By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, April 5: Lau Kim Ann’s passion for cycling, coupled with his expertise in bicycles and mechanics, has paved the way for his successful venture in the specialist two-wheelers business over the last two decades.
With a family background entrenched in motor vehicles, including motorcycles and bicycles, Lau found himself well-equipped to navigate the terrain of the bicycle industry.
However, at 49-years-old, Lau admits to slowing down on extreme biking, opting instead for road cycling with peers who share his enthusiasm and focusing on his business with his 48-year-old wife Sharon Lim.
“Years ago, I indulged in extreme sports like rock climbing and off-road biking, but age catches up with you. Now, I prefer road cycling,” he shared.
As the owner of Thong Sen Cycle Sdn Bhd, Lau caters to a diverse clientele, offering bicycles, spare parts, cycling apparel, and expert advice.
“My husband Lau’s family has been in the bicycle business a long time and it is natural for him to be in the trade. He and I are cyclist enthusiasts, and that makes it easier for us to deal with our customers and also the business,” Lim said.
“We do have a wide range of bicycles suitable to the needs of our customers. For example, we have ordinary road bikes, mountain bikes for off-road and extreme uses, folded bikes, kid’s bikes and road sport bikes for racing or stunt riding.
Lim added the shop has bicycles and parts made in the United States, Italy, United Kindom, Japan, Taiwanese and more.
“We carry brands from around the world, including Factor, Trek, and Colnago, catering to various needs and preferences,” Lim explained.
Their shop, located at Kuching Garden on Jalan Tun Razak Road, not only serves local customers but also provides services to travelers.
“We recently helped a Belgian traveller ship his travelling bike back to his home country and we are glad that we can also provide such services.”
Lim said their enthusiasm for cycling is now inherited by their three children. In particular, their eldest son, Brendan Lau, was a former Sarawak Sukma athlete in off-road cycling.
The couple’s passion for cycling extends beyond business; they organize night ride sessions, fostering camaraderie among cycling enthusiasts in the city.
“Around 40 to 50 cycling enthusiasts will gather at our premises every Tuesday and Thursday. We usually start at 8pm and ride on the organised routes around the city.”
For those interested in joining their cycling community or inquiring about their services, Thong Sen Cycle Sdn Bhd can be reached at 016 808 2288. — DayakDaily
