There’s a new two-wheeler in Bajaj Auto’s own backyard. And, at more than lakhs of rupees apiece, it is certainly grabbing more glory than the overwhelming majority of others of its ilk.

In more common parlance, Trinity, the non-motorised, two-wheeled beauty in question, will merely be called a cycle, and the spiffy showroom where she sits, just a bicycle shop.

But at Giant Sprint Cycling World, Pune’s newest two-wheeler showroom, she is the prima donna, and provides a peek into the world of super premium carbon bicycles, while announcing the entry of Taiwanese premium bicycle brand Giant into the country.

Pravin Patil, MD and CEO of Sprint Sports, the company which has inked an agreement with Giant for exclusive marketing rights across South Asia, doesn’t think that bikes costing a few lakh rupees will give buyers a severe sticker shock.

Growing trend

“There is a growing trend towards serious cycling, and good quality cycles and accessories are just not available,” he asserted, adding that the next 18 months will see six company-owned flagship stores, 20 franchise outlets and 80-odd dealerships being set up across the country.

The flagship store here of around 3,000 sq ft has more than just an array of Giant bicycles ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 10.9 lakh.

Cycling enthusiasts can hook up to a (stationary) cycle, choose one from amongst several cycling routes across the world displayed across a specially designed plasma screen, and literally pedal away to glory while keeping an eye on the speed and distance covered.

The store has a choice of accessories sourced from global companies like Abus, SR Suntour, BiciSupport and Kenda. Riders can actually get measured on parameters like length of hands, height, shoulder width, etc for a bike that is computer-tailored for the right fit.

One-stop-shop

With three bays for servicing bikes, a small café, as well as shower rooms for enthusiasts (who are regularly invited for cycling expeditions) to freshen up before going on to work or home, it is positioned as a one-stop-shop for all things cycling.

A part of the motivation for all this is Patil’s desire to change the common perception that cycling is for the less privileged, as well as pitch it as a means to build health and conserve the environment at one go.

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