Redlands Cycle Shop Named in America's Top 100

The National Bicycle Dealership Association (NBDA) recently named their top 100 ‘America’s Best Bike Shops’ for 2013 and Redlands Cyclery USA was among those who made the list. To be considered for the Best Bike Shop designation by the NBDA, the shop must be an independent bike store open to the public, it must sell bikes, parts, accessories, and have a service department. 50% of the store’s total sales must be from bicycle related sales and they must have an actual physical store site. The shops were required to fill out a detailed application and agree to be mystery shopped by an outside agency. Points were then awarded based on the basis of the application and the shopping results and the top 100 shops across the nation were then given the accolade of being one of 100 America’s Best Bike Shops. For Redlands Cyclery USA owner Craig Kundig, being named one of the top bike shops was an honor that came as a direct result of a lot of effort and hard work. “We try hard to do the right things,” said Kundig, “We hire good staff, we offer outstanding training and we strive to provide excellent customer service.” He shared that it all boils down to the Golden Rule, “We treat everyone exactly the way we would want to be treated in a retail environment. We all take pride in doing a good job every day.” Customer Scott Tickemyer of Redlands attested to their outstanding customer service. Bringing his Electra Townie to the service department for some work he said, “I’ve been coming here for about 15 years now. They have great selection and service here, but besides all that, they have a lot of knowledge and are able to respond to any of your questions.” Craig Swanston of Redlands said the service department was the main reason he returns to Redlands Cyclery USA all the time sharing, “I have five grandchildren and I need to keep all of their bikes going. But I like coming here because they either have what you need, or will get it for you right away. And when I walk in the door, someone always yells out, ‘Hi Craig!’ It’s good to be treated that way.” Outside of striving for customer satisfaction, Kundig is adamant that what sets the Redlands Cyclery USA shop apart from many others is their passion for biking as a sport and the fact that as a local business owner, he knows that giving back to the community is important. “We give back to our community in a lot of ways,” Kundig said, “We want cycling to be safer, we want it to become more popular and we want to give back with our time, and our money.” As a member of some of the oldest bike clubs in Redlands, including the Water Bottle Transit Company and Team Redlands, a bicycling racing team, Kundig stressed that riders at all levels of proficiency are welcomed into the cycling community at his shop. “We support many efforts throughout California to see improvements in bicycle safety and the implementation of bike trails in many communities, even outside of Redlands. We promote bike racing, riding, and hold special events and safety fairs to make sure everyone can enjoy cycling their way,” said Kundig. His shop also participates with the Trek line of bicycles that donates part of their sales to community programs that promote cycling. On Saturday, April 5, Redlands Cyclery USA will be out in full support of the 5th Annual Redlands Unleashed Fidos and Friends (R.U.F.F.) Ride, a recreational ride that is touted in their flyer as “rolling along the historical tree-lined streets of Redlands, through orange groves and along beautiful foothills.” All proceeds from the ride will benefit animal-related causes. Kundig and his shop are also long time supporters of the renowned Redlands Bicycle Classic. “We were involved with that since the very beginning,” he said, “and this year we will be participating in the 30th Annual Classic in downtown Redlands.” For more information about Redlands Cyclery USA, one of NBDA’s America’s Best Top Bike Shops for 2013, you can visit their website at www.cycleryusa.com.