Welcome to shop profile where we tour the top bike shops in Asia, chat with the owners, and report back to you with our photo journal. The first shop on the list is Shanghai, China shop Chains Sprockets.

Chain's Sprockets just moved to the creative park near Zhong Shan Park, Shanghai

Chains Sprockets was founded in 2008 by Chain Zhou, a serious bike enthusiast! Chain's cycling passion started a long time ago while he was in college. After graduating and spending 2 years working in a law firm, Chain decided to follow his passion and opened his store in Shanghai. Chain was soon joined by Kaiyuan Wang, a fellow bike fenatic and customer service guru. Earlier this year, in 2010, the duo moved shop from Fuxing Rd in Shanghai, to their new home near ZhongShan Park, and business has never been better. Both Chain and Kaiyuan are active members of the Shanghai Cycling scene taking part in races around Shanghai, and China, while selling, servicing, and supporting many of the bikes you see lining up in the local racing scene.

We asked store Manager Kaiyuan Wang to tell us about his show. Kaiyuan explains their concept is all about being 'P.E.R.S.O.N.A.L' Personal? We had to ask, what does that mean?

Store Manager Wang Kaiyuan

Kaiyuan laughs, "It stands for People: In our shop we are all passionate about the cycling sport. Running the store is more than a job or a way of making living. The passion is the power of doing our job to perfection. Chain quit his job as a lawyer and I left Decathlon, all for one reason - we want to do what we really love to and share the passion with others.

'E' is for Expertise: Cycling is not rocket science but it does require precision and focus. As avid cyclists ourselves, we are riding and racing all year around, so we know clearly what cyclists are looking for and asking for. We know the products we are selling very well, and we use the proper tools and proper way of installation. From bike fitting equipment to riding position analysis; from torque wrenches to Campy 11s chain tools; from anti-cease grease to Loctite, every tiny bit matters, and we focus on the details.  We treat every bike like our own.

A huge range of stock means Chains can make sure your new bike fits properly

For us 'R' is for 'Reasonable price'. Although the range we carry is mid to high end, you won't find our prices too expensive.  Every product in our store has a price tag.  With our store membership discount, we won't be beaten by any other stores on the price and with the 'S' in PERSONAL standing for Service, we are committed to satisfying customers. The majority of Chain's Sprockets customers are our fellow cyclists with whom we ride and race together.  We are proud of providing great service to those customers who always trust and support our business.

'Open' is what the 'O' stands for and we are always watching on the cycling world, and learning something which will be helpful to us or our friends. On the other hand, we listen to our customers, about what they like, and what they don't like.  We are positive in attitude when we meet some issues, and always learn a lesson from that, which I believe is the reason why we are growing faster than our competitors.

Tour de Chain's Sprockets

'N' stands for 'New ideas (iNnovative)'.  Instead of just selling what we have, we try to create some new stuff.  The Wal Cumulus carbon wheels are an excellent example.  With high quality and craftsmanship, while remaining competitive on price, the tubeless friendly carbon clinchers are very popular among the local racers right now. Availability of stock is next and we understand every individual is different.  With the demand of precision and expertise, we have huge inventory to meet different needs.  Typically we carry handlebars and stems in all sizes, and frames in most sizes.  Also several models of saddles for demo.  So only in Chain's Sprockets, we can provide you with proper fitting and the components in right sizes.

Nice wheels - Cervelo and Zipp at Chains

Finally the 'L' is for Linguistic. Our staff have strong educational backgrounds and speak multiple languages including English.  Communication in Chain's Sprockets will never be difficult.

A fully stocked work shop to ensure your bike rolls smooth

Chains is the local place to get products from a whole range of top companies including 3T, Airace, Alex, Alligator, Ax-lightness, Biotex, Birdy, Campagnolo, Cane Creek, Cannondale, Catlike, Cervelo, FFWD and Kuota to name a few. The shop is well laid out with a good stock of high end bikes for you to drool over (think Cervelo, Wilier, Cannondale!). Chains’ Store also provides bike maintenance services so they should be able to keep your ride in top running shape!

the "chill-out area" gives you the comfort you deserve

a framed Tour de France jersey, autographed by Carlos Sastre

The shop is laid out so you can check out the bikes as well as sitting back and relaxing. There is a ‘chill-out area’ with big squishy sofas, big screen TV (with satellite), a WII and all of this is positioned below a framed yellow jersey from the Tour de Frace – autographed by Carlos Sastre.

Chain's Sprockets can give you any help your bike needs

Chains store and rock-star staff are here to support your cycling addiction. Drop by for a coffee or just a general chat with the boys (and girls) and check out their business.

Chain's Sprockets is now located in Shanghai, at Suite F1-A, Bridge#2, 1384-12 Wanhangdu Rd. (near Huayang Rd, Hu Si Zhan Creative Park) or you can get more details at http://www.chainssprockets.com/

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