Tygerberg Gets A Brand New Specialized Concept Store

Tygervalley is one of South Africa’s undeniable cycling hotspots and now there’s a Specialized Concept Store to cater to this passionate and ever growing riding community. Tygerberg Cycles opened in December 2015 and had their grand launch on Tuesday 19 April 2016, attended by many of the who’s who of Northern Suburbs cycling.

Cycling enthusiasts from the Northern Suburbs and beyond gathered at Tygerberg Cycles for their grand opening on the 19th of April. All photos by Ewald Sadie. — Cycling enthusiasts from the Northern Suburbs and beyond gathered at Tygerberg Cycles for their grand opening on the 19th of April.
All photos by Ewald Sadie.

Owners Eben and Lynne Venter know a thing or two about running a successful bicycle shop. They own Tygerberg Cycles’s sister store, West Rand Cycles in Gauteng, for over twenty years which was one of the first Specialized Concept stores in South Africa when they refitted in 2012. Eben, and Tygerberg Cycle’s store manager Mike Switzer, are famed for their ability to build a community around bike shops and the process is already well underway at the new store. Their Tygerberg Cycles Strava Club is their first initiative, with weekly leader board toppers receiving a free bike wash and lube. Now that all work on the store is complete, Mike will have time to focus on other community initiatives like regular shop rides and information sessions.

Tygerberg Cycles features dedicated Road, Mountain, Women's Specific and Kids sections. All photos by Ewald Sadie. — Tygerberg Cycles features dedicated Road, Mountain, Women’s Specific and Kids sections.
All photos by Ewald Sadie.

Tygerberg Cycles features specific areas within its large 600 square meter floor space for Road, Mountain, Kids and Women’s specific bikes, components and apparel; as well as an excellent work shop. The kids section is at the heart of the store and if the general reception on launch night is anything to go by it will remain one of the busiest areas of the shop. Not only is there a wide range of Specialized kids’ bikes, but there’s also a full array of helmets, youth cycling kit and a handy sizing chart to make sure you get your young tyke the right sized bike.

Sus the impressive Kids section. All photos by Ewald Sadie. — Sus the impressive Kids section.
All photos by Ewald Sadie.

The store also boasts extensive display areas for Specialized components, with the tyres in particular receiving pride of place. Tyres were the first product to bear the Specialized name in 1978 and the ever growing range now offers world class tyres for every riding style. Another exciting feature of the store is the Body Geometry Fit Studio. Run by long-time Durbanville bike fit specialist, Irma Delport, the studio should be the first port of call for all new bike purchasers or for local riders suffering from discomfort on the bike or injury niggles.

The history of the Specialized tyre. All photos by Ewald Sadie. — The history of the Specialized tyre.
All photos by Ewald Sadie.

Situated in Edward Street, the store is centrally located within the heart of the bustling cycling community. With excellent road riding out across the vineyards and wheat fields of the Swartland and the extensive Tygerberg Mountain Bike Trails close at hand, the store is sure to soon be a fundamental part in the lives of the area’s riders. Drop by for a coffee and a chat about all things cycling with Mike and his knowledgeable staff and have a look around their fantastic new store – Tygerberg Cycles is open from 09:00 to 18:00 during the week and from 09:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays.