Since 2017
Spoke & Chain was started by Tim Gould and Rachel Aperahama in 2017 out of a belief that Petone needed an independent bike shop that actually rides. Tim raced road in his twenties, switched to gravel when his knees asked politely, and now spends more time fitting other people's bikes than riding his own. Rachel handles the books, the brand and the Saturday espresso machine — and quietly holds the shop Strava KOM on the Belmont trig climb.
We stock brands we ride: Merida, Kona, Avanti, Giant and Lauf. No commission, no quotas, no pressure. If a $900 commuter is the right bike for you, that's what we'll recommend. If it's a $6,000 gravel rig, same deal.
What people say
Tim spent an hour helping me choose between three commuters and never once tried to upsell me. Ended up with the Avanti Cadent and it's been perfect for the Hutt Valley cycleway.
James W., Lower Hutt — August 2026Had my Kona Rove fitted at the studio after six months of lower-back pain on longer rides. Rachel adjusted the stem length and saddle tilt and the pain was gone within a week. Should have done it on day one.
Marama T., Petone — May 2026The Saturday gravel ride is the highlight of my week. Great group, no ego, and Tim always picks routes I'd never find on my own.
Chris L., Eastbourne — July 2026