Beginner’s guide to cycling in Mumbai

Representative Image. Pic/iStock

Gone are the days when the cycle was restricted to being a humble man's mode of transport. With increased focus on fitness and climate change, the cycle has become a coveted ride. Many took to cycling during the pandemic, trying to keep up with activity levels and fresh air when stepping out of the house was a luxury. Mumbai is blessed with cycle retail outlets that offer a wide range of international and local brands. If you're a beginner who wants to hop onto this trend, we've rounded up a list of cycle shops in Mumbai that will cater to all your cycling needs.

Home-grown ride

An initiative by TI Cycles, Track and Trail has over 200 stores across India. The company's flagship brands BSA, Hercules, Montra, and Roadeo are ideal for buyers who wish to opt for home-grown brands. Their website also offers a ‘cycle guide' feature where they offer suggestions based on your specific needs across all ages. In addition to city bikes, hybrid bikes, kids bikes, road bikes, and urban sport bikes, one can find here accessories, fitness equipment, and much more. If you want to pick out your first cycle from some of the most popular Indian cycle brands, Track and Trail is the place to be.

AT: Multiple locations (Chembur, Thane, and more)
LOG ONTO https://www.trackandtrail.in/

Well-fitted

Bike Shark is a well-stocked cycle store that offers high performance bikes, skilled services, and quality cycling products in the suburbs of Mumbai. Their expansive inventory includes varied categories of bikes across different budgets. Bike Shark also offers bike maintenance and repair services to ensure your rides are smooth. The store's most important service comes in the form of Bike Fit, a premiere bike fitting service. Improper fitting may cause injuries, making it advisable for anyone who's starting out.

AT: Pawan Building, Satya Nagar, Borivali(West)
LOG ONTO www.bikeshark.in/

Neighbourhood shop

If all you want is a sturdy bike, head over to Ecowheelers, your quaint neighbourhood cycle shop. Based right in the heart of South Mumbai, the store offers a range of bicycles across all ages. Simply walk in for a quick consult and they'll assist you in selecting the best cycle based on your needs.

AT: Shop No: 5, C-Wing, Orbit Heights Tower, Javji Dadaji Marg Road, Tardeo
LOG ONTO ecowheelers-bicycle-store.business.site/

If you like it fancy

With showrooms across the country, Mastermind Bicycle Studio is the place to go if you're looking for high-end bicycles. The studio's intention has been to bring the best cycling practices to India. One can find here mountain bikes, indoor cycles, components such as chains and even cleaning tools. Tacx, Ceepo, Colnago, Pinnarello, Kask, Pinnarello, Kask, Sidi, and Pinnarello, Kask are few of the top brands available.

AT: Nirmal Avior, LBS Marg, Mulund West
LOG ONTO www.mastermindbikes.com/

Tips and lessons

VeloCrush is an online portal catering to anyone who's interested in cycling. The website covers everything from news, and tips, in addition to its extensive range of bicycles, accessories, apparel, and more. Readers can find here product reviews, information about cycling events, and personal accounts of riders. Keeping in line with their aim of promoting cycling, they offer rentals as well as cycling classes for beginners. Classes can help individuals benefit from expert instructors and speed up the learning curve.

AT: BDD Chawl, Worli
LOG ONTO www.velocrushindia.com