Bike shop devastated by fire opens in new Makawao location

Fellow small business gives up equipment space to help Krank Cycles

The Maui News

Krank Cycles in Makawao has reopened in a new pop-up location in Makawao, two doors down from its original space that was devastated by a fire on Jan. 23.

Freitas Rentals, a small equipment rental company gave up their equipment space at 1120 Makawao Ave., Unit C, so that Krank Cycles could temporarily move its business there, according to a news release. 

"This sacrifice has helped us survive and in the light of disaster, gave us not only a place to conduct business, but also hope for the future," Krank Cycles owner Aaron "Moose" Reichert said in a news release Monday.

The bicycle shop's original location was damaged by a dumpster fire that spread to the nearby building, causing both smoke and water damage to Krank Cycles. The Maui Fire Department estimated damages at $1 million to the building and $200,000 to the contents.

Reichert had said insurance would only cover $25,000 in lost inventory.

"We nearly lost everything -- at least, in that moment, it sure felt that way," Reichert said in the news release. "However, this is not about what we lost as much as it is about what we were gifted by the Maui community where we have lived, loved and been supported by for decades."

Reichert thanked those who helped in the wake of the fire, including other businesses, carpenters, electricians and plumbers, as well as West Maui Cycles from Lahaina, which donated displays and had their employees help rebuild the new pop-up Krank Cycles space in Makawao.

According to its Facebook page, Krank Cycles is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. This includes its Maui Marketplace location in Kahului.