With the surge for cycling showing no sign of slackening since 2002 – and even accelerating more during the pandemic – Rob Glossop had the right idea at the right time.
Rob, who lives in Nailsworth, opened this colourful biking boutique for all cycling needs in June 2020 and the decision appears to have been well-timed. Five Valley Cycles on Cossack Square, offers servicing and repairs as well as sales of a broad range of popular models.
As we approach Christmas, Rob says he’s already seen growing interest from regular customers towards electric biking options – which makes a gift voucher for E-bike hire very popular.
“The E-bike option for hire is a great Christmas gift idea,” explains Rob, who loans out the 2021 Emu Roam model – complete with route instructions for anyone seeking guidance for a day’s adventure.
Propelled by a 10.4Ah battery, the Emu’s front hub motor delivers 250W of assistance, which equates to 45 miles’ cycling range between charge-ups.
“When you think about the hills around here, getting a battery boost isn’t a soft option – it just means you can explore further afield,” says Rob who, outside shop hours, is a committed cyclist – both on and off tarmac.
As well as offering bike hire and running a busy repair shop for all manner of machinery, Rob’s happy to give independent advice and guidance for both new and seasoned cyclists on the best models to consider, with many in store for hands-on appraisal.
“As a town, we have a great variety of Christmas shopping ideas and I’m really pleased to be able to add something for anyone looking to maybe offset all that festive food and drink!”