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Friday, Mar 29, 2024

Bicycle Industry Finds the Valley is a Perfect Location

Why is the Conejo Valley a hub of sorts when it comes to the bicycle industry? That’s easy to answer say industry insiders. The physical layout of the Conejo Valley, its uncluttered roads and the fact that it is home to groups such as the Amgen Cycling Club and Conejo Valley Cyclists all contribute to it being a cycling center. “We do excel in the amount of bike lanes we have,” said Drew Rohde, who’s in sales at Westlake Cyclery in Westlake Village. “I think that probably one of the main reasons (for the appeal) is that the area itself is very beautiful. Riding around here is amazing.” Westlake Cyclery has been in existence for more than 25 years and in its current location for more than 10 years. “We specialize in everything from basic kids’ bikes and getting kids started in cycling to high-end road or mountain bike riding,” Rohde said. “We try to cater to the diversity that we have of clients here,from families to pro-level racers who are spending thousands of dollars on bikes,we try to accommodate everybody and make them all feel equal.” Patrick VanHorn, spokesman for Giant Bicycle Inc., agrees with Rohde’s assessment of the Conejo Valley’s appeal for cyclists. “It is because we have great riding, great places to ride, and we can do it year-round,” VanHorn said. Since 2001, Giant Bicycle in Newbury Park has arguably been the Conejo Valley’s greatest force in the cycling industry. It is a subsidiary of Giant Manufacturing, which is headquartered in Taiwan. “As far as electric bikes go, Giant has been at the forefront of electric bikes, or hybrid technology, and we have a new product out called the Twist Freedom. It’s been a huge success nationwide,” VanHorn said. The bicycle uses two lithium ion batteries to run. Giant is about to launch a single-battery version of the same bicycle. Up until a few months ago, the Conejo Valley was also home to electric bicycle manufacturer Ultra Motor, formerly known as Tres Terra, but the company recently moved from Newbury Park to Northern California. Giant, however, is staying put in the Conejo Valley. VanHorn discussed why the company decided seven years ago to move its headquarters from Los Angeles County to the Conejo Valley. “There were several key reasons why we made the move,” he said. “It was a thriving area for bicycles. All kinds of people are riding here. There are great trails here very close to our headquarters.” VanHorn is a rider himself. “I ride every day at lunchtime, and I do about 10 miles at that period of time,” he said. “If somebody wants to do a long ride, they can easily do it. The roads are not too heavily traveled.” Company officials find it easy to test ride bikes, and, because so many cyclists are in the area, Giant representatives can observe firsthand how people experience riding their bikes and those of other manufacturers. “We get feedback from lots and lots of shops,” VanHorn said. “What’s selling, what the consumer is asking for.” Giant has also partnered with the Amgen Cycling Club for a couple of years. The group has between 500 and 600 members. Westlake Cyclery partners with a smaller cycling team called Fast Friday. Both Rohde and VanHorn say that cycling events such as Cruisin’ the Conejo, put on by Conjeo Valley Cyclists, and the Amgen Tour are good for the local bicycle industry and economy. After such events, “We notice a big surge of people who want to come by and want to start riding,” Rohde said. “Amgen is a pretty local company. We get a fair amount of the riders cruising here.” Moreover, cycling events draw riders from around the state. “They come here and spend the night, spend some cash in hotels and on meals and support the local economies,” VanHorn said. The Amgen Tour in particular has meant big dividends for Giant. That’s because many members of the Amgen Cycling Club are world champions. Giant officials were particularly pleased when a cyclist competing in the Amgen Tour won the final stage of the event riding a Giant bike. “You can’t buy advertising like that,” VanHorn said.

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