Grabbing life by the handlebars

The team at Bikes and Scooters Marlborough don’t just talk the talk or walk the walk, they also ride the bike – literally.

It’s fair to say the Blenheim based team are mad about bikes and are happy to share their passion, hanging out in the store with their customers, chatting all things cycle related.

Owned by locals Chris Lang and Lisa Erikson, the store opened two years ago at the Redwoodtown Hub Shopping Centre and quickly became the go-to place for all things bike related. “We ALL love riding and that is reflected in our passion and energy towards the bikes we have on our floor,” smiles Chris.

There is a great vibe in the store, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. In the onsite workshop run by mechanic Merrick Thompson, music, usually classic rock, plays to a backdrop of chatter and laughs as customers come and go.

Chris says the store aims to provide customers with exceptional service. Blake Hurford looks after sales and is a great person to talk to with any queries, big and small. The customer always comes first, explains Chris. “Making sure every customer rides away on the bike that best suits them is what we are about. We listen to our customers’ stories and spend time to make sure all elements of the purchase are customised and bespoke. Saddles, handlebars, tyres, mirrors, bags and bells – all come together to ensure our customers are out there enjoying themselves. It’s a big purchase and we get that.”

With this in mind, customers can try out demo bikes to experience an eBike for themselves. “As part of their purchasing journey our customers can trial our different models and even take them overnight if they wish – especially if they’re wanting to give it a go in the comfort of their own environment,” Chris says.

For Chris and Lisa, owning their own bike store has been a wonderful journey, one that’s evolved to see them specialise in eBike’s. They are rightly proud to stock the biggest range in Marlborough with a huge selection of brands, including Electrify – New Zealand’s biggest eBike supplier.

Living and working in Blenheim, the team are part of the community and enjoy supporting local events and people. Chris is the secretary of Cuddon Cycling Marlborough and the store also support Mark Grammar at Marlborough Sport development with events such as the Duathlon Series and the Women’s tri. Upcoming cyclists Ryan Marfell, Can Anderson, Riley Beldham, Andrew and Adam Bidwell are also proudly sponsored by the Bikes and Scooters team.

But it is their customers they say the owe a big thank you too, says Chris. “We’ve really enjoyed the support of our customers – we couldn’t have done it without them”

Get your next adventure started at Bikes and Scooters Marlborough and discover for yourself why they’re the first choice for many of the region’s cyclists.

Bikes and Scooters

Redwood Hub Shopping Centre, 91 Weld Street, Redwoodtown, Blenheim 7201

bikesandscooters.co.nz