Dutch Cycle seeing more people tuning, repairing bikes as season begins

This week’s weather has taken a complete turn after the snowstorm much of southern Saskatchewan saw last week, and that means more people are getting ready to ride their bikes.

Fred Vandelinden, owner of Regina’s Dutch Cycle, said the store is getting busier with sales, repairs and tuning.

He said people coming into the store are getting excited about heading out on their bikes.

“They want their bikes yesterday, sometimes, but they are definitely getting excited and want to ride again,” Vandelinden said.

He explained that bikes for young kids are typically the first batch of repairs the store sees in the season.

“So the kids are out of the parents’ hair and they can get out there and ride, and then next is the parents, and then the fair-weather riders start coming out,” Vandelinden said.

Vandelinden said he’s started riding on the highway himself since the weather warmed up.

“Now that it’s accessible we don’t have to worry about ice or snow on the roads, so definitely you can get out and do that,” he said.

Vandelinden said now is the perfect time to get a bike tuned up and ready for the season.

“It’s been sitting probably in the shed or what have you all winter, so it’s probably good to bring your bike in,” he said, “especially if you’re going to start riding every day.”

As for demand for new bikes, Vandelinden said sales are still quiet.

He said he’s hopeful that once the weather warms up even more, he’ll see more people out looking for new bikes.