It’s been a Victoria staple for 55 years, but Russ Hay’s The Bicycle Shop does not seem to be showing its age.
Though its temples may be starting to grey, the company was named best bike shop in Canada by Pedal Magazine, and Canadian Cyclist named it to its annual best bike shop list along with Cumberland’s Dodge City Cycles.
Pedal’s list of 16 takes into account votes from bike enthusiasts across the country who vote for one of 1,200 independent dealers.
Russ Hay’s owner Marty Clermont said the wins are testament to the company’s commitment to customer service.
“I take it as an affirmation of what we’re doing. We focus on service and trying to take care of people,” he said.
The recognition says a lot about the health of the cycling scene in Victoria, said Clermont, noting recent successful seasons with the Accent Inns Russ Hay’s racing team likely helped get the store noticed.
“If a sunny afternoon on the [Galloping] Goose Trail wasn’t an indication, or a Sunday at Hartland mountain bike park or a cruise along the Pat Bay Highway and seeing all the bikes out there didn’t twig you to the fact cycling is alive and well in Victoria, then a Victoria shop winning a best-in-Canada award from a magazine centred in Eastern Canada certainly speaks volumes,” he said.
Pedal Magazine’s best- of list also noted that Victoria placed second on its list of best places to ride while 2% Jazz café was third in the category of best cycling cafés.
Russ Hay’s does not intend to rest on its laurels. Big changes are expected for its flagship store — there is a second location in Sidney that has operated since 1985.
Clermont said the downtown store will likely move within the next 12 months. The building where it now sits, 850 Hillside Ave., is being sold by Clermont’s father, Mike, who is a partner in the store.
Marty said he has his eye on three locations, but he is adamant they will stay true to their roots.
“We will be on the skirts of or in downtown Victoria. That’s always been central to our success,” he said.
“I’m excited about this — change is good,” he added.
“We’ve been here for 26 years in this location and we either needed to do a massive renovation … [or] move.
“I think our existing customer base will benefit from a fresh face for what we are doing, and a new location has a way of attracting new faces.”
