Have a look: Repairing bikes with Thomas Zahnd
13.7.2020
Translation: machine translated
After a career in cycling and a stint in the office, Thomas Zahnd now works in his own shop and repairs bikes of all brands and types. Watch the livestream to find out what goes on in his shop.
The small shop in Bern sells just one bike, a few helmets and bike locks. The open and tidy workshop in the centre of the shop is the focal point. Thomas has named his shop Pistache Bike. Why? "Because I love pistachios on the one hand and because I want my shop to stand out from the other bike shops on the other," says Thomas.
It was clear from an early age that he wanted to do something with bikes. As a young boy, he discovered Switzerland together with his parents - on two wheels. As a 12-year-old, Thomas already knew: I'm going to be a bike mechanic. Biking was to remain an intense hobby, but quickly became his profession. For five years, the now 39-year-old raced all over the world. "A great time that I simply enjoyed," says Thomas. At the peak of his career, he suddenly calls it a day. Disagreements with his sponsor and his first child prompted him to stop. After a few years in the office at an online bike dealer, he needed another change. He misses the customer contact and working with his hands. Pistache Bike is born. In the middle of the coronavirus era.
No ordinary bike shop
Corona and a shop opening. Can that go well? Even Thomas has his doubts for a moment. But by the time almost every Swiss person takes their old bike out of the cellar, the scepticism is gone.
Thomas' workshop should not make a living from sales, but from repairs and service. He also welcomes bikes that have been ordered online. You can also order a bike from Galaxus and have it delivered to Thomas. For a fee, he assembles it, greases the necessary parts and customises the suspension fork for the customer. "Anyone can bring their bike to me. No matter what brand and no matter where the customer bought it." After all, all bikes have two wheels, brakes and a frame. The brand doesn't matter. A bike shop has to be different today than it was 20 or 30 years ago in order to be successful.
No sooner said than done, a customer enters the shop. A rear-end collision with another cyclist ended in a figure eight in the rear wheel. The racing bike is put to one side and repaired later. It was not the customer's first visit. And certainly not the last.
Don't want to miss any more livestreams? Then follow my author profile for updates.
Manuel Wenk
Communications Manager
Manuel.Wenk@digitecgalaxus.chAs a Multimedia Producer, preparing multimedia content and knowing about cutting-edge technology is my business. My main focus at digitec is producing videos. I can’t wait to try out new products such as cameras, drones or smartphones as soon as they’re launched. This is where being at the source comes in rather handy. When I’m not working, I’m probably skiing, biking or hiking – the mountains are my place to be.
Sport
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Background information
Interesting facts about products, behind-the-scenes looks at manufacturers and deep-dives on interesting people.
Show all
