Cycling heaven offering the full picture

Ron Cheatley's cycle shop aims to cater for all ages and abilities. Photo/Stuart Munro

Cycling and Cheatley are words generally mentioned in the same breath and now the name has been added to a new retail store that opened in Wanganui this week.

Velo Ronny's Bicycle Store has opened for business at 49 Wilson St in what was once the Bay Engineers Supplies warehouse.

The building has undergone a major fit-out and features some innovative areas and equipment.

Managing director Ron Cheatley, for 21 years the national cycling coach, said the redesign of the warehouse includes the "Project One" lounge where the more serious rider can design their own personalised Trek bike on-line.

"It might be a road or mountain, with the equipment fitted and colour scheme of their choice selected. No other bike brand can offer that choice," Mr Cheatley said.

There is also a separate specific design areas for women and children.

Mr Cheatley has been involved in the wholesale bicycle business through his company Cycle Sport NZ which was set up in 1986, importing and distributing bikes across the country.

Velo Ronny's Bicycle Store was doing business with the slogan "the total cycling experience", offering not only a selection of bicycles from children's through to retired adult models in city, urban, mountain bike, and road styles, but also accessories, clothing and nutrition along with advice on how and where to ride.

"We'll also be running 'spin classes' in the winter months," he said.

Mr Cheatley said the 10 staff in the store were all qualified in 'Bike Fit' which meant they could ensure the bike was personally fitted correctly to the rider and the store would carry a fully equipped Shimano certified workshop with two highly qualified mechanics.

"The team are all highly qualified in so many areas of cycling and all will be providing a friendly service whether it's to our wholesale dealers or the retail public."

As for the name, sales manager Bevan Cheatley said it was a decision made by the staff.

"Velo is French for bicycle and Ronny is the name Dad is commonly called by everyone in the cycling world, especially the literally hundreds of riders he has coached in the sport over a long period," he said.

Velo Ronny's opened for business on Tuesday and there is a public open day this Saturday from 9am-4pm.