By Janani Vithanage
With the Sri Lankan fuel crisis still in full swing, with the nearest petrol shipments being weeks away, our lives remain disrupted. Things as simple and everyday as going to work, attending school or college and visiting friends and family have become almost impossible, especially as even public transport has been crippled by the prolonged fuel shortages. We have only one option available to us: the bicycle. Until a few months ago, a bicycle was simply a tool for recreation or keeping fit, but has now become not only a necessity, but a luxury.
If you’re looking for a place to buy a new bicycle, or even to repair and service the old bicycle that’s been lying unused in your garage for years, you may find this list useful.
1. Tomahawk Bicycles – Bambalapitiya
This chain of bicycle stores sells bikes made in Sri Lanka, with an impressive warranty of eleven years.
Price: LKR 85,000 – 265,000
Servicing: LKR 4000
Repairs available (price varies).
Address: 245/B, Galle Road, Colombo 5
Contact number: 0112 507 307
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
You can find them on Facebook here.
2. Suriyage Bike Shop – Maradana
Suriyage has over five decades of experience in importing bicycles from Japan, Spain, Italy, the USA and India. Brands available include Bianchi, Shimaro, Minoura, Panaracer and Allen Carrier. They also have a range of apparel, accessories and bicycle components.
Price: LKR 50,000 upwards
Address: 524, Maradana Road, Colombo 1
Contact number: 0112 691 505
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Check out their website or find them on Facebook here.
3. Pata Trading – Boralesgamuwa
Pata trading offers bikes that are all imported from Japan.
Price: LKR 35,000 upwards
Servicing: LKR 3000
Address: 80, Colombo-Horana Road, Boralesgamuwa
Contact number: 077 280 6270
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Check them out on Facebook here.
4. Spinner Cycling – Thalawathugoda
Spinner offers you both brand new or used bikes of high quality. They also have a little cafe, so you can enjoy a quick meal or a drink before you take your bicycle back home.
Price: LKR 100,000 upwards
Repairs can be done.
Servicing: LKR 4000
Address: 479, Hokandara Road, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte
Contact number: 070 244 4444
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Look up their website here or find their Facebook page here.
5. Open Road Equipe – Thimbirigasyaya
This store offers high-end bicycles like Trek and Skott, as well as Wilier Triestina, so is on the pricier side of the spectrum. They also sell tires, helmets and bicycle lubricant.
Price: LKR 500,000 upwards
Servicing: LKR 5500
Address: 3, Fife Road, Colombo 5
Contact number: 0017 268 877
Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 AM to 6:30 AM
You can find them on Facebook here.
6. Saho Gifts
This is a super-convenient online store that offers a range of bicycles for kids and adults. Their website is very user-friendly and lists the specifications of each bicycle. If you have any further questions, there’s a Whatsapp link for each model that allows you to get straight into contact with a member of their team. They even have a variety of installment plans depending on which bank you use!
Price range: LKR 39,500 – 125,000
General contact number – 0112 569 569Check out their website here or find them on Facebook here.
Remember, bicycles sell like hot cakes during these trying times, so make sure to call and check for availability before making the journey to buy one!
