A price tag of Rs 3.5 lakh is not what one expects to see on a bicycle. But that is what you will find when you walk into Lifecycle — a new mall in Pune entirely dedicated to bicycles.
Lifecycle is India's first and biggest bicycle mall ever, with a total investment of Rs 5 crore, aptly located in Pune, the city that was once known as the ' city of bicycles'. The mall is spread over a 6,000-square feet area and three levels, housing the best international brands of bicycles and cycling accessories for all age groups and genders.
Lifestyle has road bikes, MTB (mountain terrain bikes), folding bikes, city bikes and hybrid bicycles with prices ranging from Rs 8,000 to Rs 3.5 lakh. A folding bicycle, priced at Rs 22,000, has already become popular in a short period of time.
Lifecycle has imported big cycling brands from Germany, Japan, England, America and France to the Indian market. Cycling enthusiasts now have a wide variety of brands to chose from — Firefox, b’Twin, Trek, Merida, Giant, Cannondale, Bianchi, Schwinn, Rock- Rider and Ducati.
Ulhas Joshi and Manish Sabde are the promoters of Lifecycle mall. An avid cycling enthusiast, Joshi told Business Standard, “We started Lifecycle store out of our passion for cycling. Our purpose is to promote cycling, rather than to run a business. I am a strong supporter of non-motorised transport. Cycling connects you to nature, it keeps you healthy and most importantly it is pollution-free.
As these are high-end bicycles, we provide all kinds of accessories, servicing and other facilities required for cycles.”
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Joshi organises various cycling tours in Ladakh, Konkan, Madikeri and Mysore. He is a founder member of a cycling group 'Zenof', which has more than 1,400 members in Pune.
Speaking about Lifestyle’s expansion plans, Joshi added that in the next two to three years, they are planning to start new outlets in cities like Nashik, Kolhapur, Aurangabad and Thane.
To woo cycling enthusiasts, Lifecycle has also organised distinctive cycling tours and cycling holidays concepts, under the banner of Guardian Cycling Holidays.
It will undertake cycling tours to some interesting destinations in India and in countries like Switzerland, England and Sri Lanka.