You’re never more than a bike ride away from a smile.
That’s a philosophy that has guided the good folks at Fairfield Cycle for more than 30 years, and the smiles they flash to greet customers at the neighbourhood shop speak volumes about the truth of that belief.
The cycle shop, located at the corner of Oscar and Moss streets, is just the sort of place that used to exist across the country, long before the advent of multi-national mega stores. Well-trodden wooden floors are crowded with every sort of bicycle that one might imagine, from old school cruisers to sleek electric bikes, as well as some unique machines that range from folding bikes to mobility trikes.
“Our focus has never been on racing or very high-end competition bikes,” said Henry Lee, the manager of Fairfield Cycle. “Our focus is on the everyday rider, someone who loves cycling and just wants to go for a ride.”
But it’s the personal service born out of years of experience and a personal love of cycling that truly sets the store apart.
“If you come in, we won’t just try to sell you what we have. We’ll ask about your cycling abilities, the terrain that you plan to ride, how far you plan to ride at any one time, whether you ride alone or in a group … there are a hundred questions,” said Lee. “Then we’ll help guide you in the right direction.”
Lee insists that at Fairfield Cycle, the staff won’t just sell what they have in the store but will always try to put you on the bike you need – even if that means they have to bring in a bike that they don’t have in stock.
“We also make sure it’s a right fit by suggesting that you take a test ride,” said Lee. “And I’m not talking about once around the block, but a real ride.”
Another aspect of Fairfield Cycle that makes the staff beam with pride is their service department.
“A lot of people come here for the service,” said Lee. "You can buy just about anything on the internet these days, but you can’t buy the knowledge of the products or the service that we provide.
“We have people like Max working on bikes, for example. He’s been with us for 30 years and he knows absolutely everything about bikes,” said Lee. “We stock parts for all kinds of bikes and Max knows where every part is…what’s needed and which drawer or which box on which shelf that part can be found. He can fix just about anything.”
Lee said that the greatest change in the burgeoning popularity of bikes has been the introduction of electric bikes.
“They’ve really expanded the range of people who can continue to cycle as they get older, as well as people who want to ride their bikes for longer distances. But there are also innovations like cargo bikes, trikes designed to adapt to mobility issues and more,” said Lee. "It’s safe to say that just about anyone can ride these days and we’re here to make sure that they have the right bike for their needs.”
