The founders of Velofix make a pitch Wednesday night to the CBC business show Dragon’s Den, explaining how a mobile bicycle repair service could find a market niche.
And one of the first franchisers to pedal the concept is Maple Ridge resident Darryl Ramsden.
Velofix started up in Vancouver last year, equipping a Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van with all the tools needed to overhaul and repair bicycles.
Ramsden started his service in August, though he’s yet to get into the black.
Velofix allows cyclists to call for the van and have repairs or tune ups done on the spot, at the cyclist’s home or office.
“You don’t have as much control as a commuter over what happens to your bicycle.”
The Velofix vans are equipped with coffee and a TV so that cyclists can comfortably watch the repairs that are underway.
“Basically, you’re dealing with the mechanic from the start to the finish.”
The lower overhead of running a vehicle instead of a store means they can offer competitive rates, although Ramsden adds he sees the service as a complement to what a bike shops provide.
Ramsden, a business analyst, said the growing numbers of recreational and commuter cyclists is creating a demand for fast and easy repairs.
Once the episode airs, he’ll be able to say if the company got its infusion of investment cash and what future plans are.