We have been hearing about this shop for many years and have been in touch with the people managing it. Freerider Mountain Bike Magazine finally got a chance to visit Epic Bike Shop personally earlier this month and met with the crew who manages the best bicycle shop of Nepal.
The personal experience was actually “epic” at this neat bike shop owned by riders for riders. From high quality bikes to riding gear… they got it all.
During this visit we interacted with Rupesh Man Shrestha; Founder / CEO of Epic Mountain Bike. This man knows what he’s doing. And we must admit he is doing it right.
Find out more about this bike shop which is “Highly Recommended By Freerider Mountain Bike Magazine”.
FR MTB MAG: What is the concept behind Epic Bike Shop?
RUPESH: The main concept behind Epic Mountain Bike Store is to provide All Mountain Biking Services under one roof viz; BRAND SALES, WELL EQUIPPED MECHANICS & WORKSHOP, TRAVEL & TOUR, TRAINING, EVENTS and of course a hub to gather for a cup of tea after a ride.
FR MTB MAG: Since when Epic Bike Shop is operational and what kind of changes have you observed till date?
RUPESH: Epic Mountain Bike is operational since 2004. After completing 10 years of service on the field of Mountain Biking in Nepal, We have added various international Brands under one roof; upgraded our mechanics & workshop with the help of PORTAL BIKES & COMMENCAL; dug up and shaped PUMP TRACK with Pierre-Edouard Ferry “PEF” (Commencal RedBull Rampage Rider); organized and supported many Mountain Biking events in Nepal.
FR MTB MAG: Tell us about the major brand / brands associated with Epic Bike Shop?
RUPESH: Epic Mountain Bike is authorized for COMMENCAL, KTM, ELLSWORTH, CHAIN BIKES, MAXXIS Bicycle, A2Z Disc Components, FUNN, LEZYNE, JAGWIRE, SIGMA, ALPINESTARS, KALI PROTECTIVES, EVOC and other selling brands are Exustar, SRAM, FOX, DVO Suspension, FIVETEN, TOTOBOBO MASK, ONEUP Components and more.
FR MTB MAG: Tell us more about your team at Epic Bike Shop.
RUPESH: Epic Mountain Bike (EMB) was established in 2004 under the supervision Myself (Founder/CEO Mr. Rupesh Man Shrestha). The EPIC has a passionate, hard-working & talented staffs viz; Prajwal Shrestha (Manager-Brands/Marketing & Communication), Abhishek Shrestha (Customer Relation Officer), Janaki Shrestha ( Sales Officer), Alex Araken (Mechanics/Guide), Dinesh Maharjan (Mechanic/Guide), Krisha Shrestha (Finance & Accounts) and lots of riders supporters.
FR MTB MAG: Quality after-sales service is very important which is not found in many bike shops. Tell us how Epic Bike Shop is different with its after-sales service.
RUPESH: Quality after-sales service is one of the most important factors of our Shop as well. As we market and sell only authorized products in the Market, there have has been Best Price Offer with Warranty of the products, timely service delivery, replacement bikes and always assisting customers with Technicians/ Technical Videos.
We claim to be different & best in Region because we are very much passionate about mountain biking so by choosing best authorized brands, we know about the Brand Products very well and we cater with good hospitality for you to ride FASTER, SAFER.
FR MTB MAG: What other services are available at Epic Bike Shop?
RUPESH: Apart from Brand Sales and Workshop Services, We provide Insured Rental Bikes which comes with Kali Helmet, Lezyne Repair kits, Maxxis Spare Tubes and Lock(if needed). Our Most of the Rental Bikes are Commencal. Let that be a Push Bike(Kids Balance Bike), El Camino(entry level adult Bike), Meta Range Bike( AM/Enduro/DH) . not to be forgotten, City Bikes are also Available for Rental.
EPIC has an Adventure Tour Company – EPIC RIDES NEPAL has been one of the pioneering Mountain Biking company in Nepal, with an objective of specializing in sport adventures including Mountain Bike Tours. Epic Rides Nepal has been successfully organizing quality mountain bike tours to the great biking destinations. In Nepal it covers most of the mountain biking areas including the ultimate “Annapurna Circuit ride” and Mustang Region. It also offers Trans Himalayan rides of various duration that starts from Lhasa in Tibet and ends in Kathmandu.
FR MTB MAG: Any new product / concept / offers you are planning to introduce this year?
RUPESH: 2016, we have just introduced KTM mountain bikes & EVOC Sports on our list. We are selling EVOC Backpacks, Travel Bike Bag, Travel Bags and Accessories and it’s available through our website. This Year, we are also carrying COMMENCAL’s theme – MADE FOR YOU. We will be travelling lot for events, trails, tour and of course to reach our riders for special care needed with our newly design Toyota Hilux truck with Commencal Decals. We also plan to introduce E-Mountain Bikes on the next half of this year.
FR MTB MAG: Do you ride often? What’s your preferred riding style?
RUPESH: Yes, We do ride often.. Weekends are always with Group riding in our local trails. Kathmadu Valley offers various style of riding trails. My preferred riding style would be All-Mountain/Enduro type but yeah XC has been good cross training.
FR MTB MAG: Nepal has a very rich mountain biking culture and professional athletes who use high end equipment. Where do you envision Nepal’s mountain bike market is headed?
RUPESH: I agree that People saying that Nepal has very rich in mountain biking culture. MTB is best due to the Nature/Landscape of Himalayas. There has been lots of Mountain Bikers visiting Nepal for Adventure. I see Nepal as a heaven for mountain biking so that our market will head up for more bike parks, bike resorts, Adventure Tours, Exploration and of course lots of Bike Shop with Proper Workshop in coming future.
FR MTB MAG: Any quick tip or message you would like to share with young riders out there?
RUPESH: I think we have said and read a lot, it’s time to get out in nature and take a ride..
RIDE SAFE, ALWAYS use PROTECTIVES.
EPIC MOUNTAIN BIKE – www.epicmountainbike.com
Jhamshikhel, Lalitpur – NEPAL
Ph: +977-155-55021 / +977-985-100-8381
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