Every Bike Shop Owner’s Worst Nightmare Happens in Melbourne

Interior view of a fire damaged bicycle store

Melbourne, Vic Gary Cookson, founding owner of Melbourne-based store Cargocycles has been doing it tough since he received a call in the middle of the night from his security contractor and then arrived to see his premises and stock destroyed. Subject to the outcome of police investigations yet to be finalised, it appears he was…

Retail Briefs – Commuter Cycles Goes Off Course

A bicycle shop team at the front of store exterior

Brunswick, Victoria In 2008 Huw Vellacott opened a one person workshop called Commuter Cycles. Based in inner city Melbourne, he was looking to serve the growing cohort of daily cycle commuters. But over the next 16 years as his team and product range expanded, the name no longer fitted the business. So from June 2024…

Trade News Briefs: New Australian Distributor for Cinelli

Melbourne, Victoria Cinelli the iconic Italian brand founded in just after World War II by professional racer Cino Cinelli recently announced a new partnership with La Dolce Velo, appointing them as the exclusive distributor of Cinelli bicycles, frames, components, apparel and accessories in Australia. La Dolce Velo will also handle the non-exclusive distribution of Columbus…

Rob Eva Retires After Over 25 Years Leading SRAM Australia

Group of cyclists

Warburton, Vic One of the best known faces, and voices… in the Australian bicycle industry is retiring on Friday 15th December after a lifetime of deep immersion in all aspects of cycling. When I first started Bicycling Australia magazine, Rob featured prominently as a mountain bike racer, including our front cover photo in late 1993…

GPI Apollo Enters Exclusive Distribution Partnership with FLR

people bicycle road racing

Melbourne, Victoria GPI Apollo and FLR cycling shoes have just announced an exclusive partnership for Australian distribution. FLR which as Israeli based global brand, has been distributed previously in Australia, but not for some time. Stock has already landed with key price points starting at $99.95 RRP in road, MTB and freeride categories with very…

Why Won’t Shimano Open an Account for my Bike Shop?

A screenshot of the home page of Sunup Cycles’ website

Brunswick, Vic To whom it may concern, I’m the recent new owner of a small service and repairs focused bike shop in Brunswick, Melbourne called Sunup Cycles. I wanted to reach out so that you might pass on a warning to other small shops or individuals considering investing in a new bicycle retail and/or repairs…

Inside Australia’s Largest New Bike Shop

Panoramic interior view of bicycle store

Lilydale, Victoria The Latz Report recently wrote about Yarra Valley Cycles purchasing a 1,500 square metre premises to be transformed into one of Australia’s largest bike shops. On 13th September, we had the chance to visit the almost completed store to take photos and interview co-owner Ash Swann. Lilydale is 42km east of the Melbourne…

Final Days for Retailer Recycling Survey

Woman in workshop working on laptop

Melbourne, Victoria Bike retailers have one more week to complete Bicycle Industries Australia’s survey on the recycling habits of stores throughout Australia. The survey is the latest initiative by BIA’s newly formed Sustainability Committee, comprising delegates throughout the industry, and asks retailers whether they recycle products such as batteries, tyres, oils, frames and cardboard. BIA…

Santini Partners Amy Gillett Foundation

Two people riding on road at night

Melbourne, Victoria Cycling garment manufacturer Santini and advocacy organisation The Amy Gillett Foundation have joined forces to foster safer cycling. As part of the partnership, Santini Australia released a limited-edition reflective cycling kit for last month’s Amy’s Gran Fondo. Designed in Australia in collaboration with the Amy Gillet Foundation, the jersey is a distinctive bright…