PENDLR and PCS Fietsspecialist: United in a fast-moving market

Recently, we visited PCS Fietsspecialist, where we spoke with father and son Remco and Sander Steinz. About 45 years ago, Remco started a bike shop together with his parents and brother. Today, his son Sander is also active in the business and has been running his own store under the same name for five years. Although they each have their own physical location, they work closely together. We talked to them about their early years in the bicycle industry, their strong family bond, their vision on the evolving market, and their long-standing partnership with PENDLR. From Vinyl Records to Bicycles PCS Fietsspecialist was founded in the 1980s, when Remco and his family decided to open their own store. “We actually had no experience with bicycles,” Remco recalls with a smile. The original product range was far from traditional: customers could buy not only bicycles, but also vinyl records, jeans, and mopeds. That unusual mix formed the foundation of the family business PCS Fietsspecialist has become today. The early years were challenging. With limited resources and knowledge, the family built up the shop step by step. They took turns working in the store while juggling other obligations. Remco and his brother were still in school, and their parents also had jobs on the side. The inventory was small, so creativity was essential. “It was a real balancing act back then,” Remco says. But through perseverance and determination, PCS Fietsspecialist quickly grew into a trusted name in the region. “We started with an American concept: we sold vinyl records, jeans, and of course mopeds and bicycles.” From Global Events Back to the Shop Sander grew up surrounded by bikes, but initially chose a different path. He found his passion in the event industry and traveled the world organizing large-scale events. When the COVID-19 pandemic brought that sector to a standstill in 2020, it created an opportunity for reflection. “It felt like the natural moment to step in,” says Sander. With fresh eyes and new experience, he brought immediate innovation to the business. He gave the store a modern look and shifted focus toward high-quality electric bikes. “E-bikes are really exciting these days,” he says enthusiastically. “The technology and possibilities are vast, and that’s what I find fascinating.” Tradition and Future: Father and Son at the Helm The relationship between Remco and Sander is a balance of experience and innovation. While Remco is a bit more cautious these days, Sander looks ahead and thinks strategically about the next steps. That sometimes leads to different approaches, but it’s exactly this dynamic that gives them strength. “He’s often still focused on this year, while I’m already thinking about next year,” Sander jokes. Still, there's a lot of mutual respect. Sander appreciates the strong foundation his father laid: “Because of that groundwork, I was able to make big strides quickly.” At the same time, Remco sees much of himself in his son: “I’ve become a bit more reserved, but sometimes he has to experience things for himself. That’s how it went between me and my parents too.” They admit that work and private life often blend together in a family business. “Sometimes we have to remind ourselves not to talk about work at Christmas,” Sander laughs. Cycling Is Becoming a Complete Lifestyle One major trend Remco and Sander have noticed is the growing demand for accessories. As cities become more crowded, more people are leaving the car behind and using bikes as their main form of transportation. This brings new customer needs. Cyclists are looking not only for a good bike, but also a complete setup that fits their daily routines. “We’re seeing more demand for full packages,” Sander explains. “A premium pannier bag for groceries, a stylish helmet for added safety, a reliable lock, a mirror for city traffic. People increasingly see their bikes as a true alternative to the car.” Remco adds that the shift toward electric bikes is accelerating this change. “People want to invest in quality, including accessories that make riding even more comfortable.” “There’s more to it now. Customers don’t just want a good lock and a nice bag — accessories like mirrors and helmets are becoming more and more popular. It’s really turning into a total package.” A Partnership of Over 25 Years Remco has been working with PENDLR (formerly Kruitbosch) for over a quarter of a century, and that long-standing partnership has proven invaluable. “We’ve been working with PENDLR for more than 25 years, and we’ve always been satisfied,” he says. “They deliver what we need and are reliable.” When Sander joined the company later, it was a natural choice to continue the collaboration. “Continuing with PENDLR was an easy decision,” he explains. “When you see how well everything runs and how much trust there is, there’s no reason to question it.” What makes this partnership so strong is the consistency and reliability that PENDLR offers. Their product range is not only broad and up to date, but almost always in stock. “What we need is simply available,” Sander says. “That might seem obvious, but during busy periods it really makes a difference.” “We’ve been working with PENDLR for more than 25 years, and we’ve always been satisfied.” A Future Full of Ambition Looking ahead, Sander has big plans. He wants to continue innovating, with a strong focus on service, quality, and customer experience. One of his ideas is to open a larger, joint store where all locations come together. Remco looks to the future with confidence. He is gradually stepping back, but remains involved in the business he helped build. “It’s great to see how Sander is charting his own course and shaping the future of the company.” PCS Fietsspecialist shows the power of a family business where tradition, innovation, and passion go hand in hand. With a focus on quality, service, and progress, father and son continue building a bright future — together.