As most athletes know, many great ideas are born during training runs and rides – and so it was for Dave Harrington and Steve Pettitt, both avid multisport enthusiasts. The idea for Tribe MULTISPORTS came about on one of their many training rides together, and after discussions with former Ironman winner Lucie Zelenkova and elite age-grouper Samantha Ferreira, they realised there was a huge gap in the market for a multisports store that also catered extensively for women. “With research showing that 45% of multisport competitors are women, with numbers growing, Lucie and Sam drew our attention to the lack of multisport stores that cater for woman – from a lack of gear options to a friendly environment. Hence we got Sam in to design the store and see to the shop fittings, while Lucie’s insights as a professional international triathlete helped us create an atmosphere that will welcome all athletes, male and female, from beginners to pro’s,” says Dave.
LOOK AND FEEL
Tribe MULTISPORTS is creatively designed and decorated with a modern boutique look and feel, with a coffee and internet area where you can hang out between meetings, or just meet up with fellow like-minded athletes. But don’t let the focus on female gear fool you, because the shop, situated in the Hobart Grove Shopping Centre in Bryanston, has something for everyone, and every type of athlete. It has an extensive road and mountain bike offering, stocks all the latest triathlon, cycling, trail and running gear, and has trading hours geared towards sports enthusiasts, including being open from 5am to 6:30am so that morning cyclists can pop in. The store also overhauls and repairs bikes and gear, with a pick-up and drop-off service in the Joburg area taking the hassle out bike and gear maintenance.
THE TRIBE EXPERIENCE
When you walk into Tribe MULTISPORTS, you realise this is not your average sports store. It is rather a funky environment created for anyone from regulars, beginners to super pro multisport enthusiasts, where you have access to a wide range of leading international multisport brands and exceptional service while enjoying a friendly social environment.
The store carries a comprehensive range of multisport accessories, but it is not possible to carry every possible accessory available, so customers can make use of the internet station to find the particular accessory they would like and it will be ordered for them. When it comes to clothing, a streamlined range of clothing is carried ideal for triathlons, Xterra, mountain and road biking, as well as trail and road running. The store also carries a focused range of nutritional products and supplements to cover all these endurance activities. The focus is on leading brands that have a fair following and reputable image.
One of the coolest things about the store is the staff’s willingness to help with everything. They will help you with the installation of all accessories, product set-up (i.e. heart rate monitor, foot pod, etc.) and an explanation on how best to use the products. You can also expect the following when it comes to your prized possession, your bike:
• A full service specialist repair centre with bike service and set-up.
• A free 30-day/250km tune-up with every new bike purchased through Tribe MULTISPORT.
• Quick turnaround on flats, broken chains, brake cables, etc.
• Custom bike builds – the store sells a wide range of mountain, road and time trial bicycles, but strives to carry a more diverse brand selection than the norm and will limit the exposure to already built bikes and try to provide the customer-built bike that best suits the individual’s budget and needs. The store is also linked to Bike Bay to promote the trade-in of bikes and sale of second-hand bikes.
WHEN CAN I GO?
As we all know, work sometimes interferes with our sport and shopping for sporting toys, but Tribe MULTISPORTS’ opening hours are geared towards sports enthusiasts!
• Monday: 8:30am-5pm
• Tuesday: 8:30am-5pm
• Wednesday: 8:30am-5pm
• Thursday: 10am-7pm
• Friday: 8:30am-5pm
• Saturday: 12pm-5pm
• Sunday: Closed
The shop will sometimes be open from 5am-6:30am for morning cyclists to enjoy a cuppa and possibly assist with any purchases etc.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and go see what Tribe MULTISPORTS is all about, especially during these winter months when we all need new motivation for the sports we love so much. For further details, call (011) 568 0275.
GREAT GEAR FOR GIRLS
FALKE LADIES MEDIUM CONTROL MOISTURE MANAGEMENT RACER BACK BRA
We all know how important a decent sports bra is, and with Falke’s Ladies medium control moisture management racer back bra, you don’t have to look any further! It allows you the total confidence of peak performance, with features that include:
• Drynamix moisture management technology to keep you cool and dry.
• Wide shoulder straps and double-lined front panels for added support.
• Flat seams for a chafe-free fit.
• Mesh inlay panels to optimise ventilation.
• Soft bushed elastic bands that minimise friction and promote wearer comfort.
• Adjustable back fastener.
Available from Small to Extra Large in white, black, pink and blue, at Sportsmans Warehouse and select Cape Union Mart stores.
