Dynamite new site for cycling store

WHETHER you’re explosive on two wheels, or just getting started, Buninyong’s got a big bike shop getting riders of all experiences on the move.

In the village for more than a decade, Dynamite Cycles have recently moved to the high-profile location of 409 Warrenheip Street, a larger corner site one-and-a-half blocks from their former home.

Owners Trent and Cass Johnston stock “premium” bikes and equipment including house brands Specialized, Orbea, and GT Bicycles, and have a workshop behind the scenes.

“We have two really experienced mechanics on board. We can service all brands of bikes. From basic servicing to fixing broken parts, you name it, we can help out,” Mr Johnston said.

“A big part of our background has been preparing race bikes and supporting tonnes of kids in Ballarat for years.

“We’re one of the main sponsors and supporters of the race scene in town, through clubs, in road cycling, mountain biking or BMX. We invest heavily into people actually riding their bikes.”

Now Dynamite Cycles is based in a former food store, the couple have kept the cafe, and repurposed part of the old kitchen to create more product display space.

“It’s a prime location, and has been a coffee shop for decades. That fits our goal to be a premium bike store where people can chill out, talk bikes and relax,” Mr Johnston said.

“We’re a bike shop with a small cafe in it, rather than a cafe with a bike shop.”

Both passionate cyclists who have spent most of their working lives in the bike game, Mr and Mrs Johnston invite anyone to simply drop in and ask basic questions if they’re at all curious about returning to cycling, or trying the sport for the first time.

“We like people to come in and just ask. They don’t have to buy a bike through us, but we’re happy for them to ask the questions; how do I get started? Who do I ride with?

“We love the people in the sport, and we love helping them to kick-start their journey. We’re happy to just talk bikes; the selling part is secondary,” Mr Johnston said.

Dynamite Cycles are looking to launch Friday evening social rides, and more workshops for young riders with professional goals. They will soon have motor pacing scooters available for hire too.

“We’ll have one or two permanently here so people can take a weekend trip to Buninyong and do motor pacing around the National Road Cycling Championship course.

“This is an easy and new way to enjoy Buninyong, its facilities and its cycling background,” Mr Johnston said.