Bike shop switches gears after 9-years

New Haven (WTNH) - There's no question, most small business owners face a lot of challenges. Still, one man decided to set up shop in one section of New Haven. Now, after nine years, he's moving his business.

There's a nostalgic feel when you enter this bicycle shop in New Haven.

"I started "The Devil's Gear" with $600," said Matthew Feiner, owner of "The Devil's Gear" bike shop.

Feiner likes it that way. His store is dripping with bicycle memorabilia, housed in a building on Lower Chapel that's more than 100-years old.

But there will soon be a time when Feiner's customers no longer wheel their bikes out of this particular shop.

"The people who owned the building have vision of a bike shop, coffee shop, and apartments. That unfortunately hasn't played out," Feiner said.

After nine-years at this location, Feiner is pedaling his shop downtown. There are several reasons. "We were robbed," he said. "Twenty-five kids broke in and stole 25 bicycles."

Besides, looking backwards isn't something cyclists often do.

"It felt like, 'Wow, I'm making the right decision.' If that's happening, God only knows what will happen next," Feiner said.

So while it's true Feiner's dream of a bustling neighborhood never game to fruition, he's not giving up on New Haven. He loves the nostalgia that accompanies an old city but he loves the promise of the future even better.

"I love the Elm City. I love New Haven. Us moving down to the center of New Haven is going to allow us to do our business even better," said Feiner.

Feiner gives a lot of credit to the New Haven Police Department who happened to be driving by during the break-in. Several people were arrested. As for the move, Feiner can't say where yet, but he said it will happen in the next couple of months.