Traditional/Electric Bike Shop
Sprockets Cycle
Sprockets will mark 16 years in May.
“We built the business from the ground up,” said Kristine Che, whose husband Paul Che is the owner/operator, with four full-time employees.
Paul emigrated from Peru to the U.S. – the South Bay – in 2000 and raced road bikes.
“Chasing the American dream,” he said.
First working at the former Circle Cycle on Redondo Beach Boulevard, he later spent time as a coach and trainer, and built and sold high-end custom bikes from his garage. Eventually he wanted to open a shop.
He and Kristine found an empty tanning salon on Pacific Coast Highway and Avenue C in Redondo Beach.
“Our focus is outstanding customer service, and building a great clientele,” Paul said. “All by referrals, that’s our no. 1 source of advertisement.”
“And our neighborhood feel,” Kristine said. “We really like to serve our local neighborhood.”
Trek is the main brand the shop sells, including many smaller brands Trek owns.
E-bikes?
“We sell paddle-assist e-bikes,” Kristine said.
Those in the market for throttle-assist will need to look elsewhere.
Paul still specializes in high-end custom bikes, often purchased elsewhere, as he encourages clients to buy from their local store, and then come to Sprockets in Redondo Beach for adjustments.
“It’s like clothing; you buy a bike in a size that fits you, you still need someone to tailor it,” Paul said.
He also works as a mechanic for USA Cycling, traveling to races around the world as the team pursues a slot in the 2028 Summer Olympics.
“Paul is incredibly passionate about all-things bikes,” Kristine said.
The couple’s 20-year-old son races velodrome bikes, and works at Sprockets.
“It is definitely a classic family business,” Kristine said.
Veteran employee Mike Rooney has worked with Paul going back to Circle Cycle in the early 2000s, when Rooney hired Paul.
Would Sprockets ever expand?
“I don’t see us opening another shop,” Kristine said. “There’s only one Paul; he’s the heart of the business.”
Aside from Rooney, the other main staff are Omar Ramos, who heads the service department, Marcos Vargas and Joe Cooney.
Traditional Bike Shop
Sprocket Cycles
1018 S Pacific Coast Hwy
Redondo Beach
(310) 540-1927
