Cyclist enthusiasts in the city have a new best friend. If you are obsessed with assembling the best cycling gear and take the sport very seriously, Mastermind Bicycle Studio is here to help. The premium cycling chain opened a new store in Lake Town on May 21. My Kolkata took a close look.
This is Mastermind’s eighth store in India, after two in Mumbai, and one each in Pune, Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad. The store is managed by Rahul Paul, an ultra-cyclist himself and the first Race Across America-qualified cyclist from eastern India. Paul uses his experience to provide customers the best guidance on making the right purchase. “We’re not just selling cycles, but connecting people with cycles in a new way. The vision is to promote cycling within the community,” he said.
The store is managed by ultra-cyclist Rahul Paul
Mastermind’s arrival in Kolkata came from a demand for premium cycling gear. Paul added that people who wanted the best international brands had to order online, and face uncertainty, but with an authorised distributor like Mastermind, they can touch and feel these products before buying, and receive personalised service. Their collection includes ultra-premium brands like Colnago, Pinarello, 3T and Trek.
The store has bikes of all kinds, starting from Rs 40,000 and going up to Rs 15,00,000. This bike by 3T is ideal for riding on gravel, and is one of their most sought-after products, priced at Rs 3,99,000
Walking into the store feels like a cyclist’s dream, with unparalleled attention to detail. There are 25 models of cycles with specialised functions, including road bikes, mountain bikes, gravel bikes and triathlon bikes. Customers also have the choice to assemble their own bikes, where they can select everything from the frame to the tires and the groove set.
Mastermind specialises in premium accessories, including (left) a carbon fibre handlebar by Black Inc (Rs 25,900); (right) the Pinarello Paris frame (Rs 1,39,000) and much more
If the bike is the signature dish, the accessories are the dessert. There are a range of helmets that blend protection with style, and the store also possesses the world’s lightest helmet. The cycling shoes are also designed to have the rider lock their foot to the pedal, which accentuates power.
A range of helmets on offer
Besides this, the walls are adorned with jerseys and cycling pants that come with cushioning. Mastermind has also stocked up on state-of-the-art accessories, including arrow bars, backlights, front lights, carbon wheels and pro saddles (the store measures the customer’s hip bone and gives them the perfect saddle).
Mastermind has a specialised workshop area for bike servicing, and every bike purchased from their store comes with a free basic service
Apart from the beginner’s essentials, the store also focusses on maintenance, with a fully equipped workshop that can solve any problem in the bike, strip down every single part, and put it back as if new. For smooth riding, Mastermind also provides specialised chain cleaners and lubricants.
“In the end, our vision is not just to sell end-to-end products used by cyclists. We want to go beyond, and promote a culture of fitness through cycling,” signs off Paul.