Entrepreneurs put new spin on cycling styles with online venture

Spin Shed, an online store which aims to bring together the best worldwide cycling styles, has been launched by two Leeds-based entrepreneurs.

The website promises to showcase the best independent, stylish and unique brands from around the world, including several from closer to home.

Alongside brands from the UK, US, Belgium and the Netherlands, a number of Yorkshire brands will be present from the outset, including stylish cycling luggage maker Restrap, Leeds based apparel brand Paria, and photographer to the cycling stars, including Team Sky, Russ Ellis, whose prints from races such as the Tour de France will be on sale through Spin Shed.

The retail concept has been developed and built by Katie Barwood and Jules Pearce. Bringing together a mix of cycling apparel, luggage, gifts and art, the site launches with 12 brands, with the promise of new partners to be added on a regular basis.

They say Spin Shed has been created to give customers a real alternative to the relatively low number of well-known brands sold by the major retailers.

Barwood said: “Two years ago, I was planning my first major cycling challenge with a friend – cycling the length of France, from St. Malo to Nice. It was really hard to find cycling kit that suited my style, but what I realised, was that this wasn’t through a lack of available choice, but rather customers didn’t know about all these great alternatives.

“Having researched independent and stylish brands from around the world, we wanted to create something that allowed customers to reach all these great brands in one place, mix and match styles, and give them a real choice. We both cycle in Yorkshire, and are lucky enough to know some of the great cycling businesses from the region. We’ve spoken to brands from around the world, but it’s great to showcase the talent and style that’s available from right here in Yorkshire, and hopefully get them even better known as a result.”

Spin Shed has been working with emerging and established brands ahead of launch.

London brand Pente have created a jersey which will be exclusively available via the site, while 2014 Dutch National Road Race Champion, Iris Slappendel, will stock her range. The Spin Shed team have also worked with independent Leeds coffee roaster, North Star, to create a cycling specific coffee.