What began as a hobby collecting and tuning up bikes became the inspiration behind Circlowerks.
For Paul Remole, owner of the downtown Galt bike shop, it's all about helping people attain happiness on two wheels.
“It’s satisfying to be able to give back a bike that was broken and to see the smile on people’s faces,” Remole said.
“Cycling is something I’ve always loved doing. So, I thought, why not turn it into a career?”
For over six years, the owner, operator and mechanic has been the driving force behind Ciclowerks located at 14 Water St. N., and brings over 10 years of experience within the cycling industry.
In Cambridge, bike shops are fewer and far between, especially since the closing of the Hub Bicycle Shop in Hespeler last year.
“I am feeling busy because of that. Absolutely,” Remole said.
What first began as a hobby of collecting and tuning up bikes, soon became the 'inspiration for an unfulfilled niche' for high end bike parts and service.
“The joke I tell all my clients is that I actually have a fine arts degree,” he said.
Remole studied art history at the University of Waterloo.
“But here at the shop, I love what I do. There's something new everyday. I really enjoy working on mechanical things and things with gears.”
Whether Remole is being asked about the latest trends in cycling technology or the latest techniques for bike fit and high-performance training, he said he will try to find all of the answers or point clients in the right direction.
“We are known for upper high-end stuff. People just trust me with their $15,000 bike,” Remole said.
“And we fix bikes for all ages too. For kids, we have tubes for flat tires. A kid’s bike is really just a small adult bike.”
Along with offering bicycle sales and service, Remole carries a vintage collection of bikes.
“My antique collection is mostly comprised of mid '80’s to early 2000s vintage. It includes a lot of steel bikes and that sort of thing,” he said. “But we also offer all the latest trends in bikes including hydraulic disc brakes.”
To keep cyclists pedalling, Remole said he will repair anything, but with a particular focus on road and gravel biking.
Ciclowerks offers a variety of services including tune-ups, premium overhauls, flat tire repair, brake adjustments, and tubular wheel preparation and installation.
Whether he is seen repairing a flat tire or lubing a bike chain on a children's bike at his shop, Remole said everyone is welcome.
“I just really enjoy helping people,” he said.
“Especially when they say, Oh wow! Thank you, I can ride again."
For more information or to book a service at Ciclowerks, visit here.
