A simple message from us after all the recent reports about the collapse of the cycling industry. Covid, Br*x*t, the rise and fall of national and local government pro cycling policies, and many other factors mean everyone in the bike industry is struggling just now. We and other local bike shops were key workers and essential services during the lockdown years, fixing bikes every day for other essential workers like doctors and nurses and cleaners and teachers. But those years have now taken their toll on all of us.
We’ve made some changes at the station shop, and we’re now open again there on Mondays and Fridays, and at Neepsend from Wednesday to Sunday. And now the weather is worsening, we’re offering a quick tune up and check service at both our service centres for £20.00.
We give your bike a full safety check, tweak the brakes and gears so they work properly, and pump up the tyres. And if there’s anything seriously wrong, we’ll tell you. Keep your eye on the Better Points App too, as there’ll be a discount for anyone collecting points for making more trips without a car - please tell any friends or colleagues who are just starting cycling, as one of the main issues we see from enthusiastic new cyclists is that their bike is not set up properly, and often not safely either.
Most of us can see that cycling is the future of modern urban travel, but issues outside our control are currently conspiring against us. Cyclists commuting to and from the station have dropped massively, while security at the station means fewer bikes are being left at the hub, while others (and their locks) are abandoned by people who no longer cycle there.
The global industry is slow and bottom-line driven, whereas we are driven very simply by a desire to get (and keep) more people from all over Sheffield cycling.
We offer you support on that aim every day of the week, but at present we need your support back. Local businesses of all kinds need regular local customers to survive and be there for the future, there’s probably just one person behind it all trying to earn a crust.
So just now, that’s what we mean by customer support. Thanks to all of you who are joining us on our mission.