Grand Opening: The Hanger Bike Co / Scott Experience Center in Lourensford
Six years after opening its first shop at the base of the iconic Helderberg Trails, the Hanger Bike Co has created an experience center inside the Lourensford Wine Estate. We attended the grand opening to check it out.
The Hanger Bike Co is a privately owned, independent bike store based in the mountain biking mecca of Somerset West. Founded in 2017 by former professional riders Andrew and Jonty Neethling – who together have decades of international racing, wrenching and riding experience – the team has expanded to a current complement of seven, including new partner, Andre.
Their first store, located at the base of the famed Helderberg Trails, regularly attracts visiting superstars like Nino Schurter, Brendan Fairclough, Jolanda Neff and others. “Yes, it’s cool to be the destination store of the World Cup riders when they are here training but we don’t get starstruck or make a big deal of it. We focus on the local riding community, taking care of their bikes, and guiding them on equipment choices. Our shop rides have become very popular and aside from the business side of things, we are extremely proud of the relaxed environment we have created for riders to just hang out in.” says Jonty.
The second shop is located at the Clay Hub, inside the Lourensford Wine Estate. Through a partnership with Scott, the new shop will have the usual full retail offering, a fully equipped workshop, demo bikes and a rental fleet that includes eBikes. Of course, a major attraction to the area is the incredible Lourensford Trails. Well-known and supported by the local riding community, these trails offer a wide variety of riding including some of the sweetest single-track and flow lines in Africa. The venue regularly hosts races like the Lourensford Classic, entire stages of the Epic and Wines2Whales. What I never realized, is just how big the area is and how much riding is on offer. It truly is Gravel, XC, Trail and eMTB heaven. Put it on your bucket list.
Completing the experience is a Velosolutions tar Pump Track, a dedicated skills course, jump line, restaurants, a coffee shop, clay pigeon shooting, yoga, guided rides and bespoke experiences. Not to mention the roastery, market, wine tasting and contemporary function venues.
thehangerbikeco.co.za
| WORDS, IMAGES, VIDEOGRAPHY: Myles Kelsey |