Having spent the better part of the past 20 years as a customer care manager in the cellular industry, Cycle Lab Little Falls owner Tertius Fourie knows exactly how to keep clients happy.
From its advanced workshop to customer evenings and a brand-new cycling club, his innovative West Rand store is positively humming.
A dedicated cyclist himself, Fourie decided last year to follow his passion and make a part-time hobby his full-time career. The question was where and how.
“Being in customer care for most of my life, I knew that this area needed a professional bicycle shop with a state-of-the-art workshop. The Cycle Lab brand was just the answer!
“After collecting a race number at the Fourways branch, I asked Ali (Mclean) if they would be interested in opening a branch in the West Rand. The answer was yes.”
The latest franchisee in the Cycle Lab chain opened its doors in November last year and stocks select brands like Lapierre, Felt, Ridley, Trek, KTM, Bianchi, Cervello, Merida and Titan.
“We sell a ratio of 60% mountain bikes to 40% road – the most road bike sales of all the franchises.”
Having completed 10 editions each of the two “big ones”, the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour and Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge, as well races like the Nedbank sani2c and Trans Baviaans, Fourie understands what riders need.
“All the personnel in the shop are cyclists and can give advice on anything from nutrition to clothing.
“We are also starting to stock triathlon equipment including bicycles, clothes, bars, shifters and shoes. Two of our staff members have completed the Ironman and are very knowledgable on training and gear.”
Fourie takes great pride in his workshop, which offers full bike set-ups using the Ergofit system. “We believe in customer service, relationships, professional repairs and no comebacks!”
Workshop manager Craig Walker and mechanic Jean Snoer are respected in the industry.
“Craig has built a reputation as one of the best mechanics in the country with a vast amount of knowledge. He is also an exceptional rider.
“Jean is a regional freestyle BMX champion, so he knows how to fix and set up trick bikes.”
The store sponsors a small racing team and supplies bicycles to six Lions rugby players, including captain JC Janse van Rensburg.
With the Cycle Lab Little Falls Cycling Club officially open from February 1, customers can look forward to Saturday morning rides to The Cradle and back. “As safety is of utmost importance, we will have a support vehicle following.
“We will also have fun evenings that will include nutritional sessions, bicycle launches and women’s evenings where our mechanics will show them how to do minor repairs.”
The outlet is open from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and from 9am to 1pm on weekends.
Find it in the Pick n Pay Centre on the corner of Johan and Hendrik Potgieter Roads.
For more info, visit www.cyclelab.com, phone 011 958 1111 or find the store on Facebook.
Issued by:
Full Stop Communications
Coetzee Gouws
082 575 7991
041 368 4992
coetzee@fullstopcom.com
www.fullstopcom.com
On behalf of:
Cyclingnews & ASG Events