These independent cycle traders have continued a local history of success.
Bike shops have multiplied in recent decades in Nîmes, navigating the trend, taking advantage of an environment, a climate conducive to this practice. A real economy has thus developed.
Cicli Passieu: top of the range above all
The sign of the cycle Passieu created in 1977 by Mr. Passieu kept the name even if it was taken over in 2004 by David Gauthier: “I bought my first bike from Mr. Passieu, I wanted to keep the shop name.”
After rue de la République, the business moved eleven years ago to 2040 avenue Maréchal Juin to recover after the works on the trambus. “We have gained a lot”says David Gautier. Passieu stands out for the sale of high-end road bikes for athletes: “It’s a very nice material. We do the assembly à la carte. The customer can choose his frame, his wheels”. Clients come from all over the great south but also from Paris.
The Passieu house was able to present its cycles during the start of the Tour de France at the Pont du Gard or during the passage of the Vuelta. History to further maintain a brand image.
Vaunage passion for bikes and tailor-made
Vaunage passion vélo was founded in August 2007 in Calvisson (1 rue des Marchands) before opening a second store in Nîmes en Ville active (165 rue Jean Prouvé) in February 2015. According to the Nîmes company manager Florian Baladier: “Our bikes require a higher budget than other brands with quality electric range starting, for example, at 2,200 euros.” VPV offers an à la carte wheel fitting workshop, bike rental.
In the shop we take care of the smallest detail with postural positioning, computerized monitoring, 3D help. The company even created its own steel frame brand Globins Bike made in Taiwan. VPV offers mountain bikes (electric), VTC, road bikes (electric), city and fitness and relies mainly on three brands.
A place of exchange at the Rebour cycles
At 41 rue Emile Never, Patrick Bastonero of cycles Backwards motto with a customer behind the counter of “K is cycling”. But be warned: this business mainly sells and repairs road bikes, mountain bikes and city bikes.
Created in April 1966 by Roger Rebour in rue de la République, the business was taken over by Patrick Bastonero 27 years ago. This former regional cyclist wanted to set up a counter to the left of the shop entrance five years ago: “I like contact, people. I bought a license to have this convivial side at the bar. Customers wait while drinking, they discuss”.
In the shop, 80% of the bikes sold are pedal assisted “which makes sense because I’m in the city centre”. Starting prices: €210 for a child’s bike, €400 for an adult, €300 for a city bike. They also sell used cycles. Patrick Blackstick also does a lot of repairs in his own shop, which is still doing well.
