Rodalink

KUDUS – The road leading to the slopes of Mount Muria has been bustling since early morning. Groups of cyclists can be seen passing through from the center of Kudus City. Some pedal leisurely to enjoy the morning air, while others train for steep inclines in preparation for upcoming events or races. Such scenes have become increasingly common, particularly on weekends, when residents use their spare time for exercise.

The rise in cycling activity is evident not only in the traffic along the route to Muria. Cycling communities are also increasingly active in organizing group rides, while demand for bicycles, safety gear, spare parts, and maintenance services has grown accordingly. This shift has fostered a mutually supportive ecosystem, spanning communities, training routes, and bike shops that cater to cyclists' diverse needs.

One such establishment is Rodalink Kudus, the official Polygon showroom located at Jalan Jenderal Ahmad Yani Number 36, Getas Pejaten Village, Jati District, approximately one kilometer from the Simpang Tujuh Kudus Square. Since opening in 2016, the shop has become a primary destination for residents looking to purchase bikes, find riding gear, perform maintenance, or consult on their cycling needs.

Meeting Rising Demand from Cyclists

Rodalink Kudus Supervisor Rinto Gus stated that the Kudus branch was established to meet the community's steadily growing needs. Before the official showroom opened in Kudus, many cyclists had to travel to other cities to purchase bicycles or access after-sales services.

“We opened a branch in Kudus to address high demand from the local community. Now, residents no longer need to travel out of town to purchase bicycles or gear,” he said.

After nearly a decade of serving customers, Rodalink now caters to a wide range of individuals—not only beginners and cycling enthusiasts but also community members, athletes, and those seeking bicycles for transportation or recreation.

As an official Polygon showroom, Rodalink offers a wide selection of bicycles tailored to user needs. The lineup includes mountain bikes (MTB), road bikes, folding bikes, BMX, and city bikes. Prices range from approximately IDR 1.5 million to over IDR 100 million. In addition to Polygon, the store also carries Marin and Wim Cycle brands.

Comprehensive Cycling Equipment

Beyond bicycle sales, Rodalink provides essential gear for both road and trail cycling. Helmets, jerseys, shoes, gloves, eyewear, bike lights, pumps, water bottles, groupsets, and various spare parts are stocked on store shelves.

According to Rinto, demand in Kudus remains strongest for mountain bikes, particularly the Polygon X-Trada series, due to the region's geography.

"Mountain bikes are the most sought-after in Kudus. The terrain toward Colo and Rahtawu, as well as routes toward Pati and Jepara, are perfectly suited for MTBs," he stated.

In addition to retail, customers can access maintenance services, custom assembly consultations, and professional bike fitting to adjust riding positions to body specifications, ensuring greater comfort and performance.

For tourists visiting Kudus, Rodalink also offers bike rentals starting at approximately IDR 250,000 per day. This facility allows visitors to explore the city or ride the trails toward the Muria region without needing to bring their own equipment.

Rodalink is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM WIB. On weekends, the store begins serving customers at 8:00 AM. Payments can be made in cash or via QRIS. An ample parking area is available for customers arriving by private vehicle.

Throughout August 1–31, 2026, Rodalink is hosting a "Pesta Merdeka di Rodalink" promotion, offering discounts of up to 81 percent on selected products.

Outlets See Increased Traffic Ahead of Events

According to Rinto, increased community activity and the staging of cycling events influence customer needs, with surges in store visits typically occurring in the days leading up to an event.

Cyclists utilize this time to perform maintenance, replace worn-out components, and purchase safety equipment before participating.

"Usually before an event, they come in to buy jerseys, helmets, or accessories, or to have their bikes serviced so that everything is ready for the race," he explained.

In addition to retail services, Rodalink actively organizes fun bike rides three times a month, open to both regular customers and the general public.

Through these events, participants not only engage in exercise but also share experiences regarding riding techniques, bicycle maintenance, and connecting with the active cycling community in Kudus.

"To us, a bicycle shop is more than just a place of business. It is a hub where people can discover new communities, learn how to ride properly, and ultimately adopt cycling as a lifestyle," Rinto said.

He hopes more people will embrace cycling for both exercise and as an environmentally friendly mode of transport, adding that a growing cycling culture will benefit the development of sports in Kudus.

Muria Remains a Favorite Route for Cyclists

For Awang Sunarso, cycling has been a part of his routine since 2017. A factory worker from Bakalan Krapyak village, Kaliwungu District, he spends nearly every day off riding with his friends.

He initially used a Polygon Strattos S2 to explore various routes across Kudus. To this day, the Muria region remains his most frequent destination.

"I usually cycle toward Muria on my days off. Our favorite route is the Getukan route, climbing up to Kajar Village. There are many getuk stalls there that serve as resting spots for cyclists," he said.

The journey from Kudus city center to the Muria region covers approximately 15.9 kilometers. The route offers a mix of inclines, descents, mountain air, and natural scenery that draws cyclists from both inside and outside the region.

According to Awang, the presence of an official dealer provides peace of mind when he needs spare parts or equipment.

"I usually come here to buy brake pads or other spare parts. For cyclists, the most important gear is a helmet, followed by gloves, shoes, and eyewear. Safety remains the top priority," he added.

Cycling as a Lifestyle

The growth of the cycling community in Kudus is bolstered by active groups that organize regular training. One such group is the Muria Sepeda Club (MSC), which has been active since the 1990s.

MSC member Saiful Hidaya, known as Paul, noted that the community currently has about 30 active members. They train regularly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with occasional joint activities on Sundays.

"We currently have about 30 active members. We train three times a week, sometimes on Sundays if there is a group agenda," he said.

Their training routes include the Muria Raya area, Rahtawu, and Patiayam. Each path offers unique characteristics, presenting its own set of challenges for cyclists.

"Muria offers a different set of challenges. The paths feature many small streams, rocks, and natural inclines. That is what makes cycling here always interesting," he explained.

While he enjoys challenging routes, Paul emphasized that safety must remain the primary concern. A helmet is mandatory, supplemented by protective gear, cycling shorts, and eyewear as needed.

"Do not sacrifice safety in exchange for speed," he stated.

He expressed hope that more people, particularly the younger generation, will be encouraged to adopt cycling as a routine activity.

"Hopefully, it will continue to grow. Don't just sit around at home. Cycling is healthy, a way to gather with friends, and a chance to enjoy the natural scenery of Kudus," he said.

The rise in cycling activity across Kudus underscores the sport's growing popularity as a local lifestyle. As the community expands and paths toward Muria see more traffic, demand for bicycles, safety equipment, and maintenance services continues to rise in tandem with rider activity.

Amid this trend, Rodalink Kudus has emerged as a key facility for local cyclists. Beyond providing bikes and accessories, the venue offers maintenance services, technical consultations, bike rentals for tourists, and fun bike events that connect residents with the broader cycling community.

For many, cycling begins as a leisure activity, while for others, it has become a fitness routine or a way to explore the trails around the Muria region. Regardless of their goals, the need for proper equipment and safety gear remains essential. As the public becomes more active, Rodalink Kudus continues to play a vital role in supporting the growing cycling ecosystem in the region. (ITN/mainkekudus)