Historic bike store faces closure after 134 years of trading

The store began trading 1890 on Langsett Road, in Sheffield, before moving in 1930 to Infirmary Road, where it has been based for almost a century.

Owner of the shop, Andrew Elston, also runs a bike rental business in Mallorca. He explained that he is stepping back from the Sheffield operation so he can spend more time with his family at their Mallorca business.

He said he was sad to report the Langsett Road premises would close if a buyer could not be found, adding that the business is still solvent.

Elston has been with the store since 1988 and took over ownership in 1999.

He said: “It’s no secret that times are currently challenging in the cycle trade, but they won’t be like this forever. spring is just round the corner.

“I believe that cycling will continue to increase considerably in the future and cycle shops do have a future.

“The bike trade has been kind to me and served our family well, I’ve met some wonderful people – both customers and from in the trade – and I have amazing memories but it’s now someone else’s turn, I was only ever a custodian.”

Begbies Traynor is handling any potential sale of the business or its assets.

A number of businesses in the cycle sector have experienced challenges in recent years, largely as a result of the pandemic.

Late last month, TheBusinessDesk.com reported that Halifax-based Orange Mountain Bikes and its frame manufacturing division, P Bairstow, had been acquired out of administration.