A new bike servicing and repair centre has opened in Kendal.
The centre, called Headwind, is aimed to serve as a hub for local cyclists, offering all-inclusive services for various makes and models of bikes.
It is located on Kendal’s Dockray Hall Industrial Estate and started operations in April.
The man behind the new venture is Alex Garner, an avid cyclist and holder of a Cytech Level 3 master mechanic’s certification, suitable for both regular and e-bikes.
He saw potential for an independent service centre in Kendal following the Covid pandemic.
Mr Garner said: "I’ve been cycling all my life and messing around with bikes and competing in triathlons – anything with wheels, basically.
"In Covid, I thought I’d have a change and next thing I knew I’ve got a bike shop.
"In Kendal, there’s a lack of independent service centres.
"I just love fixing bikes, I love cycling, so I thought why not open in Kendal?"
The Headwind centre is located at Dockray Hall Industrial Estate (Image: Headwind)
Mr Garner, from Kirkby Lonsdale, added: "I can fix anything with a chain and two wheels – not a motorbike, though!
"I just want as many people out riding their bikes as possible."
The centre is already drawing in customers, and Mr Garner plans to expand.
He said: "I want to hire someone once the workshop is consistently busy."
To encourage safe cycling for families, the centre is providing a free child’s bike safety check with every adult bike service this summer.
Keen cyclist Alex Garner opened the service centre (Image: Headwind)
Mr Garner also emphasised the need for regular maintenance.
He said: "If you’re commuting to work I would say get a once-over every couple of months but for someone who rides occasionally I would say a little once-over every six months, a service every year.
"After 2,000 miles you would probably be looking at a proper service."
In the future, Mr Garner plans to sell bikes, create an upstairs lounge with a TV and offer e-bike hire services.
He said: "When we’re ready for it we want to be putting on events, evening cycle rides and weekend mountain bike rides.
"We basically just want to be a hub for everything about cycling."
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