A family-run shop that has been a trusted part of Portadown’s cycling community for generations is ‘peddling’ on, as the fourth generation takes the reins!
The cycle store dates back to its inception in 1921 by Robert McCabe. The store opened on Church Lane Portadown, and to this day, still stands in that exact spot under the McCabe family – with the only thing changing is the name!
‘Central Cycles’ was the beginning of the McCabe family trade, before Robert’s sons Cecil and Billy took over and changed to a more fitting name during their time, ‘McCabe Bros’.
Cecil’s son, Adrian, then took over from there, where the business was renamed to ‘McCabe’s Cycles’ and what it currently stands as today, but under new management.
This year, the business is set to celebrate 106 years in business, a major milestone to achieve, but also the year that marks the family’s fourth generation taking over the reigns!
Now running the shop solely on his own, 30-year-old Peter McCabe (30) has grown up in the cycle industry, with the move to take over the business from his father a ‘no brainer’.
Working part-time in the business from he was a teenager, Peter grew up in the store spending school evenings and summers watching his father Adrian’s craftmanship. Taking a particular interest in bike fixtures, Peter built his first bike from scratch at just 8-years-old!
After finishing school at 18, he followed in his predecessors’ footsteps, becoming full-time in the business and working alongside his father up until his retirement last year.
“The shop is what I have always known,” Peter explained. “There’s not many businesses that would be going as long as we have and not many people that would have the opportunity to just walk into an established business that’s been going so long so it seemed sensible to do that than to go out and do something different.
L-R: Cecil and Adrian McCabe
“It would have been a shame if I didn’t take it on, my dad decided to take a step back last year so if I wasn’t here to step up, we would have had to close.”
Officially taking over the business this year, Peter jested that his father still keeps a close eye.
“When you have been involved in the business for as long as he has, you can’t ever really leave it. He still checks up on me and if I do anything wrong he soon lets me know.
“It’s crazy, I forget what I have sometimes. At times you can catch yourself being ungrateful and looking at the negatives if you’re having a bad day and there’s been no customers through the door, but I am blessed to be where I am with the business.”
McCabes Cycles offer a large selection of electric, mountain, BMX, road and hybrid bikes. They also have a selection of children’s bikes available coming into the Christmas season. Alongside bike sales, they also offer bike servicing by thoroughly checking, cleaning, adjusting and repairing bikes mechanicals.
Moving with the times over the past century, McCabes Cycles have built their own website where customers can shop at their own convenience and have products delivered to their home or collected in store.
“Things have changed from when I first started as a teenager. I don’t think we sell as much parts and accessories because there is such an access online and so much choice out there. Online shopping has hurt local businesses, and I know its not just me. Bikes themselves have changed overtime as technology moves forward. There is more advanced breaking systems, hydraulic fluid systems, electric bikes.
L-R: Cecil and Billy McCabe. Robert McCabe with his bike.
“There is such a vast variety of bikes and prices can go sky high but we stick more to the family friendly and budget side of things as that’s what our community seem to want and respect. We’re quite a small shop but we punch well above our weight for our size.”
With years spent behind the counter learning the tricks of the trade, Peter owes all his knowledge down to the teachings of his parents.
He said: “Because I have grew up with the business all my memories blend together and I am really close with my mum and dad because I’ve always been alongside them. One of my earliest memories is when my mum was working here and she used to dote and spoil me. I remember in the summer time she would walk down to Mackles and get whippy ice creams for us; they’re special memories I will always have.
“Working alongside my dad when I was younger, I remember being in awe of him; that it seemed like he could fix anything. I’ve learnt everything I know now from him and I’m excited to continue in his footsteps.”
McCabe Cycles are opened everyday from 10am-5.30pm and closed Thursday and Sunday.
Click here for visit their website
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