One Shop Stop
Every issue, Cycling Plus gives some love to Britain’s best independent bike shops
Baker St Bikes
Brighton
History
● Started in 2000 by owners Chris Balchin (who used to make Harrier Jump Jets) and Richard Holkham (a former racing cyclist). Richard retired in 2011, but Chris continues to work in the shop, now on York Place (not Baker St!) in the centre of Brighton. He can often be seen commuting on his six-foot-high Tall Bike, made from three frames welded together.
What makes this shop special?
● “Our repairs!” says Chris. “If you do good-quality work, and look after customers, the sales will follow. We cover a huge range, even down to rare vintage and ancient bikes.”
Why is a local bike shop so important?
● “A big trend now is for ebike repair. We work with many suppliers and makers. Many of our customers commute on their bikes, and need repairs turned round quickly.”
What’s in store?
● “Lots of ebikes, Bromptons, gravel and MTBs in brands such as Orro and Trek, and Frog kids’ bikes.”