When Song Hu thinks about Fort Street Cycle, it's more than just a bike shop — it's a place for cyclists to gather and have a place to call home.
Everything his employees do and sell is to make a cyclist’s experience a better one. A key component of that experience is finding a bike with the right fit.
“You can have your dream bike and be blind that it's not a good fit for you because you love it so much,” said Hu, the store manager. “It's really important to find a bike that fits your body and the way you ride.”
Aside from the large assortment of bikes and services offered at Fort Street Cycle, the store, which has been in the community for more than 20 years, also conducts rides every Sunday.
The rides have gotten so popular that the store is considering splitting the group into two. Plans are also being made for a few rides overseas, including China in the fall of 2017 — a place that's close to Hu's heart.
Hu's brother and his friend bought Fort Street Cycle in May 2015, but live in Beijing so Hu runs the store. It's a job he said comes with a lot of responsibilities, but can also be a lot of fun.
“We have some very good people around,” said Hu, who still cycles to work at the age of 65. “We don't just sell bikes and service them. People want to buy a bike to enjoy the riding. The riding is the key.”
Fort Street Cycle has a fully qualified team of mechanics who can do anything from the simplest adjustments to full overhauls. Bikes can also be registered at the store in case they are lost or stolen. For more information visit fortstreetcycle.ca.