Your once a week dose of retail therapy from Singletrack’s Premier Dealers, stockists and advertisers.
Tuesday Treats gives you a quality serving of independent bike retailing and a chance to win big in this week’s prize draw.
This week, we’re introducing Rock Garden Cycles.
Fresher than a wobbly-legged, spring lamb. We present to you Cheshire’s newest bike-stroking and servicing emporium. James Butler has taken the plunge to bring Tarporley and the surrounding area a dedicated mountain bike hangout. Rock Garden Cycles is born…
Tell us about all things Rock Garden James…
We are a bricks and mortar bike shop, located in the quintessential Cheshire village of Tarporley, open from 8:30am to 7:30pm. Currently we are authorised dealers for Mondraker, KTM Bike Industries and Frog Bikes, with our main focus on all things MTB.
Is servicing a big part of the offering?
Our workshop takes pride of place at the front of the shop, allowing customers to see bikes being worked on when they walk in the door. We stock products from Continental, Shimano, Altura, Bell and Giro to name but a few, and aiming to offer enough variety that every customer who comes in can get what they need. If we don’t have it in stock, we will aim to get it to them in a few days.
What sets you apart on the high street?
Our USP is offering a ‘package option’ to all our customers; including bike, helmet, clothing and all the kit you desire in one deal. We believe that our customers would much prefer to be out on the trail or road than shopping around for their kit. First we work out what you need, then bottom out a kit list and price for the products you want. Importantly, all our bikes come with (minimum) six months servicing.
What’s the local environment like for riding?
Tarporley is a great area to be based, with Delamere Forest just outside the village which has family routes, rider-maintained singletrack and a freeride/4X section. Further afield, we’re less than an hour from Llandegla, the Clywydians, Lee Quarry, Cannock and the Peaks.
The local area caters very well for cyclists, with some fantastic bakeries and coffee shops with outdoor seating and table service.
We opened the doors on the first day of the summer holidays, and have seen an influx of servicing work from the local community and their support and encouragement has been fantastic.
All the products and brands we stock are premium quality which can be highly recommended to our customers. One element we decided to start from the outset was to include fitting into the price of anything that attaches to a bike, and if we can, we aim to do it while you wait or go for a coffee!
Any recent custom builds of note?
We recently built a package with one of our customers to get him back on a bike after 15 years. He bought a KTM Strada 2000 and we kitted him out with pedals, shoes, helmet and clothing, and chucked in a Garmin 200 so he could Strava with the best of them. That’s a bespoke service from head to toe.
Current best selling products?
Continental tyres, Altura clothing and Giro helmets have been selling very well right from the outset, as have Shimano 9 speed chains!
What’s your staff bike pick?
I am a convert to 1×10, tubeless tyres and dropper seat posts myself and can say that they are a revelation in the general enjoyment that can now be had on the bike.
What about Regular shop ride/upcoming event?
We are working on a weekly ride from the shop on Tuesday evenings, alternating between MTB and road so that everyone can be involved at some point. People can register their interest now with us on our Facebook, Twitter or through the website.
What do Singletrack’s Premier Subscribers get from you guys?
Rock Garden Cycles offer Premier Subscribers 15% off parts, accessories and workshop (excluding bikes). 5% off 2015 models from November.
Tuesday Treats Prize Draw
Click here to win this week’s prize!