Old -fashioned working method bicycle makers of Gestel loved in the neighborhood

The Eindhoven brothers Toon and Martien van Gestel are bicycle makers who go against modern stream and that appears to be successful. The bicycle shop has been on the Geldropseweg since 1909.

Inside it feels nostalgic. The parts book – more than 22,000 items – is still handwritten, but the same numbers can also be found on a small laptop in the hallway. It is the only modern device in the business. The brothers do not have a mobile phone and when you call the store, the old turntable telephone will go off.

Toon and Martien do not feel the need to do ‘more modern’. “We still stick tires with a bowl of water. There is no need to immediately have a new inner tube on a bike when the tire is a leak, “says Toon. “A wheel does not have to be replaced immediately if some spokes are broken, you simply repair it. And we separate all our waste: brass, copper, paper, valves, tires. ”

The customers know how to find them perfectly, even without modern gadgets or online shop. Martien: “Not only from Eindhoven, but also from many villages around it. They know us and are happy with the service. Then they also give us the sale of a bicycle. ” That yields relatively more than repairs.

Cover to electric
The brothers also notice that the region is changing quickly. “Half of the customers speak English nowadays,” says Toon. “That is sometimes difficult, my brother does not speak that language. But we try to help as well as possible. “

In addition, the electric bicycle has entered their industry. “We mainly sell and repair ordinary bicycles, there is already plenty of work in it.” And what about the popular fatbike? “We don’t start that,” says Martien Resolute. However, the men started selling electric bicycles. “But we only sell and repair one brand,” says Toon. “That keeps it manageable.”

In addition to the income from selling and repairing bicycles, the brothers also earn from selling parts for Oldtimer mopeds such as Puch, mobility and Vespa. Specializing therefore also seems a good method to standing in this changing time.

The future for local entrepreneurs
The gentlemen also see changes in the shop landscape. “Bicycle makers, butchers, bakers; They disappear because the young people no longer want dirty hands and long days, “says Toon. “Our children earn more in the office with four days than we are in the store with six days.” So there is not (yet) a successor for the duo.

In the meantime, two customers come in who come to pick up their bikes again. “The necklace is again imposed and tense,” says Toon. The man looks happy. He can now go on his way again cycling. The brothers see that paid parking within the Ring costs them customers. “It is becoming more difficult and less attractive to reach the small entrepreneurs in the center,” says Toon. “Customers want to do a broken bike in the back of the car. Even if it is ‘only’ a few euros in parking money at a time, together it taps. “

150 years
Martien and Toon – third generation – still like to do their work. Although Martien has been receiving AOW for a few months and his slightly younger brother Toon can also see the pension bag in the distance, none of them are still thinking about stopping. “In 2039 we are 130 years old, that would be nice to get,” says Martien. “Then we have to work for another 14 years, who knows that will succeed.” To reach that finish line, the brothers don’t need any more modern store in the future, they think. However, health must cooperate. Toon: “Our grandfather has turned 92 and worked until he was 90, so it is possible.”