Bike-shed.com brand launches in Huddersfield

The company has opened its first Bike-Shed.com store in Huddersfield. The store, which has taken over part of the company’s Direct Golf outlet in Leeds Road, is open seven days a week and currently holds more than £150,000 worth of stock.

Store manager Joe Vanyuscsak said yesterday: “The diversification into cycling has been in the pipeline for a number of years. It was something our owner, John Andrew - who is a keen cyclist - has been very keen to do for some time. But the time needed to be right, and the improvement in the economy allied to the Tour de France’s visit to Yorkshire this summer means the timing is perfect for us.

“And, of course, the Bike-Shed.com brand benefits from the experience gained in 23 years of successful retailing achieved by Direct Golf.”

Mr Vanyuscsak added: “We’re currently stocking 50 per cent road bikes and 50 per cent off-road as both forms are increasing in popularity.

“We are catering for all levels of cyclist, from first-time buyer to the serious rider who requires a higher-spec bike and specialist advice and knowledge.

“To that end, we have an in-house mechanic who is Cytech qualified - the bicycle industry’s recognised training and qualification scheme for mechanics and retail staff - heading our full service and repair centre.”

Brands stocked in the store include KTM, GT, Marin, Mongoose and Saracen.

It is anticipated that the Huddersfield store will be a pilot project.

There are another 15 of Direct Golf’s 20 stores that could accommodate a Bike-Shed.com outlet of a similar size.

Earlier this year, Direct Golf revealed that it was moving to a larger storage and distribution centre, to help it keep up with demand.

Direct Golf had outgrown its long-term home in a Huddersfield mill.

It joined forces with Mosaic Fulfilment Solutions (MFS), to move its storage and distribution centre to Wetherby.