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Community Corner

Community-Geared Cycle Shop Keeps Scotts Valley Cyclists Happy

Cycle Sport has built its business on community support and giving back.

opened up for business in 1999. Andrew Cavaletto started working there when he was a senior in high school, ten years ago. Now Cavaletto owns Scotts Valley’s lone cycling gear store.

“I started out taking out the trash and building kids bikes. I moved my way up and had the opportunity to buy it, so I took the plunge,” Cavaletto said.

He was only 25 years old when he took over the business, and while the tough economy was a concern, he faced the challenge with open-mindedness and optimism.

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“I figured, being 25 when I took it over, I’ve got time to fail and regroup from it if I have to, so I went for it. And, actually things have been going well,” he said.

Cavaletto “likes it all” when it comes to cycling sports, but downhill racing is his competitive passion.

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Cavaletto, who attended school at neighboring San Lorenzo Valley High School, likes living and working in Scotts Valley, he especially enjoys the community feel and appreciates their loyal support.

“There’s a lot of people in Scotts Valley, but it still feels like you know everybody, especially at the shop. I’ve seen the same people coming in for 10 years now. It’s great seeing the kids grow up. You can get one-on-one with them. It has that small town feel, and I like that,” Cavaletto said.

Cycle Sport offers everything from kids bikes to hybrids for people who just want to ride around town, to road and mountain bikes. There’s something for every cycling style and a friendly staff to assist riders with their questions and needs.

Cavaletto said, we offer “any type of bike that you want whether you’re a beginning rider up to pro.”

Being a pro rider himself, Cavaletto has less time for racing now that he has the responsibilities of business ownership.

“It was great a few years ago because I didn’t have to worry about the shop. The shop takes up a lot of time,” he said. “I still go race and everything. I don’t get to train as much as I want to, but as long as I’m able to ride, I’m still having fun and happy.”

Nowadays, Cavaletto does four or five races a year, including the U.S. Open in New Jersey, Crankworx in Whistler, Canada and the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey.

The Sea Otter Classic “was a lot of fun, but humbling,” Cavaletto said.

In appreciation of community support, Cavaletto said he likes to give back.

“The community is super supportive. We do a lot of fundraising stuff, like the Mt. Charlie Challenge—a road ride for the Scotts Valley Education Foundation—and we donate bikes to schools,” he said. “Giving back to the community that supports us is a good thing.”

Cycle Sport is at 245 Mt. Hermon Road. The store is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays noon-5 p.m.

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