Opened in 2023 after more than a decade based in nearby Radlett, Giant St. Albans has quickly established itself as one of the top bike shops in the area. We caught up with a few members of the team to learn more about them, including what bikes they ride, their dream cycling destinations, and what they’re loving most in-store right now.
How many years have you worked in the cycling industry?
18 months – no comment on if it feels like a lifetime.
What makes Giant St. Albans a great place for customers to shop?
I can’t say for certain it is a great place for customers to shop. All I can say is we listen attentively, draw on our expertise, and communicate that in a way that people can understand. We deeply care about everyone’s experience on a bike, as we’re all riders ourselves whose lives have been greatly enhanced by riding. Hopefully, the former means people feel welcome and valued to the point that if they happen to need something and we are able to supply it then we look after them.
Which bike in your personal collection is your favourite, and why?
Impossible to overlook my new Giant Propel SL in dream spec, having watched it on a wall for 6 months prior to being able to build it makes it all the more special.
Honorable mention to the workhorse that is my Giant Toughroad SLR.
Where’s your dream riding destination, and have you made it there yet?
Impossible to narrow down to one. The 3 main ones on my proximal radar are
1)An upcoming training camp (holiday) to Malaga with our Digital Lead, Alex.
2)An as yet unplanned trip to Morocco to whizz up and down the Atlas Mountains and find the literal and metaphorical Oases that sit on the other side.
3)Cami De Cavalls 360 in Menorca- traditionally done on Horseback, I hope doing it on a Giant Anthem will give me more of a chance to stay upright and challenge Lachlan Morton’s record.
Outside of cycling, what other hobbies or interests keep you busy?
My border collie, Ossie (named after Ossie Ardilles) keeps me busy, reading (we have a family bookshop so kind of obligated), spending quality moments with good friends and family in as boring or exciting surroundings as time/resources allow.
What are your top three product picks in store right now?
Magene C706 Computer – Genuine bargain when compared to price of the leading competitors.
Giant Anthem Advanced SL 1 – I would love a SL 0 or SE but unsure if my budget or MTB talent justify it!
Dynaplug Tubeless Repair kit in tandem with a TruFlo Electron Pump – Work so well, and give me confidence to go anywhere with tubeless.
How long have you been working in the bike industry?
I have been working in the industry close to a decade now.
What’s the most underrated tool in the workshop?
A good, strong and solid work stand. There are a lot of tools that I would say are good and useful but something that always gets over looked is the work stand. One that can have adjustable height, adjustable clamp angles and strong enough to hold bikes in any position without falling over massively helps and makes life easier in the workshop.
Which bike that you own is your favourite, and what makes it special?
My Giant Trance X 1 is my current favourite bike and it is special because of how capable it is for whatever I throw at it. Anything from racing big enduro competitions to chill bike park days to even casual commuting to work. The bike can do it all and make heads turn while’ll doing it, especially if you get a coil shock fitted and tuned by yours truly!
Where’s your dream place to ride, and have you ticked it off the list yet?
I would say my dream place to ride would be Whistler, Canada and I have not yet ticked it off my list, but I have cycled around the Galapagos Islands which is probably the most unique place I have cycled.
What hobbies do you enjoy when you’re not wrenching on bikes?
I enjoy riding my bikes with friends and family. It doesn’t matter what riding it is, if I am riding my bike I am happy. I am a scout leader so I spend a fair amount of time on camps
and running evenings for my scout troop. I love being outdoors; it doesn’t matter what it is I am doing. Being out in nature is all I need! And the controversial one I enjoy playing golf!
What are your top three product recommendations for riders?
Ergon IP Pro Solestar Insoles – If you have a high arch or suffer from foot pain these can help and make a difference.
Giant Mini Torque Driver – My go to in the workshop and something I always have on me to ensure bikes and bolts are safe before riding.
Tortec Super Comfort Bar Tape – Honestly one of the most comfortable bar tapes I have used and it has a silicone strip to hold the tape on instead of a glue strip which means you have take the bar tape off and re-wrap it if you change bars or need to adjust the shifter position!
How many years of experience do you have in the cycling industry?
About 3 years, but I’ve been around bikes all my life.
What do you enjoy most about working in a bike shop?
The people I work with. The challenges that working on bikes bring. Also talking to customers about bikes and all the stories of what they do on them.
Which bike in your personal fleet is your favourite?
My 1989 mountain bike which I ride most of the time
What’s your dream riding destination, and have you been already?
Scotland, to take my bike to Grampian which is also the name of my bike. I just think it’s funny to take a bike to its name sake.
What hobbies or interests do you have outside of cycling?
Repairing watches, making robots, fixing cars and motor bikes. As well as spending time with my family.
What are your top three product picks for customers?
SKS Raceblade Pro Mudguards – Perfect for bikes without mudguard mounts and ideal for unpredictable UK weather.
Giant Rack-it-Lite Pannier Rack – Lightweight, practical, and the MIK compatible system makes luggage easy to fit and remove.
Giant Alumbra Rear Helmet Light – A neat, integrated light that’s easy to remove and recharge because of the magnetic mounting.
About St. Albans
St. Albans is a fantastic hub for all types of cycling. Located on the edge of London, it’s ideal for riders looking to skip crowded trains and commute into the city by bike. Beyond commuting, the surrounding area offers a wide range of routes for cyclists of all abilities. One standout is the Alban Way, a roughly 10km traffic-free path along a former railway line. If you need help with a new bike, or are looking to get your existing bike serviced, be sure to consider Giant St. Albans as they would love to meet you.
If you’re keen to discover the best local routes or join in on store rides, be sure to follow Giant St Albans on Instagram and connect with the store community on Strava.
