I bookmarked the Pearson page to remind me to post about it.
Visiting it now I re-read the heritage page to discover that it is the world's oldest bike store. I had no idea!
The original Pearson store is on the High Street of Sutton a town in the South of London where I once lived and would have bought my flat in if I hadn't moved to NYC. They cater to all types of cyclist from children to the top racing cyclists, I have always suffered from some kind of bike store shyness/fear which I kind of overcame at Pearson. In fact I bough my favourite bike ever from them. Aluminium, brushed finish, carbon triangle, springy as hell but such fun to ride and looked smashing. Unfortunately it was killed by a close encounter with Prospect Park's rugged road surface.
Since I have left London they have opened a second store which caters to the performance customer. It is still owned and run by the 5th generation of the Pearson family, brothers Guy and Will, a couple of very friendly blokes as you can tell by the photo.
Here is a link to the heritage page on their site: Pearson Cycles - Heritage
and here is their flagship bike the 'mine goes to eleven'.
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WOW!! Oh, my, you have no idea, old friend, how long I've been looking this, or any shop older than the oldest one in the USA (Kopp's)!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Thank you, Thank you!
You may remember me as the writer of The Cycling Dude Blog (2003-2010), and how I had a list in the sidebar of the oldest bikesops I could find who took pride enouggh to share their heritage on their websites in ways small and large.
The Dude still rides, and blogs, and the list can finally add it's "King" thanks to you.
You also are still listed on the Cycling page of my personal blog.
Hope this message finds you well.
Glad to see you are still doing what you do best
Surprised me too. Too think that my old local..
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you.