After more than 11 years in the Scotts Village Shopping Center, Scotts Valley Cycle Sport recently moved into fancy, more spacious new digs.
During an evening bike ride with friends about five months ago, owner Andrew Cavaletto, 28, noticed that the building that had housed Bay Federal Credit Union and the Hertz rental car outlet on Mount Hermon Road was available for rent, and he decided the time was right for a move.
“We had been staying busy and the community has been very supportive,” he said. “So we decided to expand.”
A month later, the paperwork was signed, and Cianciarulo Construction began the process of remodeling the separate offices.
On Tuesday, Oct. 7, Scotts Valley Cycle Sport’s state-of-the-art bicycle showroom officially opened its doors.
“I thought it would be a great location,” said Cavaletto, who began working at Cycle Sport as a 17-year-old in 2002 before purchasing the business in 2009. “Having a spot where we have actual retail space is definitely a nice thing.”
At 4,400 square feet, Cycle Sport’s newly remodeled store is a brightly lit, modern space, boasting an expanded showroom, service and repair areas, apparel and accessories for sale, and a dressing room — none of which were possible in the 2,100-square-foot space in Scotts Village, Cavaletto said.
Cavaletto said one of the benefits of the larger space was a chance to show customers an expanded selection of road bicycles, as well as mountain bikes.
“We’re offering more products. … We have more of everything,” he said. “We have a parking lot now where (customers) can test the bikes.”
Cavaletto said one of the two main new additions to the shop is a vastly expanded section for women’s cycling, including more gear, apparel and bicycles.
“You come in here and there’s a whole new image,” he said, emphasizing that the store’s focus would remain on providing service.
The other centerpiece is Cycle Sport’s bike fitting room, where cycling coaches, such as Steve Heaton, can use high-tech motion-capture video to create an individual, custom-tailored bicycle to maximize the efficiency of each rider’s technique.
“It is making sure that the bike fits the body,” Heaton said. “Increased comfort and efficiency means more power to the pedal.”
Cavaletto said customizing a bike is extremely helpful to create a sense of ease on a new bicycle, regardless of skill level.
“Being more comfortable on the bike allows for more power,” he said. “(It helps) you want to ride more.”
Finding the right bicycle takes more than knowing the difference between a road bike and a mountain bike, Heaton said. The lengths of the wheel forks, type of pedals and type of seat all need to be considered.
“It’s not just putting someone on a bike,” Heaton said. “It’s about finding a bike that fits (the rider’s) needs.”
Caveletto said a grand opening event was planned for the weekend of Oct. 27 and 28, including a barbecue and live music.
For children, he said, a costume contest, scavenger hunt and bike race are on the agenda.
For adults, a group road ride is planned for Oct. 27 and a mountain bike ride the following day.
At a glance
WHAT: Scotts Valley Cycle Sport
WHERE: 203 Mount Hermon Road, in Scotts Valley
HOURS: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
INFO: 440-9070 or www.svcyclesport.com
