December 31, 2018 (Toronto, ON) – The cycling community was sad to learn that renowned frame builder and vintage bike aficionado, Mike Barry Sr., 80, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 29. Passionate about cycling from the moment he stepped over a bicycle at the age of six, he became obsessed with racing and equipment, so it’s no surprise that his son Michael Barry Jr. became a professional road rider.

Born in 1938, Mike Barry Sr. grew up in Wimbledon, South London, England and became hooked on cycling at an early age bringing his passion for the sport to Canada in 1964. He joined a British cycling club here and then worked in the USA before returning in 1969 when he met former British racer, John Palmer. The duo began building steel frames in a basement which marked the beginning of Mariposa Bicycles.

In 1972, he opened Bicyclesport in downtown Toronto with Mike Brown, selling quality European brands including their own Mariposa bicycles. The duo also founded the Randonneurs Ontario bicycle club and became legends in the province for their knowledge and expertise. He opened Bicycle Specialties in 1986 which focused on restorations and his vintage collection was periodically on display at the Toronto Bicycle Show.

When Pedal was launched in 1989 as Canada’s first national cycling magazine, Mike Barry Sr., was always ready to offer advice and information about European racing and the local race scene. His breadth of knowledge seemed endless as was his passion for the sport.

He played a huge role in helping to build the cycling movement in Ontario and Mariposa Bicycles, still thriving after almost 50 years, will be taken over his son Michael Barry Jr. and wife Dede.

Mike Barry Sr. built bikes with an unmatched passion, inspired by quality, resilience and international design and will be missed within the cycling industry as a father, friend and innovator.

Pedal joins the cycling community in thanking Mike Barry Sr. for his many contributions to the sport and in sending condolences to his family and friends.