British title for popular Lothians bike shop

Jonathan ‘Jonny’ McBain has guided his shop into the top ten of British independent bike dealer on several occasions, but he has never won the Bike Biz national title, until now.

His entire staff who work at the busy West Calder outlet were in Birmingham to see McBain collect the prize and he believes the award is a testament to the hard work of his in-house team.

The trophy is now proudly displayed on the counter of the shop at 13 Main Street, opposite the Scotmid Co-op, and McBain has clients from all over Scotland, including Aberdeen, Tayside and the West, Stirling and Dunblane, and the Borders.

His staff advise clients on all aspects of the sport from kids to pro-level road and off-road bikes and shoppers were among the people who voted for the 40-year-old cycling retailer in the national event.

McBain, an ex-mountain biking champion, set up the outlet over 40 years ago in a small shop at the end of the town’s main street, said: “It is some recognition for us. We were voted for by our suppliers, by our customers, by a wide spread.

“We are an independent bike shop, we don’t have multi shops like Halford or Evans, and we are a one-shop independent. We have been there are there abouts in previous years but we did it this year.

“We do a great job and have a really good customer base, we also have a really good team in the shop.”

McBain has a past history in the sport and admitted: “That was a long time ago, ten kilos ago. I think we have maxed out the award ceremonies, when you get to the top in the UK I think we are OK.”

The award ceremony was in Birmingham so it was an opportunity to take the staff down and McBride said: “It was really nice. It was a great venue and they all had a great time.”

For the record, the shop is open seven days, from Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5.30pm and from 11am to 4pm on a Sunday.  

PICTURE: Jonny with the award in his West Calder shop. Picture Nigel Duncan