Volt Dealer Spotlight: Riley’s Cycles

Located in the historic and idyllic town of Sherborne, Dorset, Riley’s Cycles is a traditional bike shop that always goes the extra mile! Although being a shop with traditional values they’re not afraid to embrace the new and when it comes to electric bikes the staff here fully on board with “e-Revolution” and on hand to answer any questions the public may have on electric bikes. 

But before that, we thought we’d ask them a few questions of our own for our Dealer Spotlight feature…

1) What motivated you to open/run a bicycle shop?

I took on running a bicycle shop because of the great benefits cycling has on people’s wellbeing (read Volt’s blog on healths benefits) and the benefits to the environment. 

2) What makes your store different from others?

My store is unique because it is in wonderful heritage buildings which have been in use since the 16th century and probably earlier. I am slightly less old but have been cycling for many years.

3) Where is the best/favourite location you’ve ever cycled?

My favourite location for cycling depends on who I was riding with, for example, I enjoy the Camel trail in Cornwall with my wife, son and grandson or the rolling hills of Dorset with our cycle club the Digby Etape, I recently enjoyed a fantastic ride in Germany for the Eroica Germania event which included a spectacular downhill section for miles on a new road surface where I met different characters from around the world.

4) What about the Volt brand and range led you to stock them?

I was asked to build a Volt Metro for a customer and was impressed by the build quality and design. Volt’s novel approach to supporting independent bike shops like mine was really successful, it enables us to offer a wider choice for our customers and we have established a long-standing and fruitful partnership.

5) What is your top tip for anyone looking to buy an electric bike

My top tips are to ride an ebike first then ask questions at a knowledgeable dealer like Riley’s. Test different bikes, listen to satisfied owners and be open-minded whether you must have a crank drive. Invest in a bike with a proven quality battery and motor and consider the through-life costs and where your local bike shop which can support you is. You will probably then choose a Volt!