What's in a Name?

Replicator and I met with Andrew Feenstra of Cyclesmith a few weeks ago to discuss all things biking on the East Coast. It took Replicator and I about three minutes before we realized that Feenstra has forgotten more about cycling that we've ever learned! It was a treat to hear his philosophies. His advice to us as the proprietors of ECMTB was invaluable. It wasn't long before the three of us realized that it was about time for us to work together! East Coast Mountain Biking is thrilled to announce that Cyclesmith is coming on board as a sponsor this year.

We continued to grill Andrew about the rise, fall and current situation of mountain biking on the East Coast. Through the good and bad, Cyclesmith has persevered and continued to deliver quality product and service. Feenstra says that Cyclesmith's success is a result of hard work, experience and company pride... the name Cyclesmith isn't just a quirk gimmick.

What's in a Name?

In 1986, Greg Smith completed a cross Canada cycling trip and decided to establish a custom frame building operation at Pier 22 on Halifax's waterfront. Demand for repairs and upgrades soon led to the establishment of a retail location above his father's former insurance company on Quinpool Road, Halifax. Voila! Cyclesmith was born. In 2000, a second location was opened to provide better service to the growing community of Dartmouth.

Just like Greg, the current owners Paul Shaw, Mark Beaver and Andrew Feenstra, are all avid cyclists. If not at the shop, they can usually be found out on the trail, or out on the road. All three are heavily involved in all aspects of the cycling scene including unicycling! Currently Mark is on the organizing committee of "Ride the Lobster", a Unicycle race across NS. Paul is a board member of Triathlon NS, and Andrew is a board member of the Canadian Cycling Association and Assistant Coach at the National Cycling Centre – Atlantic, located in Dieppe NB. Let me tell you, these guys know the sport!

The owners' commitment to cycling has a definite trickle down effect as all the staff members ride regularly, testing and using the products they sell. The staff members also commit many hours to trail building, event organization and volunteering their time for cycling and trail associations.

To share their passion for cycling Cyclesmith has a cycling club that organizes weekly rides, the AMP Road Race (part of the BNS road racing series), a weekly short track series, a weekly Criterium Series, a weekly Time Trial Series, and have a women's only component of the club titled "Ride like a girl". They are currently working on a new kid's component to the club, which should be set to launch by midsummer.

A walk through either of the Cyclesmith locations will demonstrate the commitment to all things cycling. They have the largest selection of inventory, including clothing, bikes and small parts in Atlantic Canada, quite possibly the largest in Canada. They get regular calls from competing bike shops looking for parts as they know Cyclesmith will have it in stock. Not only do they have an unbelievable inventory, they have the knowledge to install it on your bike or repair any problem with your bike. Cyclesmith uses the Barnett Professional Mechanic certification program, part of the Barnett Bicycle Institute from Denver Colorado. So you know they are going to repair your prized ride properly the first time. Cyclesmith is the only shop in Atlantic Canada that has a full frame shop where they build custom Tamarack bikes, and do complete frame repairs. These guys even smith bikes!!

The Cyclesmith crew believes in their community, and has been involved in so many community projects that the list would be nearly endless. Currently they are involved with 5 major community projects including the HRM Police Bike Safety Rodeos, the QE II Lottery, Craig's Cause, the MS Bike Tour and the Heartland Tour.

Live here, ride here, buy here, support here. That is the creedo that the Cyclesmith shops live by and what makes Cyclesmith a name worth remembering.

We're very happy to have the support of Cyclesmith and we look forward to a long lasting relationship.

Cyclesmith has two locations in HRM:

Dartmouth
114 Woodlawn Road
Dartmouth, NS B2W 2S7
902-434-1756

Halifax
6112 Quinpool Road
Halifax, NS B3L 1A3
902-425-1756

Be sure to check out the Cyclesmith website, www.cyclesmith.ca.

Posted by O9man at May 14, 2008 07:29 PM

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