Store History.

Originally located at Jackson Court, Doncaster East, Topgear Bicycles started as a family cycling store and was well known for its commitment to quality repairs and maintenance.

In 2001, Peter and Celine Hepworth acquired Topgear Bicycles, transforming it into Topgear Cycles. Peter brought with him extensive experience in retail and the cycling industry, while both Peter and Celine were accomplished athletes, regularly competing in Triathlons and running events, often securing podium finishes. As you explore our store, you'll come across race plates and photographs showcasing their remarkable achievements.

With their passion for sports and cycling, the store's focus expanded beyond family and fitness cycling to include Triathlon and road cycling. Topgear Cycles forged enduring relationships with the Melbourne Triathlon community, sponsoring Michael Pratt (Current store ambassador), ASF Tri, Nunnawading Tri Club, and other associations. It was during this time that Tim Devlin, a talented Triathlete and bike mechanic, joined Topgear Cycles as the store manager and bike mechanic. Additionally, Brad Bullock, one of our current store ambassadors, also began his journey with Topgear Cycles as a bike mechanic.

In 2009, we embarked on the "Greythorn years" as Topgear Cycles relocated from Jackson Court to Greythorn, Balwyn North. We proudly became an Avanti Plus branded store, offering exceptional brands like Avanti, Specialized, and Raleigh. With the growing popularity of cycling in Melbourne, the demand for bicycle maintenance and service increased. Our commitment to customer service and proactive communication allowed us to minimize wait times, ensuring availability and prompt service. Topgear Cycles expanded its focus once again, encompassing MTB marathon events and multi-sport adventure racing, particularly as events like Tri X gained prominence. We also became a hub for coaching and training sessions, with Tim or Peter often leading wind training sessions and organizing well-attended shop rides on Tuesday evenings.

In 2014, Topgear Cycles found its current home at 194 Bulleen Road, Bulleen. The move marked a significant milestone as Peter and Celine refreshed Topgear Cycles as a Specialized Concept store, complete with an impressive S-Works wall and the iconic Black and Red color scheme that defines our store today. Our alignment with Specialized granted us access to their full range of bikes, including the popular Specialized Stumpjumper and Epic mountain bikes. While maintenance, service, and repair remained key components of our business, we continued to support and service all brands of bikes our customers rode. Additionally, we proudly established a sponsorship association with the newly formed Greensborough Triathlon Club, solidifying our commitment to triathlon support.

As we all experienced the challenges brought by the Covid pandemic in 2019, Topgear Cycles adapted and responded to the changing circumstances. We witnessed an initial surge in demand for bikes, especially as families sought alternative modes of transportation. To meet our customers' needs, we introduced Click and Collect services, refreshed our website, implemented an e-commerce platform, established web chat communication with customers, and ensured our continued servicing capabilities. However, managing the demand became a complex task, as some orders from suppliers faced delays of up to 12 months or more.

In 2020, Nathan McAvaney, a long-standing customer and dedicated Triathlete and endurance coach, took the helm of Topgear Cycles. Nathan's passion for exceptional customer service, which had kept him returning to our store, now guides our operations. He introduced innovative ways of conducting business, injecting his own personality into the store. Today, our website offers seamless e-commerce capabilities, comprehensive product listings, and online workshop bookings. We continue to invest in the growth and support of new athletes, proudly sponsoring local talents like Michael Pratt, Penny Nevill, and many others.

Our product range constantly evolves to cater to the needs of the local cycling community. In addition to our partnership with Specialized, we have recently welcomed Scott Bikes, a distinguished brand that complements our offerings. Furthermore, Topgear Cycles now provides a wide array of accessories and gear from renowned names such as Fox Racing, 100%, Giro, Muc Off, and Kask, among others.

Throughout our journey, Topgear Cycles has remained dedicated to delivering the ultimate cycling experience for all riders. We are thrilled to help you make the most of your biking adventures, whether it's commuting to school or work, enjoying family rides on the nearby Yarra Trails, pushing yourself to achieve a new personal best on a road segment or MTB trail, or preparing your bike for an upcoming triathlon.

Join us at Topgear Cycles and embark on an extraordinary cycling journey.