It’s been Travis Fehr’s dream to open his own bike shop. Having recently worked in Camrose, Alta. and New Westminster, B.C. at bike shops, this avid biker has now set up his own shop in Merritt.
After he researched cities in Western Canada that have an active ridership but no bike shop, Breathe Bikes was born.
President of the Merritt Mountain Bike Association Sean O’Flaherty said the group loves the fact a local shop has opened in town.
Any type of mechanical issue or parts needed will no longer require a trip to Kelowna or Kamloops for Merritt bikers, he said.
“They can get back on their bikes faster and get out there and enjoy the trails,” O’Flaherty said.
Fehr’s shop has been open for six weeks now and offers full service for every type of bike. He also had experience in a vintage bike shop and enjoys restoring old bikes. However, the old penny-farthing bicycle (the one with the enormous front wheel) is still style Fehr hasn’t had the pleasure of restoring.
“Those are hard to find,” he said.
For Fehr, his shop offers more than just service, but convenience too.
“Just from what I’ve seen so far and what people have told me, the main benefit is that they can get their bikes worked on and tuned up and serviced in town instead of having to travel,” Fehr said ,adding that he guarantees a standard tune-up to be done within 24 hours.
