The Bicycle Shop
The Bicycle ShopWhen Bob Robinson opened The Bicycle Shop in 1993, he was looking to help people find a nice bike. He saw a gap in the market for mid-range and high-end bicycles. Robinson took a two-week bicycle repair course in West Virginia, where he received a lot of great advice about opening a shop. "They figured I'd have it made if I carried Trek and Specialized bicycles, they weren't wrong," explains Robinson. The Bicycle Shop opened its doors in 1993 as an exclusive dealer of Trek, Specialized and Kona bicycles. The shop started in a 600-square-foot space on Front Street, with a nervous Robinson at the helm. "I remember the first day I opened. I was terrified that a customer was going to come in and want to buy something," says Robinson, with a laugh.
Robinson's passion for biking was matched by Scott McPhee, who met Robinson in 1996 as part of a business planning course. "We had to take an idea, develop a business plan and find a mentor," McPhee explains. "That's when I met Bob. He showed me the operations at The Bicycle Shop, from sales to service. After buying some tools from Bob and mastering my craft, I started working with him part-time, while holding down another job." By 1997, McPhee was at The Bicycle Shop full-time, and the business proved to be a perfect fit. "I had a passion for cycling at a younger age, but in high school I broke a leg playing football and part of my physical therapy was riding a bike. I was hooked from there."
McPhee purchased the shop from Robinson in 2007. The transition was a smooth one. "I sold my truck with the shop, so Scott drove me down to the dealership where I bought a car." Robinson offered his support and expertise to help McPhee, even after the sale went through. "I'm thankful for a great opportunity to make a comfortable living that also allows me to provide jobs to other enthusiasts. Eventually, I hope to pass this opportunity on to someone else," says McPhee. "It's pretty cool to see a customer you sold a bike to over 20 years ago coming back to buy bikes for their kids."
The Bicycle Shop is currently located at 406 & 410 Front Street North. Initially Robinson leased the smaller half of the building, but in 2005 they transitioned to the entire space, which currently houses their retail, service space, repair shop and warehouse. They sell bicycles, accessories, apparel, scooters, skateboards and paddleboards. "Part of this industry is knowing what's hot and what people are interested in." The staff believe in supporting the community. "The Bicycle Shop supports the community by taking part in many events and charities. The pay it forward philosophy is alive and well, thanks to all those who work and have worked with The Bicycle Shop." Robinson made customer service a priority from the start. "Service what you sell and treat people the way you want to be treated. It's pretty simple," McPhee adds.
Related Stories
Fox and Hound Canine Retreat
Katie Fuller grew up with a love for dogs, specifically terriers and fox hounds, a favorite of her dad's. As a child, Fuller attended dog trials with her dad, then later competed with her own terriers in performance events. After high school, Fuller attended a grooming academy to become a pet styl
The Inn of the Good Shepherd
The Inn of the Good Shepherd was founded in 1981 by a group from St. John's Anglican Church on Devine Street, in Sarnia's south end, who became concerned with the growing needs of the disadvantaged in the area. When The Inn started, they quickly realized that the need was much greater than th
About Face & Body: Laser & Wellness Clinic
When Carolyn Vandersluis purchased About Face and Body: Laser & Wellness Clinic, she knew that the business’s strong community support came from the education, experience and care of her staff. “We take pride in taking care of our...
Cosmo's Family Restaurant
Nick Nassiokas is a man with a plan. In 1971, Nick arrived in Sarnia seeking a better life for himself. He came with the strength and courage needed to "make it" in Canada. Soon after arriving in Sarnia from Greece, he knew that one day he wanted to own a business of his own. His dream came true in
Related Stories
Mackenzie Oil
Mackenzie Oil was founded in 1945 by Doug Mackenzie and his father, Charlie Mackenzie. Doug was working in Hamilton at the time and saw the opportunity to start a company in Bridgen that would service the farming community. My uncle Doug partnered with my grandfather, Charlie, to start the business.
Beehive Windows, Door & Renovations
Beehive Windows, Doors, and Renovations was founded by Brian and Carol Miller in 2007. Brian started in the window business, in 1989, as a service technician. Three years later he returned to school to get his carpenter's ticket,...
St. Joseph's Hospice was created in 2005 in the wake of the closing of St. Joseph's Hospital. Since 1944, St. Joseph's had provided healthcare services to Sarnia-Lambton and they wished to continue to do so by meeting an existing gap in end-of-life care to the terminally ill and their families.
Bluewater International Granfondo
Granfondo means big bike ride in Italian. With 1,000 participants from Canada, the United States and Mexico challenged to ride 50, 100 or 150 kilometers, the Bluewater International Granfondo (BIG) certainly lives up to its name. Since the inaugural event in 2016, over $80,000 has been raised in support.
