Everything sport for 95 years

When United Cycle was incorporated in 1928, the population of Edmonton was 69,744, and the average annual income was just over $2000. William Lyon Mackenzie King was Prime Minister and fads included flagpole sitting and talkathons. Similar to many other businesses at this time, United Cycle was operated by an owner and perhaps one or two staff members. Community relations with athletic clubs, community leagues, and sports teams were fostered early in the life of United Cycle. Raleigh Brooks claimed that he went through

The 1950’s ushered in a boom time for Edmonton, and United Cycle was able to capitalize and build during these years. In 1952, when Reg and Lois Brooks took over and began to learn about the sporting goods and bicycle business, United Cycle’s store was 16 feet wide by 100 feet long. One third of the space was for sales – featuring bikes, skates, bats and ball gloves, hockey, figure skates, wagons, trikes, and their two top sellers – fishing and hunting gear. The oil floored repair shop was used for key cutting, skate sharpening, and bike

The 1960’s were a time of significant momentum at United Cycle, with the third generation of Brooks family members joining the business full-time. During the 1960’s, Marv Holland Manufacturing phased out of the jersey business, and United Cycle’s team and club business rose to another level. They started supplying key athletic clubs, community leagues, and college and university teams with their uniforms and equipment. There was an aggressive growth of the customer base in hockey and ball. The upward swing in hockey registrati

During the 70’s, Reg let his children take the lead while he pursued other interests and stayed on in a mentorship role. United Cycle moved back onto 82nd Avenue, to the location that was to be their home for almost 25 years. The move allowed them to expand in motorcycles, hockey, team sales, and ball. The mid-70’s saw a boom in bicycles, with the popularity of the 10-speed racing style bike. There was an evolution in the technology and design of sports equipment with a greater emphasis on protection. Rod Brooks joined the

The 1980’s were a decade that altered the way business was done at United Cycle. The customer base was expanding, and the market was becoming more competitive. Remote ads and special events became the norm with a more aggressive and creative approach to promotion and marketing. Edmonton hosted the Universiade games in 1983, which left the expanded Commonwealth Stadium, a world-class aquatic centre (Kinsmen), and the Argyll Velodrome as legacies. The Fringe Festival began in 1982, which had an immediate

The 1990’s brought United Cycle to a crossroads. The customer base and available products were increasing, but they had run out of room and parking options on Whyte Avenue. A new store built on an empty lot four blocks away provided the solution. This building was designed to sustain the 70 years of history they were taking from Whyte Avenue. The first businesses to move into the old United Cycle building on Whyte Avenue were The Bagel Tree, Le Papier, and Sam the Record Man. Business in the nineties offered many challenge

The new millennium opened with United Cycle poised to continue growing with bicycles and sporting goods in separate locations. In 2003, United Outfitters opened in the United Centre (just south of United Cycle). This was a completely new product experience with camping and outdoor gear. After two years of supporting a third location, we realized that we should stay focused on our core products of sporting goods and bicycle. The internet, website, and e-commerce was changing the way retail business was done, and United Cycle

The second decade of the 21st century opened to tough times. The impact of the recession was being felt throughout North America, and retail was hit hard by the effects of unemployment and decreased discretionary spending. As a result, discounting and sales events became the norm for savvy shoppers. United Cycle had new competition with the opening of Pro Hockey Life and expansion of the Sport Chek and Canadian Tire brands in the market. Independent bike stores contended for the same customers, making event par

We’re only a couple years into the 2020’s and there have been incredible changes across the world. The global pandemic of COVID shut down much of sports and retail, with many stores closing and never returning. United braced itself through reduced team sports by investing heavier into bicycles and fitness. Less travel meant more people invested in personal fitness. In 2022, we celebrated the return to sports and we’re thrilled to see so many families getting back to their teams. In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. This se