KUDUS – The road leading to the slopes of Mount Muria has become increasingly busy since the early morning hours. Groups of cyclists can be seen passing through from the center of Kudus city. Some ride leisurely to enjoy the morning air, while others train for upcoming events or races by tackling the inclines. Such scenes are becoming a frequent sight, especially on weekends, when residents utilize their spare time for exercise.
The rise in cycling activity is not only visible on the route toward Muria. Cycling communities have become increasingly active in organizing group training sessions, while demand for bicycles, safety equipment, spare parts, and service has also grown. This shift has fostered a mutually supportive ecosystem, ranging from community networks and training routes to bike shops that cater to the diverse needs of cyclists.
One such destination is Rodalink Kudus, the official Polygon showroom located at No. 36 Jalan Jenderal Ahmad Yani, Getas Pejaten village, Jati district, approximately one kilometer from the Simpang Tujuh Kudus square. Since opening in 2016, the store has served as a primary hub for residents looking to purchase bicycles, find riding gear, receive servicing, or consult on cycling requirements.
Rodalink Kudus Supervisor Rinto Gus noted that the branch was established to meet the growing local demand. Before the official showroom opened, many cyclists in Kudus had to travel to other cities for purchases and after-sales service.
“We opened the Kudus branch to accommodate the high demand from the community. Now, residents no longer need to travel out of town to buy bicycles or gear,” he said.
Having served customers for nearly a decade, Rodalink now caters to a wide range of individuals—from beginners and community enthusiasts to athletes and those who rely on bicycles for daily transportation or recreation.
Jl. Jend. Ahmad Yani No.36, Getas, Getas Pejaten, Kec. Jati, Kabupaten Kudus, Jawa Tengah 59343, Indonesia
As an official Polygon showroom, Rodalink offers a wide range of bicycles tailored to user requirements. Available models include mountain bikes (MTB), road bikes, folding bikes, BMX, and city bikes. Prices vary, ranging from approximately Rp 1.5 million to over Rp 100 million. In addition to Polygon, the store carries Marin and Wim Cycle brands.
Beyond bicycle sales, Rodalink provides gear essential for both road and mountain cycling. Helmets, jerseys, shoes, gloves, eyewear, bike lights, pumps, water bottles, groupsets, and various spare parts are stocked on the shelves.
According to Rinto, mountain bikes—specifically the Polygon X-Trada series—remain the most sought-after products among Kudus residents, driven largely by the region's geography.
"Mountain bikes are definitely the most popular choice in Kudus. The terrain toward Colo and Rahtawu, as well as the routes to Pati and Jepara, are perfectly suited for MTB," he said.
Customers can also utilize maintenance services, custom assembly consultations, and professional bike fitting to adjust riding positions based on body dimensions. These services help cyclists achieve a more comfortable ride tailored to their specific use.
For tourists visiting Kudus, Rodalink offers bicycle rentals starting at approximately Rp 250,000 per day. This facility is an option for visitors wishing to enjoy the city or explore trails toward the Muria region without needing to bring their own equipment.
Rodalink is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. WIB, Monday through Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, the store opens at 8:00 a.m. WIB. Payments can be made in cash or via QRIS, and the facility features ample parking for private vehicles.
From August 1 to 31, 2026, Rodalink is hosting the "Pesta Merdeka di Rodalink" promotion, offering discounts of up to 81 percent on select products.
According to Rinto, increased community activity and cycling events have boosted customer demand, with traffic typically spiking a few days before an event.
Cyclists use this time to service their bikes, replace worn parts, and purchase safety equipment before heading to their events.
"Usually, before an event, they buy jerseys, helmets, and accessories, or get a service done to ensure everything is ready for the race," he explained.
Beyond serving customers, Rodalink actively hosts "fun bike" events three times a month, open to both customers and the general public.
Through these gatherings, participants not only exercise but also share insights on riding techniques and bike maintenance, while connecting with cycling communities in Kudus.
"To us, a bicycle shop is more than just a retail space. It is a place where people can discover new communities, learn to cycle properly, and eventually make the sport a lifestyle," said Rinto.
He hopes more people will embrace cycling for both exercise and as an eco-friendly mode of transportation, noting that increased participation will further strengthen the sports culture in Kudus.
For Awang Sunarso, cycling has been a part of his routine since 2017. The factory worker from Bakalan Krapyak Village, Kaliwungu District, spends nearly all of his days off cycling 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.
"On holidays, I usually cycle toward Muria. 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 climbs, descents, mountain air, and scenic views, attracting cyclists from both local and surrounding areas.
According to Awang, the presence of official dealers provides peace of mind when he needs parts or gear.
"I usually come here to buy brake pads or other spare parts. The most important items for cyclists are helmets, followed by gloves, shoes, and eyewear. Safety remains the top priority," he said.
The growth of cycling in Kudus is bolstered by communities that actively hold regular training sessions, such as the Muria Sepeda Club (MSC), which has been active since the 1990s.
MSC member Saiful Hidaya, known as Paul, stated that the community now has around 30 active members. They train regularly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with occasional group activities on Sundays.
"We currently have around 30 active members. We train three times a week, sometimes on Sundays if there is a group agenda," he said.
Their training routes span the Muria Raya, Rahtawu, and Patiayam areas. Each path presents unique characteristics that offer a distinct challenge for cyclists.
"Muria offers different challenges. The terrain features small streams, rocks, and natural climbs. That is what makes cycling here always engaging," he added.
While he enjoys challenging paths, Paul emphasized that safety must remain the primary concern. Helmets are mandatory equipment, supplemented by body armor, cycling shorts, and eyewear as needed.
"Do not sacrifice safety in the pursuit of speed," he stated.
He expressed hope that more residents, particularly the younger generation, will be encouraged to adopt cycling as a regular activity.
"The more, the merrier. Do not just stay at home. Cycling is a healthy way to socialize with friends and enjoy the natural scenery of Kudus," he added.
The rise of cycling in Kudus reflects its growing role in the local lifestyle. As cycling communities expand and routes toward Mount Muria see increased traffic, the demand for bicycles, safety gear, and maintenance services continues to climb alongside rider activity.
In this evolving landscape, Rodalink Kudus has emerged as a key facility supporting the needs of local cyclists. It provides more than just retail sales; the center offers repair services, professional consultations, bicycle rentals for tourists, and organizes fun bike events that foster connection within the cycling community.
For some, cycling begins as a leisure activity, while for others, it is a fitness routine or a way to navigate the rugged trails of the Muria region. Regardless of their intent, proper equipment and safety measures remain essential for every excursion. As the community continues to embrace an active lifestyle, the presence of Rodalink Kudus strengthens the local cycling ecosystem. (ITN/mainkekudus)
