In a country dominated by the automobile industry, few companies strive to promote cycling as more than a form of commute; to make it a lifestyle. In March 2015, TI cycles, better known for it's brands Hercules, BSA, Track and Trail, and Montra, opened India's first 'Cycling Cafe' in Chennai. Ciclo Cafe,åÊas it is called, is located in the heart of the city on the main road itself making it very hard to miss.
åÊ
åÊ
The concept of cyclist friendly cafes isn't new to the world. While many countries in Europe and the Americas have cafes that revolve around a 'cycling lifestyle', the concept is still very fresh in a country like India, let alone Chennai, and that's exactly what you feel when you walk into this cafe. You're taken to a European town setting with this cafe's interiors. Comfortable couches, long functional tables for big groups, and converted cycle frames and saddles to give you a more interesting experience is the kind of seating you'll find here. To add to the decor, the cafe is also decorated with cycling memorabilia, books and photos. We're no food critics, but from what we saw, the food looked delicious.
åÊ
åÊ
And what's a cycling cafe without cycles. The cafe also houses a rather large and fully equipped bicycle store with all of Track and Trail's (TI Cycles' line of premium brands) brands - Schwinn, Mongoose, Cannondale, Bianchi, Montra and GT. The cafe also has all the latest and most advanced accessories from XMR, a TI Cycles brand that promises International quality at a very affordable price.
åÊ
ChooseMyBicycle.com managed to get an exclusive interview with Mr. K.C. Ramamoorthy, VP of International Business from TI Cycles of India and Mr. Arun Alagappan, President, TI Cycles of India -
åÊ
What led to the idea of starting a Cafe with cyclists in mind? What was the inspiration behind this concept?
åÊ
KC - 'Ciclo' means bicycles in Italian and Spanish. Italy and Spain both have rich cycling heritage and a huge cycling culture. Cycling is an integral part of everyday lives in these countries. People have always loved bicycles and the worldÛªs best racers belong to this part of the world. We drew inspiration from this rich legacy and hence the name Ciclo CafÌ©. Ciclo CafÌ© will bring people closer to cycling. It is our endeavor to bring bicycles and its lifestyle to one place under one roof. Ciclo CafÌ© will enable lovers of cycling to spend time together with their families while we provide a relaxed and friendly environment with the cycling lifestyle being the backdrop. Most people have always been associated with cycling at some point in their lives, we have grown up riding bicycles and Ciclo cafÌ© will provide a feeling of nostalgia.åÊ
åÊ
AA - My first experience of a cycling cafe was when I was travlling abroad. I visited the Bianchi Cafes in Milan and Stockholm found the overall idea interesting and wanted to bring this experience to India.åÊ
åÊ
åÊ
Who handles Food and Beverage side of Ciclo Cafe? Chennai was lucky enough to experience this first. Why Chennai?
åÊ
KC - Our F&B Partner, Absolute speciality. They also happen to own and run L'amandier, a popular cafe in the city. Both TI cycles and Absolute Speciality are headquartered in Chennai. The people of Chennai are very well informed and have always loved cycling. Ciclo Caf̩ has been setup with rigorous attention to detail. Wherever you are in the caf̩ you will notice intricate details that provide an authentic feel.
åÊ
How does it cater to cyclists apart from being a place to buy cycles/accessories?
åÊ
KC - The Store will host the best of International brands in Cycles and accessories and will cater to all their requirements. We will have rides coordinated from this place along with Service of bikes and Bike Rentals.
åÊ
Track and Trail have always been pioneers in the performance bicycle space, and you've done it again with Ciclo Cafe. What else do you have planned in the near future?
åÊ
AA - We'd like to see how this is accepted by people here and the next step would be to take it to more cities and spread the culture.
åÊ
Ciclo Cafe
No. 33/47, Gandhi Mandapam Road Kotturpuram
Chennai
Phone - +91 44 4204 8666
Timings - 11 AM to 11 PM
Phone - +91 44 4204 8666
Timings - 11 AM to 11 PM
