Here’s a New Bike Shop With a Unique Flavour

By Phil Latz | 10th February 2022 |

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How many other bike shops do you know that combine a giant smiley face on the roof with a Surly sign in solitary splendour?
How many other bike shops do you know that combine a giant smiley face on the roof with a Surly sign in solitary splendour?

Tumut, NSW

Ian Downing could be described as a long-time, dedicated cyclist who spent many years as an integral part of the Canberra bike shop scene.

Due to some personal reasons, he recently decided to have a ‘tree change’ and headed for Tumut, located in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains in southern NSW.

In July 2021, Ian opened Bike Revive Tumut, in the suburbs of Tumut. He wasn’t at all perturbed that Tumut, with a population of just 6,230, already has one well-established shop in the centre of town.

Ian likes customers to come and enjoy themselves, hence the pool table.
Ian likes customers to come and enjoy themselves, hence the pool table.

Ian’s shop is eclectic, to say the least, as you can see from the photos and captions that accompany this story.

His business will be based upon his high level of mechanical expertise and, dare we say, obsession with all things bike related. This is also reflected in the set-up of his workshop, complete with a full bike wash trough and many other features not found in your typical country bike shop.

Ian also has a passion for restoring neglected second-hand bikes and wants to see a bike revival in Tumut, hence the name of his store.

Many of the bikes in Ian’s store are from his large personal collection. This very rare Dragstar Swing Bike has two sets of head fittings, one in the usual place and another just under the seat.
Many of the bikes in Ian’s store are from his large personal collection. This very rare Dragstar Swing Bike has two sets of head fittings, one in the usual place and another just under the seat.
Seven is a renowned US brand making custom-built bikes of the highest quality – and price. Ian found this second-hand tandem going for a song via the internet.
Seven is a renowned US brand making custom-built bikes of the highest quality – and price. Ian found this second-hand tandem going for a song via the internet.
Llewellyn bikes, hand made in Brisbane, start at about $8,000 for a frame, if you don’t mind the 12-month or longer waiting list. This bike is on loan from an old friend.
Llewellyn bikes, hand made in Brisbane, start at about $8,000 for a frame, if you don’t mind the 12-month or longer waiting list. This bike is on loan from an old friend.
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3 Comments

  1. Neil Skipper on 28th February 2022 at 9:34 am

    An exceptional Bike Mechanic….a 1 in 10 million! How does he get bikes to work so well???

    Reply
  2. Dominique Rideaux on 27th February 2022 at 10:58 am

    Ian is not just the best bike mechanic there is, his genuine support for all things bike makes him a stand out wherever he parks his tools. The smiley face is typical Ian; right out of left field, how bikes work for him, and how they can work for you. Looking forward to getting over to Tumut for some enthusiasm top up.

    Reply
  3. Geoffrey Annison on 26th February 2022 at 5:08 pm

    Ian has the affectionate nick-name of “bike whisperer” among us Canberra folk. His uncompromising approach to getting everything just right on the bike is legendary. And best of all he explains what he’s done, how he’s done it, and why he’s done it. This means you learn more about your bike on each visit. 👍

    Reply

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