Valley Stream bike shop moving to Lynbrook

Tom Cuccias has been a Valley Stream resident since he was 2 years old. His two sons were born and raised in Valley Stream and they graduated the same high school — Central — as their father. He has owned the Valley Stream Bicycle and Hockey Shop for more than 22 years.

These factors made it a tough decision for Cuccias to move his store down Merrick Road into Lynbrook.

“I live Valley Stream,” Cuccias said. “Moving from here is really heavy on my heart, but based on the building, the high rent and the lack of parking near this store and other retail, I felt that this was the best opportunity for me to continue to keep serving Valley Stream.”

When Cuccias’ lease is up at the end of March, the Valley Stream Bicycle and Hockey Shop will no longer have a Valley Stream mailing address. He hasn’t decided on a new name for the store.

“I don’t want to lose my name because everyone knows me, but that’s still up in the air,” he said. “I’m thinking of Valley Stream Bicycle of Lynbrook.”

Cuccias said that he started looking for a new location a year ago, but couldn’t find a good spot in Valley Stream. When he found places that he liked, the rent was too high. And the areas that were affordable were not in a location that made sense for his business.

According to Cuccias, his new location in Lynbrook is bigger, more affordable and has an abundance of parking. When the move is made, he is optimistic that Valley Stream residents will continue to support his shop because of his years of service within the community.

“The funny thing is, I’ll never be rich doing this because I always seem to give deals out because I know everybody in the town,” Cuccias said. “Valley Stream has a special place in my heart, so I’m going to always do a little better for the town.”

Cuccias originally bought the shop in 1990 with his friend, but in 1997 he became the sole owner. He expanded the store’s inventory to include hockey equipment in 1995 after his nephews began playing hockey. He has a unique relationship with the Valley Stream community because he deals with people of all ages. However, there’s one demographic of patrons who Cuccias particularly enjoys dealing with. “The thrill of seeing a kid get a new bike, I don’t think anything beats that,” Cuccias said.

Cuccias estimated that 95 percent of his customers have embraced the move once they realized the reasons behind it. Others, he said, are upset about the store’s relocation even though it’s not very far.

Valley Stream resident Jeannine Maloney said that she had a hard time finding an accessory for her husband’s bike one Christmas, but once she went to Cuccias, she was in luck.

“I showed a picture of it to the owner and he not only found the item, he ordered it and didn’t charge me an extra cent,” Maloney said. “That’s the amazing kind of customer service he gives. He will be missed here in Valley Stream.”

Ilene Madden said the staff at the Valley Stream bike shop is extremely helpful. “They have been an icon in Valley Stream for years,” Madden said. “My brother used to refinish bicycles, and they always had the right supplies.”

The Valley Stream Bicycle and Hockey Shop will have the same inventory, phone number and website when it moves to Lynbrook.

Cuccias will remain a resident of Valley Stream. “I love being here because this is my hometown,” he said.