Get To Know Your Local Independent Bicycle Shops
A guide to the shops that help keep Brantford rolling.
Angel Panag, July 25, 2022 // Brantford, Ontario
Stan and Andrew Gorecki of Heron Head Bikes, on Morrell Street in Brantford, Ontario, offer sales, service and much more. Photo credit Angel Panag.
With over 70km of trails, and 18km of city bike lanes, our city is increasingly becoming a destination for cyclists. At the heart of this growth are four bike shops who — along with specializing in sale, repair and parts — have become sorts of community hubs for cyclists from near and far.
We went to check out the shops in town — each as unique as the people who run them.
A1 Cycle
111 Sherwood Dr., Unit 17
Located in West Brant’s newly minted ‘Cordage Heritage District,’ A1 Cycle is a boutique shop and service centre specializing in BMX, trail, street, comfort and electric bikes along with Pro Scooters. Owner Mike attributes the shop’s success to the welcoming, family vibe that he tries to create for every person who walks through the door. If stopping by, be sure to check out some of the other unique small businesses that make up Brantford’s Artisan Village.
The Bicycle Shop
228 Clarence St.
A household name in town, Terry Detheridge started the business 53 years ago out of the same building where his father ran an auto repair shop. Keeping it in the family, his daughter Tara strives to create the same warm and inviting atmosphere that the community has grown to know and love. Recently, the shop has started carrying a wide range of electronic bikes, which Tara notes has made cycling far more accessible — allowing folks to go further with less effort. Whether bikes, gear, service or information — The Bicycle Shop is your staple one-stop shop.
Heron Head Bikes
120 Morrell St.
If Heron Head Bikes doesn’t seem like other bike stores it’s probably because owner Stan doesn’t want it to be. As you enter you’ll notice a shelf full of children's books, a wall displaying rare and interesting bikes, a sculpture paying homage to Pablo Picasso’s Bull Head and a vintage piano with a storied past in the area, among other curiosities. Along with high end bikes, Stan tries to stock the shop with bikes available at affordable price points.
Brantford Cyclepath
225 Fairview Dr., Unit 8
Another multigenerational bike shop, Brantford Cyclepath is the sole independent bike shop in the city’s North End. While once part of a national chain, the shop has long since disassociated from its corporate roots. The knowledgeable staff pride themselves in selling and servicing nearly every type of bike imaginable.
The crew at A1 Cycle located at the Artisan Village in West Brant. Photo credit Angel Panag.
Thank you to all the local bike shops who took time out of a busy summer day to share their stories with us.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brantford’s native son, Angel spent much of his life living in the far reaches of Canada. After graduating from Dalhousie University, he began a career as a public servant and later in human rights. Meanwhile, remaining strongly rooted in the arts - DJing, managing musicians, producing films, and performing on Broadway. Angel strongly believes in the power the arts have to inspire, and transform communities and people. He is currently a final year Law student, and is excited to help tell stories from his hometown.