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Our History

Shop History

 

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Kelowna Cycle is the oldest and wisest bike shop located in the heart of the Mission area of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. As a bike store it has been a pillar of the community for decades. The shop has witnessed many of great eras of modern cycling ranging from the grand cruisers of the fifties, the banana seat Mustangs from CCM, the advent of the BMX, and, of course, the mountain bike. Kelowna Cycle Repair shop was originally located at  255 Lawrence Avenue. The store was built and opened in 1948 and started promoting itself in the Daily Courier as a sales, rental and repair business. During the colder months Kelowna Cycle promoted winter activities and promoted " Kelowna cycle for all your hockey requirements and hockey equipment " (being a stone's throw away from the arena, it only made sense to sell and sharpen skates). In 1952 Kelowna Cycle moved up the road on Lawerence Avenue and was owned and operated by Mr A Van Dyk, and then in 1970 by a Mr E Hollindsworth. Kelowna Cycle moved to Doyle Avenue in 1971, while The Van den Elzen family purchased the business  and opened another store in 1986 at it's current location on Pandosy. The old store on Doyle closed in 1990 and still today Tucked in the "Pandosy Village" Kelowna Cycle is an integral part of the community and truly is the epitome of a neighborhood bike shop.

Kelowna Cycle Today

Very true to it's heritage Kelowna Cycle is still as we like to say "locally owned and ridden" now by owner Patrick Rosen. Carrying a very Canadain patriotic range of road, mountain, BMX, Cuisers, comfot and hybrid cycles, along with all the biking accessories you need to go with them. In the winter months still promoting a healthy lifestyle we carry and service an incredible line of xc-ski (cross country ski) equipment. In today's competitive market, hype sometimes trumps information and form can beat out function. The consumer is often bombarded with sales pitches and advertising overload. At Kelowna Cycle we stand for all that is pure about the pursuit that is cycling. We're grass-roots folk, bike-minded people and, quite simply, we're a lot like you. Many of us have kids, we might be married, we have varied interests, but the common denominator that bonds us together is the bicycle. This simple machine is our passion. It is the reason we're not auto mechanics, doctors or lawyers because we feel the bicycle represents a higher calling. Cycling is the one common activity that affects the soul, it represents a life-long commitment, it creates an unparalleled joy that we want to share with you. Our mantra is really that simple. As evidence, we live by example, riding our bikes to work or to the store, riding on a wicked trail or setting a PR on the TT course. We ride for the experience and the love of it. The simple act of riding a bike opens endless possibilities; it binds us together in an unending bliss. Ultimately, this passion is our starting point and foundation when you walk through the door of our shop. You are always welcome to join us and share the experience.