When you walk into Bikes by Felix on Maire Street in Tahunanui, you're not just meeting another bike shop owner. You're meeting someone who's worked in the pressure-cooker environment of Paralympic pit lanes, fine-tuning bikes for New Zealand's elite paracyclists at Rio and Tokyo. Felix Laufkotter brings this world-class technical expertise to the stunning cycling playground that is Nelson Tasman.
After 11 years building his reputation as Nelson's go-to cycling expert, Felix has become the perfect ambassador for Cube bikes in the region. His combination of international racing credentials and intimate local knowledge makes him uniquely qualified to match riders with their perfect Cube bike. We caught up with Felix to learn about his journey, his passion for the local cycling scene, and why Cube's German engineering meets Kiwi adventure works so perfectly at his shop.
What's your background in cycling, and how did you end up running a bike shop in Nelson?
"I had been in the industry since I left school, working in local bike shops in the Nelson area. Being part of the NZ Paracycling team for the Rio and Tokyo Paralympics and many other world cups and world champs as their road mechanic, and a changing family situation made it possible for me to start my own business. Competing in local mountain bike and road racing from a young age, the passion has always been there to do my own thing."
What drew you to partner with Cube bikes?
"I started dealing with Cube Bikes New Zealand in 2016 - coming up 10 years and my confidence just keeps growing in the brand. With my German heritage, linking up with a German designed and engineered bicycle brand was a no brainer. They have amazing value and quality throughout their whole range."
Which Cube models are your biggest sellers, and why do Nelson riders love them?
"My biggest selling model would be the Cube Nuroad Gravel bike that matches perfectly for the Nelson Great Taste Trail as well as many other trails around the region. The Cube AMS One11 would be the other top selling cross country mountain bike with 100 mm of travel, this is one for the Nelson trails and CX race scene. Both bikes offer comfort and speed at a fantastic price."
What's your favourite local ride to recommend to Cube owners?
"This would definitely be our great taste trail looping this amazing region with 190 km of gravel road and cycle trails. Or Codgers MTB park, P51, Turners and Firball are some of our most popular trails. Fast, flowing, smooth."
Any memorable customer success stories with Cube bikes?
"This is a hard one as many people comment on how comfortable, light, fast and reliable their Cube bike is. One that stands out would be watching our young Cube ambassador winning the South Island under 16 road race on his Cube Litening AERO C:68x."
What services set your shop apart from other bike retailers?
"We service all types of bikes - from full mountain bike/e-bikes and suspension servicing to custom race wheel builds. We do it all. All of the above, full diagnostics on Bosch E-bikes, bike setup and suspension setup. from wheel building, to retro revamps. Every bike sold is personalised to the owner and 1st service is free of labour charge."
How do you support the local cycling community beyond just selling bikes?
"I have been involved with Track Cycling Nelson and the Tasman Wheelers for many years and in recent times I have been investing a lot of time helping the next generation get into cycling and develop the same love that I have. I work alongside these clubs to provide newcomers with knowledge, bike setups to get them out and experience the freedom and excitement of cycling in the Nelson Tasman area. We support a bunch of juniors and new comers throughout the year at the Saxton Velodrome."
What's your advice for someone buying their first mountain bike or e-bike?
"Make sure you get the correct bike for the type of riding you're planning on doing and make sure it's assembled by a professional bike mechanic who then can set up and fit the bike to you for the most comfortable ride. A test ride is also very important to make sure you're comfortable and confident."
Where's your favourite post-ride stop near the shop?
"Raglan Roast located alongside the beautiful Tahunanui beach."
What's your essential accessory recommendation with every Cube purchase?
"A well fitted bike helmet. And a Bikes by Felix top!"
How do you see the future of cycling in the Nelson region?
"Cycling in general for the Nelson area is amazing. We have some of the best facilities in the country for all types of cycling. Our region has something for any type of cyclist."
Ready to Experience Cube Quality? Visit Bikes by Felix.
Don't just take our word for it. As Felix says, "a test ride is also very important to make sure you're comfortable and confident" with any bike purchase. Pop into Bikes by Felix and experience firsthand why the Cube Nuroad has become Nelson's go-to gravel bike, or feel the smooth precision of the AMS One11 on your local trails.
With Felix's expert fitting service and personalised setup, you'll leave the shop with a Cube bike perfectly matched to your riding style and Nelson's incredible terrain.
