Solomon’s Cycles Still On Top After 20 Years!

Solomon’s Cycles offers an unequalled variety of cycling accessories, bicycles and clothing.

The Dockrat family in Pretoria has been perfecting good business practices and excellent customer service for four generations.

The evidence lies in the fact that Solomon’s Cycles, with locations in Pretoria North, Pretoria West, Woodmead, Sandton and Durban, continues to be relevant and at the forefront of product range, service and price – 20 years after opening its cycling division in 1999!

The friendly professional staff of Solomon’s Cycles still love being at the forefront and engaging with their customers personally. “We have such a long-standing and loyal customer base and we are just so humbled that they keep supporting us,” smiles Arshad Dockrat.

Solomon’s Cycles have partnered with Pretoria’s signature mass participation race, the Tshwane Cycle Classic, for a second year running, a testament to Solomon’s belief in giving back to the sport and to the community.

The Tshwane Classic, presented by Office National and Jacaranda FM, takes place on 3 November this year at the Voortrekker Monument

The cycle-shop brand started as a general dealer run by Dockrat’s great-grandfather, Suleiman. Customers who frequented the shop kept calling him Solomon, and the name stuck.

In 1999 the business, which had grown into a large department store, diversified into two divisions, Solomon’s Cycles and Solomon’s Lifestyle and Fishing. The latter is headed by Arshad’s brother Rashid. At the time the cycling division stocked mainly leisure bicycles.

The first Solomon’s Cycles, which officially became a specialty cycling store in 2000 in Pretoria North, occupied a floor space of 131 square meters. In just three years it expanded to a whopping 900 square meters.

In 2009, the family opened a second shop in Woodmead, Johannesburg and a store in Durban followed in 2014. Their expansion is driven by their commitment to bringing customers a wide selection of products at the best possible price.

“Because of how we’re structured, we can afford to buy in bulk, and offer our customers great deals. We stock everything a cyclist could need, from shoes to bikes and accessories. And when you’re spending a few thousand kitting yourself out and buying a bike, the savings really add up to a significant amount.”

Customers are spoilt for choice when they are comparing brands, and Dockrat believes that it is one of the reasons why they keep coming back. “We cater for everyone; from your beginner cyclist to pro.”

But Solomon’s real satisfaction lies in seeing the massive positive impact cycling has on its customers.

“You’ll get someone coming into the store saying they’re thinking of getting a bike because they don’t have energy and they’re not sleeping well. After a few months of cycling they return and they’re totally different people.

“They rave about how great they feel and how they’ve lost weight. For us that’s really rewarding.

“Cycling retail is not just about selling bits and pieces anymore; it’s providing service to the client and keeping his bike in top shape.”

To ensure customers receive premium service, Solomon’s prides themselves on finding mechanics who boast specific skills and extensive experience. “People who work for us know we’re an established family business and when you join the business, you join the family.

“Most of our mechanics have well over ten years’ experience and we look for skills such as shock servicing, great wheel building and the ability to service disc brakes properly. Our staff stay with us for many years.”

“Our staff are knowledgeable about everything from nutrition to training programs.”

Solomon’s now boasts two branches in Pretoria – Solomon’s Pretoria North and Solomon’s Lynwood – as well as their Woodmead, Sandton and Durban branches.

Also look out for the best deals on the net at www.solomonscycles.co.za

For more information on the Tshwane Classic, go to www.tshwaneclassic.co.za

Released by Hectic Promotions, on behalf of the Tshwane Classic, in association with Office National and Jacaranda FM.

Media Enquiries: Wynand De Villiers on devillierscycling@mweb.co.za or phone: 0832697659