Exclusive: Checking out Pedalspot

I walked into Pedalspot in SS2 one sunny morning and was greeted by a team of smiling assistants. I told them I was there to see the boss, but was told that he was in a meeting and invited me to look around the concept store, which would have even a novice cyclist smile with delight.

Every corner of the shop was lined with bicycles, ranging from brands like Merida and BMC to CarryMe and Birdy. At the clean and neat sales counter was arrange of energy bars and energy gels for oral consumptions with delicious flavours like Orange, Banana, Raspberry and even Espresso! ( That got me excited ). They also had all spare parts available and also a bicycle repair section at the back of the shop.

20 minutes later I came face to face with Ben Tan, founder and sole proprietor of Pedalspot, under the registered trademark of KSH Bicycles. Ben ushered Alan (the Producer) and me into his comfortable room for the interview session.

Affable with an easy laugh and a humble smile, Ben told us how the shop started under the tutelage of his grandfather who owned the a small bicycle and repair shop in Kepong. This was then taken over by Ben’s father who renamed it Kian Seng Heng Bicycle. When Ben took over from his dad, recognizing the needs to be in line with the current generation and in order to keep up with the fast paced cycling industry, he initiated a rebranding from KSH Bicycles to Pedalspot, who recently also opened their first flagship store in Seri Petaling.

Pedalspot also has personal control over brands like Merida, Rock Shox, Nalini and Santini, and they deal with a great range of products from bikes, parts, accessories and also apparel. We was shown into their upstairs showroom where all the products were neatly arranged and looked super sophisticated. The prices were reasonable too.

Ben also spoke about his passion for the bikes, eventhough he is not a cyclist himself. He loves the technicality of the bicycles, and he has also attended trainings on bicycle repairs because he wanted to be in a position to advise his customers how to repair their bikes. He also noted on the changes in the generation gaps where most young people are taking up cycling now in line with the Government’s call for a more active and healthy society. The foldable bikes would be perfect for young people who are mobile, he said. These bikes are compact, lightweight, environment friendly and convenient to be carried around even in the LRT. Pedalspot has great ranges of brands in the folding bikes section – if, Birdy, Carry Me and Carry All. I especially liked the if series.

Pedalspot has since sponsored a few cycling events around the country, one of them being the UCC cycling event in Melaka in 2009. They are looking to sponsor more and bigger cycling events in future and also create a platform for their new brand name. As part of Pedalspot’s initiative to reach out to a bigger and wider audience, Ben always maintained at least 3 different brands for his customers’ choosing and for them to have various options. He always ensures his customers get the best service from his store and personally looks into it.

Pedalspot is planning for expansion and Ben hopes after the rebranding, Pedalspot will be well received by the cycling community and that the store will be better equipped to cater for the needs to cycling enthusiasts. I made a mental note to come again soon to get a bicyle for myself and try the espresso energy gel. As I walked out of Pedalspot after the interview with Alan behind me, I noticed something was terribly wrong. After a while I realised what is it. Oh, the fresh smell and the glittering glow of the new bicycles was no longer there.

By Kuna Rajandran

Visit Pedalspot Outlets at:

• No. 9, Jalan SS2/3, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan.  Tel: 7877 0450
• No. 165-G, Jalan Radin Bagus, Bandar Baru Seri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur.  Tel: 9057 7707

For more information, send in your enquiry to info@pedalspot.com.my or visit Pedalspot’s Official Website here.