parts. Just as Erik, I too ended up being a little disenchanted with the proprietor. After talking to the owner and looking around at this mind boggling collection for about 45 minutes I was told to leave. While gently brushing the dust off a faded stand tube decal on a Schwinn Corvette my arm was grabbed from behind and he said, “That’s it, it’s time for you to leave, I don‘t want anybody touching my decals.” I won’t get in the conversation after that but I did apologize and then slowly made my way out of the place.
Here’s my take on the whole situation up in Rye, and I am dumb to the owners background, intentions or history. From my recent internet search I’ve read that many people have asked why won’t he sell them what they’re looking for, why does he want so much for items and then they ask why he’s doing what he doing.
I do a little collecting as a hobby, not bikes, and sometimes I have to buy and sell just to generate revenue to support my little hobby. I have say that my collection is not rusting or rotting out in the elements or covered with weeds and grass. Many people in this big world are completely obsessed or go way overboard, for reasons unknown, with there collections and to me that’s what it looks like in this case. Jay Leno is a whole different story. The owner here probably sells just enough of his collection to sustain life and to support his hobby, habit, addiction or whatever you want to call it. Out of the five or six items I inquired about, zero were for sale. I went home empty handed along with the two other customers that arrived during my visit. On the trip back to the Valley my buddy and I asked each other “what’s up!” If one took a fraction of this collection and sold the items for what eBay sellers are getting for their wares, one would be making a darn good income while running the business from a hilltop mansion in North Scottsdale. IMO, the owner is not running a business to sell or to make a six figure income, he’s a collector making enough in sales to survive and to continue adding to his nationally and internationally known collection. I do admire the guy, it can’t be easy building a collection like this on a shoestring budget and surviving all these years by word of mouth, and with no advertising!
February 23rd, 2009 at 6:55 am
[...] the locals say about All [...]
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:45 am
By his own story he’s been acquiring for 38 some years. He trades for what he has, buys from closing motorcycle shops and likely some motor and pedal bikes come from police auctions.
I visited twice, the first visit was pretty much seeing where bikes go to turn to dust. The second visit I experienced the hospitality. There won’t be a third visit, or encouragement from me for anyone else to go there.
May 4th, 2009 at 10:26 am
Do not go in here!
Very rude and unfriendly!
Look from the road only!
May 7th, 2009 at 10:14 am
I’ve spoke to Ron the owner on several occassions, I’ve been out to his place twice. He has some great collectors item’s and I feel he wants it to be more of a BMX museum, than just a junk yard, I just don’t think he knows how to get it there. He really is a good guy.
May 23rd, 2009 at 1:35 pm
I went out there and it was the same exp, very rude, would not sell anything, then tried to sell me parts in bad shape for more than 2x what they were worth-no BS. Acted like he got off on messing with people. I think the whole thing is a cover up for a meth lab. Or he’s hiding something else out there for sure-it’s just too weird. Don’t go over there, stay away from that area, don’t touch anything. Drove 3 hours to deal with some total BS–huge waste of time!!!
May 23rd, 2009 at 1:59 pm
And it is a shame all that good stuff is going to waste now rusting away. If he had a brain he would start selling now before the stuff turns to dust.
June 11th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
I stopped by as well. My experience was very similar to most of the others. Some meth head woman following me around, constantly asking me to not touch anything. They told me there was a $500 minimum, even if it was broken or parted out. Honestly, the place itself was amazing, tons of awesome stuff, but they make you feel like you walked into their backyard randomly and started looking around. If they want to act that way I suggest they take down the “All Bikes” sign and the “hours” sign and replace them with “no tresspassing” and “keep out.” If they really want to be a business they need to change their attitudes and their RIDICULOUS prices.
June 23rd, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Yeah. I go there every chance I get and he is is really PROUD of his collection, Just the chance to see things I havn’t seen in years or never before is worth the trip. Here’s his secret, I’m willing wager @ a few cents a pound he has a million in scrap value there, and he just loves the attention. Isn’t retirement great. Someday you will see all that scrap on a freighter destined to China to be melted down to make all the crap we buy from them now…Think about that.
July 11th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Place is definitely a front operation. Should be investigated.
November 11th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Obviously, at least to this old shrink, poor Ron is an obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) guy. Folks who say, “he would not sell me anything, and then tried to sell me….” Well which is it? He treated me like royalty, for I know the 40ish Indian motocycles (spelled correctly). When I told him I’ve a 46 Chief and have ridden Indians since 1952, he asked me if I could tell if the engine codes (VIN) were a match to the frame codes (VIN), thus identifying an orig. engine to that frame. He had his woman get a bar of soap and we went about rubbing the white soap on the VIN numbers to ID what were replacement engines. He had been courteous to me on my 2 previous visits. However I have not been by to see him in about 5 years, and obviously the poor fellow has acquired symptoms of paranoia in addition to his OCD. Unless he has done something illegal that one KNOWS of, no one needs to investigate him, MsNomer (above). With Rye’s dry climate, rusting is slow, but yes, it’s a shame that his collection will, probably upon his death, not be a recovered treasure in whole or in part. It’s a sight to see for sure.
November 19th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
LUNATICS. thats all i have to say….
other than the email i recieved this morning telling me that Ron finally pissed the wrong guy off and he got his ass kicked.
oh, and yes….they are a rip off. a massive rip off.
June 6th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
This place is fascinating. My first visit was probably in the mid 80’s and I try to stop-in whenever I can – usually once a year or so. Long ago I gave up on buying anything. In the past, when I had tried to buy something, I was told “We’re saving that for the museum.”
“Where’s the museum going to be?” I asked naively.
“You’re standing in it,” was the reply.
Now, I just go to look at the unmatched collection of wheeled goods. I’d never seen a tandem penny farthing before, except there. And it’s not just bicycles, it’s any kind of tricycle, motorcycle, mini-bike, scooter, go cart – and a few cars. Ever seen a 3-wheeled Messerschmitt outside of a museum? Neither had I. He had three.
Guys with long hair and beards sort of all look alike to me – especially when I only see ‘em once every couple years or so; but as far as I know, I’ve always spoken to the same guy at each visit. No one has ever been rude to me and I’ve never been asked to leave. Of course, I usually keep my hands to myself while shopping so I’ve never been asked to refrain from handling anything.
Having said all that, my visit this past weekend was a little different. Maybe something has changed.
When my friend and I threaded our way through entrance corridor, I suggested that we limit our search to tandem bikes. After browsing for a while and finding at least three tandems, the guy with the beard engaged us in conversation and proceeded to point out not four or five but at least nine tandems – not counting the aforementioned penny farthing with two giant wheels and all. The most interesting part of the visit might have been the fact that he actually seemed willing to make a sale. He offered prices ($200 & up) for everything he showed us. The prices might be a little high but if you really had to have a gold Schwinn tandem (or a blue Huffy or a red Murry, or …) this guy has one.
I’m fighting the temptation to go back next week.
By the way, he’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
August 11th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Trust me. He is a VERY bad man. VERY.. children should not be anywhere around him..
November 28th, 2010 at 8:55 am
I beleive they are using the bikes as a front and selling drugs! How else does this guy make any money. Obviously not selling bikes? Someone should investigate, I say!
December 3rd, 2010 at 9:21 am
This guy is a jerk! Everything I asked him was not for sale,however,he did sell me something and he managed to rip me off on that! He has some very nice things,and will have them until the cows come home! He has to be a front for something,he is certainly a con man! The only nice thing there was the cat,and I was thinking of stealing her to get her out of this hell! he put his hands on me,told him to take them off or he would lose a them! Jerk!He needs to be checked out,I wouldn’t be surprised if they found Jimmy Hoffa buried under all that crap!
July 21st, 2011 at 11:38 am
I just called him about a use sprocket for my KLR. He said 40 dollars. I can get a new one for 30. I also called him about a barrel for my harley and quoted me at 150 for a used one. I got a new one for 108.
He does not know what things are worth or he is trying to find customers that don’t price check.
Stay clear. Too bad as he has a lot of good stuff there
that will not sell as long as he is calling the shots.
August 26th, 2011 at 11:23 am
The hillbillies, or should I say desert billies, are obviously HORDERS! They need an intervention.
February 21st, 2012 at 2:45 pm
I have known Ron for about 20 years and have done many deals with him. I have sold him 3 Harleys and a Goldwing. I’ve bought 1 Harley Panhead from him, 2 old Honda Trail 90′S , miscellaneous parts, and my kid had traded some of his collection of bicycles he had for a dirt bike for himself. I have also sold him a 39 GMC truck and a 49 Plymouth 2-door wagon which were not running. When I moved year ago I also sold him some of my broke down motorcycle collection and probably several things I’ve forgotten over the years. I’m a bit of a hoarder myself. I know it takes a lot of work to accumulate that stuff and to be open for that many years in business is not easy. I’ve been in business for 31 years and often times I sell used welding equipment, old Lincoln Pipeline Welders and parts which are hard to come by and cost money to transport, store, and then remove the parts to sell them. I have many a rusted machine that people expect me to give them the parts because it’s just sitting there. No way! I have given stuff to good customers, but those are the ones that pay anyways because they appreciate the work it takes and money it costs to service them. People operate on different plains of thought and old ways versus new thinking. I’ve done many a handshake deals with him and we’re good. I’ve paid too much or sold for too little, but I wasn’t forced to do those things. I rode a real nice panhead for 12 years with cash and trade that I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else but from him. I would get the looks when I rode that thing that you don’t get from other bikes because it was a real old gem. I’ve seen Ron sell a couple of Indians to a couple of friends and to another acquaintance. He knows his bikes and is pretty good with values. You people see lots of stuff, many call it junk or rotting, but I’ve found some gems there that you aren’t finding anywhere else. Museum pieces the average joe don’t know. Bad mouth him all you want you’re probably jealous that you cannot be as well known and do what he does. He may get a little touchy with people handling things, but there are a lot of sticky fingers out there and if you don’t think the camera’s on you when you go to Circle K you’re wrong. He has to do it the old fashioned way with his eyes and instincts. I’m glad to know him and I’ve never seen him doing drugs and I cannot recall him drinking a beer except for one time. He welcomes me and I’m always interested in what he has acquired to show me that’s of interest and value to my senses. Enjoy the atmosphere while you can. There are a few unique roadside stops around Arizona and this is one. There are a few others that have gone away due to the death of the owners and I am sad to have seen them gone, one day that will be true here also. I wish Ron many more years in business.
March 17th, 2012 at 12:01 am
ever since i could remember my family and i have driven by this place and i have wanted to stop for 20 years now. i FINALLY got to stop by today for the very first time.
I peeped through the fence after checking out a bike he had up front and he came up and said hi “not rude or anything. we had a very breaf intro before i asked him is he had any Wards motorcycles. he showed me the bikes as if he was excited about it he shared some knowledge and so did I, im pretty sure he was testing me with some of the things the said. i told him my history with the bikes. he was kind enough to offer me phone numbers to help me out without me even asking.
my mother was with me and he was very respectful to both of us. i got a few prices from him and my mother did too when asking about a few classic pedal cruisers.
overall i will be dropping by any chance i get to say hi and talk. hes a very smart man, i belive i got lucky and got on his good side in a hurry. the prices i got from him were high a little bit but I think i could get some wiggle room out of him. he asked me if i wanted to sell my current project we talked about and i said no. but he said he would really like to see it. I am going to tow it up there in a month or so and hang out. i think the key is to be polite, respectful, and show some enthusiasm.
April 29th, 2012 at 9:04 pm
a few friends and i stopped by a few weeks back on our way to phoenix. I have always been curious about the place when I have driven by in the past, and we finally stopped to take a look around. The first thing we did was get yelled at for not being side by side walking around because we were going to “steal things”. We inquired about a few old bike frames and ron told us prices so high it was hard not to laugh. One frame was missing wheels, rusted through, had stripped cranks and was beat to hell. The price-$200. This place is worth a stop if your curious but dont expect a deal of anytype. Its also strange that the old ladies that work there address him as daddy, It felt like something out of the hills have eyes.
May 28th, 2012 at 2:01 pm
I have and always will get parts for my family’s motorcycles, as for all the assholes who dont like them what did you do to piss him off have respect for his business IF YOU WANT RESPECT SHOW RESPECT
September 18th, 2012 at 5:03 pm
I have to say after reading this thread it’s like a bunch of old lady’s ranting. There is no right or wrong, there just is. If you don’t like a place don’t go, if you feel like you have to jump on a band wagon and bad mouth a place, you may as well do it on some ambulance chasers web site and posts. I find this hysterical. I found and bought somethings here, every motorcycle swap meet, yard sale, trade show you might get what you want or not. They can want way too much or you get something for next to nothing for what it’s worth , you never know. That’s part of the fun of putting a project together, is shopping for the things you need. It’s not the destination that’s the main thing , it’s the path you take to get there, you need to smell the roses along the way and stop and look back and enjoy the trip along the way. Take a look here and just enjoy whether you buy or not, enjoy it!
January 25th, 2013 at 12:09 pm
Fuck this guy. That’s all I can say.
February 9th, 2013 at 8:40 am
How much you want to bet if you got outside law enforcement to start checking registration numbers several would come up STOLEN. And yes from the looks of things this guy is hording the crap out of all them bikes maybe it’s time someone rattled his cage a little. Theirs no reason all this stuff should rust up and die because some guy being an asshole
February 27th, 2013 at 9:17 pm
I called Ron to ask about a carburator. He was very sarcastic about most of my questioning. I had spoken to several other motorcycle shops and received nothing but respect and great service from these people. I cannot say the same thing about Ron. I really needed the part so as to not piss him off anymore after only a few questions, I asked the person fixing my bike to call him as he was a man and might have gotten further with him. He felt the same way after speaking to Ron. Ron wanted me to give him my carburator so that he could look for what I needed (even though he told me on the phone he had hundreds of my part) and then he would get the part I needed back to me and keep my old carb. I could not take that chance, had I done that I might have been left empty handed without any carb. He was going to charge more than what the part was worth for a new carb and overcharge for one that was used. He told the both of us if we could find original price of the carburator from 1982 he would sell it for that price. I was not going to take a chance driving all the way there only to be belittled by this guy (as he told my friend I was a dumb broad that had called him earlier) and either be overcharged or not allowed to purchase what I needed by what I’ve read on other posts. It appears to me you are a diamond in the rough if you have a pleasant or good experience with this guy and since he already had it out for me I didn’t feel I was going to be the diamond that day. It’s almost as though he is teasing you with the prospect of having what you need and then telling you you can’t have it. I would never do business with this person. Find your parts somewhere else. If you are a woman who really needs a part I would send a man to get it for you as you may very well be treated like a “dumb broad”. Seeing all the negative posts makes me think the positive ones are a setup.
March 30th, 2013 at 5:13 pm
I will be staying in New River so I’ve got to go…..sort of like basic training for bike lovers.I do have a plan and if it works…I get a “trophy” part for my 1979 Collegiate.., I will post how it went. My best guess is he acquires inventory as a tax deduct and sells the same $ in parts so his taxable income very low. Business license (if he has on )taxes utilities would be his only major expenses. As his inventory appreciates, he will look for a chance to sell off@action and scrap dealers. The place could be just weeds in a month and those bikes shredded for hi-quality scrap metal.