Fond of bicycles and looking for a truly unique ride? Then STERIK’S Bikes may be for you.
Sterik’s Owner Stefan Mortveit
STERIK’S Bikes is a boutique operation started in 2015 and has already developed a loyal following. Unlike other retailers in the region, STERIK’S Bikes offers handcrafted customization and rebuild services that go beyond standard repair and maintenance. Company owner sees his bikes as rideable art and his passion for the business is reflected in the bikes he builds.
“I’m on a mission to reproduce the elegance of historical bicycle manufacturing, and resurrect a unique cycling experience lost in the modern era.”
The STERIK’S bike is based on bicycle geometries from the 1890s up to the 1970s, post- war era. For Stefan this period represents the best in handcrafted workmanship and style.
“That was truly renowned as a period when craftsmanship was at an all time high”.
Customers come with their old bikes looking for them to be reconditioned with repairs, new parts and new paint. They can be refinished to look like the original or updated with newer components giving the bike a higher purpose in style, fashion, and capability. The process involves disassembling the bike, sandblasting and repairing the frame, selecting components to shape the over-all function and style. Constructing both wheels by hand and applying new powder coat colour to the frame.
STERIK’S Bikes is a dealer of premium hand-made brands like Italy’s Ghisallo Wooden Rims and Challenege Handmade Tires, as well as White Industries and England’s Brooks. Every project finishes as a rideable work of art.
Restored Bike
“You likely have an old bicycle with such a nostalgic history that you just can’t bear the thought of throwing it out. Yet it’s not really rideable. I’ll give that bike a second life.”
These bikes are custom-designed to be one-of-a-kind with the customer setting the budget based on the work required and parts used. The most common rebuilds are made on 10-speed road bikes manufactured in the 60s and 70s by reputable brands such as Peugeot. The end result is not only a more functional bike but also one that is a personal statement of the rider.
The idea behind STERIK’S Bikes comes from a life-long fascination with antiques and all things mechanical. Largely growing out of a hobby, Stefan honed his skills over the last 8 years through a combination of self study and specialized educational courses. Certified as a professional wheel builder, his skills perfected primarily through experimentation and hands-on experience.
But turning a hobby into an actual business is not an easy process – it’s the transition from being an artisan to business manager that poses the challenge.
Restored Bike
“When you enter into formal business dealings, the need to transform an inspirational pastime into production performance was a difficult pill to swallow. Learning to deliver unique, customer designed products on a timeline was very difficult at first.”
Stefan has a demonstration product line up that proudly represents the service he offers and the skill level he brings to the job. The focus now is increasing awareness of his service through bike shows where he can showcase the actual product line.
“You cannot appreciate these bikes from a picture. They need to be properly displayed so viewers may take their time in assessing the fine details.”
Although bike enthusiasts located in major centres such as Toronto are a primary customer group for his product, being located in Collingwood has not been a disadvantage for the business.
According to Stefan
“the region has a high percentage of people that like outdoor activities and have an appreciation for antiques as well as artistic creation and quality craftsmanship.”
Restored Bike
Stefan’s advice to other entrepreneurs…
