Bicycle shop in Ipoh Old Town stands test of time

What say you on the issue below?

A VARIETY of spokes, pedals, handles and water bottles line the shelves of a quaint shop in Ipoh Old Town’s Jalan Sultan Iskandar.

Syarikat Chin Soon bicycle shop is easily missed, if not for the shiny bicycles hanging on its walls.

Founded in 1924 by the late Ong Chin Soon, the shop has come a long way since its humble beginnings to become an endearing shop while enduring the test of time and keeping up with the technological development of the two-wheeler.

Here you go: Ong and his youngest son (behind) Paul Ong, 47, showing the various bicycles that can be found at the shop.

His second son, Seng Cheong, 82, grew up admiring the shiny bicycle parts and helped his father with repairs, sparking in him an interest that eventually turned into a life-long passion.

“Back in the early days, bicycles were a common mode of transportation for carrying goods and commuting.

“Various bicycle shops sprouted in Ipoh to meet the high demand and due to that, there was stiff competition.

“However, many shops closed down in the late 1950s when motorcycles from Japan became popular,” said Seng Cheong.

Despite the shift in interest, Syarikat Chin Soon stood strong and even went on to survive a few more decades, which Seng Cheong attributes to his family’s steadfast belief of being efficient in their service while being friendly to customers at the same time.

Side by side: The Bangunan Cycle building and Syarikat Chin Soon shop along Jalan Sultan Iskandar.

“We have also tried to broaden our market by catering to the younger generation through the latest models of mountain bikes and even racing bicycles.

“We carry a wide range of products for babies and children such as walkers, tricycles, scooters, strollers, pedal cars and even motorised motorbikes and cars,” he said.

Seng Cheong continued that he was ever grateful to his customers for without them, Syarikat Chin Soon could not have expanded to the next shoplot.

“I have watched countless loyal customers grow up — from seeing them buy their first bicycles to seeing them buy strollers for their children or grandchildren,” he said with a grin.

In tandem with technology, Seng Cheong is an advocate of electric bicycles and also foldable ones, often promoting them to customers looking for the convenience and benefits of cycling.

White or blue: Foldable bicycles are available at the shop too.

“Electric bicycles do not require much exertion by the user while foldable bicycles are suitable for rail or bus commuters.

“The foldable ones are also convenient for those who intend to put them in their cars to use at the parks without needing a specific bike carrier,” he said.

Although his sons, Peter, 57, and Paul, 48, have long taken over the shop’s operations, Seng Cheong continues to repair bicycles and spends time tinkering with the latest models of bicycles.

“I’m not actually thinking of retiring as it helps to keep me occupied.

“I believe my brain and muscles receive adequate exercise when I work,” he said, adding that he managed to stave off joint pains and depression.

“Though I may not work as much as before, being able to work on my passion each and every single day is something I treasure greatly,” he said.