About Us
 

Mike Watson

has owned and operated the store since 1985 and has helped thousands of people with their bicycle purchases over that time. He rides both road and mountain bikes for pleasure as well as competition. You will often find him riding and racing on a tandem as well.

Mike organises quite a few events around the Nelson area aimed at all levels of riders. This means several separate starts catering for recreational riders and serious regular racers.

When not cycling and running the business and organising various cycle events, Mike can be found water skiing, snow boarding and enjoying wine! Sometimes at his bach at St. Arnaud next to The Nelson Lakes National Park. His favourite ride out to Cable Bay

Come into the shop and learn about tandems and just how much fun they can be.

Mike says, "Enjoy your riding."

Niel

When it comes to sales, Niel will personally help you to choose the correct size and model bicycle for the type of riding you like to do. He will also suggest some accessories that will make your riding more fun.

Niel does lots of road riding and touring, and has toured extensively in New Zealand, Australia, Tasmania and Europe ( France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria, England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland). He was hard to pin down when asked his favorite, but cited Italy for the people, hills and scenery. Niel tours with his wife, Adi, who is also a keen cyclist. He uses a bob trailer with a sporty road bike. Once at their day's destination, he often leaves the trailer and goes for some unladen training loop! He loves self supported touring, but has done an organized trip with Graham Baxter to follow the Tour de France.

Niel has ridden since a kid. It was the only way to get around, and the cost was right. Cycling is a cost effective way to see the world. But if you talk to Niel, you will realize it is more than that. Niel is an absolutely passionate cyclist! He does club racing, the odd stage race and endurance events, like ChCh to Nelson. His favorite local riding is up to Farewell Spit and Golden Bay over the Takaka hill.

Everbody's needs are different when it comes to cycling and Niel believes "it's not about the bike " but about getting out there and enjoying cycling. Niel currently uses one bike for a variety of tasks from club racing to casual mountain biking and touring. The important thing is that the bike suits the rider and above all feels comfortable.  Come in and chat with Niel about cycling and touring, and you'll find yourself face to face with a true enthusiast!

Greg

has been with Stewarts for 5 years. He has been mountain biking since 1991 and ridden through all the major developments in bicycle technology in that time. Starting with the rigid steel mountain bikes with cantilevers, progressing through suspension forks, full suspension and brakes that actually work. Mountain biking and Greg's riding style have seen major evolutions. A pivotal moment was in 1995 when Greg entered his first downhill race. DH has become a major obsession since then, though trail riding has remained top priority and his favorite bike is a 6" travel full suspension GT trail bike, which is ideal for his favorite ride, an epic up Dun Mountain Walkway, over Dun Mountain and Little Twin and down past Dew Lakes to the Matai Dam.

A real bike enthusiast, Greg also cycle tours and has recently taken up road cycling. Greg know's what it takes for you to enjoy your cycling!


                   

Chris

Does your bike need a service? Come in and see Chris,  he's a Shimano Certified Mechanic.

Chris has been with us 3 years and is a keen and experienced cyclist. He regularly entered cross country and road races until he recently broke his wrist in the Mountain Bike Clubs Day Night Event. He now goes trailriding at least once a week, and is about to get a Mirraco Black Pearl BMX. He also does the odd bit of downhill on his big hardtail, and used to race a bit of BMX.

Chris’s favourite ride is The Dead Dog trail off Fireball Road because it’s tricky & challenging.

Chris has had first-hand experience with nearly all types of bikes and riding, so come in and he'll get you sorted!

Vaughan

is Mike's son who works in the shop mainly over summer during his holidays from Canterbury University. He's grown up in the cycle trade and has owned a plethora of bikes over the years.

He reckons downhill is his favourite type of riding, but also rides and races road and cross country. He currently owns an Ironhorse Kumicho DH bike, a GT Peace 26 Singlespeed and a cheap and cheerful roadbike.

Through a few summers in the shop and tinkering with his own bikes, he's built up a good knowledge of bike mechanicing, and has recently become a Shimano Certified Mechanic.

Vaughan is the 2007 Rainbow Rage singlespeed class winner, and recently rode unsupported from Christurch to Nelson in 38 hours. His favourite places to ride are Vic Park and the Anaconda in the Port Hills in Christchurch, Craigeburn, and pretty much any trail on Fringed Hill in Nelson. 

Brent

is our longest serving staff member, he has been with us nearly 20 years! He pre-assembles many of our bikes, does the odd repair and keeps things looking tidy around the place. He rides his bike to work every day, and has also been known to go for the odd mountainbike ride! Brent loves being helpful and enjoys his job very much.