From Trails to Coffee: Celebrating 15+ Years of Local Cycling Heritage
December 18, 2025
From Trails to Coffee: Celebrating 15+ Years of Local Cycling Heritage
In the heart of the Lowveld, where the red dust of the trails meets the lush greenery of Mpumalanga, there exists a sanctuary for those who live life on two wheels. Since 2007, Bell’s Cycling has been more than just a shop in Mbombela; it has become the pulse of the local cycling community, built on a foundation of family, heritage, and elite racing experience.
From Farm to Finish Line
For the team at Bell’s, cycling isn't just a business - it’s a lifelong obsession. The family’s journey began 27 years ago, falling in love with the sport so deeply that it quickly transformed into a career. A defining moment came in 2005 when Nico Bell and his father, George, completed their first Cape Epic together while Nico was racing for Team Hi Q in Johannesburg.
However, the Lowveld was always home. Growing up on a farm just outside Nelspruit, Nico felt the pull of the mountains. In 2007, the decision was made to move back and open Bell’s Cycling. The mission was clear: to ensure that local customers could view a full range of bicycles in person. In previous years, enthusiasts in Nelspruit were forced to order from catalogues, often having to travel to Johannesburg just to see top-of-the-range bikes. Bell’s changed that, bringing the world’s best cycling technology directly to the doorsteps of the Lowveld.
A Partnership of Excellence
In 2015, the shop took a monumental step forward by partnering with industry leaders to open a Specialized Concept Store. This partnership allows Bell’s to offer an extensive range of Specialized bikes, apparel, and equipment, backed by the best rider care in the business.
The expertise within the walls of the shop is unmatched. Gawie Combrinck moved to the Lowveld in 2011 and teamed up with Nico for the 2012 Cape Epic under Team Westvaal/Bells Cycling, where they secured an impressive 8th overall and 2nd in the African team competition. Between them, Nico and Gawie have won numerous MTB, road, and gravel races, including SA XCM Marathon titles and two XCM National Series wins. Today, Gawie is an integral part of the team, sharing years of product testing and racing experience with every customer who walks through the door.
Class-Leading Services
Bell’s Cycling was founded on the goal of providing customers with the best bikes and equipment, supported by the backup they deserve. This commitment is seen most clearly in their world-class service center. They offer exclusive services including:
Retül Bike Fitment: Professional fitment led by Gawie to optimize performance and comfort.
In-House Suspension Services: Expert tuning to handle the rugged local terrain.
E-Bike Specialization: Specific services tailored to the unique needs of electric mountain bikes.
Pro Services: Meticulous maintenance that takes care of every main pivot on your bike to ensure it feels like new every ride.
Community, Coffee, and Connection
Beyond the technical expertise and the high-performance machinery, Bell’s remains a local landmark at Riverside Junction. It is a place where the "post-ride post-mortem" happens over what many consider the best coffee in town. It’s a hub where stories are swapped and local trail knowledge is shared.
For those who can’t make it into the store, the digital doors are always open at www.bellscycling.co.za. Whether you want to browse the latest stock, book your next service, or schedule a professional bike fit, the website makes it easy to connect with the team.
Bell’s Cycling stands as a testament to the power of local expertise and family passion. Whether you are a beginner looking for your first set of wheels or a seasoned pro preparing for your next Epic, the team at Bell’s is ready to provide the professional advice and elite service that only true local riders can offer.