The closing of Capitol Hill Bikes at 709 and 705 Eighth St. SE will mark the end of an era. The shop replaced another bike shop at the same location in May 2000, and customers in a neighborhood where cycling is common have relied on the shop for bikes, accessories and maintenance services.

The store lost its lease and will close officially after its inventory has been sold, preferably by the end of November, according to co-owner Denise D’Amour. She said the store had expanded in good times but couldn’t continue at the same size.

“It just got to the point where we couldn’t support all that real estate anymore and tried to give some of it back to the landlady,— she said. The shop is looking to reopen at a new location, D’Amour said.

“My first choice is to stay on the Hill if possible,— D’Amour said, adding that opening elsewhere would require a name change. “I am sure that my customers will find me, if I happen to move off the Hill.—

Until then, Capitol Hill Bikes is offering a sale on what’s left of its inventory and is open at its normal hours. More information is available at capitolhillbikes.com.