In May, we launched our ‘Mechanic of the Month’ in partnership with Bikebook to champion bicycle mechanics around the UK. Nominations are open to the public via BikeBook, allowing anyone to nominate their favourite mechanic.

In June, Rob Symes of SymesBikes was crowned the BikeBiz/Bikebook mechanic of the month. Read his interesting journey into how he got started working in his garden, and learning his craft through trial and error.

Walk us through your journey into the world of bicycle mechanics? What initially sparked your interest in the job, and how did you get started?

It all started back in 2017. I was studying General Engineering with the goal of joining the Royal Navy on an accelerated apprenticeship, but outside of college, I got obsessed with fixing bikes. I didn’t have the money for high-spec parts like my mates, so I started flipping second-hand bikes — buying cheap, learning to fix them, and selling them on. I used borrowed tools, YouTube tutorials, and a lot of trial and error. I’d stay late in mates’ sheds trying to figure out gear indexing or bodging brake setups with worn-out parts, but every build taught me something new.

By 2020, lockdown hit and I was made redundant, so I started offering bike repairs locally just to tide me over — that’s when I launched SymesBikes. I was working out of my back garden with a Ford Fiesta for pick-ups and drop-offs, and what started as a stopgap before joining the Navy turned into a full-on community thing. I realised I’d built something people valued.

In 2021, I suffered a traumatic brain injury from an assault on Bournemouth beach, which took me off the tools for a while. I got back into engineering and even bought a van, but then in early 2023, I had a seizure, was diagnosed with epilepsy, and lost my license for another 12 months. With time on my hands, I started flipping bikes again — and that’s when GC Bikes called out of the blue and offered me part-time work on the Portsmouth Council Beryl fleet. All of that was thanks to the graft I’d put into SymesBikes over the years.

Then, in early 2024, after being made redundant again, I decided to go all in with SymesBikes. I started using Bikebook (thanks to The Prince’s Trust), which helped me handle the business side properly — invoicing, scheduling, all that admin stuff. In September, I was blown away to be voted Bikebook Mechanic of the Year. It confirmed that my journey, with all its setbacks and triumphs, had built something real.

Now, my goal is to take SymesBikes even further — not just by growing the business, but by mentoring young people. I want to set up a space where they can access the tools, parts, and skills needed to fix bikes and build their own futures, without having to make all the mistakes I did. It’s about passing on that same drive and determination that got me here.

Tell us about your current role and where you work?

I’m the Chief Executive Bike Fixer at SymesBikes — self-employed and running things solo. I’m based in Fareham, Portsmouth, where I rent a small garage off a mate and have it kitted out as a workshop. It’s nothing flashy, but it’s where the magic happens and where I carry out most of my work.

I was out and about doing mobile repairs too when I got my licence back after my epilepsy diagnosis — but unfortunately, the van decided to pack up. Hopefully, I’ll be back on the road soon once I get a new setup sorted, because being mobile really helps me reach more people and offer convenience repairs.

What does a typical day look like for you in terms of the bikes and jobs you most often encounter in your workshop?

I take on a mix of general bike repairs — mostly mountain bikes, hybrids, and road bikes. The most common jobs I see are full services: sorting worn drivetrains, gear indexing, brake bleeds, wheel truing, all that good stuff. A lot of bikes come in tired and neglected, so it’s about getting them safe, smooth, and enjoyable to ride again.

Most days, it’s just me in the garage with some music on, working through whatever’s booked in. Sometimes it’s quick fixes, sometimes full strip-downs. I try to be as thorough as possible and give every customer honest feedback about what their bike actually needs — no upselling, just proper work.

Now and then, I’ll show young people how certain repairs work or give them tips if they’re into bikes themselves. And when I get the time, I’ll film content to show the behind-the-scenes of running a small business, to hopefully inspire others to pick up tools and learn some practical skills.

In your opinion, what is the most important, or perhaps misunderstood, aspect of a bicycle mechanic’s role? Do you feel mechanics receive adequate recognition for their expertise and the value they add?

I think one of the most misunderstood things about being a bike mechanic is the value of the work we do. People often look at a bike and think it should be quick or cheap to fix because “it’s only a pushbike” — but there’s a lot of time, skill, and care that goes into making sure it’s actually safe, efficient and enjoyable to ride.

It’s not just about swapping parts — it’s about understanding how everything interacts, spotting things a rider might not even notice yet, and making sure that when someone gets back on their bike, they trust it again. That trust matters. A customer might bring in a bike that’s been sat for years, or that’s unsafe without them knowing — and our job is to give it a new lease of life without rinsing their wallet or baffling them with jargon.

I always aim to keep things ethical, explain what actually needs doing, what can wait, and what’s just cosmetic. Mechanics don’t always get enough recognition for that balance between technical know-how and good customer service. It’s not just fixing bikes — it’s helping people get back out there confidently.

Do you have a favourite tool you can’t live without, or a particular type of job or repair that you find most satisfying or challenging?

It might sound boring, but a decent set of quality Allen keys has to be my favourite tool. When I first started out, I was using cheap, short, soft ones — and I’d spend ages struggling just to do the simplest jobs. Once I finally invested in a proper set, everything changed. Jobs were quicker, cleaner, and the quality of my work improved overnight. It sounds small, but it made a huge difference to my confidence as a mechanic.

The most satisfying job for me is fitting a fresh drivetrain. I’ve always been more into the tinkering than the riding, so there’s something really nice about feeling how smooth a bike shifts after a new chain, cassette, and cables go on. And the best bit is seeing a customer take it for that first test ride and feel the difference for themselves — it’s always a great moment.

The most challenging jobs for me are wheel builds. I can true wheels, replace spokes and bearings confidently, but full builds are a different beast. It’s something I’m still learning, and as someone who’s self-taught, I’d love to do a proper course to get more hands-on practice with that side of things. I’m lucky to have my mate Charlie at GC Bikes in Gosport — he’s been a real mentor and I definitely owe him a lot for helping me out when I hit a wall.

Are you using Bikebook? If yes, what’s your experience been like?

Yeah, I was introduced to Bikebook through The Prince’s Trust, and then I had a call with Jake, who showed me how to use it. He couldn’t have been more helpful at the start — I even showed him my setup at the time, which was just a little workshop in my garden under a gazebo. I think he liked the fact I was just getting started and could see how this platform could really help accelerate and professionalise what I was doing.

It gave me structure straight away — being able to book in jobs, track progress, and send proper invoices took so much stress off my plate. I’d never really dealt with the business admin side of things properly before that, and Bikebook made it easy.

Not long after that, they launched the Mechanic of the Year competition — and somehow, I won it. I know my customers value what I do, but I’ll be honest, I felt a bit of impostor syndrome because I’m not a big bike shop with loads of qualifications. But having that award on my CV — and now this monthly one too — gives me real credibility when people are getting referred to me. I honestly can’t thank Jake and the team enough.

Beyond the practical skills, what do you believe are the most important qualities that make someone a great bicycle mechanic?

Patience, honesty, curiosity, problem-solving, and pride in your work — those are the big ones for me.

You need patience when things don’t go to plan, and honesty when explaining what a bike actually needs. Customers respect straight answers and fair advice.

Curiosity keeps you learning — I didn’t come through formal training, I picked it up by doing, watching, and asking questions. That curiosity naturally feeds into problem-solving too, especially when bikes have bodged parts or weird issues.

And lastly, take pride in the job. Anyone can change parts, but it’s the attention to detail that separates decent work from proper quality.

How important have formal qualifications or continuous learning been in your development, and what are your thoughts on their value in the industry?

I’m completely self-taught — no formal bike mechanic qualifications — but I’ve still put years into learning and improving. YouTube, trial and error, asking questions, watching others… that’s how I built my skillset. So I don’t think qualifications are the only way in, especially if you’ve got the right attitude and a willingness to learn.

That said, I definitely respect them, and I’d love to do some formal training at some point — especially in areas like wheel building, where I know there’s still more to learn. Continuous learning is everything in this trade. Bikes change fast, tech moves on, and you’ve got to keep up or get left behind.

So while I didn’t come through the standard route, I think a mix of experience and learning — whether it’s formal or not — is what really matters.

What changes in trends, bike technology, or rider culture have you seen during your time as a mechanic? How have these shifts impacted your work and the skills required?

So much has changed in a short time, especially with drivetrains, brake setups, and how bikes are built. When I started, most people were still running 3x drivetrains and rim brakes. Now, 1x setups are the norm, internal cable routing is everywhere, and disc brakes are getting bigger and more powerful.

There’s also been a big shift in rider culture, especially since lockdown. More casual riders have got into cycling, but they’re riding higher-end bikes and expecting proper servicing and quick turnarounds. That’s great for business, but it means you’ve got to stay sharp and up to date with the latest tech — expectations are higher than ever.

I’ve chosen not to work on e-bikes for now, but they’ve definitely become a big part of the industry. It’s another example of how quickly things are evolving and why mechanics can’t afford to stand still.

What advice would you offer to someone who is just starting out or considering a career as a bicycle mechanic? What have you learned that you wish you’d known when you first began?

Start with what you’ve got, and don’t be afraid to mess up. You don’t need a fancy workshop or loads of tools to begin — I started out in my bedroom with second-hand parts, borrowed tools, and YouTube tutorials. The most important thing is just getting stuck in and learning by doing.

If you’re like I was — no money, no experience — just show genuine interest and ask around. You’d be surprised how many people in your local community want to help. Loads of people have old bikes lying around they’d rather give to someone young who’s trying to learn or earn a few quid, rather than just chuck it out.

Ask questions, take your time, and don’t rush to be “the best.” Every mistake teaches you something. Over time, you’ll build confidence, develop your own way of working, and start to take pride in the jobs you once found intimidating.

And don’t underestimate the value of being honest and treating customers right. That trust matters just as much as the repair itself. Whether you’re self-taught or fully qualified, it’s the passion and care that makes the difference.

I never set out thinking this would become my full-time job — it just grew from helping people and loving the process. Now I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Follow Rob on SymesBikes’ Instagram for the latest updates from his workshop.

Vote for your favourite mechanic here

Bikebook, the digital platform aiming to revolutionise bicycle workshop management, will, this month, introduce a direct integration with leading distributors from across the cycling industry.

The new integration will enable retailers and workshops to quickly and easily stay on top of inventory – where improved inventory management has the potential to further enhance customer service, as well as enabling businesses to more effectively manage cash flow.

In practice, this will mean that any retailer or workshop using Workshop by Bikebook, the brand’s all-in-one CRM, workflow, and booking tool tailored specifically for bicycle businesses, will have a direct link with most distributors to see stock levels, build out inventory and easily control stock in line with job requirements.

Distributors that feature as part of this full integration rollout include Bob Elliot, Cycle Division, Extra UK, Madison, Oxford Products, Silverfish, Windwave and Zyro Fisher. Whilst the onboarding of further distributors is already underway.

Bikebook co-founder Jake Fieldsend commented on the new integration: “Full supplier integration was something that our Workshop by bikebook users had signalled early on as something that would further enhance how they used the system to better service their customers and improve processes. Once the technical capability was built, our distribution partners quickly understood the benefits for everyone, and now we’re excited to launch this comprehensive update for all of our customers.”

Alongside the connection with UK distributors, Workshop by Bikebook has also integrated a number of suppliers in Europe and the US, too, for the growing number of businesses using the platform in those regions.

More information about Bikebook and Workshop by Bikebook can be found via the Bikebook website.

BikeBiz and Bikebook champion UK bicycle mechanics

BikeBiz has partnered with Bikebook to elevate its Mechanic of the Month campaign. 

The BikeBiz Mechanic of the Month initiative was launched to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the industry, who keep bikes rolling thanks to their extensive knowledge of bike repair and maintenance.

Nominations are open to the public via BikeBook, allowing anyone to nominate their favourite mechanic. Monthly winners will be featured on the BikeBiz website through an interview, also receiving a digital badge to use on their online platforms.

Bikebook will be contributing to the Mechanic of the Month prize by providing each monthly winner with a free subscription to their workshop software, Workshop by Bikebook, for a limited period.

We have crowned our first Mechanic of the Month winner. With over 100 votes for a variety of mechanics throughout the UK, Christopher Jackson of Cadence Cycleworks was crowned winner.

In May, we launched our ‘Mechanic of the Month’ in partnership with Bikebook to champion bicycle mechanics around the UK. Nominations are open to the public via BikeBook, allowing anyone to nominate their favourite mechanic. Monthly winners will be featured on the BikeBiz website through an interview, also receiving a digital badge to use on their online platforms.

Here, we hear from Christopher, all about how he became a mechanic, his work and what he wishes he knew before he began.

BikeBiz has partnered with Bikebook to elevate its Mechanic of the Month campaign. 

The BikeBiz Mechanic of the Month initiative was launched to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the industry, who keep bikes rolling thanks to their extensive knowledge of bike repair and maintenance.

Nominations are open to the public via BikeBook, allowing anyone to nominate their favourite mechanic. Monthly winners will be featured on the BikeBiz website through an interview, also receiving a digital badge to use on their online platforms.

Bikebook will be contributing to the Mechanic of the Month prize by providing each monthly winner with a free subscription to their workshop software, Workshop by Bikebook, for a limited period.

Jake Fieldsend, co-founder of Bikebook, commented on the partnership: “Supporting the BikeBiz Mechanic of the Month campaign was a no-brainer for us at bikebook as it gives us another way of championing the many great workshops around the UK doing great work that we can see through our systems but they may never get credit further than their customer feedback.

We already host our own Workshop of the Year awards and will be looking to combine the two campaigns together with BikeBiz to have one regular campaign that helps to spotlight the unsung heroes keeping us all on the road.”

BikeBiz Sales Manager, Richard Setters, said: “It’s great to be able to partner with others in the industry. By working together, we can reach Bikebooks’ audience to ensure mechanics are getting recognition for their work. 

We’re looking forward to working together and being able to showcase mechanics on the BikeBiz website. From workshops to one-man bands, we want to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of bicycle mechanics across the UK.”

Nominations for the BikeBiz Mechanic of the Month are now open and can be submitted via this nomination form. BikeBiz and Bikebook encourage cyclists, workshop managers, shop owners and colleagues to put forward the exceptional mechanics who deserve recognition.

Vote for your favourite mechanic now

Bikebook has announced its launch in the United States and Canada following rapid growth and success in the UK. To support this launch, Bikebook has entered a new partnership with the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA).

Bikebook is launching both its core services in North America this month, with its customer-facing directory of mechanics, offering a simple way of finding one nearby. The business solution also “presents workshops with a cost-effective marketing tool”, designed to help businesses reach new customers in their area.

Alongside this, the brand is also supporting businesses with its Workshop by Bikebook tool. Workshop by Bikebook offers “an all-in-one CRM, workflow, and booking tool tailored specifically for bicycle businesses, covering anything from individual mechanics right up to large multi-branch retailers”.

The service seeks to “help businesses streamline operations, enhance customer experience, optimise resource management and increase profitability as a result”.

Since launching in 2024, over 400 UK businesses have integrated Workshop by bikebook into their systems.

NBDA partnership

The strategic partnership established with the NBDA will help to empower US retailers through advanced, market-tailored software solutions. This collaboration will provide NBDA members with exclusive access to Bikebook engagement opportunities, discounted Workshop by Bikebook services, expert business consulting, and enhanced community interaction.

Furthermore, Bikebook will actively support the NBDA’s upcoming mechanic certification program, aiming to become a leading advocate for its adoption through collaborative initiatives and industry visibility.

“We are grateful for Bikebook’s membership in the NBDA and excited to see them working alongside mechanics and retailers to grow the industry,” added NBDA president Heather Mason. “With their free platform connecting mechanics to customers, and Workshop by Bikebook providing robust business management solutions, they have the potential to significantly boost revenues and strengthen the cycling community. We look forward to seeing their impact as they launch in the U.S. market.”

In collaboration with the NBDA, Bikebook will conduct bi-monthly panel discussions to deliver essential business management insights to bicycle mechanics. Additionally, Bikebook will produce podcast episodes with NBDA representatives, highlighting the strategic importance of software solutions for business optimisation.

Alongside launching its Workshop by Bikebook service in North America, the brand is also rolling out its online directory of mechanics and workshops, helping riders find local mechanics as well as supporting workshops with their marketing efforts.

“North America presents a really exciting prospect for Workshop by Bikebook, with the majority of businesses using expensive and non-cycling-specific alternatives to manage their workflows,” explained Bikebook co-founder Ryan Elson. “We’re presenting a much more cost-effective tool tailored specifically to their needs, which can be quickly and easily integrated.

“Having the NBDA alongside us as we take this exciting step allows us to already have a strong understanding of the needs of workshops in the market, and we’re looking forward to meeting leaders from the industry at the NBDA Retailer Summit later this month.”

This piece first appeared in the March edition of BikeBiz magazine – not subscribed? Get a free subscription.

What started as a platform for cyclists to find local mechanics has grown into much more. Officially launched in 2022, Bikebook released their workshop management tool ‘Workshop’ in April 2024.

Sitting down to listen to the presentation hosted by Co-Founder, Jake Fieldsend at iceBike*, it was clear that a lot of time, research and user feedback has gone into creating their software.

The platform has now launched in Europe, thanks to increasing international interest, and there are plans to continue expansion into other areas.

In a nutshell, the software helps mechanics and workshops manage everything from booking in jobs to communicating with customers. BikeBiz sat down with Jake to talk more about what Workshop offers, the problems it solves, and the future of bike repair. 

Imagine I’m a busy bike mechanic, swamped with repairs and struggling to keep up with admin. Convince me why I should sign up for Bikebook. What’s in it for me?

Most businesses without a streamlined system can easily get bogged down with admin, whether it’s keeping up with enquiries, talking customers through quotes, or generating accurate invoices. For bike repair businesses, revenue only comes from servicing bikes, so admin time is wasted time. The real cost to the business is the time lost that could have been spent fixing bikes. 

Our software is designed to work seamlessly in a workshop, helping you cut down the time spent managing enquiries, generating invoices, and explaining quotes to customers. That means you can get through more services and bring in more revenue. 

Have you encountered any scepticism or resistance from mechanics who are used to traditional ways of doing things? How have you addressed those concerns? 

Of course, a lot of businesses have been running traditional workshops, and in any scenario, moving to a new system is daunting and a massive upheaval of the business processes. And I think if you are just left to your own devices to move anything over, it can be a minefield of confusion and stress, worried about not transferring your business correctly. 

Our process is always to help out in any way we can to take the burden off the shop. We will help with everything from getting information added into the system, setting up services, and training the whole team, so the stress of moving is minimised as much as possible. 

Tell us about Workshop and its key features? Your elevator pitch if you will.. 

Bikebook is a free platform connecting cyclists with qualified bike mechanics, showcasing their services and prices, to facilitate and provide confidence in finding the perfect partner for any repair need. 

For retailers with workshops, and mechanics looking to take their business to the next level, Workshop by bikebook offers a comprehensive solution to manage bookings, inventory, payments, and more – all in one place. Saving time, increasing revenues, and elevating customer satisfaction. 

If I’m a bike shop owner already using another workshop management system, why should I consider switching to Workshop, how are you different from competitors?

We strive to go above and beyond being just a piece of back-end software that provides no additional value beyond running the business. We also actively work to bring shops more business. 

Whether that’s through direct bookings from new customers via the bikebook search, or through our fast-growing list of partners, such as Hygge Bikes and Skarper, who use shops within our workshop network as their approved service providers, sending workshop jobs directly to them. 

Does Bikebook integrate with any platforms or services that help mechanics with parts ordering? 

One of our main goals is to make Workshop integrable with almost all systems currently used by shops. Being able to seamlessly slot the platform into an existing tech stack, rather than requiring a complete system replacement, makes implementation far less demanding and stressful for businesses. 

This approach also provides customers with the flexibility to continue using other systems they are already comfortable with. 

What features are you looking to add in future? 

Our ethos is customer-led; every feature we’ve built over the past two years has been based on customer feedback. Furthermore, the core objective of our platform is to streamline business operations for our customers. Therefore, our focus will always be on adding features that minimise administrative tasks, allowing more time for servicing bikes. 

Can you share any surprising or unexpected insights you’ve gained from the data collected through Bikebook? What has this taught you about the industry?

One of the most surprising insights we’ve gathered is that many customers are unsure about what actually needs to be done to their bike. Often, they book a service based on what they think is wrong, but once the mechanic inspects the bike, the required work turns out to be different, sometimes more extensive, sometimes completely unrelated. 

This highlights a key industry challenge: the gap between customer perception and mechanical expertise. It has reinforced the importance of clear communication and diagnostic processes between mechanics and riders. Many customers benefit from guided recommendations or structured service descriptions, helping them better understand their bike’s needs. 

Looking ahead, what trends do you see shaping the future of bike repair? 

I think one of the biggest trends shaping the future of bike repair is the growing importance of service-led businesses. With margins on bike and accessory sales getting tighter, we’ve seen that shops with a strong focus on servicing, or those that operate purely as service businesses, have continued to thrive, even in tough market conditions. 

As online sales and direct-to-consumer models become more dominant, the shops that will do well are the ones that double down on quality repairs, great customer service, and convenience. It’s for this reason that we’ve started working with a number of D2C brands to help them establish a network of shops, from registered workshops to act as their approved service providers around the country. 

I also think we’ll see more investment in technology that makes it easier for mechanics to manage bookings, diagnose issues, and communicate with customers, helping to make the whole process smoother for everyone. 

What’s next for Bikebook? What can we expect to see from you in the next few years?

Over the next few years, we’re aiming to expand beyond the UK into Europe, the US, Australia, and Asia, bringing our platform to a much wider audience. We’ve seen how much value Bikebook and Workshop can add to the bike repair industry, and we believe there’s a real opportunity to support mechanics and businesses globally. 

Beyond that, we’re also looking at how our platform can be adapted to support other industries that rely on service-based bookings. The core idea: making it easier for businesses to manage bookings, communicate with customers, and streamline operations, has potential far beyond bike repair. 

So, in short, expect to see Bikebook growing internationally and evolving to help even more businesses thrive!

The latest issue of BikeBiz magazine is now online. Read the March 2025 Digital Edition of BikeBiz now!

This month we look at the rise of gravel, talk about cycling events, anniversaries and have plenty of industry interview and opinion.

Click the page numbers below to head directly to each feature.

BikeBiz March 2025

In this issue:

7: We sat down with Tim Baxendale, Decathlon UK cycle training coordinator, to explore his experience of life with the retail giant. 

12: Mark Sutton talks to Eav Bikes‘ CEO, Chris Temple about the road ahead.

16: Miles from Fusion Media gives his perspective on Velofollies.

19: Bob Elliot & Co. celebrates 40 years in 2025. We find out how things grew from the back of a car to where they are today. 

24: The latest news from the cycle industry. 

27: Job changes and updates from the trade. 

30: Rebecca Bland talks to Neil Atkinson and Bryan Singleton from Focal Events about the growing popularity of gravel events. 

32: Oxford Products discusses 2024, new products and the year ahead.

36: Grinduro turns ten. We talk to Paul Errington about the evolution of Grinduro and what the future holds. 

40: We talk to Bikebook Co-founder, Jake Fieldsend about their software and the future of bike repair.

45: Simon Cox talks to Synch and Danecca about a potential industry first, and Synch’s choice to source e-bike batteries from a UK supplier. 

50: Mark Sutton talks retailers through the need to knows for trading in pedal assist bikes in 2025. 

New products and sector guides, including new products (54), energy and nutrition (56) and gravel and adventure bikes, accessories and clothing (59).

Find all of our digital editions online.

Not subscribed? Get the BikeBiz magazine and newsletter for free! Sign up today!

Following the launch of its workshop management software ‘Workshop’ in the UK in April 2024, Bikebook has now launched its Workshop service across new European markets, including Germany, France, Spain, Scandinavia, BENELUX, and Italy.

Bikebook has been working closely with key partners in Europe, including German retailer, Spoks:

At spoks, we have been using Workshop as our integrated CRM, workflow, and booking tool since day one. Customers love the system because they can select their bike and service directly online, and we send them automated reports for inspections.

At the same time, the tool helps us internally by allocating resources, managing parts, and obtaining customer approval for higher maintenance costs. I give my wholehearted recommendation for Workshop by bikebook to any bike business. – Sam Toepfer, co-founder of spoks

The team also worked with Flashfix, Veloroo and leading retailers in Finland and Norway to get the platform ready for launch.

In part one of our interview with Jake Fieldsend, Co-Founder of Bikebook, we discuss their recent EU expansion and uncover a little more history behind the business. 

What was the ‘aha’ moment that inspired you to create Bikebook? What gap in the market did you see? 

I used to race a lot in the South, both road races and time trials. I had a local mechanic who always kept my bike running perfectly. When I went off to uni, I stopped racing, and by the time I moved back home, he’d shut up shop. That left me taking my bike to one of the big chain stores, which turned out to be a disaster and it actually came back in worse shape than when I dropped it off. 

Following this, me and the guys built a really simple platform to see what local mechanics were actually out there – that was how bikebook was initially born. Then, what we found started to make things interesting: within a 30-mile radius, there was a mechanic every mile, yet we had no idea they existed, even though we were well involved in the local cycling scene. 

What started as a bit of fun and just a way to help cyclists find decent local mechanics, ended up growing way beyond Sussex. Mechanics from all over the UK started signing up. 

Bikebook started as a platform for connecting cyclists and mechanics. How did that evolve into also offering workshop management software? Was that always part of the plan? 

The more mechanics we spoke to who were signing up to bikebook, the more we realised there was a bigger problem. Most of the mechanics signing up were completely priced out of the specialist software that bigger bike shops use, meaning they missed out on the tools that help businesses grow and run more smoothly.

That’s what led to Workshop – affordable bike shop management software designed to help independent mechanics professionalise, grow their business and increase revenue, without breaking the bank. 

Can you give us an overview of Bikebook and its mission? 

Bikebook’s mission has always been and always will be to help the industry grow. Bike shops have every right to be wary of software companies; it can often feel like they’re all just out to squeeze as much money as possible while locking customers into contracts that hold their business back. 

But the right systems can make a real difference. Independent repair shops and large retailers alike can benefit from streamlined processes that help them run more smoothly and grow. That’s where we want to be not just another software provider, but a company that genuinely cares about its customers and is focused on helping them succeed, without the nonsense. 

Why was now the right time for Bikebook to expand into Europe? Were there any specific demands or opportunities that drove this decision? 

The challenges we’re solving for UK bike shops aren’t unique, shops abroad are facing the same issues. As a result, we’ve seen a lot of inbound interest from international businesses, ahead of schedule. 

Over the last six months, we’ve had the opportunity to work with great partners like Spoks Bike Repair, Flashfix, and Veloroo to refine the platform and ensure it’s ready to roll out in European markets! 

Will there be any specific features or adjustments for the European market? 

We’ve added regional-specific translations, European address picking for mobile mechanics, and support for those offering collection and return services. Furthermore, we’ve introduced automatic timezone recognition, currency adjustments, and improved onboarding to make the experience even smoother.

Follow up in the March issue of the magazine to find part two of the feature where we talk more about Workshop and what’s next for Bikebook. 

Bikebook has appointed PaceUp Media as its official PR agency to support its growth.

Officially launched in 2022, Bikebook started as a directory for bicycle mechanics before growing to offer a bicycle shop management tool, ‘Workshop by Bikebook’ in April 2024.

Originally founded in 2020 by two brothers, Ryan Elson and Sam Elson and their friend Jake Fieldsend, Bikebook offers bike shops and mechanics the tools they need to manage their business. What started as a way for cyclists to find local mechanics transformed to meet the changing needs of the industry.

In recent months, Bikebook has secured partnerships with the likes of ACT, Bikmo and Hygge Bikes. 

Now, partnering with PaceUp Media will help Bikebook reach new markets in 2025 and beyond.

“We’re excited to start 2025 with PaceUp onboard, leveraging their knowledge and understanding of the cycling landscape globally,” said Bikebook Co-Founder Ryan Elson. “This year’s an important one for the business as we expand our operations and their support will play a key role in our growth.”

Although mechanics and shops are still able to apply for a listing on the Bikebook directory,  they can now opt to use the system to manage their workshops. Following investment, Bikebook has appointed PaceUp Media to help expand its operations.

Discussing the appointment, PaceUp Director Tom Copeland said, “We’ve followed Bikebook’s journey from its infancy when first exhibiting at the Cycle Show, so to finally now reconnect and have the opportunity to bring our ideas and connections to life to bolster the brand at this stage of its journey is an exciting prospect for us all. We’re looking forward to working closely with Ryan, Jake and the team this year on an international scale.”

Bikebook has announced a new partnership with Hygge Bikes, a direct-to-consumer e-bike brand.

This collaboration aims to improve Hygge’s customer experience, enabling the brand to expand its demo and sales network while providing accessible maintenance services across the country.

By partnering with Bikebook, Hygge will leverage a network of independent, highly trained mechanics in major UK cities, providing on-the-ground support for warranty claims, servicing, and other post-purchase needs. 

This initiative allows Hygge to offer the confidence and reliability of a traditional bike shop experience, giving customers the peace of mind that maintenance and service are readily available after purchase.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Hygge Bikes in this groundbreaking initiative,” said Jake Fieldsend, co-founder of Bikebook. 

“This partnership will set Hygge apart from the rest by offering customers immediate access to trusted mechanics for any service or warranty issues they may face.

“With our software, we can deliver standardised, high-quality services directly to customers through a convenient, user-friendly interface making the process of buying a bike online smoother than ever.”

Bikebook’s software integrates into Hygge’s website and workflow, allowing customers to book service appointments at the touch of a button.

Through the integrated widget, customers can view and schedule appointments with nearby mechanics directly, ensuring that their bikes stay in the best condition without the hassle of locating third-party service providers.

This level of accessibility is unprecedented in the D2C bike market, enabling Hygge to deliver a more robust, customer-centric experience.

“Having access to Bikebook’s extensive network and a user-friendly booking widget is a game-changer for our brand,” said a spokesperson for Hygge Bikes.

“It allows us to focus on what we do best, providing exceptional customer service and high-quality products, while ensuring our customers can enjoy peace of mind with reliable service across the UK.”

The partnership not only enhances Hygge’s customer support but also accelerates the brand’s ability to expand its demo and seller network across the UK.

By using Bikebook’s network of independent mechanics, Hygge Bikes can offer customers hands-on demos and better access to services, supporting its growth in both urban and suburban areas.

With this partnership, Hygge Bikes and Bikebook are reshaping the online bike-buying experience, bringing the expertise of local mechanics to the digital-first world.