This week, we’re introducing: Aarons Bikes
This week we’re heading down to the Isle of Jersey to hook up with Aarons Bikes. Aaron talks to us about future plans for growing mountain biking on the island, shows us some custom built beauties and gets pumped up about this weekend’s upcoming ‘King of the Castle’ downhill shootout …
We are Aaron’s Bikes, based in St Helier on the Isle of Jersey. Our specialism is very much mountain bikes and custom builds. I run the shop with my background spent mountain biking as a rider and racer.
What’s your current best-selling/hottest product?
A current trend that we are finding fun to work with is the 1 x 10 component conversions (to 40,41,42 dinner plate cassette rings, twinned with clutch mechs). These ghetto style set ups often work out far cheaper than the traditional routes and work just as well. Dropper posts are clear winners too. Our current faves are KS, Rockshox Reverb and Fox DOSS. Protective equipment wise, we’re shifting plenty of protective gear locally to privateer racers, as things are hotting up with the King of the Castle event which is nearly upon us …
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh9kxgU2gJ4
Which product/brand does every staff member have on their bike?
I’m personally a big fan of Santa Cruz. The Bronson and V10 models are the current bikes in my locker and the best trail and downhill bikes out there. I’ve just returned from my annual (week) holiday and picked Lake Garda as the riding destination of choice. All I can say is wow, what a place! I’d suggest you just go stay somewhere like Malcesine or Torbole, find bike shuttle and go ride! Stunning stuff.
What was the last custom build you did?
I’m currently doing a brand new 27.5″ Nomad, Blue and Magenta, pink Chris King hubs, carbon Halo rims, Rockshox Pike Fork, Reverb post, 35mm Eastern bar, Saint brakes and crank, XT drivechain 34x40t, Hope, SRAM and Raceface finishing kit. Keep checking our Facebook page for the build progress!
Tell us something about your shop/staff that no-one knows…
Let’s just say, one of my regulars is a stuntman who knows his way around a James Bond film set just for starters. This is his custom Santa Cruz, courtesy of yours truly.
Is there a regular shop ride or forthcoming event you think our readers should know about?
Regular shop rides are on Thursday nights. Right now, We’re gearing up for this weekend’s King of the Castle and are working behind the scenes on a pump track build soon to be announced. It’s gonna be a big one. We have the land to make a giant pump track and are just working on the planning application (with authorities keen to see it built), so fingers crossed.
Otherwise, we are really keen for riders from the mainland come and explore the local riding with us. Access to our stunning path network is improving all the time and we are at the forefront of working with the authorities to raise awareness and promote riding locally. Get in touch for more info
This weekend’s ‘King of the Castle’ urban downhill will take place at the stunning Gorey Castle on Sunday 15th June and will act as the finale to the festival’s three day event. The ‘King of the Castle’ urban downhill will seek to attract residents, amateur and professional cyclists from the UK and Europe and is hoped to become an annual event for the island.
The Urban Downhill race is part of a wider cycling schedule, that includes the Pearl Izumi Tour Series Final, a Pro Hill Climb and Road Race, 100/50km Coastal Sportive, amateur and kids races, pasta party and a cycle village.
We are working in partnership with local sponsor Motor Mall to organise the Urban Downhill and with Jersey Tourism and Pearl Izumi Tour Series, as part of the wider festival. Event, travel and accommodation information is here
Lastly, what do Singletrack Subscribers get from Aarons Bikes?
We offer subscribers 5% off non sale stock and special, guided ride deals for subscribers. See Jersey’s best riding with us!
Tuesday Treats Prize Draw
Click here to win this week’s prize!