Storia del Negozio Bike Peak
Our Story Began Humbly, But With a Grand Vision.
In May 1992, we opened our first store in the garage of a family home in the village of Oslany, where the owner also lived. It was here, in humble conditions and with a determination to provide customers with the best, that the foundation was laid for what we continue to build on today. Alongside servicing bicycles, the owner also managed to fulfill the responsibilities of a regular job every day.
In the early 1990s, when the internet, mobile phones, and social media were nonexistent in Slovakia, finding quality bicycles or other cycling goods was almost impossible. Information spread slowly, wholesalers were scarce, and running a business required immense effort and ingenuity.
The store owner regularly set out with a car borrowed from his parents and a trailer to a larger wholesale shop in Zlín, where he purchased goods.
Every such trip was not only a testament to determination but also relentless effort to build something and provide the residents of the surrounding area with access to quality bicycles and goods that would otherwise have been out of reach for many.
Growth and Relocation
Interest in the store grew so much that customers began coming to Oslany from more distant locations, some traveling over 150 kilometers. Word spread quickly about the availability of high-quality bicycles, even equipped with the prestigious Shimano XTR groupset (introduced in 1991, editor's note), attracting cycling enthusiasts seeking quality that was often hard to find.
This growing demand soon exceeded the capacity of the garage, which could no longer accommodate the increasing needs. Therefore, in 1993, the service and store were relocated to the premises of the Ponitran building, now the Emper company, in the village of Oslany. With this move, the store expanded, hired its first mechanic and salesperson, and began offering better services and repairs.
Strategy Shift and Building a Valuable Brand
It is important to highlight that in the 1990s, Slovak-made bicycles were often of better quality than those from foreign manufacturers who already had an established reputation. The owner gradually began considering a long-term strategy.
He didn’t want to focus on selling cheap bicycles and low-quality components. He wanted to build something stable and valuable.
During one of his trips abroad, he realized what a true store should look like. In Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, he had the opportunity to see clean, spacious stores with well-presented bicycles, minimal accessories, and an atmosphere that caught his attention. On the other hand, Slovak stores were dominated by cheap bicycles that were imported at minimal cost.
In one day, dozens of bicycles were sold, but many ended up being returned due to damaged chainrings and low-quality components.
Customer Network and Cycling Team
It was then that he realized this path was not the right one. He decided he wanted to build something different – a network of customers who value quality and are willing to pay for it. Gradually, he built a network of end customers – loyal customers who appreciate quality and support his targeted strategy focused on long-term value, not short-term profit.
These plans came to life on Mierová Street, where today the store operates in modern facilities that are perfectly suited for bicycle sales, service, and accessories. The store was already selling premium international brands such as Scott, Giant, and Merida, and the owner also started focusing on building his own racing team, called Seat Merida Oslany.
Wholesale and Collaboration with TREK
In 2000, a great opportunity arose. Trek, known for manufacturing top-quality bicycles, approached the owner with an offer for exclusive distribution of the Trek brand in Slovakia. During their market research, they learned about a capable individual who already had experience importing bicycles and components, which was a guarantee of reliability, professionalism, and the ability to collaborate with international brands.
The racing team was renamed to Trek KCK Oslany. This team became one of the most successful MTB teams in Slovakia, including well-known names such as Milan Barényi, brothers Martin and Peter Velits, Ján Špak, Ľubomír Kondis, Filip Polc, and Maroš Kováč.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Long-Term Strategy
With the growing interest in bicycles, the store systematically expanded and solidified its position in the market. However, in 2020, the coronavirus pandemic broke out, leading to a huge and almost unending demand for bicycles and cycling accessories. Many people began to intensively engage in cycling as other forms of transportation and leisure activities became restricted.
Nevertheless, the store owner always maintained a realistic approach and cautious planning, avoiding impulsive decisions and excessive investments in unnecessary expenses.
Stable Future and Continuous Growth
In addition to distributing the Trek brand, the store became an official Shimano service center, providing customers with professional technical support at the highest level.
Thanks to continuous growth and improvement of services, the store kept evolving. In 2017, the store decided to launch its own e-commerce platform, Bikepeakstore.com, making it accessible to a wider customer base.
A Story with 25 Years of History
This story of Bike Peak is about 25 years of bold entrepreneurship that has fundamentally shaped the cycling scene in Slovakia. The owner not only built a successful business but also significantly contributed to the development of the cycling community throughout the country.
The future of Bike Peak is clear – continuous efforts to maintain high service levels, professionalism, and technical expertise. The goal is to further expand the product range with additional premium brands, while maintaining a focus on quality and the value the store offers.
At the same time, Bike Peak is committed to building a long-term network of loyal customers who appreciate professionalism, service, and a personalized approach. With ongoing effort, innovation, and customer loyalty, Bike Peak will continue to stand as a symbol of trust, quality, and the cycling community in Slovakia.
