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 Sunshine Staff, November 2010
Collectively the Sunshine bikes staff has well over 100 years of experience selling, repairing, modifying and servicing almost every bike, part or accessory ever made.
Our staff is extremely experienced and our track record of high customer satisfaction is well known. It’s our goal and responsibility to make sure that each and every bike or repair go out the door like new, or better than new, and that you are well fit to your machine, gear and accessories.
We don’t rush you, we listen, and we work with riders of every type equally, from novice through elite racer. Give us a try if you haven’t already. And let us know what you think.
~ Martin Hansen
Martin’s 30+ years working on bicycles have all been dedicated to the customers of Sunshine Bicycle Center. He’s been owner since 2000, and was co-owner for 16 years prior.
He started working on & off at Sunshine Bicycle Center as a high school student in 1979, under the shop’s original owner, Ed Christianson. Ed decided to sell the business in 1984 to Martin and a co-worker, Ron Blinn, ushering in a new era at Sunshine. In 2000, Martin bought his partner out to become sole owner and whip-cracker at Sunshine.
Martin’s hand-on wrenching next to the staff makes him not only unique in the bike business locally, but keeps him in touch with the latest innovations, technology and solutions.
Got a nickname?
Hey Marty (usually to answer employee questions).
Where were you raised?
Right here in Fairfax.
What was your first bike?
Schwinn stingray with two speed kick back!
Ever slept with your bike?
Well, spending some weeks at the store 11 hours a day 5 days a week, I have no energy left to sleep with bikes!
What keeps you loving it after 30+ years at Sunshine?
I wear all the hats but still love repairing bikes that come in non-stop and send them out running like new.
Got a current favorite bike you can’t get enough miles on?
My Moots road bike with SRAM Red, and my ’09 Turner Sultan 29er with SRAM XX — but let’s not forget the 1971 Ron Cooper converted to a town bike with mustache bars!
What’s your dream bike?
A 29′er geared mountain bike with 5″ travel front and rear that rides as sweet as my Turner Sultan — but is only 20 lbs. We may almost be there, some of the new Gary Fisher’s are under 23 lbs!
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Tony is the carefree father of 2, and has logged over 20 years at Sunshine.
Of all your nicknames, which can be posted on a family friendly internet?
I’m gonna get back to you on that…
Your illustrious career in the bike biz, Sunshine and otherwise?
All in Marin. Since 1995 at Sunshine, with another 5 years prior to that (’87-’91). Also was with White Industries from ’93-’95), and WTB from 91-’93. Was a very early employee at Mike’s Bikes (’82-’85), and worked with Gary Fisher in ’86-’87.
Where were you born & raised?
Fairfax!
Recall your first bike?
Of course; a Varsity Schwinn 10 speed, blue I think. I then painted it black and made it into a one speed and commuted to San Rafael. I was pre-hipster-storic…
And your current favorite bike is…?
My Gary Fisher Superfly ’09.. 29′er .. handles great. And my Trek OCLV 6.9 ’08 Road Bike… comfy, light, rocketship going downhill!
Where do you like to ride? What are your favorite rides?
Love road riding. West Marin (Marshall Loop, Reservoir Loop). Up in Tahoe around the lake, or Brockway Summit.
At lunchtime you are happiest with…
Peanut Butter & home-made Strawberry Jam!
Erik is the studious, serious, intellectual member of the Sunshine crew. He can literally fix anything. Try him.
Besides ‘Dr. Science’, what are some other nicknames you’ve picked up?
Tinker, Gumby…
Tell us about your career in the bike business.
Started at Mike’s Bikes in 1984, then worked for Gary Fisher Bikes from ’86-’89. I first joined Sunshine Bikes for a year in 1991. Did a stint at White Industries from ’92-’99 making some of the worlds best components, then rejoined Sunshine Bikes in 2000 and am happy to be here still!
Where were you born and raised?
Born LA, but lived in San Rafael since 1 year old… now living in Kentfield.
Your first bike was…
An awesome 1976 Bicentennial Schwinn Stingray… Red, White & Blue, baby!
What’s your current favorite bike?
Cannondale Cross 2005, great all around bike, will do anything, and needs no maintenance!
How about your favorite kind of riding?
Mountain.. still my favorite… rather be on the dirt!
And what’s for lunch in your wildest dreams?
Eggplant & Chicken from Siam Lotus!
Daniel knows our product lineup inside out, and does most of the purchasing for the shop.
Got a nickname around the shop?
Novak!!! (usually shouted…)
At Sunshine Since?
2004
Hometown?
San Anselmo
What was your first bike?
Trek 800 mountain bike
Current favorite bike?
Surly 1×1
Favorite kinds of riding or places to ride?
Anything fast, the pine mountain loop.
What’s your favorite lunch item?
Grilly’s Burritos!
Andy’s one of the few on the crew from out of the area, and recently returned to Sunshine for a second run — and we are so very happy he’s back! Hey Andy!
Nickname?
Don’t really have one (but customers, I am open for suggestions!).
How many years at Sunshine and working in bike shops?
About a dozen total. I started at Sunshine in 2009, before that 10 years in various shops in Colorado and the midwest.
Where were you born and raised?
Born in Kansas, grew up in Kansas, Missouri, and Colorado.
What was your first bike?
A Trek 850 sport — rigid and steel like all my bikes.
Current favorite bike?
The Vulture – a steel one-off from a nice guy in Bend, OR. It’s a bike for all kinds of rides in all types of conditions.
Favorite kinds of rides or places to ride?
Long miles and a mix of dirt and pavement, that and Fruita, Colorado.
Favorite lunch item?
Tofu burrito from Grilly’s in Fairfax!
Gordon comes to us from Scotland and adds that international flare to the staff. Er, flair that is..
Got any nicknames?
Muzz (when I was growing up), “That Irish Guy” (I’m Scottish, actually…)
What part of Scotland are you from?
Dumbarton – 10 miles outside Glasgow.
Tell us about your work in the bike business.
I’ve been at Sunshine since early 2010, before that a short time at Mike’s and split 6 years prior to that at Lee’s Cyclery, Ft. Collins, CO, and 10 Speed Spokes in Newport, RI.
First bike?
Carrera Epic road bike WITH BIOPACE!!! Two sizes too big for me, as well!!
Current favorite bikes?
Tomasso(sp) steel (it’s only one size too big for me… so …) Got Campy 10 speed, a generator hub, and nice wide Paris-Roubaix tires.
What’s your favorite kind of riding and places to ride?
Mostly on the road, Alpine Dam, West Marin. I’ve done Paris-Roubaix Cycle Sportive, though did just get a mountain bike so I’m enjoying riding the fireroads on Tam now too!
And your favorite lunch item?
That’s a toughy.. Spaghetti & Meatballs from Sir Francis Drake Cafe, they just reopened, it’s good….
One of the many locally born-and-raised staffers we have, Emile comes from a family of riders.
With Sunshine Since?
I started here in 2002.
Hometown?
Born in Marin and grew up in San Geronimo Valley.
First Bike?
I don’t know what kind of bike it was but I remember that it was pink. I thought it was sweet. My dad was probably a little worried but never said anything. My first “cool bike” was an Otis Guy Soft Ride. I took it here to show the guys at Sunshine and Ron congratulated me on my first “cool bike” rolling his eyes and putting up his quotation mark fingers and rolling his eyes. Cool bike or not we had some good times.
Current Favorite Bike?
My current favorite bikes are the bamboo Calfees and the Turners. I really really want a Turner Flux. I NOW HAVE A TURNER FLUX! WHOO HOO! See what happens when you make a wish to the Bike Fairy?
Favorite Places To Ride?
I grew up in the Valley so I like the trails out there. I love riding on the road too. My favorites on the road are probably Ridge Crest and the Light House.
Favorite Lunch Item?
I hesitate to say because wherever I go the paparazzi tend to congregate, but I have been known to frequent Taco Jane’s at lunchtime a lot.
Red began working at Sunshine Bicycle Center in November of 2000.
He has continued working at the shop part-time throughout his chiropractic training and since beginning his own private practice in Corte Madera (www.atlaschirocenter.com).
Red began his bike shop work in 1993 at Cool Breeze Cycles in Mooresville, NC while attending Davidson College. He loves to ride bikes! Road bikes, mountain bikes, commuting bikes, touring bikes and currently he’s a big fan of big wheels (29′ers that is).
Take a virtual tour of our shop! Look around, jump from place to place, and get a feel for the place! Tour photographed by Marin 360.
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