Community Corner

Cal Sports: Putting Bikes Under Christmas Trees Since '81

Troy Schreier is one of Santa's most stealth helpers--he's the guy who supplies the bikes, bats and balls.

 

It would be hard to grow up in Belmont and not have received your first soccer ball, baseball glove, Speedo swim suit or bicycle from

Since 1981 the Schreier family has been providing kids and adults with a wide range of sporting equipment at their El Camino Real shop. Cal Sports is also a bike repair and maintenance shop.

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Like his dad Jerry, Cal Sports owner Troy Schreier has sold many a bike to parents to put under the tree on Christmas morning. "They come in for their first bike--the little 12-inchers," Schreier said referring to the tiniest training-wheeled bike. 

"But of course we also have plenty of cruisers, BMX, exercise bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes and hybrids," added Schreier on a tour of the shop's bike department. 

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In a workshop probably not unlike the one in the North Pole, bike technicians Luis and Alex work on tuning, repairing and maintaining customers' rides. Tune-ups are discounted for bikes purchased at Cal Sports.

"'Don't forget the 'Fixies,' Luis reminded Schreier.

"Fixies are are really big this year," explained Schreier pointing to a fixed gear bike that are apparently all the rage.

Bike technology has come a long way said Schreier, "You get a lot more for your money now. Aluminum bikes used to cost upwards of $500, but you can now get a good one for less than $400. And many bikes now have hydraulic disc brakes---it's getting pretty crazy."

Of course Cal Sports carries more than just bikes.

With one of the best selection of baseball and softball bats and gloves around, Cal Sports is a popular spot with youth and adult sports teams. Soccer and football equipment is also available.

"We have multiple generations of customers---those who used to buy stuff for their kids from my dad are now coming in to shop for their grandkids. Schreier said his father, Jerry, who retired four years ago, still comes to the shop to restring baseball and softball gloves.

And no need to go to the Giants Dugout store for your black and orange fix--Schreier's collection of G-men stuff rivals vendors at AT&T Park.

"People don't realize it, but we are the largest carrier of Speedo swim suits around," said Schreier. Swimmers are our steadiest customers--when the weather turns, they swim indoors, so they shop year-round.

Customer Dave Diago was shopping for a baseball glove for his eight-year-old son. "I just moved here from Stockton, and we live down the the street from Cal Sports," said Diago.

"Why would I go to the big box stores when I can give the business to the local guys?" asked Diago.

"Somebody actually cares here," he said, referring to Cal Sports employee Dave Baldisseri who helped Diago select a black 11-inch Rawlings glove for his son.

Whether your kid has asked for a double-barrel Louisville Slugger, a Speedo racing suit, bike helmet or a 12-inch bike with training wheels, Troy Schreier and his crew are happy to be your secret Santa. 

California Sports is located at 1464 El Camino Real in Belmont. For more information, call 650-321-2412, or go to www.californiasportsandcyclery.com/


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