Enjoy cycling in Hong Kong, or thinking about taking up the sport? We chat with ELISSA WHITTINGTON of Sky Blue Bikes about their best-selling bikes and the services they offer like repairs and maintenance. She also shares some key factors to consider when buying a bike or looking at bike shops.
Where are you from originally and what brought you to Hong Kong?
I was born in Melbourne but moved to Hong Kong in 1976 with my family. So, in many ways I consider myself as being from here. After going back to Australia to study, I returned here in 1997 working for Byrne & Hickman Physiotherapy. I’ve remained in HK ever since.
When did Sky Blue Bikes launch, and with what aim?
We opened in 2010. While doing bike-fitting for the physiotherapy clinic, I was finding myself having to repair bikes so that they worked adequately for the fitting process.
I felt there was an obvious need for the bike industry to have better expertise in workshops, and more people selling the best cycling products. The cycling and triathlon scene was growing, and I was receiving a lot of strong requests from friends and clients to open our own shop. Once I felt there was enough demand, we did exactly that.
Our aim was to help the local bike scene have access to experienced and professional staff who could help guide clients to safer and better-fitting products.
What are some of your best-selling bikes?
Custom bikes are our bestsellers. Having come from bike design and custom bikes in Australia, we are able to create dream bikes that fit exactly to each person’s unique requirements. We partner with world-leading master builders from Italy. We also have production bikes from highly reputable brands with superior backup service.
What about accessories and other extras?
We have Gaerne shoes that are handmade in Italy, and Abus cycling helmets, also made in Italy. We’re a fullservice bike shop, which means we sell everything you need to get going, including shoes, clothing, helmets and bikes, with a workshop for fitting and coaching. We also offer indoor training sessions with virtual reality – great if you’re travelling or don’t have space at home. In addition, we offer personalised maintenance courses, cycling guides and indoor cycling programmes for events.
Do you also offer bike maintenance services?
Yes, our mechanic has 37 years of experience! Typical services include tube and tyre changing, chain waxing and an extensive general service. The latter includes ultrasonic cleaning of drivetrains, adjusting and greasing bearings, gear and brake adjustments, and minor wheel truing. Each service is slightly different depending on the presentation and needs of the bike.
We also do a strip and rebuild, which is a deep clean for your bike where all parts are removed and thoroughly cleaned and re-assembled. This will lengthen its lifespan and ensure a safe and thoroughly checked and adjusted bike.
Any particular retail trends you’re seeing among cyclists in Hong Kong at the moment?
One unfortunate trend is purchasing online. Extensive marketing campaigns online have encouraged many to purchase this way, bypassing the screening process that local bike shops provide. This has had a knock-on effect of some shops closing, leaving fewer shops to service clients’ needs when something goes wrong.
Another misunderstanding is that you need an expensive bike or clothing; in fact, you only need something that is safe and comfortable, both in the bike you ride and what you wear. Ride for fun!
What’s new at the store?
We’re starting a clearance area for heavily discounted products including bicycles and clothing where highquality new products which are old models are sold for up to 60 percent discount. We’re also starting to sell high-quality second-hand bikes, so clients can sell their quality bikes on consignment or come in to buy excellent priced second-hand bikes that have been screened for safety and roadworthiness by our mechanic.
What are some key factors when it comes to buying the right bike?
Fit: Each of us has our own unique morphology (body structure) and experience. Having a bike that allows us to control it easily and in a neutral manner makes us safer and lets us feel more confident. What is referred to as “geometry” is extremely important to match cycling needs. Many brands simply cut costs, and this leads to poor-handling bikes.
Usage: The right bike is one that can take us on the type of adventures we’re wanting to use it for.
Quality of construction: There’s an excess of brands, yet the most popular doesn’t mean the best quality. Consider the country of origin, the reputation of the brand and its consistency; find out if it’s had many safety recalls on its products.
Tell us a bit about your own cycling background.
I started cycling seriously around 18 when I received some money from my grandparents and purchased my first real road bike. I was always attracted to the speed and elegance of road bikes. Growing up in HK, I went to a local shop to dream about having one of the handmade Italian beautifully crafted and painted bikes they offered. I think it’s no coincidence that I now own several handmade beautiful bikes by master Italian builders! They have lived up to their promise.
Do you have a favourite current bike?
My current favourite is from Sarto, a master builder of carbon bikes from Venice. It’s stunningly beautiful and rides like no other – and it has custom paintwork that can’t be copied and is unique to me.
Dream cycling destination around the world?
Italy – easily! I hear lots of kind words spoken about Slovenia too.
8 advantages of buying a bike in person
Elissa explains why purchasing in-store rather than online can be beneficial.
- You can avoid costly mistakes such as purchasing the incorrect size or fitting.
- Online doesn’t understand what your needs are versus what your wants are. These are sometimes different!
- Products that aren’t well constructed can be given higher-rated reviews than they deserve. This is a constant issue in the online bike industry.
- Purchasing online can often lead to cyclists needing parts that are not easily serviceable or are difficult to obtain.
- A shop with experienced staff knows which brands are reliable and make a quality product, and they’ll usually stock the spare parts required to service their brands.
- Supporting local shops ensures that you have someone to help you when you need them. Online rarely offers good after-sales service.
- Value versus cost. People are attracted to online for the lowest price; however, they often have to purchase several times to get the right size, and the best quality products are often not available online. Value means getting the best product that suits your needs first time – something longlasting, reliable and serviceable.
- Buying in-store means you’re talking to a human. At Sky Blue Bikes, we can offer advice on finding cycling buddies, choosing routes and enjoying cycling adventures. Cycling shops are often where you will meet other like-minded people.
Sky Blue Bikes is at Shop A&B, 419R Queen’s Road West, Shek Tong Tsui.
2545 2333 | info@skybluebikes.com
skybluebikes.com
This article on xx first appeared in the Summer 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest mag or an annual subscription, or read the digital version for free now.
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