BERKELEY, Calif. — Wrench Science, a well-known e-commerce retailer specializing in high-end bikes, is reportedly closing down. Several major suppliers have received notices about the impending closure. Although their website is still running, attempts to get in touch with the company have gone unanswered. An employee mentioned that many workers were let go on January 3. There are currently no public records of a bankruptcy filing.
Some suppliers received emails from the accounting department stating, “We are closing our operations. We need to review outstanding balances and arrange for the return of products.” They also asked suppliers to provide return authorization numbers for their items and expressed gratitude for past support.
Colnago America has reached out to customers who may have orders with Wrench Science. They acknowledged the situation might be unsettling for customers and reassured them that help is available. Colnago emphasized their commitment to ensuring riders receive the support they need, encouraging them to contact Colnago directly for any outstanding order concerns.
Mike Gann, president of LOOK USA, expressed his concern for the riders who might be affected by the closure, especially those who’ve placed deposits on orders. He assured that they are keeping a close eye on the situation.
One supplier praised Wrench Science for their communication regarding the closure and for offering to return inventory as partial payment for outstanding invoices. They noted that this outreach is a positive step, especially compared to how other retailers have handled similar situations.
Founded in 1999 by Tim Medina, Wrench Science grew to be a leader in custom high-end road and mountain bikes, selling to customers across the globe. They specialized in helping customers find the right bike size and specifications through innovative software. Their notable brand offerings included Pinarello, Colnago, and Ibis among others. A memorable tour of Wrench Science took place during a Dealer Tour of the Bay Area in 2013.