A new bike repair shop CR Cycle Repairs has opened in Stirling’s Pitt Terrace.
Experienced bike technician Colin Rae, who previously worked at Halfords and independent bike store Stewart Wilson, runs the shop. He specialises in all types of bike repairs and maintenance offering top quality service and first-class results. Colin also provides three different levels of bike servicing – Basic, Standard and Comprehensive – meaning customers will never be overcharged.
Colin’s love of bikes – particularly racing bikes – began when he was a teenager and has never left him. He spent 12 years working at Stewart Wilson Cycles, a local independent bicycle retailer in Stirling, where he was involved in sales and servicing as well as working in a management capacity helping Stewart run his business.
He also worked as a cycle technician at Halfords in Stirling, where he engaged in all aspects of repairs, sales and servicing of bikes, for seven years before deciding to branch out and open his own shop this year.
Colin says: “Since I was about 14, I’ve been into bikes, especially racing bikes, and my interest grew from there. I’d always thought about starting up on my own and it was around March this year I decided it was time to do it and began contacting local estate agents to see what premises were available.
Given how busy we always were in Halfords, I knew that the demand was there and it was something which would work. I looked at a few premises in the Springkerse area which were a bit too big before finding the shop in Pitt Terrace which is the perfect size for me.
It used to be a bank before being converted into three shops and would give me 500 square feet to work with. That seemed ideal so I thought: “Let’s go for it!”
Colin had some work to carry out to transform the empty unit – putting in counters, workstations and bike stands – before opening his doors on September 3 this year. Since then, business has been steady and Colin is able to offer quick turnarounds on bike repairs.
He is delighted to see his services proving popular with customers who have submitted first-class reviews on Google. One testimonial reads: “Absolutely excellent customer service from start to finish. Colin did a full service on my Trek Mountain bike which went in looking rather unloved and came out like a shiny new bike. The ride quality before and after has blown me away… It was clunky before and now rides and changes gear like a new bike. I would definitely recommend Colin for your bike needs/servicing/repairs.”
Another happy customer writes: “Most definitely the best cycle shop
experience in Stirling. Prompt and friendly service nothing too much trouble and very reasonable and fair pricing. Customer care still exists!”
Colin carries out all types of bike repairs – from fitting an innertube to complete rebuilds – and also deals with e-bikes and new custom bike builds. He stocks a variety of parts and accessories for various models and brands of bikes but advises customers to phone ahead with any specific requests to ensure parts are available.
Colin’s three service plans have been designed to give customers value for money and an appraisal of what their bike needs. After assessing a bike in the shop, he will recommend the best plan which starts with the Basic service at £35 for bikes which require a once-over with brakes tightened and adjusted.
A Standard service is £60 and includes the fitting of purchased cables, brake pads and wheels trued. Meanwhile, the Comprehensive service costs £120 and comprises a complete strip down, clean and rebuild plus fitting of any purchased items or new parts plus wheels trued.
Colin is enjoying running his own business and the interaction with customers who pop into his shop. He says: “It’s been great so far and I’m finding we are relatively consistent with enquires but not overly busy, which means I can generally do big repairs for people on the same day because I’m not snowed under.
I can return a bike in 24 hours or less which is a big bonus and I’m really pleased with all the positive feedback I’ve been getting especially the wonderful reviews on Google.”
Update November 2022:
Colin has just been awarded “Cycle Repairer of The Year, Scotland” through prestige business awards who are a worldwide company specialising in giving recognition to companies who excel in customer service, professionalism and value for money. An amazing achievement considering the shop had only been opened for 6 months when Prestige business awards informed him of his success.
The judges were particularly impressed by the professional and personalised customer service that Colin offers. In larger organisations, a service can be cluttered by too many parties involved. In the case of CR Cycle Repairs, it’s all about the customer and their bike, and Colin’s professionalism ensures that he gives an accurate price estimate at the start, and a high-quality, thorough repair afterwards.
CR Cycle Repairs is open from Monday to Wednesday between 9am and 5pm; Thursday 9-6pm; Friday 9-5pm; Saturday 9-4pm and closed on Sunday. Details of the services Colin offers can be found on the website – www.crcyclerepairs.co.uk
You can also pop into the shop at 2 Pitt Terrace, call Colin 07359 045511 or 01786 609691 or email colin@crcyclerepairs.co.uk for more information or to book a bike in.
More details can also be found on the Facebook page – www.facebook.com/crcyclerepairs/ and on Instagram –
www.instagram.com/crcyclerepairs/
