To celebrate the first-ever Local Bike Shop Week Awards, we chat with the finalists to find out more about their bike shops.
The Local Bike Shop Week Awards are part of the newly launched Local Bike Shop Week, managed by the ACT.
Starting as Local Bike Shop Day back in 2018 (originally launched by Daniel Jones with support from the ACT), this year sees the ACT expand the event to a week, celebrating from 3-9 May 2026.
We chat with Shameem Vesamia, owner of A&S Cycles, to find out more about their shop.
Every shop has a unique origin story. Tell us a bit about yours. How did it all begin, and how have things evolved over time?
A&S Cycles was established in 1984 by my late husband, built on a passion for cycling and a strong commitment to serving the local community.
When he passed away, our 3 children were all under the age of 10. At that point, I was faced with the reality of not only raising three young children, but also deciding whether I could continue running the business.
It wasn’t something I had ever expected to take on alone. Yet I did. With no support or help. Just a drive to learn as each new day approached.
There were many challenges, and a lot to learn along the way, but over time, I found strength, independence, and confidence in my own abilities. What began as a necessity became something I grew into with real determination.
Since then, the shop has continued to evolve with the industry,  from traditional cycling to modern technologies and a broader customer base,  but the core values have never changed. It’s still about honesty, trust, and being part of the community.
Shameem Vesamia at the BikeBiz Awards 2025 with other women of the year nominees (and winner).
Is there a specific story or a particular customer interaction from the past year that perfectly captures why you do what you do? Â
For us, it’s often the everyday interactions that matter most.
When someone walks through the door, it doesn’t matter whether we make a sale or not. What matters is that they feel listened to and supported. If we don’t have what they need, we’re always happy to point them in the right direction, even if that means sending them elsewhere.
That honest connection is what defines us. Customers remember how they were treated, and for us, building trust will always come before making a sale. Every day is a new story worth treasuring.
A bike shop is just as much about the people behind the counter and in the workshop. Who makes up your team, and what do they do?
My team is at the heart of everything we do. My son, Eisa, is our Head Mechanic and also leads sales. He lost his father at a young age, and now at 22, he’s continuing that legacy with real passion, heart, and a deep personal connection to the business.
Alongside him, we have qualified and highly trained technicians in the workshop who take great pride in their work, ensuring every bike that leaves us is safe and built to last.
My daughter, who is a graphic designer, also plays an important role behind the scenes. Alongside her own career, she creates our posters, business cards, and logo designs, helping us maintain a consistent identity that reflects who we are as a family business.
Together, we combine technical expertise with a personal, family-driven approach that customers really connect with.
Shameem with her son and daughter at the BikeBiz Awards in 2025.
If someone walks into your shop for the first time, what is the one thing they’ll experience with you that they won’t find anywhere else?
Honesty. Yes, as simplistic as this!
When someone comes into our shop, there’s no pressure to buy. We take the time to understand what they actually need and what’s right for them.
That might mean repairing something instead of replacing it, recommending a simpler option, or even referring them elsewhere if we don’t have the right solution.
It’s about creating a genuine, honest connection, and that’s something people don’t always expect, but really value.
The cycling industry has seen its fair share of shifts in recent years. What are the biggest challenges you face right now, and how are you adapting to meet them?Â
Like many independent shops, we’ve had to navigate supply chain challenges, changing customer habits, and rapid developments in technology, especially with the growth of e-bikes.
We’ve adapted by staying flexible,  continuing to invest in our workshop, keeping up with training, and focusing on service and repairs as a core strength of the business.
While products and trends may change, the need for trusted advice and skilled support remains constant, and that’s where we focus our energy.
Eisa
In your opinion, how can the wider industry (manufacturers, distributors, and advocacy groups) best support bike shops? From your perspective, what role do shops like yours play in the ‘cycling ecosystem’ that deserves the most protection or support? Â
Independent bike shops are a vital part of the cycling ecosystem.
We’re often seen as being at the end of the chain, but in reality, we are where everything comes together, where products meet people, where advice is given, and where long-term relationships are built.
There is an opportunity for the wider industry to recognise bike shops as key players within that system. By supporting shops through better access to training, stronger communication, and more sustainable supply structures, the entire industry becomes stronger.
Without independent bike shops, there is a real risk of losing that connection between the product and the rider. Shops provide the structure, expertise, and trust that hold the cycling community together, and that role is something worth protecting and investing in.
What are you most excited about for the future of your shop? Are there any new projects, community initiatives, or trends you’re leaning into for 2026 and beyond? Â
What excites me most is seeing the next generation step forward.
Watching my son take on such an important role in the business and continue what his father started means a great deal. It’s not just about the shop, it’s about legacy, family, and continuing something meaningful.
With my daughter also contributing her creativity and skills to the business, it truly feels like a family effort, each of us playing a part in its future.
Looking ahead, we want to keep building on what we do best: strong workshop services, honest advice, and being a trusted part of the local community. #1984DecadesOfTrust
As cycling continues to grow for transport, health, and wellbeing, we’re proud to play our part in supporting people at every stage of their journey.
